Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the efficacy of multi-layered haynets and multiple presentation of haynets to increase time spent on feed intake behaviour at night (13h observation). For preliminary assessment two horses performing the oral stereotypy of crib-biting were included. Six horses received the same amount of forage during a 22-day, cross-over study where treatment consisted of either forage presentation in a single small-holed haynet (SH) or the forage was divided between 3 haynet combinations hung up simultaneously=multiple haynets (MH). The three haynets presented simultaneously consisted of (a) MH single haynet (same as SH), (b) MH double layered haynet and (c) MH triple layered haynet. Multiple haynets were presented, in random order, on three sides of the stable. Horses were filmed using a video surveillance camera with infrared light source. Behaviour was observed for at least 4 nights per treatment (one night during the acclimatisation period [nights 2–4] and three nights during the end period [nights 7–11]). The observation period commenced at 16.30–17.00h (point of haynets being presented) until 06.00h (all horses) or 9.00h (2 crib-biting horses) the next morning. Data were analysed for normal distribution and ANOVA between haynets, paired t-tests between treatments and Pearson correlation were used (SPSS. 17.00; 2012). There was a significant effect of type of haynet (p<0.001) on intake time per kg forage (min/kg for SH: 39; MH all (data combined): 51; MH Single: 27; MH Double: 67; MH Triple: 78; overall sem. 8.9). The overall time budget (minutes per observation hour) showed a significant difference between treatments for eating from haynet, standing still, locomotion and drinking. Horses finished eating from SH haynets at around 01.38am (±1.05h s.d.), were last observed at the double net at 03.00am and at the triple net at 05.12am (±1.25h s.d.). Based on these results, providing 6kg of forage in 3 double-layered, 2.5cm haynets spread around the stable could potentially lead to an increased feeding time of 2h per night compared to a single 2.5cm holed haynet containing 6kg. From the continuous observation data a clear visual difference in crib-biting pattern and therefore motivation to perform crib-biting emerged between the two stereotypic horses.
Highlights
Urine spraying forms a normal part of the cat’s behavioural repertoire and can broadly be categorized as either sexual or reactional marking [1]
This report aims to synthesize the current data from published clinical trials that evaluate treatments for feline urine spraying
One of the randomised control trials (RCT) studies did not provide raw data for the placebo control group [19] only the data from the treated group could be used in the analysis
Summary
Urine spraying forms a normal part of the cat’s behavioural repertoire and can broadly be categorized as either sexual (associated with reproductive function) or reactional (associated with threats to resources) marking [1]. It is shown by both sexes, all breeds and occurs irrespective of neutering, with approximately 10% of neutered males and 5% of spayed females exhibiting the behaviour [1,2,3]. The cat will turn its back on the area of choice, raise the tail and arch the back, spray a variable quantity of urine onto a vertical surface, whilst spraying the tail may quiver [4]. Owners report that targets include objects on the floor such as boxes or bags and electrical items including plug sockets and household appliances
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