ASSESSMENT OF DAILY FEEDING BEHAVIOUR OF HORSES WITH AUTOMATED CHEW MONITORING DEVICE.

Behaviour is one of the most important indicators for assessing horse health and well-being. However, direct observation traditionally relies on observation methods that are time consuming and can limit the accuracy and the amount of data collected. Therefore, several systems have been developed to automatically record behavioural traits, including the RumiWatchSystem (Itin and Hoch GmbH, Liestal, Switzerland). The aim of our experiment was to evaluate the usefulness of the presented technology in studies of equine feeding behaviour and to compare the differences in chewing activity when different forms of feed are added. The trial lasted nine days and was carried out on three mares. The mares were fed hay, and on the fifth day the concentrate was introduced. The results showed that the mares spent 9.08 hours feeding, with low intake activity in the early morning hours (00:00 - 8:00) and around midday and significant peaks in intake in the morning and late afternoon. The study confirmed that the developed monitoring sensor system was successful in monitoring the feeding behavior of horses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]