Infrared thermography as a tool in welfare assessment of equines handled in paddock and stall
Authors: D.R.O.E. Azevedo, B. Dallago, A. Silva, J. Pereira, R.F. Ferreira II, T. Borges, T.B. Bisol, L. V. Sobrinho, T.O. Fernandes, F. Bernal
Journal: Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia
Summary
# Editorial Summary Researchers compared infrared thermography (IRT) measurements in 24 Brazilian Sport Horse geldings (aged 5–9 years) housed either in paddocks with ridden work or in continuous stabling (12 m² concrete stalls without bedding) over six weeks, alongside behavioural observation and blood cortisol analysis. Stabled horses exhibited stereotyped behaviours and significantly elevated serum cortisol concentrations, confirming reduced welfare compared to paddock-kept counterparts. Discriminant analysis of distal limb thermography achieved 74.5% accuracy in identifying chronic stress markers, whereas ocular temperature proved ineffective as a welfare indicator. These findings suggest that IRT of the distal extremities—combined with traditional welfare indicators—may offer practitioners a non-invasive, objective screening tool for detecting stress-related conditions in stabled horses, though the moderate sensitivity warrants integration with clinical observation rather than reliance as a standalone diagnostic measure. The study underscores that housing system fundamentally influences both behavioural and physiological stress responses, with potential relevance for equine facility design and management protocols in working horses.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Limb thermography shows promise as a practical, non-invasive tool for detecting chronic stress in stabled horses; consider using it alongside behavioral observation during welfare assessments
- •Continuous stabling without turnout is associated with measurable stress indicators—regular paddock access or exercise schedules may improve welfare in working horses
- •Eye temperature alone is not a reliable indicator of equine stress; focus on distal limb thermography if using IRT as a welfare monitoring tool
Key Findings
- •Stalled horses displayed stereotyped behavior and significantly elevated serum cortisol compared to paddock-kept horses, indicating reduced welfare
- •Limb infrared thermography achieved 74.5% accuracy in discriminating chronic stress using discriminant analysis
- •Eye temperature measurements were not effective for detecting chronic stress in equines
- •Housing conditions significantly affected thermographic characteristics of distal limbs over a 6-week period