Stereotypic Behaviors Flashcards
what are stereotypic behaviors?
repetitive with unvarying behavior with no obvious goal or function that are linked to sub-optimal environments or poor welfare
stereotypic behaviors affect ___% of horses?
10-20%
list 3 oral stereotypes.
crib biting, wood chewing, flank biting, teeth grinding, tongue rolling, lip smacking
list 3 locomotor stereotypes?
weaving, pawing, kicking, stall walking, fence pacing, head nodding
cribbing is one of the most common stereotypic behaviors T/F?
true
are wind sucking and cribbing the same?
no; wind sucking has no solid structure grabbing
potential biological causes of cribbing?
beta endorphin release, stress coping
has research supported cribbing being copied?
no
potential physical causes of cribbing
GI tract irritation/ulcers
foals
mature horses –> buffering saliva
name a few cribbing consequences?
dental and gum damage
displacement colic
weigh loss
facility damage
management for cribbers?
muzzles, cribbing collars
no chew substances, metal
crib rings, modified Forssell’s procedure where cutting of muscle occurs
flank biting locations?
flank, chest, shoulder
categories of flank biting?
response to pain
misplaced male social behavior
presentation of behavior without the above
issues with flank biting?
harmful and draws blood
how to manage flank biting?
ID underlying cause and fix it
castrate stallions
meds to calm horse
enrichment and socialization
issues with wood chewing?
mouth/GI tract injuries
wood splinters –> enterolith –> colic/impactions
ingestion of toxic chemicals
how to manage wood chewing?
24/7 access to quality forage
adequate diet
access to pasture
express their natural behavior
causes of fence pacing?
anxiety, stallions = hormone driving
separated from friends
feed anticipation
how to manage fence pacing?
keep groups together
ample forage
stall walking vs stall weaving?
walking: circuit around stall
weaving: shifting weight from LF to RF over and over (bad for legs)
causes of stall walking/weaving?
confinement, needs not being met, weight loss and development of hoof and leg issues
how to manage stall walking/weaving?
keep groups together
turnout
ample forage
why are we concerned about these behaviors?
can hurt the horse
horse can lose value
extra energy= hard keepers
damages to facility
banned from certain facilities
risk factors for these stereotypical behaviors?
low social interaction
lots of stalling with solid walls
little turn out
high grain, low forage diet
genetics
stressful life
stressful weaning
preventing behaviors?
turn out!
friends
low stress weaning
forage!!
windows
stall toys
managing these behaviors?
increase turnout, social interaction, and forage
collars, muzzles, surgery
question the environment
