Animal category: Equines

Scientific article reporting on an investigation into discomfort levels in horses caused by the presence of biting insects. Discomfort was positively correlated with lack of access to indoor areas and the prevalence of insects. The paper concludes that free access to shelters or other indoor areas during the summer reduces the negative effects of biting insects and may thereby improve the welfare of horses.

Scientific paper in which 70 experts estimated and compared levels of welfare in the most common cow meat and milk production systems in their countries. The experts estimated that the overall probability of a state of positive welfare was higher for animals from suckler herds than from dairy herds.

Academic paper stating that welfare levels in horses on pasture are better than in those kept in stables, particularly because of the opportunity pasture provides to express  their natural feeding behaviours. Alternative methods of feeding or feed distribution are suggested that could improve the welfare of stabled animals.

Scientific paper showing that the avoidance response of horses to cows was similar to or greater than that to a new moving object, suggesting that neophobia and heterospecific communication play a role in this response.

Scientific article testing the influence of work type, age, sex and breed of horses on their attentional characteristics. It shows that attentional characteristics are strongly related to the type of work the horses are trained for. Horses from equestrian centres had longer and less fragmented attention spans, the sporting activities of eventing horses were correlated to the fragmentation of attention.

A booklet developed by all those involved in Irish horse racing to get the latest scientific knowledge put into practice to ensure good welfare levels in racehorses.

Scientific paper showing that the parameters for a horse's previous and current interactions with humans (number of owners, regular handlers, familiarity and duration of relationship with handler) affect its distrust of new objects or situations

EFSA scientific opinion on the protection of equids during transport. Thirteen main welfare consequences were identified: gastroenteric disorders, handling stress, heat stress, injuries, isolation stress, movement stress, prolonged hunger, prolonged thirst, respiratory disorders, resting problems, restriction of movement, sensory hyperstimulation and separation stress. These welfare consequences and how they are measured on the animals are described. The hazards that cause them and recommendations to guard against these hazards and correct or mitigate their welfare consequences are presented.

Answer to a question on the European Commission's measures to prevent the trafficking of recreational horses, leading to their slaughter and fraudulent entry into the food chain.

Answer to a question on the European Commission's position on the banning of the transport of live animals when the temperature exceeds 30°C, and on how it intends to strengthen the regulations to better control such transport of live animals.