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Experimental tests to assess emotionality in horses
A Wolff1, M Hausberger, N Le Scolan
1Ethologie Evolution Ecologie, Université de Rennes I, UMR CNRS 373, Avenue du Général Leclerc, Campus de Beaulieu, 35042 Rennes Cedex, France.
Behavioural Processes
|June 5, 2014
Summary
Young horses show distinct individual differences in emotionality, not related to age or sex. These traits, potentially genetic, were identified through novel object and handling tests, reflecting fearfulness, while arena tests indicated social behavior.
Area of Science:
- Animal behavior
- Equine science
- Veterinary behavior
Background:
- Understanding equine emotionality is crucial for animal welfare and management.
- Individual differences in behavior are recognized in horses but require further characterization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess and differentiate aspects of emotionality in young horses.
- To identify reliable behavioral indicators of fearfulness and gregariousness.
- To explore potential genetic influences on equine behavior.
Main Methods:
- Utilized three distinct tests: arena, novel object, and handling.
- Observed and recorded behavior patterns in 1-3 year-old horses.
- Developed indices to rank animals based on observed behaviors.
Main Results:
- No significant behavioral differences were found based on horse age or sex.
- Clear individual differences in emotionality were observed across all horses.
- Arena tests correlated with gregariousness; novel object and handling tests correlated with fearfulness.
Conclusions:
- Equine emotionality is characterized by stable individual differences, potentially with a genetic component.
- Specific tests can differentiate between fearfulness and social tendencies in horses.
- Behavioral indices provide a quantifiable method for assessing equine emotional traits.
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