Bem-estar de equinos usados em patrulhamento urbano e mantidos sob confinamento total ou parcial prévio

Abstract

Stabled equines can show alteration on their behavior and stress over military work. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of confinement period [total (TC) – 24 h; partial (PC) – 12 h] on behavior and welfare of 8 equines used in urban patrol in Lavras, MG, Brazil. Animals at rest stayed in stalls, leaving it only for work (TC) and for individual small pasturesfrom 8:00 h to 20:00 h (PC). They had remained 16 days in one confinement and then have changed in the opposite treatment. Animals worked in couples every other day, from 14:30 h to 20:30 h interspersing ways of 40 minutes in pace and 20-minutes breakpoints (14 km/day). The behavior was assessed by focal animal sampling and police´s opinion. Heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) were assessed at rest and at work. Blood samples were collected for exam and serum cortisol dosage. Experimental design was a randomized blocks, and data of behavior, HR, HRV and hemogram were compared by F Test andTukey Test (P<0.05). Averages of cortisol were assessed by descriptive statistic. TC group exhibited more frequency of standing alert and less frequency of rest standing, moving, social interactive. On the patrol break periods, TC horses stayed more standing alert and moving, more fearful and nervous, whileanimals under PC stayed more distracted. Equines under TC started the patrol more curious and finished it less distracted and more alert and nervous in movement periods. HRV was lower in animals under TC conditionon the break periods in patrol. Liberationis an important and effective practice to promote welfare of equines and reflects positively in the patrol service.