Browsing by Browse by SEO 2020 "100406 Horses"
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Publication Open AccessJournal ArticleAcceptance of novel food by horses: The influence of food cues and nutrient composition(Elsevier BV, 2016); ; ; Compared to ruminants little is known about how horses modulate food intake and learn about flavour-to-post-ingestive consequences. While it has been suggested that due to hindgut fermentation horse's foraging preferences may be largely influenced by sensory input (e.g. volatiles), it has been established that horses are able to differentiate and select familiar foods (e.g. concentrates and hay) based on nutritional content. Yet it remains unclear how this translates to the acceptance of nutritious novel foods (NF). Therefore, the influence of food cues and nutrient composition on NF acceptance were examined in two experiments using 11 adult mares. In experiment 1, we investigated the influence of a familiar odour (FO) on the acceptance of a nutritious NF and in experiment 2, we determined if horses have the ability to select nutritious NF based on the nutritional content, regardless of sensory preferences. In experiment 1 horses received identical NF in a two-choice test with one of the choices being masked with a FO over a 9-day period. In experiment 2 horses were offered a high or low protein option of an otherwise identical NF in a two-choice test in which the NFs were paired with two unfamiliar flavours (odours). The two-choice test lasted for 14 days and the flavour-protein pairing was switched after 7 days. NF intakes were recorded over a 10 min test period on each test day and analysed using Bayesian hierarchical models. The results of experiment 1 indicate that a FO had a strong positive influence on the NF intake for the first 5 days (90-100% of total consumption and strong evidence for non-zero temporal effects (Bayes factor B12= 110)). This was followed by a more even distribution of intake for the remaining period. In experiment 2 horses had a greater intake of high protein NF regardless of the flavour on days 4, 6 and 7 (80-87% of total consumption) and this continued after the switch over (Day 9-14; 57-81% of total consumption). However, 4 out of 11 horses showed neophobia throughout the testing period, which could have been associated with the novel odours as horses scanned the buckets with little to no sampling. The results suggest that pre-ingestive cues (e.g. smell, taste) of foods play an important role in diet selection and that a FO can increase the acceptance of NF. This new knowledge could be applied by the horse industry to encourage the consumption of new food or forages by horses.2239 388 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication Open AccessThesis DoctoralBehavioural mechanisms of diet selection by horses(2016); ; Compared to ruminants little is known about how horses modulate food intake and link the sensory properties (e.g. smell, taste) of foods with its post-ingestive consequences (negative and positive). While it has been suggested that horse’s foraging preference may be largely influenced by sensory input (e.g. volatiles, taste), because of hindgut fermentation, it has been established that horses are able to differentiate and select familiar foods (e.g. concentrates and hay) based on the nutritional content. However, there is a lack of knowledge of behavioural mechanisms related to olfaction, gustation and somatic sensory perception and their effects on diet selection by horses. In particular little is known of how these mechanisms may operate in pastured environments where horses are often exposed to a variety of plant patches, including familiar and novel species that may differ in flavour, nutrient concentrations and plant toxins throughout the year. The aim of this thesis was to further develop an understanding of behavioural mechanisms influencing diet selection by horses and in particular to determine how they identify and select amongst a variety of foods (familiar and/or novel) using sensory perception and post-ingestive feedback. A series of experiments examined: (1) The selection of familiar and novel forages using a checkerboard design to simulate patch foraging conditions. As changes in dietary preferences are largely influenced by the nutritional requirements of the animal and palatability of a food, it was of interest to investigate the effect of the nutritional status (energy intake) on novel forage selection by horses; (2) The influence of orosensory (smell) stimuli and post-ingestive feedback in the recognition of novel foods by horses. This was achieved by assessing the acceptance of a novel food with a familiar odour or with contrasting crude protein levels; and (3) The influence of different food characteristics i.e. nutrients, odour and taste, on the voluntary intake and preferences of horses exhibited when a number of foods were offered simultaneously (i.e. Smörgåsbord). In each experiment between 11 and 16 horses of Thoroughbred, Standardbred or Australian Stock Horse breeds were used. The findings of this thesis suggest that horses can respond to the nutritional content of foods, even if these are novel. There was a greater acceptance and intake of novel foods that contained a higher level of crude protein, and energy intake seemed to have a lesser impact on the intake of novel foods. It was also observed that the acceptance and intake of a novel food was largely influenced by the orosensory characteristics (smell, taste, texture), and possibly an individual’s experience. The thesis also shows that horses display patch foraging behaviour sampling from all foods on offer. When familiarised with diets horses clearly rank these based on nutrients, followed by taste and then odour. Further studies should assess the adoption of multiple-choice tests and nutritional geometric models to enhance our understanding of diet selection patterns by horses in different environments. In particular how individual animals may regulate the intake of multiple nutrients to meet dietary requirements. Whilst macronutrients may be the main driver for diet selection - the impact of the sensory perception on diet choice cannot be disregarded. This thesis highlights that familiar odour and taste cues could be applied in equine feeding management to increase food acceptance when forages/foods are scarce, during introduction of new foods or forage batches or when horses are moved to different environments.4156 1183 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication Beyond the Miracle Foal: A Study into the Persistent Effects of Gestational Immaturity in HorsesThis data was collected for studies into the persistent effects of equine gestational immaturity manifest as adrenocortical, orthopaedic and behavioural adaptations. The adrenocortical data comprises salivary cortisol concentration values relating to an ACTH stimulation; orthopaedic data comprises anatomical measurements; behavioural data comprises salivary cortisol values, questionnaire responses, movement sensor data, algometric pressure data.2662 2 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication Browse-related behaviors of pastured horses in Australia: A surveyThis study investigated the husbandry and management practices of Australian horses at pasture and observed browsing behavior (i.e., the consumption of nonpasture plant species). Horse owners were contacted via horse magazines, social media Web sites, and horse industry councils and invited to complete an online survey. Information was collected on location, husbandry, and feeding management of their horse(s), pasture conditions, the observation of specified behaviors and forage selection by their horse(s) at pasture. The survey had 497 respondents across Australia who owned a total of 3,082 horses. Most horses (85%) had access to grazing areas 16-24 hours per day. Owners commonly (90%) observed ≥1 pasture problems on their property, and the mean number of problems was similar across grazing areas of <2, 2-10, and >10 ha. Although the horses had access to pasture, there was a heavy reliance on supplementary feeding. Approximately 95% of the horses were fed concentrates and/or supplements on a daily basis, and 86% of the horses were offered conserved forage. Surveyed behaviors were reported by 75% of the respondents, with bark chewing and licking or eating dirt being the most prevalent behaviors. Almost three-quarters of the horse owners indicated that their horses browse on parts of trees, shrubs, or other nonpasture species. This study verifies that Australian horses consume a range of nonpasture species and frequently demonstrate bark-chewing behavior while at pasture. It is currently unclear if the selections of browse and bark stripping observed in this study are a function of reduced pasture availability or vegetation diversity and diet choices.2205 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication Browsing - An Overlooked Aspect of Feeding Management in Horses?Domesticated horses are routinely maintained in conditions with restricted access to forages, which contrasts with free-roaming horses that spend up to 17 h/day grazing and browsing. Horses evolved primarily as grazing herbivores typically consuming an estimated graze-to-browse ratio of 9:1. However, in some situations horses have been observed to consume a diet of up to 50% of browse (trees, shrubs and forbs), depending on the feed availability. We postulate that limiting foraging behaviour may have negative impacts on digestive health and animal welfare of confined horses.1760 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication Collaboration: The Key for Equine Science at UNEAgainst a backdrop of increased competitiveness for Australian government funding, there are limited examples of true cross-institutional collaboration in tertiary sector education. This paper demonstrates how a cross-institutional, collaborative approach can enhance a new or existing degree program, improve efficiency through resource sharing and deliver greater outcomes for the student.909 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication Dietary energy intake does not influence diet selection of familiar and novel forages by horses(University of Leipzig, 2014); ; ; Equine studies have been able to show that horses have the ability to discriminate nutrient deficit diets or "balance" macronutrients (e.g. protein or carbohydrates) by increasing their intake or changing food preference (Laut et al., 1985; Cairns et al., 2002; Redgate et al., 2014). These studies used either familiar concentrates or forages alone, but in grazing systems horses are likely to exploit familiar foods in combination with novel foods on a continuous basis. The acceptance of nutritious novel foods and the influence of the animal's nutritional status on diet selection (e.g. partial preferences) warrant further research. Therefore this study aimed to investigate the effect of energy intake on foraging behaviour patterns in horses and the selection of familiar (FF) and novel (NF) forages. It was hypothesised that horses would have a preference for FF, but horses on a low energy diet would show a greater acceptance of the nutritious NF.1733 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication Open AccessJournal ArticleThe Disappearing Lamellae: Implications of New Findings in the Family Equidae Suggest the Loss of Nuchal Ligament Lamellae on C6 and C7 Occurred After DomesticationConflicting data predominantly describes the equine nuchal ligament lamellae (NLL) attachments as C2-C6 or C2-C7; however, preliminary evidence suggests C2-C5. This study aimed to identify morphological variations in the attachments of the NLL in four species of the family equidae and determine if the variations were species or breed linked. Cadaveric examination evaluated 98 equids; Equusasinus (n = 2), Equus ferus caballus (n = 93), Equus przewalskii (n = 2), and Equus quagga boehmi (n = 1). Twenty breeds of E. f. caballus were included according to breed type-modern horse (n = 81), ancient type (n = 10), primitive (n = 4). Of the 98 equids, observations were divided into three categories according to the NLL attachments: C2-C5, C2-C6, and C2-C7; in category C2-C7, E. f. caballus (n = 3/93), modern horse 0 of 81, ancient 1 of 8, primitive 2 of 4; in category C2-C6, modern horse 2 of 81; in category C2-C5, modern horse 79 of 81, ancient type 7 of 8, primitive 2 of 4. Equus asinus, E. przewalskii, and E. q. boehmi all expressed category C2-C7. In total, 88 of 98 expressed category C2-C5; 2 of 98 category C2-C6; and 8 of 98 category C2-C7. These findings suggest that category C2-C5 provides sufficient evidence to suggest a normal occurrence. The high incidence of an absent NLL on C6 and C7 may be considered a contributing factor in caudal cervical osteoarthritis. Furthermore, category C2-C7 still exists in an ancient and primitive breed closely related to the tarpan, implying the NLL may have been attached from C2 to C7 in prehistoric horse before domestication. This hypothesis is supported by the findings of E. asinus, E. przewalskii, and E. q. boehmi, displaying attachments from C2 to C7.1697 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication Does energy intake influence diet selection of novel forages by horses?While it has been shown that diet selection by equids can be influenced by nutritional factors, it is presently unclear how diet choices by horses are modulated when animals are faced with a familiar-novel dichotomy. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of energy intake on foraging behaviour in horses and the selection of familiar (FF) and nutritious novel (NF) forages. Twelve adult mares were maintained in yards during feeding and were housed in two groups in barren paddocks when not feeding. The experiment lasted for 8 weeks; in weeks 0, 4 and 8 horses received a maintenance diet and in weeks 1-3 and 5-7 horses were switched to a low energy (LE; 80% RDI) or high energy (HE; 120% RDI) diet. In weeks 3 and 7 a two-choice test was presented in a split-plot design, with 12 horses being the main-plot units. The LE and HE diets were applied at the main-plot level (n=6) while the subplots were the 10 min feeding intervals (combined over 3 consecutive days) where horses (one at a time) were introduced to a forage preference test (1 to 4). The tests were made up as pairs, based on the nutritional profile, with one being FF (oaten or lucerne chaff) and the other feed was NF (bamboo, tagasaste, willow or saltbush leaf chaff) and presented in a checkerboard design. In wk 8 the preference of all forages together was examined. Forage intake, the number of visits to each zone/bucket and time spent foraging or moving toward each zone/bucket were recorded. Horses demonstrated a greater preference for FF, but there were no differences between the LE and HE diet groups in the proportions of intake of NF. There was a higher acceptance of NF on Day 1, which declined on Day 2 and 3 for both diet groups (P<0.001). The LE group had a marginally higher proportion of zones visits to the NF compared to the HE group (P=0.009). In the final preference test, horses showed a greater acceptance of NF willow, bamboo and saltbush compared with tagasaste (P=0.01). Some possible explanations for the neophobic response seen in this study are discussed.2186 3 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication Open AccessJournal ArticleThe Effect of Combretum molle Seed Extracts on the Growth of the Mycelial Form of Histoplasma capsulatum Var Farciminosum-an In Vitro TrialEpizootic lymphangitis (EL) compromises the welfare of working horses and has a serious negative impact on the livelihoods of cart horse owners/drivers in the affected parts of Ethiopia. Unfortunately, antifungal drugs for the treatment of EL are unavailable in both private and government clinics. The spread of multidrug-resistant strains of fungi motivates to discover new classes of antifungal compounds that inhibit these resistant strains. Therapeutic alternative compounds, particularly those isolated from plants have shown promising empirical effect on different fungal strains, which are unresponsive to chemical anti fungi drugs. Histoplasma capsulatum var farciminosum obtained from Aklilu Lema Institue of Patho Biology (ALIPB) was used as test organism. Agar dilution assay was performed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of Combretum molle seed extract and to measure the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Ketaconazole was used as a positive control. Combretum molle seed extracts inhibit the growth of HCF up to 0.0156%. Hydrolysable tannins have a great potential in inhibition of fungal growth. In case of topical application, tannins have haemostatic effect and wound closure property.
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Publication Effect of flavour change on food intake by horsesHorses almost invariably consume only small quantities of food when it is presented for the first time (van den Berg et al., 2015a). This cautious sampling of new food types is referred to as neophobia ("fear of new") and has been suggested as an innate herbivore survival mechanism for avoiding the over-consumption of toxic plants in the wild (Provenza and Balph, 1988). While feed neophobia has been anecdotally described in horses as "fussy eaters" recent studies (van den Berg et al., 2015a, 2015b) suggest that similar responses occur in many species. Food flavours are commonly used by the commercial horse feed industry with the objective to overcome feed neophobia, but there are limited studies that have investigated the acceptance of flavours. Although, Goodwin et al. (2005) has shown that in multiple choice trials (short term) horses can respond to sensory variety in concentrate diets that differ in flavours (odour and caloric taste) and/or formulations (nutrients), selecting from preferred and less preferred foods. At present it is unclear how horses respond to non-nutritive flavour changes over a longer term (when a single diet is presented). Therefore, as part of a larger study the responses of horses to flavour (odour) change on diet intake by horses were examined.2079 7 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication Open AccessJournal ArticleEquine gestational length and location: is there more that the research could be telling us?(Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd, 2017); ; ; Small, AlisonClear definitions of 'normal' equine gestation length (GL) are elusive, with GL being subject to a considerable number of internal and external variables that have confounded interpretation and estimation of GL for over 50 years. Consequently, the mean GL of 340 days first established by Rossdale in 1967 for Thoroughbred horses in northern Europe continues to be the benchmark value referenced by veterinarians, breeders and researchers worldwide. Application of a 95% confidence limit to reported GL range values indicates a possible connection between geographic location and GL. Improved knowledge of this variable may help in assessing the degree of the neonate's prematurity and dysmaturity at or soon after birth, and identification of conditions such as incomplete ossification of the carpal and tarsal bones. Associated pathologies such as bone malformation and fracture, angular limb deformity and degenerative joint disease can cause chronic unsoundness, rendering horses unsuitable for athletic purpose and shortening ridden careers. This review will examine both the factors contributing to GL variation and the published data to determine whether there is potential to refine our understanding of GL by establishing a more accurate and regionally relevant GL range based on a 95% confidence limit. This may benefit both equine industry economics and equine welfare by improving early identification of skeletally immature neonates, so that appropriate intervention may be considered.2017 249 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication Evaluating Ultrasound as a Noninvasive Technique for Investigating Anatomical Variations of the Equine Nuchal Ligament LamellaeUltrasound is a well-established modality in equine investigative and diagnostic procedures. Although to date, it has not been utilized in examining the attachments of the equine nuchal ligament lamellae (NLL) onto the cervical vertebrae, for which a noninvasive technique is currently lacking. This study presents a standardized methodology for investigating the equine NLL using ultrasonography, and further evaluates the ultrasound images against postmortem dissection in two nonrelated horses. The ultrasound images in both horses clearly presented the attachment points of the NLL to the dorsal spines of the cervical vertebrae from C2 to C5, whereas no attachment points could be seen from C6 to C7. The ultrasound images were confirmed through close, comparative inspection of the NLL postmortem. Therefore, ultrasound provides a noninvasive alternative to gross anatomic dissections for investigating the NLL attachments in members of the family Equidae. Importantly, this provides an opportunity to examine endangered breeds or isolated populations without the detrimental loss to the gene pool of rare anatomic and or primitive traits.
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Publication Genetic correlations for foal and studbook traits with racing traits and implications for selection strategies in the Finnhorse and Standardbred trotterGenetic correlations for body measurements and conformation and functional traits in foals and studbook horses with racing traits were estimated in the Finnhorse and Standardbred. Genetic response and accuracy were estimated using records of animal, half-sibs and parents in selection scenarios for racing traits, for foal and racing traits, for studbook and racing traits, and using records of animal, half-sibs and parents for foal traits and racing traits of parents. Racing time and earnings were the breeding objective. Low-to-moderate genetic correlations for body measurements and racing traits indicated that selection favours bigger horses at all ages. Being mainly favourable for the breeding objective, genetic correlations for conformation and functional traits with racing traits were highest for the foal traits of type, trot and overall grade and for the studbook traits of character and movements. Genetic correlations for foal and studbook conformation with racing traits were low in the Finnhorse and moderate to high in the Standardbred. In foals, the highest genetic correlations were for trot with racing time (-0.54) and with earnings (0.52) in the Finnhorse, and for overall grade with racing time (-0.54) and with earnings (0.54) in the Standardbred. In studbook horses, genetic correlations were high for character with racing time and earnings in the Finnhorse (-0.68, 0.61) and in the Standardbred (-0.63, 0.70), and for movements with racing time and earnings in the Finnhorse (-0.70, 0.69) and in the Standardbred (-0.90, 0.88). To increase accuracy of conformation and functional traits, foal traits would be more useful in the index with racing traits, as being less preselected than studbook traits. The foal traits (type, trot, overall grade) having moderate heritability and genetic correlations with racing traits would be useful in multi-trait index before a racing career, where the greatest gain is because of a shorter generation interval. It would be feasible to implement for AI stallions.914 1 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication Genetic parameters for racing records in trotters using linear and generalized linear modelsHeritability and repeatability and genetic and phenotypic correlations were estimated for trotting race records with linear and generalized linear models using 510,519 records on 17,792 Finnhorses and 513,161 records on 25,536 Standardbred trotters. Heritability and repeatability were estimated for single racing time and earnings traits with linear models, and logarithmic scale was used for racing time and fourth-root scale for earnings to correct for nonnormality. Generalized linear models with a gamma distribution were applied for single racing time and with a multinomial distribution for single earnings traits. In addition, genetic parameters for annual earnings were estimated with linear models on the observed and fourth-root scales. Racing success traits of single placings, winnings, breaking stride, and disqualifications were analyzed using generalized linear models with a binomial distribution. Estimates of heritability were greatest for racing time, which ranged from 0.32 to 0.34. Estimates of heritability were low for single earnings with all distributions, ranging from 0.01 to 0.09. Annual earnings were closer to normal distribution than single earnings. Heritability estimates were moderate for annual earnings on the fourth-root scale, 0.19 for Finnhorses and 0.27 for Standardbred trotters. Heritability estimates for binomial racing success variables ranged from 0.04 to 0.12, being greatest for winnings and least for breaking stride. Genetic correlations among racing traits were high, whereas phenotypic correlations were mainly low to moderate, except correlations between racing time and earnings were high. On the basis of a moderate heritability and moderate to high repeatability for racing time and annual earnings, selection of horses for these traits is effective when based on a few repeated records. Because of high genetic correlations, direct selection for racing time and annual earnings would also result in good genetic response in racing success.847 1 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication Open AccessJournal ArticleThe influence of odour, taste and nutrients on feeding behaviour and food preferences in horses(Elsevier BV, 2016); ; ; 2260 98 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication Isoforms of eCG in reproductive physiology & factors which influence gonadotrophin signaling(2012); O'Shea, TimothyEquine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) is a placental hormone produced during the first third of gestation in mares, and exists in a range of isoforms. At approximately 30 days of gestation, eCG becomes detectable in circulation and peaks around 60 days, thereafter declining to undetectable concentrations by around 120 days. The functions of eCG include revival of the ovarian corpus luteum which sustains progesterone production supporting the pregnancy until placentally-derived steroid production is sufficient. One unusual characteristic of eCG is the dual LH and FSH activity it possesses. For this reason, eCG is harvested from pregnant mare plasma, isolated, and concentrated to formulate commercial gonadotrophin products which are used extensively in assisted reproductive technologies in agricultural livestock. A large proportion of the eCG product market comprises the sheep industry. A major complication with the use of commercial eCG is the considerable variation in bioactivity between batches as well as in individual animal responses to treatment which may lead to insufficient stimulation or superovulation with negative consequences on embryo survival. It was therefore a prerogative to investigate the isoform composition of eCG and how this impacted on the bioactive properties both in vivo and in vitro. The research findings in this thesis show an expansive range of very acidic to very basic eCG isoforms circulating in mare plasma. When eCG isoforms were collectively analysed in three groups (acidic, intermediate, and basic), isoforms had greater acidity prior to and during the eCG peak, but thereafter experience a substantial drop in hormone concentration and acidity, with significantly increased intermediate isoforms. Within the acidic group, the most acidic fraction showed greatest percentage composition prior to the eCG peak. The differences in isoform composition may be indicative of altered function and numerous studies have shown that pituitary gonadotrophin isoform composition has a major impact on bioactivity.1308 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication Open AccessJournal ArticleA Novel Non-Invasive Selection Criterion for the Preservation of Primitive Dutch Konik Horses(MDPI AG, 2018); ; 2221 1 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication Perinatal Stress in Immature Foals May Lead to Subclinical Adrenocortical Dysregulation in Adult Horses: Pilot StudyThe persistent endocrinological effects of perinatal stress due to gestational immaturity in horses are unknown, although effects have been reported in other livestock species. This pilot study tested the hypothesis that persistent adrenocortical dysregulation is present in horses that were gestationally immature at birth by assessing the salivary cortisol response to exogenous ACTH.
Case horses (n = 10) were recruited with histories of gestation length < 315 d or dysmaturity observable through neonatal signs. Positive controls (n = 7) and negative controls (n = 5) were recruited where possible from related horses at the same locations. Cases and positive controls received an intramuscular, low-dose (0.1 ug/kg) of synthetic ACTH (Tetracosactrin 250 mg/mL, Synacthen); negative controls received no ACTH. Saliva samples were collected from all horses at baseline T = 0 and at 30 min intervals post injection from T = 30 to T = 150. These were assayed for salivary cortisol concentration (SCC) using a commercially available ELISA kit (Salimetrics).
All baseline values (T = 0) were within normal published ranges. Peak and AUC values (corrected for baseline) for case horses were significantly different (ANOVA P < .001) to positive controls, with either higher (H-cases) or lower (L-cases) SCC values, outside the 95% Confidence Interval of the reference population. There was no significant effect of breed, age, sex, test month, or location on results. The results suggest that gestational immaturity may lead to subclinical adrenocortical dysregulation, with affected horses presenting an elevated or blunted response to a low-dose ACTH stimulation, despite normal basal levels.
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Publication Prematurity and Dysmaturity Are Associated With Reduced Height and Shorter Distal Limb Length in HorsesThe long-term effects of gestational immaturity in the premature (defined as < 320 days gestation) and dysmature (normal term but showing some signs of prematurity) foal have not been thoroughly investigated. Studies have reported that a high percentage of gestationally immature foals with related orthopedic issues such as incomplete ossification may fail to fulfill their intended athletic purpose, particularly in Thoroughbred racing. In humans, premature birth is associated with shorter stature at maturity and variations in anatomical ratios, linked to alterations in metabolism and timing of physeal closure in the long bones. We hypothesized that gestational immaturity in horses might similarly be associated with reduced height and different anatomical ratios at maturity. In this preliminary study, the skeletal ratios of horses with a history of gestational immaturity, identified through veterinary and breeder records, were compared with those of unaffected, closely related horses (i.e., sire, dam, sibling). External measurements were taken from conformation photographs of cases (n = 19) and related horses (n = 28), and these were then combined into indices to evaluate and compare metric properties of conformation. A principal component analysis showed that the first two principal components account for 43.8% of the total conformational variation of the horses' external features, separating horses with a rectangular conformation (body length > height at the withers), from those that are more square (body length = height at the withers). Varimax rotation of PC1 and analysis of different gestational groups showed a significant effect of gestational immaturity (P = .001), with the premature group being more affected than the dysmature group (P = .009, P = .012). Mean values for the four dominant indices showed that these groups have significantly lower distal limb to body length relationships than controls. The observed differences suggest that gestational immaturity may affect anatomical ratios at maturity, which, in combination with orthopedic issues arising from incomplete ossification, may have a further impact on long-term athletic potential.
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Publication Rare Finding of a Full Nuchal Ligament Lamellae With Attachment Points From C2-C7 in One Australian Stock HorseFor over 200 years, equine anatomic literature has chiefly portrayed the attachment points of the nuchal ligament lamellae (NLL) from the second to the seventh cervical vertebrae (C2-C7). However, recent studies have shown that the modern domestic horse, Equus caballus, primarily exhibits the attachments points from C2-C5. Here we present the rare finding of a complete NLL attached from C2-C7 in one Australian Stock Horse (ASH) and discuss the potential implications of these findings. Previously, this trait has only been confirmed among close descendants of Equus ferus ferus; namely the primitive Dutch Konik and Bosnian Mountain Horse. The examination of the NLL attachment points in 55 unrelated horses of mixed breeds revealed that 52 horses had attachments from C2-C5; 1 horse (Welsh Cob) had attachments from C2-C6; and only 2 horses (ASH and Dutch Konik) presented with a complete NLL attached from C2-C7. In light of earlier findings that suggest this loss of NLL attachment at C6 and C7 occurred after domestication, a possible explanation for this finding in 1 ASH is that it is a remnant trait from the founder population of Waler horses that contributed to the early development of the ASH breed. The reported rare occurrence of a complete NLL (C2-C7) in a modern domesticated equine (ASH) suggests that there may be other individuals expressing this unique trait, providing opportunity for its preservation.
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Publication Relative occurrence of stereotypic type behaviours in pastured horses in Australia(Australasian Equine Science, 2014); ; ; Anecdotally, Australian horses are typically managed on small acreage pastures (paddocks) all year round and may be confined to stables or yards for certain periods. Even where horses have considerable access to pasture, they remain largely dependant upon humans for pasture management and the timing, selection and delivery of supplementary feeds. Horses are usually fed in ways that involve minimal foraging; and typically comprise homogenous hay, and/or energy-dense, low fibre foods. In situations where roughage or pasture is limited, opportunity to forage is also reduced and it has been suggested that this could make horses more susceptible to digestive and behavioural problems (Nicol, 1999). Stereotypic behaviours are repetitive, purposeless behaviours, which are indicative of welfare issues. Some examples in horses include crib-biting, weaving and chewing of stable bedding. Occurrences of stereotypies in horses have been predominantly reported in stable environments, but have also been observed at pasture. An Australian study by Pell and McGreevy (1999) indicated that the prevalence of such behaviours at pasture was not lower than the prevalence reported in a UK study (McGreevy et al., 1995). It is unclear what factors may play a role in to this observation. Therefore, as part of a survey-based study, the relative occurrence of stereotypic type behaviours of Australian horses at pasture was examined and key aspects of husbandry, feeding management and pasture conditions assessed.1846 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Publication Open AccessJournal ArticleStudy on the Prevalance of Gastrointestinal Helminthes Infection in Equines in and around KombolchaA cross sectional study was conducted from October 2013 to April 2014 in and around Kombolcha town to estimate the prevalence of gastro intestinal tract helminthes infection and to identify the common GIT helminthes parasites of equines. Gross examination, direct fecal smear, sedimentation and floatation techniques were utilized to identify the eggs of parasites in feces. A total of 384 horses, mules and donkeys were examined for gastrointestinal parasites. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 73.2% (281 from 384) with 57.0% (73 from 128), 82.5% (160 from 194) and 77.4% (48 from 62) in horses, donkeys and mules respectively. Prevalence of Strongyle spp, Parascaris equorum, Oxyuris equi and Anoplocephala spp was 44.5%, 3.1%, 2.3%, and 3.1% respectively in horses. Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 63.4%, 8.6%, 2.1% and 3.1% for Strongyle spp, Parascaris equorum, Oxyuris equi and Anoplocephala spp in donkeys, respectively and the prevalence of GIT parasites was 48.4%, 12.9%, 3.2% and 6.5% for Strongyle spp, Parascaris equorum, Oxyuris equi and Anoplocephala spp in mules respectively. There was statistically significant difference between species, age, and body condition and among different management systems in prevalence of equine gastrointestinal parasites (p<0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites based on sex. In conclusion, the present study revealed higher prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in equines. Therefore, regular deworming, improvement of housing and feeding management were recommended.
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Publication Tagasaste versus Golden Bamboo: Which do horses prefer?Preference testing is an important tool for evaluating novel feeds for their acceptance and relative palatability in horses. In this study we examined 2 novel forages with the aim of determining the preferred forage and to examine the variability in preferences exhibited between individual horses as measured by the methodology used in this study.1266 1