Perceptions of Whether Stereotypic Off-the-Track Thoroughbreds are Harder to Rehome Than Nonstereotypic OTTBsdA Pilot Survey Study

 

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Wickens, Carissa L., Arias Esquivel, Ana Margarita, Hendricks, Craig, Heleski, Camie
Formato: artículo original
Fecha de Publicación:2019
Descripción:Several studies have indicated higher incidence of stereotypic behaviors (STBs) in Thoroughbreds. The aftercare of Off-the-Track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) has received increased attention in the last decade; however, research on the impact of STBs on placement of OTTBs after their racing career is limited. Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) accredits centers throughout North America that work to rehome OTTBs in a safe, welfare-friendly manner. Although the authors have suspected that having an STB would make OTTBs more challenging to rehome, this hypothesis remains to be empirically tested. The objec tives of the present study were to investigate STB in OTTBs among TAA-accredited centers throughout the U.S. and to characterize perceptions of STB among OTTB owners. Using an openly available online database, we contacted 54 centers using mixed mode, multiple contact survey methods. Thirty-eight centers responded (70% response rate) representing 987 OTTBs taken in over the past year. Of the accepted horses, respondents stated that 17% (n ¼ 172) had one or more STBs. Ninety-two percent of centers indicated having an STB made horses somewhat/much more challenging to rehome (P < .0001; c2 ; df ¼ 4). One hundred current and prospective owners responded to a second survey administered through the OTTB Connect Facebook page. Fifty-five percent of respondents currently owned an OTTB with an STB, and 45% of respondents indicated having an STB would negatively impact their decision to purchase or adopt their next OTTB. While we recognize there are limitations in interpreting self-reported survey data, the findings suggest STBs may impede adoption of OTTBs.
País:Kérwá
Institución:Universidad de Costa Rica
Repositorio:Kérwá
Lenguaje:Inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:kerwa.ucr.ac.cr:10669/89523
Acceso en línea:https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S073708061930543X?via%3Dihub
https://hdl.handle.net/10669/89523
Palabra clave:SURVEYS
ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR
STEREOTYPES
MAMMALS