Equine Owners Research Articles

Knowledge and perception of equine ticks and tick-borne diseases of Pennsylvania horse owners and caretakers

There is limited data on current knowledge of Pennsylvania horse caretakers on tick-borne diseases (TBDs), tick identification, and tick management practices. This study aimed to determine tick knowledge, concern, and management among Pennsylvania equine caretakers using an online survey. Descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA tests were used to analyze data. The survey received 894 responses (539 completed) from Pennsylvania equine owners and caretakers. The largest proportion of respondents cared for 3-5 horses (31 %), followed by 2 horses (27 %). Veterinarian-confirmed diagnosis rates of two TBDs, Lyme disease and anaplasmosis, were 38 % and 22 %, respectively. Most respondents (39 %) were moderately confident in recognizing Lyme disease, while most (44 %) were not confident at all in recognizing anaplasmosis. Most respondents (69 %) were either extremely or very concerned about their horses contracting any TBDs. Tick bite and TBD prevention methods used by equine caretakers included performing tick checks, using on-animal repellents, and conducting pasture/landscape management. Ten knowledge-based questions were asked, and the mean correct score was 3.97 ± 2.18 out of 10 possible points. There were significant positive associations between higher knowledge scores and previous veterinarian-confirmed equine Lyme disease diagnosis, higher concern level of TBDs, and higher frequency of tick checks. With increased equine TBD prevalence and high levels of horse owner concern about TBD, Extension educators should focus on teaching about TBDs and managing ticks on horses and farms.

Utilization patterns and livelihood implications of donkeys and mules among equine owners in Northern India

Utilization patterns and livelihood implications of donkeys and mules among equine owners in Northern India

Preliminary evidence supporting the use of equine science podcasts to bridge the gap between scientists and horse enthusiasts to improve horse welfare

SummaryBackgroundPodcasts have become a popular digital forum for discussing scientific information with peers, as well as with the non‐scientific community, often referred to as ‘edutainment’. It is unclear how science‐based podcasts can support the veterinary industry through, for example, supporting good husbandry practices.ObjectivesTo understand the influence of ‘edutainment’ on equine owners' husbandry decisions.Study designThe sample population were listeners of the Conversations in Equine Science (CES) podcast recruited to complete an online survey via a link promoted by the CES hosts. The survey contained Likert‐like questions assessing how listeners rated the importance of different forms of evidence when making husbandry decisions and questions relating to husbandry changes made.MethodsA mixed methods approach was used to analyse the data. The Likert package for R was used to explore importance ratings. Free text questions were analysed via a content analysis with a constructionist epistemological position.ResultsThe experience of veterinarians and scientific evidence were considered the most important forms of evidence that owners used when making decisions about their horse's management (93% agreed and 91% agreed they were important respectively). Additionally, 74% of respondents had made a change to the management or training principles prompted by an episode of CES, suggesting edutainment can be a prompt to management change. Of these, the majority (55%) had done so based on a joint discussion of the podcast and their own reading of the evidence.Main limitationsThis was an opportunistic sample of those already invested in the edutainment format and may not represent those owners with no interest in scientific evidence.ConclusionsPodcasts are an easy‐access, low‐cost medium to convey research and current trends in the equine/equitation science genre. They may be a valuable tool for the veterinary industry to employ to support horse welfare.

Epidemiological situation of Equine Infectious Anemia in the state of Paraná, Brazil

To assist decision making regarding the National Equine Health Program in the state of Paraná, a study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of infected farms and seropositive animals for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) and also identify possible risk factors for the disease. The state was divided into three regions, within which about 300 farms were randomly selected. On the selected farms, a minimum number of animals aged 6 months or older were examined to characterize them as infected or free of EIA. In the sampled farms, an epidemiological questionnaire was applied to investigate possible associations between the disease and its characteristics, including sanitary practices and livestock management. The test used was the Agar Gel Immunodiffusion Test. A total of 2818 equids from 889 farms were tested. In the state, the prevalence of infected farms was 1.55% [0.92; 3.00] and the prevalence of seropositive animals was 0.55% [0.27; 1.00]. Introduction of equids showed an association with EIA (OR=5.5 [1.9; 15.9]). Paraná equine owners should be alerted to the need to observe health precautions regarding EIA when introducing animals to their herd. In 2018, the sensitivity of the Surveillance System for EIA in Paraná was only 1.36%, probably insufficient to change the endemic balance of the disease, therefore, needs to be re-evaluated involving in the process all public and private agents interested in the subject.

156 Availability of Tennessee equine veterinary and farrier services in relationship to economic and population estimations

The versatility of equids has created an expansive industry across Tennessee; however, there is minimal data about the economic impact, location, usage, and overall count of equids. A challenge in quantifying industry population, demographics, and available services for equine owners stems from a lack of record keeping and significant reporting differences between agencies. The objective of this study was to 1) determine population demographics and economic impact of the Tennessee Equine Industry and 2) garner an understanding of the availability and cost of veterinary and farrier services. As part of a larger subset, an online survey was developed (March–August 2022; Qualtrics, Provo, UT) to determine individual industry involvement, including equine ownership, veterinarians, and farriers, where respondents reported ownership expenditures, business services, and overall financial activity. Data was analyzed for descriptive statistics using the means and frequency procedures in SAS 9.4 (Cary, NC). Economic modeling was performed using IMPLAN, an input-output model, to analyze the data to estimate the total (multiplier-based) economic contribution of the industry. Of the 2,009 respondents, 97.7% (n = 1,962) were equine owners or leasers that identified 8,235 equids. Utilizing response results with previously estimated populations of 104,827 from the 2017 USDA Census and165,800 from the 2016 American Horse Council, a population of 140,000 was estimated for TN in 2021. The total impact of the industry is estimated to be $1.805 billion in total economic activity, 33,345 jobs (with 2.5% being veterinary related), and $1.032 billion in gross state product. An estimated $6,719 annually is spent on basic care per head, including $750 on basic veterinary care and $404 on farrier services. Farriers (n = 31) provided services to 54.7% (n = 52) counties with Knox County having the highest number of servicing farriers (n = 9 or 29%). Veterinarians (n = 24) reported that 75% (n = 18) provided services to equids, also with Knox County (n = 3 or 16.6%) having the highest number of clinicians providing services. When cross-referenced with a list of veterinarians provided by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA), only 14/95 counties lack veterinary representation. The Tennessee equine population continues to make an economic and industry specific impact; however, a disparity between equine population and preventative care services exists. Based on information from this survey, there is substantial growth and development potential, which may include expansion of jobs, available services, and overall industry growth.

99 Interrupting the composting process for equine carcass skeleton recovery

Proper disposal of equine carcasses continues to be a challenge for equine owners. Recently, composting has been of interest for post-mortem disposal due to pathogen and parasite reduction, and economic concerns associated with traditional burial. Additionally, many educators lack appropriate resources to teach equine skeletal structure due to cost and availability. Study objectives were to 1) determine if in-ground composting can reach over 48.8°C needed for pathogen and parasite destruction and 2) develop methodology to successfully recover full skeletons. Two carcasses (C1 and C2, respectively) were placed in identically constructed pits 1.8–2.4m deep, with 0.6–0.9m of wood pine shavings under the carcass, a layer of metal wire, carcass, followed by 1.2–1.5m of wood shavings on top. A probe thermometer was used to monitor temperature 0.9m down from the pile surface, and weather data including rainfall was collected daily. For C2 only, additional data loggers were placed under the carcass at the rib cage, on top of the animal at the hock, and inside the animal's body cavity. Descriptive statistics were calculated using the means procedure in SAS, where data are expressed as mean ± SD. Carcasses 1 and 2 composted for 187.5 ± 36 d, where excavation time was determined by a plateau in pile temperature, and ambient temperatures ranged from 14.3 ± 9.3°C for C1 and 20.9 ± 6.2°C for C2. Rainfall amounts duringthese periods ranged from 4.2 ± 10.5mm for C1 and 3.3 ± 8.1mm for C2. Midway through the composting process, when temperatures either declined or were failing to increase, the top of the pile was scraped without disrupting the carcass, to increase airflow and provide oxygenation to the carcass below as is customary within composting procedures. Piles were scraped at 92 d for C1 and 85 d for C2. Within the first 107 d of composting, probe temperatures were numerically similar for both carcasses (C1 = 46.6 ± 6.3°C, C2 = 41.4 ± 3.6°C). Data loggers placed on carcass 2 recorded an average of 29.6 ± 0.8°C (min = 20.6°C, max = 31.0°C) under the rib cage, 35.5 ± 2.0°C (min = 20.6°C, max = 37.6°C) on the hock, and 32.4 ± 1.8°C (min = 28.5°C, max = 36.5°C) inside the body cavity. Once carcasses were excavated, bones were immediately washed, and subsequently soaked in an equal part mixture of 3% hydrogen peroxide, 10% ammonium hydroxide, water, and clear dish detergent until grease residues were no longer emitted from bones. Results indicate that ideal temperatures for pathogen and parasite destruction were not always reached within compost piles; however, in-ground composting did prove as an efficient means to obtain teaching skeletons at a low cost ($3,500 per skeleton).

166 Tick knowledge of Pennsylvania horse owners is related to disease diagnosis, concern, and tick-check frequency

There is limited data on the occurrence of ticks on horses in Pennsylvania (PA). Additionally, current knowledge of PA horse caretakers on tick-borne diseases (TBDs), tick identification, and tick management practices has not been assessed. The objectives of this study were to determine tick knowledge, concern, and management among PA equine caretakers. An online survey was distributed via e-mail lists, social media, and online advertising. Descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA tests were used to analyze data. The percentages shown represent the number of respondents who answered that question. The survey received 894 responses (539 completed) from PA equine owners and caretakers. The largest proportion of respondents cared for 3–5 horses (31%), followed by 2 horses (27%). Veterinarian-confirmed diagnosis rates of 2 TBDs, Lyme disease and anaplasmosis, were 38 and 22%, respectively. Most respondents (39%) were moderately confident in recognizing Lyme disease, while most (44%) were not confident at all in recognizing anaplasmosis. Most respondents (69%) were either extremely or very concerned about their horses contracting any TBDs. Horse caretakers (88%) were comfortable performing tick checks and most performed weekly full-body tick checks (40.6%) and daily partial tick checks (47%). A majority (67%) found 1–2 ticks on their horse each timethey checked, with the jaw, throatlatch, and chest being the most common areas ticks were found on horses. The primary method of tick control was on-animal repellants (60%), followed by pasture/landscape management (23%). Ten knowledge-based questions were asked, and the mean correct score was 3.97 ± 2.18. Respondents with horses that had a veterinarian-confirmed Lyme disease diagnosis had a higher knowledge score (4.93 ± 1.69) than those with probable or no Lyme disease diagnosed horses (4.21 ± 1.60 and 4.34 ± 1.65, respectively; P < 0.001). Respondents that were extremely concerned about TBDs had higher knowledge scores (4.8 ± 1.67) than those that were moderately, slightly, or not concerned (4.26 ± 1.65, 3.95 ± 1.59, 3.50 ± 1.68, respectively; P < 0.001). Respondents that performed full-body tick checks daily or weekly scored higher (4.75 ± 1.61, 4.79 ± 1.60, respectively) than those who performed them when they remembered or never conducted tick checks (4.19 ± 1.81, 3.94 ± 1.87; P < 0.001). As TBD concern level and rate of Lyme diagnosis increased, so did knowledge score of respondents. With most PA horse owners finding ticks every time they checked their horses, Extension educators should focus on teaching about TBDs and managing ticks on their horses and farms.

A comparative survey of veterinarians, equine owners, and equine keepers regarding the knowledge and implementation of legal requirements in Germany for the use and documentation of veterinary medicines in equines intended for slaughter.

In Europe, equines destined for human consumption (hereafter called slaughter equines) are subject to the same restrictions of usage of veterinary drugs as other food-producing animals, with amendments regulated in the so-called 'positive list', Regulation (EC) No. 1950/2006. Due to the complex legal requirements for drug administration in slaughter equines, it might be that specific knowledge regarding the legislation of slaughter equines may be insufficient among veterinarians, equine owners, and equine keepers. To study this assumption, three target group-specific surveys were conducted in 2021. Answers from 153 equine treating veterinarians, 170 equine owners, and 70 equine keepers were included in the analysis. In total 68.4% (91/133) of the participating veterinarians, the regulations of the 'positive list', Regulation (EC) No. 1950/2006, were 'rather complicated' to 'complicated'. Among the participating veterinarians, 38.4% (58/151) did not or could not answer correctly how to proceed if a slaughter equine is scheduled to receive phenylbutazone, usage of which is prohibited in all livestock by Regulation (EU) No. 37/2010. Simultaneously, 56.2% (86/153) of the participating veterinarians named phenylbutazone as the, or one of the, most often used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Altogether, 41.2% (70/170) of participating equine owners and 42.9% (30/70) of equine keepers did not know under which circumstances an equine can legally be slaughtered for human consumption. In total, 34.3% (24/70) of the equine keepers classified their knowledge of national regulations for animal keepers regarding the documentation of drug usage in equines as 'poor' to 'nonexistent'. This lack of knowledge in all three surveyed groups, combined with the complex legal regulations regarding the usage and documentation of drugs in slaughter equines, could result in missing and false documentation, treatment of slaughter equines with prohibited substances and therefore pose a risk factor for drug residues in equine meat.

Financial strain of COVID-19 and its impact on willingness-to-pay for equine care.

The novel COVID-19 virus caused a global pandemic disrupting lives, industries, and economies. The result was an impact on prices due to challenges with production and supply chain distribution. This study investigates the financial strain COVID-19 had on equine owners and leasers, what the market for equine care would bear if costs for care increased, and what factors contribute to their willingness-to-pay (WTP) for increasing cost of equine care. An online survey was distributed for 4 weeks to adult US residents. Respondents reported their involvement in the equine industry, financial response to COVID-19, and responses to a double-bound dichotomous choice question on their WTP for care given a randomized increase (1-20%) in their current cost (n = 506). Data were analyzed using interval regression models where a = 0.05 (Stata15). Respondents were separated into 3 groups: owner keeping their horse at their residence, owner boarding their equids, and leaser. Boarders reported mean monthly payments of 23.33 ± 90.37 USD (n = 15) for free board, 236.47 ± 151.92 USD, (n = 75) for partial board, and 514.75 ± 291.71 USD (n = 181) for full board. Results show all owners, leaser, and boarders have different WTP values which range from 18.5% to 26.2% increase in current care costs which extends beyond the presented range due to many respondents responding "yes" to both WTP questions (71% of owners, 6% of boarders, 65% of leasers). Equine owners, with on farm equids from the southern US were WTP 11% less than from other regions (P = 0.015). The current boarding fees from owners that board their equids lowered their WTP by 0.01% (P = 0.029) for each additional dollar paid, whereas current care costs were not a significant factor for other owners (P = 0.370) or leasers (P = 0.395). Those that had a full lease for their equids, housed on farm or at a facility, were WTP 15% higher (P = 0.036) than those that had a partial or no lease. In comparison, boarding status (full, partial, or no boarding) did not significantly (P = 0.51) impact boarder's WTP. Age of respondent and annual household income heterogeneously affected WTP across all groups. These results indicate the market for equine care can bear the increases in cost associated with financial distress related to COVID-19, and may aid equine owners, caregivers, and associated individuals in making informed decisions regarding essential care. Results from this study should be taken in context of the global pandemic and the restrictions in place, or lack thereof, at the time the survey was administered.

Survey on sanitary practices and knowledge about infectious diseases among equine owners in the State of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

Survey on sanitary practices and knowledge about infectious diseases among equine owners in the State of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

The Prevalence of Work Related Wound and Associated Risk Factors in Working Equines

Across-sectional study was conducted in Hawasssa town, the capital city of Southern Nations and Nationalities People Regional state; to estimate the prevalence of work related wound and associated risk factors in working equines. The study animals were selected randomly. A total of 309 equines were included in the study comprising 164 (53.1%) of donkey, 95(30.74%) of horses, and 50(16.18%) of mules. The risk factors sex, age, body condition scores, purpose of the animals were assessed through questionnaire survey and physical clinical examination of animals. The study shows that an overall prevalence of external injuries in working equines was 84.1%. The prevalence of external injuries by the species was 25.89%, 45.95% and 12.3% for horse, donkey and mule respectively. Statistically significant difference (p&lt;0.05) in the occurrence of external injuries was noted among working equines of different sex groups, different functions, and different causes. Higher prevalence of external injuries was recorded in male animals (79.93%) than female (4.6%). Moreover, the occurrence of external injuries was higher in equines used for cart pool (40.77%) than those used for fetching of water (14.28%). In addition to this the distribution rate of external injuries between animals of different body condition showed that the highest rate was recorded in animals with medium body condition (31.39%) followed by those with good condition (27.18%).The major causes of external injury was inappropriate use of harness materials (33.7%) followed by over load and falling (12.3%). The prevalence of distribution of wounds on various body parts, was (23.46%) on the back which was relatively highest than shoulder, multiple body parts and wither which represent 11.5%, 10.77% and 8.1% respectively. The occurrence of external injuries in horses were 18.75% multiple wounds, 17.5% on the back and 15% on the shoulder while 23.24% on the back, 9.86 on wither and 8.45% multiple wounds, were found in donkeys. The occurrence of 36.86% of external injuries in the back of mule was observed in the study which was higher than other parts of the body. The study showed that working equine owners practice different approaches (70.4%) to manage wounds while 29.6% owners left their animals without any follow up. Hence, greater proportion of the owners (40%) have taken their animals to nearby health centers, while treated with medicine purchased from local markets 11.5% and 9.6% with medical plants. Relatively horse owners seek veterinarian services (43.5%).

Study on welfare and health status of working equines in and around shashamene town, Ethiopia

Equines play an important role in the livelihoods of millions of people worldwide. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 384 randomly selected (78 donkeys and 306 horses) working equines from January 2021 to July 2021 in Shashamene town and its surroundings to investigate the welfare and health status of working equines in the study area. Management and related information on equines was gathered by interviewing equine owners using a structured questionnaire. The welfare of working equines was determined by closely observing the study animals for the prevalence of lameness, injuries, and other diseases of carthorses in association with body condition, age, and behavior. The assessment was carried out at the veterinary clinics, field, market, and around the homestead. According to the respondents, approximately 13% of cart horses and 72% of donkeys were kept in the open air without shelter. In addition, approximately 78% of the studied donkeys showed behavioral changes, of which approximately 44% were anxious, 3% were depressed, and 19% were found to be not friendly. Similarly, nearly 70% of carthorses demonstrated a behavioral change, of which 64% were anxious, 2% were depressed, and 3% were not friendly. The overall prevalence of injury was approximately 61% in donkeys and 63% in cart horses. Incidences of external injuries were significantly associated with poor body condition (p ≤ 0.001) and anxious behavior (p = 0.03) in working equines. Lameness occurred in nearly 23% of the working equines, of which approximately 9% of the donkeys and 27% of carthorses were lame. A significantly high prevalence of lameness was recorded in cart horses (p = 0.01) in comparison to donkeys. Other major health problems identified in the veterinary clinics, field level, market, and around the homestead were respiratory diseases, colic, and epizootic lymphangitis. Thus, the study revealed that working equines in the study area are experiencing multiple welfare problems.

24 Prevalence, Usage, and Perceptions of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF) in the Equine Industry

Abstract The use of alternative therapies in the equine industry is increasing in popularity and spans manual manipulation to more progressive forms of technology. Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) has shown to reduce pain and increase range of motion within human and canine medicine. Often, PEMF is touted to improve performance and reduce stress prior to competition, yet little information exists on effectiveness, perceptions, treatment protocols, and therapeutic response within equids. Our objective was to assess how PEMF is administered and perceived therapy impact on equine patients. An online survey (Qualtrics) was disseminated to United States residents over 18 years of age and deemed exempt by the institutional review board. Data were analyzed using the frequency procedure in SAS (v9.4). Three groups within the equine industry were targeted: equine owners and leasers (OL, n = 350); trainers, coaches, grooms, and jockeys (TC, n = 80); and administrators of PEMF therapy (AD, n = 237). Across all survey respondents (n = 355), 86% (n = 305) exercise or ride their horses and 85.08% (n = 268) of individuals who ride have used PEMF therapy on their performance horse. Among TC, 96.25% (n = 77) respondents reported the use of PEMF therapy on a horse under their care. Whole body therapy was the most commonly reported location for PEMF by OL (91.6%, n = 240) and AD (96.12%, n = 223), followed by back and loin(47.33%, 124) for OL and front legs (56.47%, n = 131) for AD. Most frequent session length reported by OL was 45-90 minutes (30.96%, n = 61). Within 1 day of treatment, the majority of AD (n = 85, 40.28%) and OL (n = 104, 39.54%) perceived the greatest effects of PEMF therapy. Use and positive perception of PEMF in the equine industry is evident; however, more research is needed to elicit therapeutic effects for performance animals.

4 Conversion to an Online Delivery Method for the Tennessee Master Horse Program

Abstract Functional Extension programming for equine owners and business operators brings unique challenges when compared to other commodity producers. The initial Tennessee Master Horse Program (TMHP) curriculum and delivery method was modeled from other successful Extension programs using a county-based, in-person training model; however, implementation of county-level offerings of the TMHP for 4 years only yielded 218 participants. Thus, our objective was to pilot a new online program format for the TMHP and to assess participant feedback to dictate future programming efforts. Data were analyzed using STATA SE 16.1 and all results are reported as mean ± SD. The THMP was hosted by the state Equine Extension Program within the Google Classroom platform and contained 12 synchronous webinars with successive recordings, 3 scenarios for participant response, 10 question submission assignments, and 14 opportunities to explore outside resources pertaining to topic areas. Topics covered included responsible horse ownership, pasture management, nutrition, forages, waste management, health and diseases, economics, and equine training programs. Total participants (n = 201) from 12 states were reached, with 162 ± 29 (min=110, max=201) live attendees each week and 35 ± 4.1 (min=15, max=61) views per recorded YouTube video. During live sessions, 56 ± 18 (min=21, max=75) questions were asked and answered, and an additional 82 ± 35 (min=43, max=140) questions per week were submitted in the Google Classroom. In the final TMHP evaluation survey, 99% (n = 95) of respondents indicated they would recommend this training to others, which may be due to highly satisfactory ratings for speakers (4.54 ± 0.15 on a 1 to 5 scale, min=1, max=5) from participants. These results indicate a high acceptance rate among participants and that an online delivery method could be an effective approach for conducting and expanding the scope of future TMHP offerings.

Potential and Challenges of Community-Based Surveillance in Animal Health: A Pilot Study Among Equine Owners in Switzerland.

Animal owners' potential to observe and report clinical signs, as the persons with the closest contact to their animals, is an often neglected source of information in surveillance. Allowing community members other than health care professionals, such as animal owners, to report health events can contribute to close current surveillance gaps and enhance early detection. In the present study, we tested a community-based surveillance (CBS) approach in the equine community in Switzerland. We aimed at revealing the attitudes and intentions of equine owners toward reporting clinical signs by making use of an online questionnaire. We further set up and operated an online CBS tool, named Equi-Commun. Finally, we investigated potential reasons for the lack of its use by applying qualitative telephone interviews. The majority of the respondents of the online questionnaire (65.5%, 707/1,078) answered that they could see themselves reporting clinical observations of their equine. The multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that French-speaking equine owners and those belonging to the positive attitude cluster are more likely to report to a CBS tool. Equi-Commun operated between October 2018 and December 2019 yet received only four reports. With the addition of qualitative interviews, we identified three critical, interlinked issues that may have led to the non-use of Equi-Commun within the Swiss equine community: (1) for successfully implementing CBS, the need for surveillance within the community of interest must be given; (2) the respective population under surveillance, here the equine, needs to show enough clinical cases for owners to be able to maintain the memory of an existing tool and its possible use; and (3) targeted and high effort communication of the system is key for its success. While CBS relying only on lay animal owners, complementary to existing surveillance systems, could potentially provide a good proxy of timely surveillance data, it is questionable whether the added value of generated surveillance knowledge is in balance with efforts necessary to implement a successful system. With this study, we showcased both the potential and challenges of CBS in animal health, as this may be of relevance and guidance for future initiatives.

124 Financial strain caused by COVID-19 and its impact on equine industry participant willingness-to-pay for equine care

The novel COVID-19 virus caused a global pandemic disrupting lives, industries, and economies. The resulting financial strain impacted prices due to challenges with production and supply chain distribution. This study investigates the financial strain COVID-19 had on equine owners and leasers, what the market for equine care would bear if costs for care were to increase, and what factors contribute to willingness-to-pay (WTP) for increasing cost of equine care. An online survey was distributed for 4 weeks to adult US residents, where respondents reported their involvement in the equine industry, financial response to COVID-19, and responses to a double-bound dichotomous choice question pertaining to their WTP for care given a randomized increase (1–20%) in their current cost (n = 506). Data were analyzed using interval regression models where a = 0.05 (Stata15). Respondents were separated into 3 groups (owner keeping their horse at their residence, owner boarding their equids, and leaser) based on their equine ownership status and where their equine were kept. Boarders reported mean monthly payments of 23.33 ± 90.37 USD (n = 15) for free board, 236.47 ± 151.92 USD, (n = 75) for partial board, and 514.75 ± 291.71 USD (n = 181) for full board. Results show all owners, leaser, and boarders have different WTP values which range from 18.5% to 26.2% increase in current care costs which extends beyond the presented range due to many respondents responding “yes” to both WTP questions (71% of owners, 6% of boarders, 65% of leasers) and the use of mean values across the entire sample in predicting the WTP. Equine owners, with on farm equids from the southern US were WTP 11% less than from other regions ( P = 0.015). The current boarding fees from owners that board their equids lowered their WTP by 0.01% ( P = 0.029) for each additional dollar paid, whereas current care costs were not a significant factor for other owners ( P = 0.370) or leasers ( P = 0.395). Those that had a full lease for their equids, whether housed on farm or at a facility, were WTP 15% higher ( P = 0.036) than those that had a partial or no lease. In comparison, boarding status (full, partial, or no boarding) did not significantly ( P = 0.51) impact boarder's WTP. Age of respondent and annual household income heterogeneously affected WTP across all groups. These results indicate the market for equine care can bear the increases in cost associated with financial distress related to COVID-19. Results from this study should be taken in context of the global pandemic and the restrictions in place, or lack thereof, at the time the survey was administered.

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.

113 Southern awareness and implementation of pasture best management practices

Proper pasture management is an important consideration for equine owners to prevent negative environmental effects and promote equine health. When best management practices (BMPs) are not implemented, issues such as soil erosion, decreased pasture persistence, and nutrient runoff can occur. Understanding a person's current level of awareness and implementation of pasture BMPs is essential to further increase educational resources and identify target areas of educational outreach. We hypothesized that owners who keep their horses and other equids at home [HOH] and equine facility owners/managers [EFOM] will have similar awareness and implementation of pasture BMPs compared with owners that board [HOB]. An online survey (Qualtrics) was distributed via social media and email to Southern United States residents over the age of 18 (n = 328). The survey was open for 6-weeks and was distributed through social media and email. Demographics, information sources, current pasture management practices, along with awareness and implementation of BMPs were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed in SAS 9.4 (Cary, NC); frequency procedures and multinomial logistic regression was used to determine the effect of management connection to awareness and implementation of pasture BMPs (a = 0.05). Management connection played a significant role in respondents’ awareness and implementation of pasture BMPs for rotational grazing (aware, P = 0.009; implementation, P = 0.003); however, there was no significant difference for stocking rates (awareness, P = 0.07; implementation, P = 0.25). Participants, independent of management connection, who were aware of rotational grazing, when compared with not being aware, were only 4 times more likely to implement rotational grazing (OR = 4.115; 95% CI: 2.18, 27.78). However, respondents who were aware of appropriate stocking rates, when compared with not being aware, were 48 times more likely to implement an appropriate density of animals on pasture (OR = 47.62; 95% CI: 21.74–100.00). Understanding a person's connection and level of awareness is essential to help create educational materials and outreach programs to increase implementation of pasture BMPs and improve environmental stewardship at equine facilities.

Is the French SIRE equine information system a good basis for surveillance and epidemiological research? Quality assessment using two surveys

Accurate demographic knowledge of the equine population is needed to assess and model equine health events. France is one of the few European countries with an operational centralized database (SIRE) recording individual data on all declared equines living in France and on their owners and keepers. Our study aimed to assess SIRE database quality concerning the updating of information by equine owners and keepers with a view to its improvement and use in surveillance and research. Two online surveys were conducted with the participation of 6244 registered keepers and 13,869 owners. Results showed some inconsistencies between SIRE records and survey responses. The inconsistency rate for equines whose castration and death were not registered in the database was 28.7% and 5.9% respectively. Concerning owners, 11% of respondents did not own the reference equine selected considered by the survey, 33% had changed address without updating it in the SIRE. Concerning premises hosting equines, the keeper survey's inconsistency rate was 7.3%, of which 57 respondents had closed and 32 had opened premises without reporting it. Comparatively, the owner survey's inconsistency rate was 40.7% including respondents who owned and hosted an equine without reporting these equine premises, and owners who did not keep any equines on their premises. In conclusion, the SIRE database proved to be a valuable and reliable source for epidemiological research as long as some bias is taken into account. On the contrary, its use in surveillance is currently limited due some shortcomings in updating and/or reporting by owners and keepers.

104 President Oral Presentation Pick: Sensory analysis of horse treats: a comparison between horses and humans

Abstract Analysis of both palatability and consumer acceptance is a critical component of product development. Though consumer sensory analysis from owners is gaining interest in companion animal species, few data are available from equine owners. The objectives of this study were to evaluate both horse preference and horse owner rating of two equine treat products. Feeding preferences of adult stock-type horses (n = 10) age 13 ± 6, body weight 539 ± 41 kg, and body condition score 5.5 ± 0.5 were assessed via paired preference test conducted in an open-frame stock with a 15 second olfaction period followed by a 3 minute consumption period. Data collected include first sniffed, first consumed, and first finished. Consumer analysis of the horse treats was conducted via hedonic rating of four attributes (appearance, size, texture, and aroma) on a 9-point Likert scale, followed by rating of purchase intent on a 5 point Likert scale. Data were analyzed using PROC FREQ and PROC TTEST in SAS version 9.4. No difference was observed for first product sniffed, consumed, or finished during the horse preference test. However, moderate positive correlations were observed between first product sniffed and consumed (P = 0.01, ф = 0.40) as well as first product consumed and finished (P &amp;lt; 0.01, ф = 0.48), suggesting that olfaction plays a large role in horses food choice. Consumers rated Product A lower in appearance (P &amp;lt; 0.01), texture (P &amp;lt; 0.01), and size (P &amp;lt; 0.01), though no difference was observed between products for aroma. Additionally, consumers rated Product A lower for purchase intent (P &amp;lt; 0.01), indicating aroma may not play as large of a role in product selection as visual attributes. These results indicate that both horse and consumer preference should be evaluated during product development.