Research · 2 min read
Paddock Fencing - Study on Animal-Friendly Horse Enclosures
Austrian research study examining animal welfare aspects of electric fencing systems in horse paddocks using behavioral observation and Mangold INTERACT software
As an enhancement to pure stall housing, paddock keeping is becoming increasingly popular among horse owners, as it provides horses with improved housing conditions through climate stimuli and free choice of location.
A current study by the Teaching and Research Center Raumberg-Gumpenstein and the University of Vienna examines horse keeping in electrified paddocks with regard to animal welfare under the project management of Ing. Irene Mösenbacher-Molterer.
The trigger for the project was a discussion by the Austrian Animal Welfare Council. Experts suspected that the available space could be restricted as soon as the horse comes into contact with the electric current – the animals find themselves in a stress situation and will likely maintain a safety distance from the enclosure in the future. A reduced social contact with neighboring horses could also be inferred from this.
The study was conducted at the Austrian Equestrian Center Stadl Paura and aimed to record the possible effects of electrified fences on horses. Using behavioral observations, video recordings, and recording of heart rate and heart rate variability, the physical and psychological stress loads as well as the effective utilization of the area in electrified small paddocks were examined. Various fence systems and horse types were included in the study to achieve a meaningful result through a wide range of variables. The Mangold INTERACT software from Mangold International was used for the analysis of the extensive data material.
The study contains final recommendations for paddock keeping of horses regarding size, boundaries, and animal welfare, which were presented to the professional audience at the 2nd Austrian Horse Conference.
Summary for download: Study_AnimalFriendlyPaddockFencing (pdf, 380kb)
Mösenbacher-Molterer, I., Straub, I., Neumitka, D. & Troxler, J.: Investigation of electrified paddock enclosures in horse keeping with regard to animal welfare. Presentation at the 2nd Austrian Horse Conference, February 23, 2013
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