An investigation into the weaning practices used within the UK equine breeding industry sector

Abstract

Weaning occurs during the development of the young horse, involving maternal deprivation, abrupt nutritional challenges and social changes (Nicol, 1999) in both the free-living and domestic horse. Both psychological and physical aspects of well being can be impacted on if weaning is received with a negative response by the individual (Hoffman et al., 1995). Weaning can therefore evoke both short term and long term responses. Short term includes depressed immunity, inappetance and increased cortisol and adrenal responses. Long term changes include locomotory or oral stereotypies development (Waters et al., 2002), reduced ability to interact with other equines (Weeks et al., 2000), and affects on the human-horse bond and trainability (Sondergaard and Ladewig, 2004). There is an abundance of research discussing the advantages and disadvantages of different foal weaning practices and which is best (Waran et al., 2008). Parker et al., (2008) examined horse breeding management in Europe, North America and Australia. The USA sample population were weaned at a much earlier age with a greater percentage displaying abnormal behaviours. However there is little research to suggest which weaning methods, such as gradual or abrupt, are actively used or favoured within the horse breeding industry. The current study therefore sets out to investigate which method of weaning is most common within the UK equine breeding industry.