Horse Stable Managers' Guidance for Steeds Prone to Biting
In the equine world, cribbing is a common and concerning behaviour that has been the subject of numerous studies. This stereotypy, characterised by horses grabbing an upright object with their teeth, arching their neck, and sucking air, can have significant implications for a horse's health and wellbeing.
One of the earliest studies on cribbing was published in 1994, titled "The effect of diet on cribbing behavior and plasma β-endorphin in horses" by Gillham et al. Since then, research has continued to shed light on various aspects of this behaviour.
For instance, the study "Crib-biting and its heritability in Finnhorses," published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science in 2014, found that genetics might play a role in a horse's propensity to crib. Similarly, the study "Crib biting and equine gastric ulceration syndrome: Do horses that display oral stereotypies have altered gastric anatomy and physiology?" published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior in 2019, suggested a link between cribbing and equine gastric ulceration syndrome.
Interestingly, horses that crib are more likely to engage in oral activity when stressed, while non-cribbing horses may toss their heads or paw. Cribbers also have altered dopamine receptors in the brain, as suggested by the study "Motivation for cribbing by horses," published in Animal Welfare-The UFAW Journal in 2012.
Cribbing rates can also be influenced by feeding management. Feeding concentrate to young horses immediately after weaning is associated with a four-fold increase in the manifestation of cribbing. Moreover, cribbing rates increase after a concentrate meal.
Besides genetics and feeding management, boredom, stress, and copying another horse have been suggested as potential causes of cribbing. However, the exact cause of cribbing remains to be determined.
Prevention of cribbing behaviour can be challenging due to its complex nature. Providing plenty of forage at weaning, allowing horses plenty of turnout and interaction with other horses, and avoiding sweetened licks can help reduce the chances of a horse becoming a cribber.
Once cribbing behaviour is established, it is unlikely that a horse will ever completely cease to exhibit the behaviour. However, methods such as the cribbing collar, elimination of cribbing surfaces, taste deterrents, electrification of cribbing surfaces, pharmaceuticals, oral antacids for foals, surgery, and increasing the time spent eating can be effective, albeit requiring intensive management.
It's essential to weigh the possibility of increasing stress on the horse against the risk of colic and other health issues associated with cribbing when deciding whether to inhibit a horse's ability to crib. Cribbers are more prone to certain health issues, including colic, stomach ulcers, equine motor neuron disease, and temporohyoid osteoarthropathy.
In conclusion, cribbing in horses is a complex behaviour with potential links to genetics, management, nutrition, and stress. Understanding the factors that contribute to cribbing is crucial for devising effective strategies to prevent and manage this behaviour, ensuring the health and wellbeing of our equine companions.
