Classification of behavioral signs of the mares for prediction of the pre-foaling period

Abstract

In horse management, the alarm system with sensors in the foaling period enables the breeder can appropriately prepare the time of the parturition. It is important to prevent losses by unpredictable parturition because there are several high risks such as dystocia and the death of foals and mares during foaling. However, unlike analysis in the alarm system that detects specific motions has been widely performed, analysis of classification following specific behavior patterns or number needs to be more organized. Thus, the objective of this study is to classify signs of the specific behaviors of the mares for the prediction of pre-foaling behaviors. Five Thoroughbred mares (9-20 yrs) were randomly selected for observation of the prefoaling behaviors. The behaviors were monitored for 90 min that was divided into three different periods as 1) from -90 to -60 min, 2) from -60 to -30 min, 3) from -30 min to the time for the discharge of the amniotic fluid, respectively. The behaviors were divided into two different categories as state and frequent behaviors and each specific behavioral pattern for classification was individually described. In the state behaviors, the number of mares in the standing of the foaling group (3.17 ± 0.18b) at period 3 was significantly higher than the control group (1.67 ± 0.46a). In contrast, the number of the mares in the eating of the foaling group (1.17 ± 0.34b) at period 3 was significantly lower than the control group (3.33 ± 0.46a). In the frequent behaviors, the weaving of the foaling group was significantly higher than the control group, and looking at the belly of the foaling group was significantly lower than the control group. In period 2, defecation, weaving, and lowering the head of the foaling group were significantly higher than the control group, respectively. In period 3, sitting down and standing up, pawing, weaving, and lowering the head in the foaling group were also significantly higher than the control group. In conclusion, the behavior is significantly different in foaling periods, and the prediction of foaling may be feasible by the detection of the pre-foaling behaviors in the mares.