Variationen im Auslaufmanagement von Sportpferden in Einzelhaltung: Beurteilung der Auswirkungen auf die Tiergerechtheit an Hand des Tierverhaltens und der Stressbelastung

Abstract

From an ethological point of view, the animal welfare in single housing systems must be evaluated critically. Without free exercise, scientists consider this system as not being suitable for horses, despite its widespread use. Particularly competition horses are almost exclusively kept in this type of housing and the provision of free exercise is often denied for various reasons. The aim of the experiments in this study was a systematic investigation of the effects of different management practices on the behaviour of competition horses in several respects. In two independent experiments, the influence of the particular time of turnout and the turnout configuration (solitary/group) was analysed. The treatments were evaluated with regard to their effects on animal welfare and their suitability for practical use. In the first experiment, the effects of the treatments (a) turnout before training, (b) turnout after training and (c) no turnout on the behaviour of four competition horses housed in single stalls were analysed. The horses were concomitantly subjected to their normal training regime. The behaviour of the horses in the stable was continuously analysed via video recordings taken between 12.30 pm and 7.30 am on three days at the end of each treatment period. The behaviour during turnout (two hours) on a grassless paddock was observed directly and the distance covered was measured by GPS devices. The horses´ behaviour during training was documented by the riders with the aid of a questionnaire. In the treatment without turnout, the behaviour in the stable was more restless than in the other two treatments. This restlessness was indicated by more frequent changes between the individual behaviour patterns. The GPS measurements showed that the horses covered a significantly shorter distance during turnout when they were trained beforehand. In this treatment, the horses also showed less trotting and cantering and more dozing during turnout. The behaviour during training did not differ significantly between the treatments, so the willingness to perform was not negatively influenced by free exercise. Turnout after training is considered to be the best of the analysed treatments as the horses behaved more quiet in the stable and less activity during turnout is associated with a lower risk of injury. The second experiment dealt with the effects of the treatments (a) solitary turnout on pasture after training, (b) turnout on pasture in groups of two after training and (c) no turnout in addition to training on the behaviour and degree of stress in six competition horses housed in single stalls. The pasture was covered with grass. The behaviour of the horses during the two-hour turnout period was observed directly and the distance covered was measured by GPS devices. The behaviour of the horses in the stable was continuously analysed with the aid of video recordings between 2 pm and 6 am on three days at the end of each treatment. The degree of stress was analysed via heart rate variability using the parameters SDNN, RMSSD and LF/HF. The horses´ behaviour during training was documented by the riders with the aid of a questionnaire. The direct observation during turnout showed that most of the time was spent eating. Only after 90 minutes was eating increasingly replaced by occupation, exercise and social interaction. In group turnout more social interaction and less exercise was observed than in solitary turnout. Accordingly, the distance covered was significantly greater in solitary turnout. The behaviour of the horses in the stable in the treatment without turnout involved significantly less lying down and a concomitant increase in occupation compared to the turnout in groups. Though the analysis of heart rate variability revealed great individual differences, the greatest degree of stress was found in the treatment without turnout. The behaviour during training was evaluated as being slightly better in the treatments with turnout than without. Regarding the requirements of both the horse and the rider, the treatment turnout in groups is considered as being the most suitable of the analysed treatments. In conclusion, the study has demonstrated that the management of turnout affects horse behaviour and the degree of stress not only during the day but also during the night. Standard animal welfare practices dictate that the amount of stress imposed on animals should be minimised. When turnout was allowed, the horses used it for exercise and social interaction, and the degree of stress was decreased compared to when turnout was denied, showing that turnout is able to improve animal welfare. The present study clearly shows the positive effect of turnout in groups on the welfare of competition horses housed in single stalls, while no negative effects on their willingness to perform were found.