Study Shows Higher Levels Of Stress In Stalled Horses
It is common knowledge that horses are herd animals, but a British study investigated further and found horses kept in stalls have higher levels of stress than horses turned out in a group.
Researchers from Nottingham Trent University studied 16 horses in four different situations:horses stalled individually with no contact to other horses, horses stalled side by side and able to see, hear and touch other horses.horses stalled in pairs and able to hear and see other horses stalled in close proximity, and horses turned out in groups of four. Horses experienced each situation for five days, then rotated to the next situation after a two day turnout.
Based on video observation, measuring eye temperature, and analyzing fecal corticosterone, researchers found that horses kept out of contact with other horses have measurably increased stress levels of stress and became more difficult to handle.
For horses that require stall rest, for example while recovering from injury, it is suggested that supplements containing thiamine/B1 may help to temper nervous behavior.
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