Equine Operations Research Articles

Hay Inventory and Purchasing Calculator for Horse Owners

The Hay Inventory and Purchasing Calculator for Horse Owners is an Excel-based tool for estimating hay needs and expenses for horse owners. Challenges with hay quality and availability can result in higher than expected costs for horse owners as they attempt to purchase enough horse-quality hay to meet their needs. Estimating intake requirements and creating a budget for hay purchasing is key for the effective management and profitability of equine operations. This tool can be used regardless of geographic location and will benefit a diverse audience including Extension educators, equine business owners, and horse owners.

172 Equine operator response to field-based forage education in Maryland

The objective of this project was to implement a series of field-based forage educational events in Maryland and to collect and document knowledge gains and program outcomes as a strategy to improve grazing management on equine operations. Educational events held during 2021 and 2022 included a combination of pasture walks and field days designed to provide hands-on education related to grazing management. At the end of each event, participants were asked to complete a short 15-question evaluation designed to capture information on program quality, knowledge gains, and anticipated outcomes. A total of 44 responses were collected across 4 individual events. Most respondents were female (68%), 30 to 59 years old (63%), and traveled less than 25 miles to attend the event (66%). Most respondents owned or managed 1 to 10 equids (54%) on properties with 1 to 20 acres of pasture (59%). Feedback was very positive, with 100% of respondents reporting the subject matter was presented clearly, they were satisfied with the handouts or materials provided, they found the information useful in the management of their operation, and the education provided improved their ability to make informed decisions regarding their operation. Notably, 98% of respondents said they planned to make at least one change in their operation based on the information provided. Respondents were askedto assess knowledge gains using pre-post questions, which require respondents to think back before an experience and rate themselves before and after the experience. Using this format, respondents were asked to rate their knowledge of the subject before and after the program using a Likert scale (1 = very little to 5 = very much). The average Likert rating was greater after program completion (average ± SD; 4.1 ± 0.7) compared with before (2.8 ± 0.8). When asked what they liked most about the program, respondents noted that they appreciated the casual, relaxed nature of the field-based programming, the range of practical information provided, and the interactive, hands-on approach. Specific subjects that were favorable to respondents included pasture assessment, forage identification and selection, and weed management. When asked what subjects they would like covered at future events, responses included maintaining overweight horses on pasture, integration of other livestock species, nutrition, weed identification, pasture renovation, and manure management. Results of this assessment indicate that equine operators find field-based forage programming useful and illustrate that it can be an effective means to increase knowledge and adoption of grazing best management practices.

125 A forage-based educational needs assessment for equine operations in Maryland

The objective of this project was to collect and formally document information on the forage-based educational needs, preferences, and challenges for equine operations in Maryland. To accomplish this, a needs assessment survey was conducted online using Qualtrics TM during April/May 2020. The survey was open to all equine owners and managers and consisted of 36 questions designed to collect information on educational preferences, management practices, and forage-related challenges or successes. The survey was completed by 47 respondents within the equine industry. Most respondents were female (64%) and 35 to 64 years old (76%). Most respondents owned or managed 1 to 25 equids (90%), and many had been involved in the industry for more than 20 years (44%). The most common grazing method was simple rotational grazing (rotation every 3–10 d; 54%), followed by continuous pasture (no rotation; 38%). Pasture supplied 51 to 75% of their horses’ forage intake for 44% of respondents and 26 to 50% of forage intake for 29% of respondents. Only 17% of respondents had completed a forage analysis within the last 2 years, while 71% of respondents completed regular soil testing (every 3 years or less). Rank-type questions were used to determine preferred educational resources and formats (including both in-person and online options), topics of interest, and forage-related challenges; questions were analyzed on a scale of 1 to 4, with 1 indicating no value/interest or least challenging and 4 indicating a high value/interest or most challenging. Respondents used a variety of resources to obtain forage-related information, with other owners receiving the highest rating (3.11), followed by internet websites (2.94) and local farm suppliers/dealers (2.89). The most preferred formats for receiving information were internet webpages (2.94), online videos (2.89), and newsletters (2.81). Interest was greater for topics pertaining to grazing/pasture management and soil health/fertility compared with forage/hay production. Specifically, respondents showed the greatest interest in education on weed control (3.62), extending the grazing season (3.45), fertilization practices (3.30), and grazing management for utilizing spring growth (3.23) and combating the summer slump (3.23). When asked to identify limitations to improving forage production, a lack of adequate time or labor (2.55) and a lack of machinery or equipment (2.40) were listed as most limiting. The results of this assessment will be used to help Extension educators generate more effective forage-related educational programming to better meet the needs of the equine community in Maryland.

House Fly (Diptera: Muscidae): Biology, Pest Status, Current Management Prospects, and Research Needs

AbstractThe house fly, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae), is a global pest of humans and animals that carries scores of pathogens and costs up to $1 billion per year in the United States alone. Information is reviewed on recognition, distribution, biology, dispersal, and associations with microbes. Particular challenges of managing flies in different animal systems are discussed for swine, poultry, dairy cattle, beef feedlot, and equine operations. Effective fly management requires diligent monitoring and integration of cultural control, especially manure management, with mechanical control, traps, conservation or augmentative biological control, and judicious use of insecticides. House fly is notorious for developing insecticide resistance and its resistance status is summarized as of August 2020. Several critical research needs are identified. Monitoring systems and nuisance/action thresholds need improvement. Faster-killing strains and better formulations are needed to integrate pathogens into Integrated Pest management (IPM) programs. The use of parasitoids remains an inexact science with many questions remaining about species selection and release rates. New attractants are needed for use in traps and attract-and-infect/kill strategies. Screening of new active ingredients for toxicity should continue, including a rigorous assessment of essential oils and other botanicals. Rising global temperatures may affect the balance of the fly with natural enemies. An understanding of the fly microbiome may reveal unknown vulnerabilities, and much remains to be learned about how flies acquire, retain, and transmit human and animal pathogens. System-specific research is also needed to tailor fly IPM programs to individual animal systems, especially in organic and free-range animal production.

Relative Traffic Tolerance of Warm-Season Grasses and Suitability for Grazing by Equine

Warm season wear-tolerant turfgrasses, such as those used on golf courses and athletic fields, may be valuable forages on equine operations because of their potential to remain viable during heavy hoof traffic. Crabgrass may also be suitable as it thrives in conditions where other grasses have limited success. The objective of this study was to assess the relative traffic tolerance and nutritional composition of five warm-season (WS) turfgrass cultivars of bermudagrass and zoysiagrass and one WS forage-type crabgrass. All cultivars were established by seed in replicated monoculture plots. Simulated hoof traffic treatments consisted of either none, one, or two passes of a Baldree Traffic Simulator. Traffic was applied weekly for 6 weeks in the summer of 2016 and 2017, with each treatment period followed by a 4-week rest period. Plots were assessed for compaction, biomass, and persistence before and after treatment and rest periods. Nutritional composition was assessed throughout the growing seasons. Soil compaction increased as treatment level increased for all cultivars (P < .0001). There was no effect of treatment on cultivar persistence. Biomass available for grazing was increased in year 1 by the application of LOW traffic treatment (P = .0193). Both bermudagrass and zoysiagrass cultivars showed promise for use in areas of heavy traffic on equine operations, however, zoysiagrass cultivars were more suitable as they were highest ranking in relative traffic tolerance, moderate in yield, and low nonstructural carbohydrates (<12% NSC). Future on-farm studies evaluating bermudagrass and zoysiagrass to determine ideal stocking rate, management methods, and persistence under grazing are warranted.

Long distance transportation of equine oocytes

Genetic testing offers precise and accurate data to horse owners concerning their horse’s health and offers potential economic value increases of foal crops via genome-assisted selection. Despite availability of at least 96 commercially available markers, fewer than 20 are commonly used. This project seeks to identify the barriers to the incorporation of genomic tools in diverse equine operations. Based on studies examining public opinion of human medical testing, we expected that lack of genetic education and few industry requirements for testing may contribute to neutral or negative opinions regarding genomic tools for horses. We developed a 20 total question survey to capture demographic information such as facility size, type, and primary breed, as well as horse owner familiarity, use, and outlook regarding equine genetic testing. Question types included multiple choice, Likert-type scale, and open-ended response. Recruitment through county extension agents and breed organizations supplied a broad sampling of the Florida horse industry. Responses were collected from February through May 2019. Data showed that 25% of horse owners had genetically tested their horses (n = 60). Of these consumers, 80% rated the quality of their experience as “excellent” or “good” (n = 15). There was a significant positive association between genetic education and likelihood to genetically test. Most respondents (65%) were interested in receiving information regarding genetic testing. Study participants preferred to find materials on genetic testing through Web-based articles and veterinarians. Results of this study will provide researchers with critical knowledge of their audience’s needs and a roadmap to tailor future educational resources.

Estimated Profitability of Thoroughbred Yearlings Sold in Auctions in the United States, 2001–2018

Yearling auctions constitute the most common means of trading prospective Thoroughbred racehorses. The main objective of many equine operations is to breed yearlings to sell at these auctions, and therefore, the ability of breeders to consistently realize positive returns is paramount to their long-term participation in the market. In this article, we investigate the estimated profitability of Thoroughbred yearlings sold in auctions from 2001–2018. According to our estimates, less than 50% of transactions were profitable, with negative median profit in all years under analysis but two. In addition, the likelihood of realizing a positive return diminishes as the quality of sire decreases. Our results suggest that the long-run sustainability for many breeders, especially breeders that may lack the capital to invest in high quality stallions, is questionable.

Needs Assessment: What Are the Barriers to Use of Equine Genetic Testing?

Genetic testing offers precise and accurate data to horse owners concerning their horse’s health and offers potential economic value increases of foal crops via genome-assisted selection. Despite availability of at least 96 commercially available markers, fewer than 20 are commonly used. This project seeks to identify the barriers to the incorporation of genomic tools in diverse equine operations. Based on studies examining public opinion of human medical testing, we expected that lack of genetic education and few industry requirements for testing may contribute to neutral or negative opinions regarding genomic tools for horses. We developed a 20 total question survey to capture demographic information such as facility size, type, and primary breed, as well as horse owner familiarity, use, and outlook regarding equine genetic testing. Question types included multiple choice, Likert-type scale, and open-ended response. Recruitment through county extension agents and breed organizations supplied a broad sampling of the Florida horse industry. Responses were collected from February through May 2019. Data showed that 25% of horse owners had genetically tested their horses (n = 60). Of these consumers, 80% rated the quality of their experience as “excellent” or “good” (n = 15). There was a significant positive association between genetic education and likelihood to genetically test. Most respondents (65%) were interested in receiving information regarding genetic testing. Study participants preferred to find materials on genetic testing through Web-based articles and veterinarians. Results of this study will provide researchers with critical knowledge of their audience’s needs and a roadmap to tailor future educational resources.

Relative Traffic Tolerance of Cool-Season Turfgrasses and Suitability for Grazing by Equine

Unlike traditional forage grasses, turfgrasses, which were developed to be tolerant of foot traffic and close mowing, may be suitable as alternative ground cover in areas of high hoof traffic such as dry lots. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of eight cool-season turfgrasses as alternative ground cover in heavy use areas. Cultivars were established via seeding in four replicated plots. To simulate horse traffic at a trot, a Baldree traffic simulator was driven over a section of the plot, either 0 (CON), 1 (LOW), or 2 (HIGH) times per week for 6 weeks followed by 4 weeks of rest in the spring, summer, and fall over a 2-year period. Variables assessed include compaction, biomass available for grazing, vegetative cover (persistence), and nutrient composition. Soil compaction increased with the application of traffic treatments (P < .0001). Traffic treatment reduced persistence following traffic by 19%–36% across all trials in both years (P = .0003). For most trials, biomass available for grazing was reduced after traffic treatment by 19% and 43% (P = .02). Overall, tall fescue cultivars were most traffic tolerant followed by hard fescue. Cultivars considered “low” in nonstructural carbohydrate (<15%) included creeping bentgrass in Year 1 and hard fescue and chewings fescue in Year 2. In Year 2, the Ca:P ratio declined beyond what is recommended for horses. Tall fescue, hard fescue, and creeping bentgrass cultivars are recommended for further evaluation as suitable ground cover in areas of heavy use on equine operations.

Anthelmintic efficacy against equine strongyles in the United States

Equine strongyle parasites are ubiquitous in grazing equids across the world. Anthelmintic resistance is widely developed in cyathostomin populations, but very few surveys have evaluated anthelmintic efficacy in equine populations in the United States, and most of these are over 15 years old. The present study was carried out as part of the National Animal Health Monitoring Systems (NAHMS) Equine 2015–2016 study. The aims were to investigate anthelmintic treatment efficacy by means of the fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) and identify parameters associated with decreased efficacy. Data were collected from equine operations in 28 states via questionnaires and fecal samples submitted for fecal egg count analysis. Participants were instructed to collect samples from six equids at the day of anthelmintic treatments and 14 days later, and they were asked to include an empty syringe with a legible label of the anthelmintic product used in the shipment. Overall, dewormer treatment was effective for 76.3% of operations (84.6% of animals). Macrocyclic lactone use was effective for 88.7% of operations (95.0% of animals) while pyrimidine/benzimidazole use was effective for 21.4% of operations (43.5% of animals). Univariate analysis revealed that overall, macrocyclic lactones exhibited significantly higher efficacy than the pyrimidine and benzimidazole drug classes (p < 0.0001). There were no statistically significant differences observed between geographic regions (West, South Central, North East, and Southeast). Body weight (p = 0.0355), amount of anthelmintic administered (p = 0.0119), and operation size (p = 0.0162) were statistically associated with anthelmintic efficacy, while anthelmintic treatment frequency in the previous 12 months was not (p = 0.7081). Multiple, mixed-effect logistic regression revealed that anthelmintic drug class (p < 0.0001) was the most impactful factor in predicting anthelmintic efficacy, after accounting for operation size, region and clustering of equids at the operation level. Pasture rotation (p = 0.0129) also demonstrated a significant effect using this model. These data document widespread occurrence of reduced anthelmintic efficacy of benzimidazole and pyrimidine products against strongyle infections in equids in the United States. Anthelmintic efficacy patterns were relatively uniform between the four studied regions, and some epidemiological factors were identified to be associated with anthelmintic efficacy against strongyle infections. This information can be useful in devising sustainable parasite control strategies in the future.

Risk factors associated with strongylid egg count prevalence and abundance in the United States equine population

Equine strongyle parasites are considered ubiquitous in grazing equids across the world, and cyathostomin parasites are known pathogens causing well-described disease complexes in horses. Decades of intensive anthelmintic treatments have led to anthelmintic resistance in cyathostomins, and current recommendations are to lower treatment intensity and base control strategies on fecal egg count surveillance. Little is known about risk factors associated with strongyle parasite egg shedding patterns in the United States equine population, as the most recent national survey was conducted 20 years ago. The present study was carried out as part of the National Animal Health Monitoring Systems (NAHMS) Equine 2015–2016 study. The aims were to describe strongyle parasite egg shedding patterns in the United States equine population and identify risk factors associated with prevalence and egg count magnitude. Data were collected from equine operations in 28 states via questionnaires and fecal samples submitted to a parasitology research laboratory for fecal egg count analysis and the data gathered underwent comprehensive statistical analyses. Though region and season were related, overall, the summer months and the fall in the southeast tended to have the greatest odds of presence of strongyles eggs on a FEC. Generally, equids resident in the Western region (Arizona, California, Colorado, Montana, Oregon, and Wyoming) had significantly lower strongyle prevalence, no matter the season, as well as a markedly different distribution between strongyle egg shedding levels (p = 0.0005). Overall, egg counts were over-dispersed with about 27% of equids (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 20–34%) contributing 80% of the egg output. Pasture history was significantly associated with strongyle egg prevalence (p = 0.0003) and egg shedding levels (p = 0.0063) with daily access in the previous 30 days being associated with higher odds of presence and greater median egg count levels. Equid gender was significantly associated with strongylid presence (p = 0.0081) and egg count level (p = 0.0008), with male equids having significantly lower odds and median egg counts than female equids, and age was significantly negatively associated with strongylid prevalence (p < 0.0001). Time since last deworming was significantly positively associated with prevalence of strongyle eggs, and this was dependent on the class of dewormer used (p = 0.0086), with equids treated with macrocyclic lactone class of drugs having lower odds of strongyle egg presence at 120 days since the last deworming. These data provide useful insights into strongylid egg shedding patterns in the United States equine population, and they can help refine parasite control recommendations depending on region, pasture access, and age distribution.

Parasite control strategies used by equine owners in the United States: A national survey

The widespread occurrence of anthelmintic resistance in equine parasites across the world has led to recommendations of fecal egg count-based parasite programs to reduce treatment intensity and thereby delay further development of resistance as much as possible. The most recent study describing equine parasite control in the United States was conducted 20 years ago, and little is known about current strategies employed. This study was part of the National Animal Health Monitoring Systems (NAHMS) Equine 2015 Study, and aimed to describe equine parasite control strategies in the U.S. and evaluate to which extent respondents were in compliance with current guidelines. The study was carried out in 28 states, representing 70.9% of all equine operations with at least five equids present. Two questionnaires were administered, either by mail or delivered in person by veterinary medical officers. Participants provided specific details of their operation and were asked questions about strategies for anthelmintic therapy and diagnostic testing. A total of 380 operations provided data regarding their parasite control practices. Most respondents dewormed 2–3 times a year with ivermectin being the most commonly used anthelmintic. About 22% of respondents used fecal egg counts (FEC) in some form, with less than 10% using them on a regular basis. Less than 5% made use of fecal egg count reduction tests (FECRT). These results suggest little change since the last nationwide survey was conducted in 1998, as the majority of respondents did not report using FECs. This is in stark contrast to recent European surveys, where 50–60% of respondents were using FECs routinely. However, the anthelmintic treatment intensity appears to have been lowered compared to 1998. Taken together, these results suggest a continuing need for education and outreach regarding sustainable parasite control.

Results of reducing parasite resistance on equine operations using a comprehensive whole-farm approach

Results of reducing parasite resistance on equine operations using a comprehensive whole-farm approach

A comparative study of growth management effectiveness and urban sprawl in two thoroughbred landscapes in the U.S.

This study compares sprawl development over a 40-year period in Fayette County (Lexington) Kentucky and Marion County (Ocala) Florida, which are centers of the thoroughbred horse industry in the U.S.A. Both sites rely heavily on the local economic benefits of the thoroughbred industry, and have adopted growth management programs to steer development away from soils well-suited to the equine operations, which are highly sensitive to non-farming land uses. The research operationalizes sprawl through population density, housing unit density, roadway length density, and housing unit density measured against roadway density. Although both sites' new construction seems to have avoided prime areas well suited for thoroughbred farming operations, the analysis shows that Lexington has been able to maintain more compact housing development, and new roadways tend to fill with higher density housing. This may be a result of the locally-based growth management program, or a series of other factors, including political economy.

A state-level study of Kentucky’s equine industry: the 2012 Kentucky Equine Survey

s / Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 33 (2013) 321-399 365 [5] Seyedabadi HR, Banabazi MH, Afraz F, Asadzadeh N, Javanmard A, Aliabad AJ. J Anim Vet Adv 2011;10(7):865-7. [6] Shin EK, Perryman LE, Meek K. J Immunol 1997;158(8):3565-9. [7] Terry RR, Gholewinski C, Cothran EG. J Appl Genet 1999;40(1):39-41. Production and Management: Oral Presentations A state-level study of Kentucky’s equine industry: the 2012 Kentucky Equine Survey R.J. Coleman , M.G. Rossano , C.J. Stowe , A.E. Jarrett , G. Grulke , L. Brown , and S. Clark 4 1 Department of Animal and Food Sciences, 2 Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40546, 3 Kentucky Horse Council, Lexington, KY 40511, USDA-NASS, Louisville, KY, 20102-1120 The 2012 Kentucky Equine Survey was conducted by the Kentucky Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), with direction and assistance from the University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture and the Kentucky Horse Council. The objective of the Kentucky Equine Survey was to obtain an estimate of the inventory of all breeds of equine (horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules) as well as estimates of equine-related assets, sales and income, and expenditures. To develop a data base of names and addresses, the research team from UK contacted numerous breed and activity associations for their support and their mailing lists. In addition, a series of 34 public engagement meetings and extension programs were conducted across the state to reach horse owners who may not belong to a previously identified organization. These names were added to an existing data base of agricultural operations with equine maintained by NASS, resulting in a data base with over 31,000 names. This list frame was augmented by area frames, both in areas known to have agriculture and in additional areas considered Agri-urban fringe, where horse operations are frequently located but missed by traditional agricultural sampling approaches. From this data base a sample of 15,000 equine operations stratified by operation size and geographic location, received questionnaires. Data were collected June – October 2012. Non responders were contacted by telephone enumerators or by field enumerators in area segments being extensively sampled. The overall response rate was 71.4%.State-level estimates suggest that there are 242,400 horses in Kentucky, residing on 35,000 equine operations. The most prevalent breed was the Thoroughbred (54,000), followed by Quarter Horses (42,000), Tennessee Walking Horses (36,000) American Saddlebred Horses (14,000), and donkeys and mules (14,000). The total value of Kentucky’s equine and equine-related assets was $23.4 billion. The total of all equine sales and income from services provided for equine operations in 2011 was about $1.1 billion, and total equine-related expenditures by equine operations in 2011 were about $1.2 billion. Funding for the project was provided by the Kentucky Agriculture Development Fund, the University of Kentucky College Of Agriculture, the Kentucky Horse Council and numerous industry organizations and horse owners. Daily horse behavior patterns depend on management S.S. King, K.L. Jones, M. Schwarm, and E.L. Oberhaus Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL As human populations increasingly divorce from their agrarian roots, their intimate connection with the essential nature of the horse is being lost. Confined human lifestyles translate into increased confinement management of horses. We hypothesized that natural behavior patterns are altered as horses spend increasing amounts of time in confinement. This study compared 24-hour behavior patterns of horses between several confined states and unconfined pasture. A 24-hour time budget was constructed for 35 different horses observed for 24 consecutive hours. Horses were managed under zero confinement (24P), daytime confinement/night turnout (12CD), daytime turnout/night confinement (12CN), or 24h/day confinement (24C). The 24P group was considered the “control”. All horses had ad libitum access to roughage. Behavioral observations were made 10 times/h for 24h. Each 24h period was divided into 3h segments for analysis of time/treatment interactions. The 93 possible behaviors were ultimately grouped into 5 categories representing >91% of all behaviors (ingestion, movement, inactivity, socialization, investigative) for statistical evaluation. Percent time spent in each behavior was compared by confinement type and time of day using multiple ANOVA. The 24P time budget consisted of 44.9% ingestion, 24.2% movement, 21% inactivity, 3.4% socializing and 3.0 investigative. By comparison, the most frequent behavior of the 24C groups was inactivity (42.2%); ingestion (30.9%) and movement (11.3%) were all changed (P 0.05) in ingestion frequency between time periods. The highest frequency of ingestion occurred during 06:00-21:00h and was lowest at 03:0006:00h in 24C horses. Ingestion was highly influenced by time of pasture access in partially confined horses; lowest ingestion was 18:00-06:00h in 12CN and 06:00-18:00h in 12CD. The greatest compensatory ingestion occurred in

Adoption of best management practices on equine operations using an Equine Environmental Stewardship Program

Adoption of best management practices on equine operations using an Equine Environmental Stewardship Program

Environmental Impacts of Equine Operations: A U.S. Department of Agriculture Multistate Project

The U.S. Department of Agriculture supports agricultural research by encouraging the formation of multidisciplinary and multi-institutional teams. Project teams focus on agricultural issues related to profitability and economic and environmental sustainability. Recently, a U.S. Department of Agriculture project to study the impact of equine management and feeding practices on the environment was approved. The project, “NE-1041: Environmental Impacts of Equine Operations,” is a Northeast regional project but includes research and extension faculty from across the country. The project team includes representatives from Alabama, Connecticut, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, and Vermont. The goal of this project is to incorporate the best available data on horse management and feeding practices, manure storage and disposal, pasture and cropping management, soil and environmental quality, erosion control, and farm management practices to minimize negative impacts of equine operations on the environment. The specific objectives of the project are to assess existing data on environmental impacts of equine operations, identify gaps in current knowledge, conduct research when data are lacking or nonexistent, and incorporate existing and newly generated data into a systematic description of nutrient flow in soil, water, and air occurring on horse farms. Estimates will be made of pathogen transports and nitrogen (N)-, phosphorus (P)-, potassium (K)-, and energy (carbon)-loss potentials. In addition to identifying system-wide losses on equine farms, another goal of the project is to assist farmers and agricultural professionals in determining the value of equine management practices and other accepted best management practices.

Relationship of biosecuriy practices with the use of antibiotics for the treatment of infectious disease on U.S. equine operations

This study is the first report estimating, on a national basis, the use of various biosecurity practices, singly and in combination, on U.S. equine operations. Use of biosecurity practices is described for operations by risk level, based on reported exposure of resident horses to outside horses during the previous 12 months. In addition, the association between use of various biosecurity practices and use of antibiotics to treat infectious disease in both adult equids and foals is reported. The comparison of these study findings with previously reported data in the literature is limited by the fact that few estimates of biosecurity practice use on equine operations have been reported and none has been published on a national basis beyond those in the National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) equine reports.A total of 78.5% of operations had some risk of exposure of resident horses to outside horses between summer 2004 and the time of the interview in summer 2005. For the majority of biosecurity practices, there was a significant (p<0.05) difference between different exposure risk levels in the percentage of operations using the practice. A higher percentage of high- and medium-risk operations implemented a combination of 4 or more biosecurity practices compared to low-risk operations. There was less use of antibiotics to treat infectious disease in adult horses on operations that required those who visit the operation to use separate equipment, change clothes/overalls, disinfect boots and equipment, or park vehicles away from animals than on those that did not. None of the other biosecurity practices were associated with use of antibiotics in adult horses and none of the biosecurity practices included in this study was associated with use of antibiotics in foals. For adults the use of antibiotics for infectious disease increased with decreasing herd size; this trend was reversed for antibiotic use in foals. The effect of exposure risk level was different for adults and foals. For adults, antibiotic use was lower for operations at higher risk; for foals, antibiotic use was higher for operations at higher risk.

Effects of bedding type on compost quality of equine stall waste: Implications for small horse farms

Our objective in this study is to compare 4 of the most common bedding materials used by equine operations on the chemical and physical characteristics of composted equine stall waste. Twelve Standardbred horses were adapted to the barn and surrounding environment for 2 wk before the start of the study. Groups of 3 horses were bedded on 1 of 4 different bedding types (wood shavings, pelletized wood materials, long straw, and pelletized straw) for 16 h per day for 18 d. Stalls were cleaned by trained staff daily, and all contents removed were weighed and stored separately by bedding material on a level covered concrete pad for the duration of the study. Compost piles were constructed using 3 replicate piles of each bedding type in a randomized complete block design. Each pile was equipped with a temperature sensor and data logger. Water was added and piles were turned weekly throughout the 100-d compost process. Initial and final samples were taken, dried, and analyzed for DM mass, OM, inorganic nitrogen (nitrate-N and ammonium-N), electrical conductivity, and soluble (plant-available) nutrients. Data were analyzed using the GLM procedure, and means were separated using Fischer's protected LSD test (P < 0.05). No significant temperature differences were observed among the bedding materials. The composting process resulted in significant reductions (P < 0.05) in DM mass for each of the 4 bedding materials. The composting process resulted in significant reductions (P < 0.05) in OM and C:N ratio for all 4 bedding materials. The composted long straw material had greater concentrations of total Kjeldahl nitrogen (P < 0.05), nitrate-N (P < 0.05), and ammonium-N (P < 0.05) than the composted wood shavings. This study demonstrated that incorporating a simple aerobic composting system may greatly reduce the overall volume of manure and yield a material that is beneficial for land application in pasture-based systems. The straw-based materials may be better suited for composting and subsequent land application; however, factors such as suitability of the bedding material for equine use, material cost, labor, and availability must be considered when selecting a bedding material.

Evaluation of Nutrient Runoff from Three Equine Stall Waste Storage Systems

Composting is a manure handling technique that has shown potential for small equine operations. It has been reported to provide many benefits including significantly reducing mass while producing a material that will deliver higher concentrations of plant available nutrients to fields than conventional manure spreading. This investigation was conducted to evaluate the impacts of three composting methods on the physical and chemical properties of equine stall waste and the water quality of stormwater runoff. The three methods include: (1) a static control pile, (2) a pile that was periodically turned, and (3) a covered pile that was periodically turned. The greatest pile mass reduction was observed in the covered treatment (43%) as compared to the turned treatment (38%) and lowest in the static pile (17%). The covered composting treatment also resulted in a material with significantly higher concentrations of available plant nutrients including total kjeldahl nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, and significantly lower runoff concentrations of phosphorus than either the turned system or the static pile. This study provides evidence that a highly managed composting system can provide significant reductions in equine stall waste volume while reducing the potential for nutrient load and contamination of receiving waters.