Abstract
Thermoregulatory responses of horses subjected to summer-time road transport and stall confinement were investigated in this study. Six mature geldings were transported 168 km in a 4-horse trailer and were monitored while tethered in their stalls, on alternate days. Core body temperature (GT) demonstrated negligible response during transport, but GT following transport was higher than GT for non-transport. GT tended to increase with increased temperature humidity index (THI). THI within the trailer was greatest for positions near the front, and was influenced by daily weather which varied over experiment days from heat stress conditions to moderate discomfort.
Highlights
Horse transport is associated with increased incidence of injuries, dehydration, and respiratory infections (CREIGER, 1982)
Increased heart rate and core body temperature have been reported during transport (STULL, 1999)
This unsuitable thermal environment within the trailer resulted for ambient conditions that were not considered thermally challenging, and more extreme trailer conditions would be expected under more extreme outdoor conditions
Summary
Horse transport is associated with increased incidence of injuries, dehydration, and respiratory infections (CREIGER, 1982). A satisfactory horse transport environment should provide thermal and physical comfort, minimal disease exposure, and meet behavioral needs (STULL, 1997). Increased heart rate and core body temperature have been reported during transport (STULL, 1999). Presence of animals in the trailer further increased the temperature by adding additional heat and moisture into the trailer and by blocking ventilation from open windows and doors. This unsuitable thermal environment within the trailer resulted for ambient conditions that were not considered thermally challenging, and more extreme trailer conditions would be expected under more extreme outdoor conditions
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