Effects of Density and Rest Stops on Movement Rates of Unrestrained Horses during Transport

The goal of this study was to provide estimates of how much loose (unrestrained) horses move during transport. Data were collected from six shipments of slaughter horses that were transported in a 16.2-m, single-deck semi-trailer in June and July of 2004 for 18 to 20 hours as part of an earlier project. Usable video was obtained from five groups of mature horses transported at “low” density (five to seven horses per group averaging 216.5 kg/m2) and three groups of horses transported at “moderate” density (10–11 horses per group averaging 345.5 kg/m2). Three low-density and two moderate-density groups had access to six water bowls inserted through the sides of the compartments during 1-hour rest stops occurring after 8 hours and at the end of transport. Twelve cameras, one mounted in each corner of the three compartments, were used to record behavior. Distance and rate of movement by individual horses during transport and during two 1-hour rest periods were determined by analysis of 206 hours of usable video footage of individual horses. Mean movement rate tended to be higher during travel (4.23 m/hour) than during the 1-hour periods when the truck was stopped (2.75 m/hour), but it did not seem to be influenced by group density. Movement was stimulated by the availability of water during the rest stops. In general, movement was strongly influenced by one or two horses causing disruption of the group, and not by independent actions of members of the group.