Impacts of olfactory cues on equine feeding behavior

Anise has demonstrated equine palatability but its olfactory effect is underexplored. The objective was to investigate the effect of the aroma of anise on consumptive behavior. Stock-type horses (n = 8) were used in a crossover 6-day preference test. Palatability stocks were utilized. Bowls containing oats were situated on plates holding gauze soaked with 0.375 ml of anise or corn oil (control). Variables included first diet sniffed (FS), first consumed (FC), first action (FA), and amount consumed (AC). Each trial was video-recorded. Behavior data were analyzed using chi square and Kruskal-Wallis tests. FS and FC were elevated for anise treatment (P = 0.02; P = 0.04). For FA, sniffing was more frequent versus consuming (P < 0.01). AC for anise was twice the daily average of control (P < 0.01). Data represents an important relationship between olfactory stimuli and feeding in horses. To determine thresholds, more work is needed.