Researchers at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh (Daisy Taylor and Bryony Lancaster), together with Andrea Ellis of UNEQUI Ltd, Cornwall, have tested a simpler alternative: using small sound recorders attached to horses’ headcollars. These devices capture the sounds of chewing and biting, offering a low-cost and less labour-intensive way of measuring grass intake behaviour.
The studies
- Pilot Study 1: One Icelandic pony in Shetland was recorded for short periods. Chews and bites per minute measured from sound recordings closely matched counts from video observation.
- Pilot Study 2: Two ponies were observed directly while wearing sound recorders. Grazing times from the devices strongly matched visual observations.
- Main Study: Three ponies were monitored in semi-feral conditions over several days. Sound recordings and visual observations again showed very similar results.
Key findings
- Sound recorders accurately measured chews, bites, and grazing time.
- Results remained reliable across different seasons and weather conditions.
- The devices did not interfere with the horses’ natural behaviour.
Conclusion
Sound recorders attached to headcollars provide a reliable, affordable, and non-invasive method of recording grazing behaviour in horses. They could be used in both research and practical settings, helping to:
- Measure foraging behaviour in pasture or stabled horses.
- Compare chewing and biting across different feeds and breeds.
- Monitor welfare by assessing whether horses’ foraging needs are being met.
- Detect possible issues such as oral stereotypies or dental problems.
This method offers an effective alternative to visual observation, saving time and effort while providing accurate data on equine grazing behaviour.
For more details, see:
Taylor, Daisy E. F., Bryony E. Lancaster, and Andrea D. Ellis. 2025.
The Use of Sound Recorders to Remotely Measure Grass Intake Behaviour in Horses
Animals 15, no. 15: 2273.
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