Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Training Foals to Accept Handling
The neonatal handling procedure that the first author practices may help reduce
stress in foals at weaning time by developing a strong human
foal relationship.
The procedure begins very early and is continued throughout the time that the
foal is with its dam. He handles the foal once or twice a week in the presence of
the mare, and only for a few moments each time. All areas of the body are
touched, including the legs and feet. By never using force and allowing the foal
to initiate contact, the handling is perceived by the foal in a positive and reward-
ing manner. Teaching the foal to accept a halter begins during this time, but
long before he actually halters the foal for the first time. As part of his weekly
handling, each time he puts his arm over the foal's neck for a moment and
gently pulls it against his body in a “hug-like” position. If the foal resists, he
lets it go. Each time he does this, the foal is more likely to accept it if no force
is used the first time. During this entire process, the first author uses a calm,
soothing voice and firm, but gentle, pressure to hold the foal. During the hug,
he puts his free hand on the bridge of the nose, moving it up and down the face.
He also places his free hand around and behind the ears. These movements are
meant to simulate the movements of fitting a halter. After several short hugs
over a few days, he begins to hold the foal for longer and longer periods. Soon,
the foal completely accepts gentle restraint (hugs) without showing any signs of
fear. Fear is evident if the foal suddenly raises its head, tightens its muscles or
widens its eyes. However, at some point the foal may try to pull away, not
because of fear, but because it wants to do something else. When this happens,
the first author begins to hold more firmly, for only a few seconds at first, and
then for a few minutes at a time. If he sees any signs of fear, he lets it go. This
allows the foal to predict what is happening and gives it a feeling that it has
some control over the situation. Habituation to gentle restraint can occur
quickly. The first author's method of positive reinforcement is similar to meth-
ods used by Phillips et al. (1998) to train flighty Bongo antelope (Tragelaphus
eurycerus) to accept veterinary and husbandry procedures without chemical or
manual restraint. In both these methods, the animal is habituated to gradual
increase in the intensity of the stimulus. Allowing an animal to have some con-
trol over stimulus presented in a predictable manner has profound effects on
behavior in captive marmosets during routine handling and weighing ( Bassett,
2003 ). In an excellent review, Bassett and Buchannan-Smith (2007) examined
the link between predictability and control and made recommendations for sim-
ple and inexpensive modifications to husbandry routines that are easy to incor-
porate and can have a profound impact on the welfare of captive animals.
Wearing a Halter and Hoof Handling
After the foal accepts being touched all over and held in the position for hal-
tering, it is time to introduce the halter for the first time. He approaches the
Search WWH ::




Custom Search