The concern for the well-being along with the aspect of economic and practical use or the benefit of the horse have inspired present B. Sc. Thesis in the role of nutrition in the ethology of horses’ abnormal behavior, which aims to review the publications in this field. Horses are herbivores. Their nutrition affects not only their health and physical performance, but also their behavior. Horses require proper nutrition and feeding methods that prevent or reduce the risk of various diseases, clinical and subclinical disorders such as: colic, laminitis, obesity, metabolic syndrome. The results of the studies show that due to nutrition mistakes, especially incorrect composition of meals and improper feeding techniques, behavior disorders such as weaving, swallowing air, tongue extension, obstruction of objects, nervousness, irritability and others occur. The abnormal behavior of horses is undesirable for many reasons, including being an indication of the animal having a bad mood, which has a negative effect on the value of the horse. These observations can help to improve the understanding of an anomaly in behavior and form a diet beneficial to horses’ physical condition, mood and behavior. Correct feeding methods and nutrition can decrease (sub)clinical disorders and benefit the horse’s well-being.
|