Dominance behavior of horses in extensive or semi-intensive systems during concentrate supplementation in individual troughs

Abstract

One of the main problems emerging in the creation of horses in semi-intensive or extensive are behavioral disturbances due to inhibition and limitation of their natural habits and behavior, such as the aggression and competition for food as a consequence of the invasion of space (zone danger) of animals fed in the trough. Is important to understand the basis of ethological animal in relation to its evolution and the environment they live in order to define, in a rational way, the management and creation, respecting their physiological and behavioral needs, thereby, to effectively reach success in the venture. Given this, the present study aims at assessing the ratio between the number of troughs and the number of horses, the height of the troughs and distance between them affect the variables related to the aggressiveness of the animals during supplementation of concentrate, such as behavior of sprint kicks, bites and ear wilt. Will be used eight horses, male and breed, divided into two blocks, each of 8 consecutive days of observation (focal sampling and repetition of the behavior), and repetition of treatments for the variables: distance and ratio of the troughs and horses and height of the trough, which are subjected to a randomization procedure. Development of research refers to a proposed alternate feed management, aiming at the welfare and economy of substantial investments in the production of horses, making it accessible to developers of lower purchasing power. (AU)