Pedometers as supervision tools for mares in the prepartal period

[Behavior of the mare during parturition - a literature review]

In horses, parturition is characterized by the fact that any delays may rapidly result in the death of the foal. Therefore, birth monitoring and the rapid detection of dystocia are of great importance. For this purpose, the differentiation between behavior associated with physiological parturition and activities related to difficult parturition is important. The aim of this publication is to present the physiological behavior of mares during parturition on the basis of a literature review. The behavior of mares in the opening phase of parturition is highly individual. In general, it is characterized by an increase in movement activity. In this phase of parturition, 13 different behaviors have been described (e. g. lying down and standing up, cessation of feed intake, local sweating, frequent defecation and urination). Mares show a more uniform pattern of behavior in the expulsion phase and the following phase of expulsion of the fetal membranes and placenta. More than 95% of mares give birth in the lateral position. A mare usually remains in recumbency for several minutes following the expulsion of the fetus. Immediately after standing up, the mare begins to intensely interact with the foal. The expulsion of the fetal membranes and the placenta usually takes place in a standing position. From a clinical point of view, it is important to give consideration to the difficulty in recognizing the opening phase of parturition due to the mares' individual behavior patterns.

Characterization of Typical Behaviors of Mares in the Opening Phase of Parturition-Influence of Parity and Dystocia

The identification of typical behaviors in stage I of parturition, the opening phase, can be used to improve birth monitoring in the mare. Therefore, this study aimed to comprehensively analyze mare behavior during the opening phase. Real-time recordings of 66 births involving 56 warmblood mares were analyzed using camera footage. Behaviors such as increased locomotor activity, pawing with front hooves, lifting the tail, rolling, kicking with the hind legs toward the abdomen, and looking at the abdomen increased significantly (p < 0.001) in the four hours preceding parturition. Within the last hour of the observation period, a statistically significant change was observed for the duration of lying in the sternal and lateral position (p < 0.001). Significant correlations were observed between parity and the total number of repetitions of lying in the sternal position (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the birth process influenced the repetitions of lying in the lateral position (p < 0.05). These findings indicate distinct behavioral patterns during the opening phase of parturition, which were evident across the observed mares. Nonetheless, notable individual differences were also identified among the mares.

Validation of inertial measurement units to detect and predict horse behaviour while stabled

BACKGROUND

Musculoskeletal injuries are observed in Thoroughbred racehorses and may become catastrophic. Currently, there are limited methods for early detection of such injuries. Most injuries develop gradually due to accumulated damage, providing the opportunity for early detection. Horses experiencing pain or lameness may exhibit changes in behaviour so the development of an objective, real-time system monitoring horse behaviour may enable detection of bone injuries before catastrophic failure.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether intensive observational methods of assessing horse behaviour can be replaced by use of inertial measurement units (IMUs).

STUDY DESIGN

Validation study assessing IMU use against video observation.

METHODS

Six hospitalised Thoroughbreds (algorithm training data) and 19 Thoroughbred racehorses in-training (algorithm testing data) were equipped with an IMU placed on the lateral side of both forelimbs (left fore, LF; right fore, RF) and monitored in a stable for 4 h. An algorithm was developed to classify behaviour and then validated against video recordings.

RESULTS

Standing was the most prevalent behaviour (LF 88.8%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 88.7-89.0; RF 88.5%, 95% CI 88.4-88.7). IMU classification of recumbent and standing activities showed excellent agreement (sensitivity) with video observation (>98%). This was followed by stepping (LF 89.4%, RF 85.5%) then weight-shifting (LF 54.3%, RF 61.5%). Predictions from the algorithm showed misclassification of 2.5% (LF 5500/225 352, RF 5218/210 170). Excluding standing, misclassification was 6.8% (1705/25 158) and 7.5% (1812/24 077) for the left and right forelimbs, respectively, with pawing and weight-shifting most frequently misclassified.

MAIN LIMITATIONS

Increasing the number of horses and types of behaviours observed may improve predictions.

CONCLUSIONS

IMUs displayed a high sensitivity to movement on a small number of horses, and with further validation they have the potential to effectively monitor behaviour of racehorses in training. However, more sensitive methods may be needed to validate the classification of weight-shifting behaviour. Future studies should evaluate the association between each behaviour and musculoskeletal injury.

Tracking the Impact of Weather on Equine Activity While Pastured

Keeping horses outdoors on pasture full-time with free access to shelter holds numerous advantages over housing in stalls, promoting both better mental and physical health. One reason for these benefits is the potential for increased physical activity in horses outdoors on pasture versus those confined to stalls. However, it is not guaranteed the horse will take advantage of this opportunity for greater movement. For this reason, it is important to understand the various reasons why horse activity patterns change. The objective of this study was to investigate how various weather factors - including temperature, humidity, precipitation, and wind speed - directly affect equine movement. To achieve this, horses on two similarly-managed farms were equipped with triaxial accelerometers during five independent time periods from January to August. These devices tracked number of steps, standing time, time lying down, and number of lying bouts. The movement data were then compared to the corresponding weather conditions. No strong correlations were found between the recorded movement of the horses and any of the environmental conditions. However, differences in average number of steps and average time lying down were observed between farms and across testing periods, suggesting other influences such as ground conditions and the use of blankets. Further studies are needed to determine the best management practices to encourage pasture activity and support optimal equine physical health.

Glucocorticoid Production, Activity Levels, And Personality Traits Of Fennec Foxes (Vulpes zerda) Managed For Different Roles In Zoos

Fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) concentrations, activity, and personality were assessed for 35 fennec foxes (Vulpes zerda) to determine whether animals managed as ambassadors differed from exhibit or off-exhibit animals. A FGM assay, pedometer, and personality assessment tool were validated. Then, fecal samples and movement data were collected during winter and summer periods. Handling was recorded, and the personality of each fox was evaluated. Generalized linear mixed models assessed the relationships between FGM concentrations, activity, personality, handling, sex, season, rearing type, and role. FGM concentrations did not differ in relation to role or handling. Foxes were most active at night; the time of peak activity did not vary with role or handling. Foxes were more active in winter; males were more active than females, and ambassador foxes were more active than off-exhibit animals. Hand-reared foxes were more sociable, and, at one institution, ambassador foxes were more sociable than foxes in other roles. These results suggest that management for ambassador programs is not associated with changes in glucocorticoid production or circadian patterns but may increase activity and be associated with greater sociability.

No-contact microchip measurements of body temperature and behavioural changes prior to foaling

Gestational length is highly variable in horses ranging from 320 to 360 days. Thus, determining parturition time is an important challenge for the horse industry. Body temperature can be used in cows and ewes as an indicator of parturition. Thus, the aim of this study is to determine if temperature can also be used as indicator of foaling. Thirty-nine mares were monitored over two foaling seasons (2018 and 2019). They were housed in 16 m² stalls with access to pasture in group three times a week from 10:00 to 16:00. Night watch as well as video monitoring was ensured during foaling periods. Body temperature was monitored using an identification and temperature sensor microchip implanted in the neckline. Measurement were taken manually every 2 h from 5 days before to 6 h after parturition by moving a microchip reader close to the mares' neck. Mares were equipped with a tail accelerometer recording tail movements and lateral recumbency 24 h before parturition. In addition, behaviour was monitored by video analysis in the hour preceding expulsion of the foal in 8 individuals in 2019. Relationships between behavioural and temperature data were explored throughout principal component analysis (PCA). All foals were born healthy and no human intervention was required during foaling. Mean daily body temperature decreased significantly by 0.3 °C (95%; range: 0.42 to -0.19 °C) between the day of parturition and the mean temperature of the 5 preceding days. A significant temperature decrease was also detected 12 h before and at the onset of parturition. With a 0.5 °C threshold, foaling could be detected 12 h in advance with 96.6% sensitivity and 95.0% specificity, respectively. Tail movements were more frequent and shorter with impending parturition. Body temperature was positively correlated with increased frequency and duration of specific behaviours (flehmen, looking at their flank and rump scratching against the stall wall). In conclusion, as in other species, body temperature was related to signs usually associated with impeding parturition, with a significant temperature drop observed from 12 h before and at the time of foaling. Providing automated measurements become available, temperature monitoring could become an additional tool to predict parturition in mares.

Using Movement Sensors to Assess Lying Time in Horses With and Without Angular Limb Deformities

Chronic musculoskeletal pathologies are common in horses, however, identifying related effects can be challenging. This study tested the hypothesis that movement sensors and analgesics could be used in combination to confirm the presence of restrictive pathologies by assessing lying time. Four horses presenting a range of angular limb deformities (ALDs) and four nonaffected controls were used. The study comprised two trials at separate paddock locations. Trial A consisted of a 3-day baseline phase and 2 × 3-day treatment phases, during which two analgesics were administered to two ALD horses and two controls in a standard crossover design. Trial B replicated trial A, except that as no difference between analgesics had been evident in trial A, only one analgesic was tested. Movement sensors were used to measure the horses' lying time and lying bouts. In trial A, ALD horses' basal mean lying time was significantly less than controls (means ± SD for ALD horses 213 ± 1.4 minutes and for controls 408 ± 46.7 minutes, P = .007); with analgesic administration, the difference became nonsignificant. In trial B, ALD horses' basal mean lying time was also significantly less than controls (ALD horses 179 ± 110.3 minutes; controls 422.5 ± 40.3 minutes, P < .001), again becoming nonsignificant with analgesic administration. Given the increases in ALD horses' lying time with analgesic administration, it is possible that their shorter basal lying time is associated with musculoskeletal discomfort. Despite the small sample size, movement sensors effectively measured this behavior change, indicating that they could be a useful tool to indirectly assess the impact of chronic musculoskeletal pathologies in horses.

Potential of connected devices to optimize cattle reproduction

Estrus and calving are two major events of reproduction that benefit from connected devices because of their crucial importance in herd economics and the amount of time required for their detection. The objectives of this review are to: 1) provide an update on performances reached by sensor systems to detect estrus and calving time; 2) discuss current economic issues related to connected devices for the management of cattle reproduction; 3) propose perspectives for these devices. The main physiological parameters monitored separately or in combination by connected devices are the cow activity, body temperature and rumination or eating behavior. The combination of several indicators in one sensor may maximize the performances of estrus and calving detection. An effort remains to be made for the prediction of calvings that will require human assistance (dystocia). The main reasons to invest in connected devices are to optimize herd reproductive performances and reduce labor on farm. The economic benefit was evaluated for estrus detection and depends on the initial herd performances, herd size, labor cost and price of the equipment. Major issues associated with the use of automated sensor systems are the weight of financial investment, the lack of economic analysis and limited skills of the users to manage associated technologies. In the near future, connected devices may allow a precise phenotyping of reproductive and health traits on animals and could help to improve animal welfare and public perception of animal production.