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Researchers develop new horse behaviour software
Two horses
Animal-computer Interaction (ACI) is an emerging scientific discipline that looks at the relationship between technology and animals.
Technology may improve our communication with animals

Computer software that could tell us what a horse is thinking and feeling is being developed by experts at the University of Nottingham.

The Horse Automated Behaviour Tool (HABIT) aims to automatically identify behaviour horses are exhibiting, and tell us whether they are sick, stressed or suffering.

Researchers say the equipment could help us to understand behaviour and offer insights into how we can improve our communication with animals.

“Horses and all nonhuman animals are entitled to interaction technologies that enrich rather than exploit,” said software developer Dr Steve North.

“Anthropocentrism limits our understanding of human interaction in a multi-species world and currently there isn’t any software that can reliably analyse video footage and log what behaviours it sees and when. We hope HABIT will also be able to assess how animals react to new surroundings.”

Animal-computer Interaction (ACI) is an emerging scientific discipline that looks at the relationship between technology and animals.

The project, which has received funding from the University’s Mixed Reality Laboratory, brings together experts in animal computer interaction, equitation science, ethology, animal behaviour and biomedical engineering.

“It is really important that our vet students can interpret what an animal is telling you through its body language,” said Dr Mandy Roshier, an expert in anatomy and behaviour at the University’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Science.

“This can go some way to understanding its emotional state. Using equipment that can help us measure and understand behaviour would provide important insights into how we can communicate with animals more.”

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.