Behaviour of stabled horses presented with foraging devices in mangers and buckets

Goodwin, Deborah, Harris, Pat and Davidson, Nell (2005) Behaviour of stabled horses presented with foraging devices in mangers and buckets. Kusonose, Ryo and Shusuke, Sato (eds.) In Proceedings of the 39th International Conference of the International Society for Applied Ethology. ISAE2005. p.96 .

Abstract

Processed feed for stabled horses is usually presented in buckets or mangers, and is easily and rapidly consumed. Foraging devices based on the Edinburgh Foodball can be used to provide part of the ration. Current designs are all placed on the floor, raising concerns about ingestion of foreign materials with the dispensed food. Alternative devices were evaluated, used within suitable, clean containers to prolong food-handling times but avoid such issues. In four Latin Square designed replicated trials we investigated behaviour of 12 stabled horses with three foraging devices. These were separately presented for five minutes, varied in sensory complexity (Round, Square, Polyhedral) and contained 500g high fibre pellets. In Trials I and II six geldings were presented with devices in buckets then mangers. All individuals foraged successfully from at least one of the devices and behaviour was compared. However, all individuals exhibited some frustration while using the devices (either pawing or biting them). Horses frequently removed the devices from the buckets in Trial I terminating these sessions. In Trial II mean device foraging duration was ranked Polyhedral>Round>Square. Mean pawing rate in Trial II was calculated for horses (frequency of pawing per individual/summed duration manipulation and foraging) and was highest with Square (0.11, npawers=6). In Trial III six stabled mares were presented with the same foraging devices in mangers. Mean foraging duration with devices again ranked Polyhedral>Round>Square. Mean pawing rate was highest with Device round (0.08, npawers=4). Trial IV investigated behaviour of six horses when devices initially containing five high fibre pellets became empty. Mean foraging duration with devices again ranked Polyhedral>Round>Square. Mean pawing rate was highest with Square (0.05, npawers=3). Device polyhedral had highest mean duration of foraging in all Trials. Devices met objective but unpredictability of pellet rewarding stimulus may indicate a source of frustration and warrants further investigation.

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