Table 4.

Correlations between aggregated behavior and health parameters of working horses and mules (n = 200).

Behavior and health parameters	Correlation coefficient	P
Lack of responsiveness to environment/handlinga
Low body condition score	−0.07	0.34
Lesions of skin and deeper tissues	−0.10	0.14
Systemic health abnormalitiesb	−0.11	0.02
Limb problemsc	−0.22	0.01
Low body condition score
Lesions of skin and deeper tissues	0.25	<0.01
Systemic health abnormalitiesb	0.47	<0.01
Limb problemsc	0.26	<0.01
Lesions of skin and deeper tissues
Systemic health abnormalitiesb	0.28	<0.01
Limb problemsc	0.15	0.03
Limb problemsc
Systemic health abnormalitiesb	0.35	<0.001

^aAggregated score: general attitude + responsiveness to observer approach + responsiveness to observer walking down the side.

^bAggregated score: mucous membranes + coat condition + diarrhea + skin tent + heat stress.

^cAggregated score: firing lesions + swelling of tendons/joints + deformed limbs + hoof too long + hoof too short + sole surface abnormal (RF) + hoof horn quality.

Bold values: P < 0.05.