| Autor: |
da Luz MPF; Departamento de Produção Animal, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho - Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia de Botucatu (UNESP - FMVZ), Botucatu, Brazil., Narciso MHPM; Departamento de Produção Animal, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho - Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia de Botucatu (UNESP - FMVZ), Botucatu, Brazil., Maia CM; Consciência Animal Initiative - Advisory, Consultancy and Solutions on Animal Behaviour and Welfare, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil., de Figueiredo Pantoja JC; Departamento de Produção Animal, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho - Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia de Botucatu (UNESP - FMVZ), Botucatu, Brazil., Baragli P; Departamento de Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade de Pisa - Department of Veterinary Science, Pisa, Italy., Puoli Filho JN; Departamento de Produção Animal, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho - Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia de Botucatu (UNESP - FMVZ), Botucatu, Brazil., de Oliveira Orsi R; Departamento de Produção Animal, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho - Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia de Botucatu (UNESP - FMVZ), Botucatu, Brazil. |
| Abstrakt: |
We propose a practical method of assessing the personality of horses using five personality axes. Four evaluators empirically judged 19 horse individuals on specific adjectives for each axis. To validate the questionnaire, four behavioral tests were conducted with these same animals (social interactions, novel object test, bridge test,and arena test). In this tests, the frequency of specific behaviors were evaluated to create a scale related to the same personality adjectives and judge the animals based on their reactions.The questionnaire was reliable in determining the personality of horses, since the results were consistent with those obtained through behavioral tests. Additionally, in this group of horses attention reactions were more frequent than fear reactions, but significant differences occurred among tests. This study proposes a practical questionnaire for owners and trainers to assess the personality of their horses. The application of this tool can improve the relationship between humans and horses, directing a more empathic approach in the everyday routine with these animals. |
