Correlation between newborn foal behavior during routine husbandry procedures and temperament when the foal grows older

Abstract

It would be helpful if behaviours presented in routine procedures could be used as temperament indicators, thus directing tailor-made husbandry procedures and optimising resources and animal wellbeing. We evaluated whether the behaviours presented by 25 foals during the first navel treatment and first halter session at weaning were correlated with the behaviours presented during a new object overpassing test at one year of age. Foals that showed less reactivity and tickling and were more relaxed were more strongly correlated with foals that showed greater exploratory activity and greater confidence in crossing a novel object when they were older. Additionally, foals that were more curious towards humans and more relaxed were more prone to overpass a new object and had a better transposition style. Correlations verified between routine procedures and a behaviour test indicate the possibility of early identification of equine temperament, allowing husbandry techniques and specific training for the individual, enhancing training efficiency, animal welfare, and improving human-horse interactions.