EquiFACS: The Equine Facial Action Coding System

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131738
• Publication Date: 2015-08-05T18:04:53Z
• Authors: Jen Wathan; Anne M. Burrows; Bridget M. Waller; Karen McComb
• Keywords: Science; Q; Emotions; 05 social sciences; R; RCUK; Facial Muscles; 910; Facial Expression; Species Specificity; BBSRC; BB/D526896/1; Face; Psychology; Medicine; Animals; 0501 psychology and cognitive sciences; /dk/atira/pure/core/subjects/psychology; Horses; Social Behavior; Research Article

Although previous studies of horses have investigated their facial expressions in specific contexts, e.g. pain, until now there has been no methodology available that documents all the possible movements horse and provides a way to record potential configurations. This is essential for an objective description across range contexts reflect different emotional states. Facial Action Coding Systems (FACS) provide systematic identifying coding on basis underlying musculature muscle movement. FACS are anatomically based document rather than configuration associated with particular situation. Consequently, can be applied as tool wide research questions. We developed domestic (Equus caballus) through anatomical investigation subsequent analysis naturally occurring behaviour captured high quality video. Discrete were identified described terms contractions, correspondence systems. The reliability others able learn this system (EquiFACS) consistently code behavioural sequences was high—and included people experience horses. A identified, including many also seen primates other animals (dogs cats). EquiFACS method used social thus address questions relevant understanding cognition comparative psychology, well informing current veterinary animal welfare practices.