Table 2 Novelty test QBA dimensions, showing observer terms and significance related to diet and period.

From: High-starch diets alter equine faecal microbiota and increase behavioural reactivity

GPA dimension (variance explained)

Low value terms r < −0.5

High value terms r > 0.5

Significance related to diet

Significance related to experimental period

1 (54.1%)

Nervous (8), Unsure (7), Tense (6), Scared (6), Anxious (6), Restless (5), Wary (5), Spooked (4), Alert (4), Stressed (4), Worried (3), On-edge (3), Hesitant (2), Agitated (2), Confused (2), Annoyed, Shy (2), Cautious (2), Uptight, Terrified, Upset, Panicked, Frightened, Excited, Skittish, Jumpy, Careful, Flighty, Sharp, Skatty, Afraid, Uncertain

Relaxed (10), Laid-back (8), Settled (7), Happy (7), Calm (6), Bold (3), Confident (2), Brave (2), Content (2), Chilled (2), Easy-going, Bored, Carefree, Comfortable, Interactive, Pre-occupied, Nosey, Unphased

n.s.

p < 0.01

2 (13.3%)

Shy

Bold (7), Curious (5), Confident (5), Jumpy (3), Brave (4), Inquisitive (4), Flighty (2), Spooky (2), Alert, Energetic, Courageous, Determined

n.s.

n.s.

  1. Included are observer terms correlating strongly with those dimensions at the negative end (r < −0.5) and positive end (r > 0.5). Values in brackets following terms indicate the number of observers using that term if greater than 1. The terms in bold were used to label the dimensions.
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