Volume: 2, 2023
2nd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: A009
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL2.A009
Published online: 19 April 2023
ICDSUPL, 2, A009 (2023)
Variation in horses’ responses to sounds of different frequency characteristics
Wiktoria Janicka1*, Martyna Mierzicka1
1 Department of Horse Breeding and Use, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Bioeconomy, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: wiktoria.janicka@up.lublin.pl
Abstract
As prey species, horses adapted to fast threat detection. In this context, the perception of sounds play a key role. Horses are characterized by limited low frequency hearing but good acuity in the higher frequency ranges. This may be important for survival due to providing information on the sneaky approach of predators. The aim of the study was to compare the first reaction of horses to the sounds of different origin, characterized by different dominant frequencies. Twenty warmblood horses, aged 5–15 years (mares; n=8, geldings; n=12), were exposed to 40 sounds of four types: anthropogenic, neutral animal, predator and inanimate environment sounds. Sounds were randomly divided into eight sets of five sounds and were played in the same order (two sets a week, every 30 minutes within one set) to each individual at the mean intensity of 80 dB. During the sound playback (60 s), mean heart rate (HR) and behavioural reaction (scale 1–10) were recorded. Prior to the study, the sounds were subjected to spectral analysis and then grouped depending on the frequency characteristics. First, for each sound, the dominant frequency range, at which the sound intensity was at least 70% of the equivalent continuous sound pressure level of the sound, was established. Then, lower and upper thresholds of the dominant frequency range and the range between upper and lower frequency thresholds were designated. For all three features, the sounds were classified as low (A), medium (B) or high (C) for the feature. The differences of horses’ responses under the influence of sounds of A, B and C frequency characteristics were compared with a Kruskal-Wallis test. The sounds of the highest (C) values of the lower threshold of the dominant frequency range had the most disturbing effect on horses and were associated with the highest value of HR. However, no difference was found between A and B sounds for this trait. The upper threshold of the dominant frequency range did not vary horses’ responses. Compared to wide range (C) sounds, sounds of medium range (B) between upper and lower frequency thresholds caused higher levels of anxiety. The lower limit of the frequency range is of greatest importance for the aversive effect of sound. The more stressful impact of its higher values may be due to the high sensitivity of horses to hearing high frequencies, confirming its adaptive relevance. Horse owners should be aware of potentially disturbing effect of different environmental sounds.
How to cite
W. Janicka, M. Mierzicka, 2023. Variation in horses’ responses to sounds of different frequency characteristics. In: 2nd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL2.A009