The effect of different feeding regimes on horses' blocking and activity behavior at a concentrate feeding station for horses in group housing

Automatic feeding stations are increasingly used to feed group-housed horses. In practice, horses without a feed allowance often cause blocking times in concentrate feeding stations. The consequences are a constrained feeding process and increased waiting times in front of the feeding station. Stimulation devices are used to prevent these blocking times, if necessary, by applying an electric impulse. The aim of the study was to examine if the feeding regime implemented at a concentrate feeding station influences the blocking behavior of horses. Furthermore, the influence of the applied feeding frequency on the activity behavior of the horses was investigated. The study was carried out in an active barn with different functional areas. A concentrate feeding station was used to supply each of the 19 horses observed with concentrate and mineral supplements throughout the day. The horses' behavior in the concentrate feeding station was recorded with video observation. The observation time was 3 × 24 hours in each trial period: (1) 24-hour feeding, (2) daytime feeding (feeding between 6 am and midnight), (3) three feeding times. Additionally, the activity behavior of 9 horses was recorded by means of ALT pedometers (activity, lying time, and temperature) throughout the observation days. The daytime feeding regime did not reduce the average daily blocking frequency and the average daily blocking duration of the horses. Only the implementation of 3 feeding times significantly reduced the blocking frequency (P = 0.001) as well as the blocking duration (P = 0.013). The reduction in feeding times led to a significant increase in the horses' activity. Although the activity of the horses was highest with the application of 3 feeding times (13009.9 ± 2682.8 activity impulses), a significant difference was found for the 24-hour feeding regime (P < 0.001) but not for the daytime feeding regime (P = 0.107). The reduction of feeding times can be described as advantageous with respect to blocking behavior and the activity behavior of the observed horses. Nevertheless, this reduction did not reliably prevent the occurrence of blocking times. The authors recommend further interdisciplinary research on the use of concentrate feeding stations. A holistic approach taking into account structural, nutritional, and ethological aspects is advisable.