Welfare assessment at a Spanish Army Equine Breeding Centre

Abstract

The study aimed to assess the effect of two management housing system on breeding horse welfare. An adapted version of the assessment protocol for horses was used for that purposed to this study, with the focus on the animal-based measures section. This includes individual animal scoring of good feeding, good health and appropriate behaviour. The study was conducted in a professional Equine Breeding Centre with a representative set of housing and management systems and practices used for breeding purposes in Spain. A total of 49 stallions stabled individually and 43 broodmares living loose housing in groups were subject for individual scoring. A descriptive statistic for each welfare indicator was calculated. Pearson’s Chi-square test or Fisher’s test were calculated between the different welfare measures and the housing system. Odds ratios were computed to quantify the association of prevalence of welfare issues with husbandry and management practices according to the type of housing. The stallions were almost two and a half times more at risk than mares to exhibit acceptation to the chin contact behavioural test. Broodmares were prone to present significant lower body condition scores (BCS). The prevalence of rubbed and broken hairs in mane and tail (OR = 4.413), gait abnormalities (OR = 5.429), skin lesions in upper and lower legs regions (OR = 2.691) was higher in stabled animals. In contrast, broodmares presented more often with general skin lesions, specifically in withers-back-barrel-girth (OR = 0.349), hindquarters (OR = 0.016) and skin irritation in lower legs (OR = 0.287). The risk factor analysis applying a multivariable logistic regression model disclosed the way that the group housing freedom system management predicted significantly the prevalence of three animal based indicators deviations: one behavioural indicator (fear to the novel object test), one feeding indicator (lower BCS) and one health indicator (harm in lower legs). Highlights The the effect of management housing system on breeding horse welfare could be evaluated using a protocol with special focus on individual animal scoring of feeding, health and behaviour. The major welfare problems identified in the horses housed in individual boxes were associated with confinement and could be minimised with better management of the access to free exercise. The source of fear and aggression in horses living in pastures can greatly improve with intensive and correct human handling and providing sufficient feeding resources.