Many horse owners have animals they feel are food driven: there isn't much that the horse won't do for a bit of apple, carrot or sweet snack. But are the horses truly happy when they get their treat?
Dr. Laize Carmo and researchers at the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, in Curitiba, Brazil, studied the facial expressions of horses offered a food reward after entering a restraining chute. They then monitored the horse's behavior and facial movements while they were restrained.
The three-week-long study used 13 mares aged 4 to 22 years old that lived in large paddocks with access to shade and water. The horses were fed hay and grain twice each day.
During the first week, the horses were brought in and allowed to get used to the chute and study environment. The horses were divided into two groups for the remainder of the study: half of them received food rewards when they were in the chute and the other half did not.
Each time a horse in the treat group entered and remained in the chute, they were offered six food rewards by hand: two pieces each of carrot, apple and molasses treats fed one at a time in that order.
The two groups were swapped for the third week of the study, with the control group then receiving treats once they entered the chute.
Video was taken before the horse entered the chute and of the horse's posture, tail movement and facial expression once they entered the chute. Changes in facial expression were evaluated using the Equine Facial Action Coding System (EquiFACS).
The scientists found that the horses did not change their body posture or tail movement across the different phases of the study; they were also less likely to lower their neck during the positive reinforced phase of the study. Horses in the positive reinforcement phase were more attentive and active, with their ears forward, less blinking and more nose movements once the food reward was given.
Overall, food did not create a significant behavior difference in the horses, either before or while restrained in the chute. However, the horses' facial expressions did change once the food rewards were given, possibly indicating a feed-driven emotional state.
However, the researchers were unable to conclude whether the food rewards affected the mares' emotions or only aroused them. They suggest future studies assess equine preferences and motivations for food rewards compared to other positive stimuli like verbal praise or grooming.
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