Assessing the influence of upper lip twitching in na ïve horses during an aversive husbandry procedure (ear clipping)

When engaging in procedures that horses may find aversive, restraint methods are often employed to help ensure safety of both horse and handler. Twitching is a common restraint method, but its use is sometimes considered controversial. Based on previous work there is evidence supporting the concept of the twitch acting more nearly like acupuncture. Our aim was to compare behaviors, heart rate (HR), Heart Rate Variability (HRV), and ease/time of completing procedure when na ïve horses were ear clipped with or without a twitch.
Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Source Type: research