Horse Farms Research Articles

Genetic inbreeding depression load for fertility traits in Pura Raza Española mares.

Fertility is a key factor in the economic success of horse farms. However, it has received little attention due to the difficulty of measuring fertility objectively. Since its studbook creation (1912), the Pura Raza Española (PRE) breed has been a closed population and become high in-bred resulting in inbreeding depression (poor phenotypic values). Nevertheless, heterogeneous effects of inbreeding depression have been detected among founders and nonfounders. The aims of this study were (1) to analyze the genetic parameters for reproductive traits in mares of the PRE horse breed and (2) to estimate, for the first time, the inbreeding depression load associated with common ancestors of the breed. A total of 22,799 mares were analyzed. Heritability estimates ranged from 0.05 (interval between first and second foaling) to 0.16 (age at first foaling), whereas inbreeding depression load ratios ranged from 0.06 (parturition efficiency at 6th foaling) to 0.17 (age at first foaling), for a partial inbreeding coefficient of 10%. Although heritability is related to the variability expressed in the population, inbreeding depression load ratios measure the potential variability, whether expressed in the population or not. Most correlations between additive and inbreeding depression load genetic values were significant (P < 0.001) and of low to moderate magnitude. Our results confirm that individual inbreeding depression loads allow us to select horses that have a genetic value resistant to the deleterious effects of inbreeding.

Leptospirosis on a horse farm in central Italy

Leptospirosis on a horse farm in central Italy

A survey of helminth control practices on large horse farms in Argentina

A survey of helminth control practices on large horse farms in Argentina

Bacteriophages from Australian horse farms targeting Rhodococcus equi

Bacteriophages from Australian horse farms targeting <i>Rhodococcus equi</i>

Improving Horse Welfare and Environmental Sustainability in Horse Husbandry: Linkage between Turnout and Nitrogen Surplus

A scientific consultation tool is currently being developed in Germany to assess, analyze, and improve animal welfare on site and simultaneously consider aspects of environmental sustainability in horse husbandry in order to contribute to a resource-conserving and responsible handling of natural resources and the welfare of living beings. To date, no study has assessed to what extent species-appropriate free-range locomotion possibilities are implemented on horse farms and to what extent turnout areas are affected by unwanted nutrient inputs from horse excretions. Using the indicators “species-appropriate turnout” (hereafter: “turnout”) and “unwanted nitrogen inputs in water bodies” (based on “nitrogen surplus”), we exemplarily examine animal- and environmentally relevant aspects of horse husbandry. We conducted 88 assessments on 46 horse farms (n = 2220 horses) to test literature-based indicators of animal welfare and environmental sustainability. We found that the indicator “nitrogen surplus,” used to assess an aspect of environmental sustainability, was mostly a problem in the wintertime (summertime = −4.24, range: −109.27–58.97; wintertime: mean: 12.01, range: −35.19–468.00 nitrogen surplus per hectare, n = 44 farms, p &lt; 0.001), when the horses had a reduced space allowance for free locomotion. On most farms, “turnout” was provided daily for several hours, but in many of the single housing systems, not all horses had the possibility for free locomotion (24.1 ± 20.4% of horses per farm), which is unacceptable in terms of animal welfare. Husbandry systems with a large enough space allowance for turnout (≥200 m2 per horse) were found to be measures with a valuable synergetic effect, providing a resource which is an opportunity both for an environmentally sustainable and welfare-friendly horse husbandry. Demanuring remarkably decreased the nitrogen surplus (p &lt; 0.001). Hence, based on the study, we recommend to daily demanure the pasture or paddock if the space allowance is less than 200 m2 per horse. In conclusion, regarding animal welfare, group housing is favorable, but regarding a site-specific environmentally friendly or even biodiversity-enhancing management, space allowance per horse is a crucial factor rather than the type of housing system. The two selected exemplary indictors demonstrate the need for a holistic and comprehensive decision support system that considers the linkage between horse welfare and environmental sustainability in order to assist peoples’ decision-making with horses under their care.

African Horse Sickness Virus Serotype 1 on Horse Farm, Thailand, 2020.

To investigate an outbreak of African horse sickness (AHS) on a horse farm in northeastern Thailand, we used whole-genome sequencing to detect and characterize the virus. The viruses belonged to serotype 1 and contained unique amino acids (95V,166S, 660I in virus capsid protein 2), suggesting a single virus introduction to Thailand.

Spatial distribution of human activity intensity in Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau Wetland scenic area: A case study of Lashihai watershed in Yunnan Province, China

Human activity intensity is mostly used to quantify the degree of human influence on natural systems, with obvious spatial variability. With Lashihai watershed in Yunnan Province as an example, we used SPOT remote sensing images to update land use data, and obtained a comprehensive index of land use intensity after gridding by assigning weights to different land types, which was considered as the basic human activity intensity. The local tourism activities (horseback riding and boating) were also included. The horseback riding and boating were spatially quantified according to the location of horse farms and the abundance of horses and boats which were superimposed with the basic human activity intensity on the spatial scale of 100 m×100 m to obtain a more accurate comprehensive human activity intensity and to analyze the spatial variations. The results showed that the gridding and the kernel density analysis improved the accuracy of spatial analysis and reflected the spatial superposition and diffusion effects. In the comprehensive human activity intensity map of Lashihai watershed, the highest intensity value of water area was at the mouth of the sea, the lowest intensity value was at the center of the sea, and the overall trend of intensity gradually decreased from the surrounding to the middle. The land settlement had the highest intensity, the intensity value of the agricultural land gathering area was at the middle level, and the intensity of human activities in the forestry area of higher altitude was lower. The comprehensive human activity intensity in the water area of the Lashihai watershed varied most obviously, and differed greatly from the basic human activity intensity. Although there were many local characteristic tourism activities in Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau Wetland scenic area, but their land use types did not change. We need to take them into account when quantifying the intensity of human activities.

Аналіз стану благополуччя коней

The article presents an analysis of the basic concepts of animal welfare, which is a prerequisite for quality and successful innovative animal husbandry. The horses welfare should be considered from the standpoint of the concept of the "five freedoms", which should be reflected in the lives of animals. The aim of the article is to analyze the state of the horses welfare and the prospects of development and implementation at the national and European levels. The analysis indicates the need to develop a system for assessing the welfare of horses and its implementation in Ukraine, while, taking into account objective and subjective indicators, the system for assessing the welfare of horses should include owners, veterinarians (horse care) and experts. To assess the welfare of sport horses, the Veterinary Regulations (BP) of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) must be used during the competition, which must be observed during the event. Methods for assessing the degree of welfare, characterize the condition of the animal in both external and internal indicators, but the dominant is stress, which through the nervous and endocrine systems adversely affect all parts of the immune system. In Ukraine, the horse population has tripled reduce in thirty years and continues to decline, but the analysis of horse welfare in Ukraine is either not conducted at all, or is sporadic and mainly aimed at assessing individual animal health indicators (assessment of body condition, lameness, etc.). Therefore, in Ukraine it is necessary to establish criteria and develop a system for assessing the welfare of horses, improving the legal framework and implementation in practice. A plan of recommended action for stakeholders (federations, veterinarians, horse owners, government services, etc.) was presented, and it was recommended to develop and implement criteria for assessing the welfare of horses that could be used to study animal welfare. We believe that the system of horse welfare assessment as a consulting tool is necessary for the standardization of survey and analysis of welfare, to develop measures to optimize the management of horses, which should be the main document of equestrian associations of Ukraine. In addition, legislation on the welfare of horses is crucial, but there is no legislation acts in the field of welfare. Undoubtedly, in combination with the welfare of horses, it is important to develop an algorithm for biosecurity in the horses management with an emphasis on the epizootology of diseases, vaccination conditions, disinfection and analysis of critical points of admission to animals, which should be the basis for the development of the National Standard for Welfare and Biosecurity at the level of horse farms in Ukraine.

126 Survey of equine pasture best management practices and soil fertility in southeast Pennsylvania

Proper pasture and grazing management can increase nutritive forage yield, decrease operational costs, and reduce nutrient and sediment runoff. However, management can be challenging in suburban areas where pastures may be small and overstocked. This study assessed pasture health and best management practices (BMPs) on suburban Pennsylvania horse farms. Participant farms (n = 28) in counties adjacent to the Philadelphia metropolitan area were recruited via social media, and 2–3 pastures/farm (72 in total; primarily used for grazing) were evaluated between November, 2019 and January, 2020 via soil testing, the USDA-NRCS Pasture Condition Score Sheet (PCSS), and the Penn State Equine Pasture Evaluation Disc (EPED). Farm managers were also surveyed about their pasture management practices. Pasture soil pH, soil nutrient, PCSS, and EPED data were transformed to normality and analyzed with linear models, with p-values adjusted for multiple comparisons by Monte Carlo simulation. Fixed effects included farm purpose (private or commercial); lime, fertilizer, and/or manure application; and whether the farm practiced rotational grazing. Covariates included total number of horses, number of hectares per farm, stocking rate, and farm. Mean ± s.e. pasture size was 0.68 ± 0.07 ha and mean stocking rate was 3.6 horses/hectare. Only 14% of farms had performed a soil test in the last 3yr, and less than 20% applied lime or fertilizer in that period. Three quarters of farm managers allowed horses to graze pastures to under 7.6 cm in height, and 54% reported using rotational grazing. Mean pasture soil pH was 6.18 ± 0.04, with 86% of pastures below optimum range. Soil pH was lower for pastures on private farms ( P = 0.06), and on fields where no lime ( P = 0.05) or fertilizer ( P < 0.01) was applied in the last 3yr. Mean soil P was 41.7 ± 4.0 ppm, with 50% of pastures below and 20% above optimum levels. Soil P was higher for pastures on personal farms ( P < 0.01), and fields with spread manure ( P < 0.01). Mean percent desirable and total vegetative cover scored via EPED were 56.0 ± 2.3 and 66.1 ± 2.8, respectively. Pasture health scored using PCSS was greatest for pastures where rotational grazing was used ( P = 0.03), although this effect did not influence percent desirable cover ( P = 0.68). Both PCSS and EPED scores were positively correlated (r = 0.571; P < 0.01) and both increased with decreasing stocking rate (r = −0.424; P < 0.01 and r = −0.294; P = 0.01, respectively). In summary, there appears to be low-to-moderate adoption of pasture BMPs among surveyed horse farms. Results of this study may be used to target educational programming for horse owners in suburban areas.

Antimicrobial Resistance and Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) Genes in E. coli Isolated from Equine Fecal Samples in Turkey

The extensive use of antibacterial agents used for treatment in human and veterinary clinics to increase yield in livestock and aquaculture in developing countries causes the detection and spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains in different sources. The presence of Escherichia coli strains is very common in racehorses and it's a serious problem on horse farms. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production is an important source of MDR development in Gram-negative strains such as E.coli. This study aimed to detect the presence of ESBL genes in E. coli strains isolated from horse farms in eastern Turkey.A total of 200 equine fecal samples were collected from 16 horse farms (70 Thoroughbred and 130 Arabian horses) in the Adana and Şanlıurfa provinces of Turkey. The presence of ESBL genes, such as blaCTX-M, blaTEM, blaSHV, blaOXA-48, and blaKPC in the E. coli strains was investigated using real-time PCR.According to the real-time PCR results, 107 (53.5%) out of 200 E. coli strains were positive for at least one gene. BlaCTX-M, blaSHV, and blaTEM were detected in 11, 6, and 4 strains respectively. blaCTX-M+blaSHV coexisted in 16 strains, blaCTX-M+blaTEM in 11 strains, blaSHV+blaOXA-48 in 8 strains, blaTEM+blaSHV in 8 strains, blaCTX+blaSHV+ blaOXA-48 coexistent in 3 strains, blaCTX-M+blaTEM+blaSHV+blaOXA-48 in 7 strains, blaCTX-M+ blaTEM+blaSHV+blaKPC in 2 strains, and finally, blaCTX-M+blaTEM+blaSHV+blaOXA-48+blaKPC in 3 strains.In a summary, ESBL-producing E. coli strains were frequently seen in the racehorses from eastern Turkey. The excessive misuse of antibiotics has led to the evolution of MDR strains such as ESBL-producing E. coli that cause serious health problems and are difficult to treat. Routine molecular epidemiology studies are warranted to closely monitor these resistant strains.

Community Empowerment Strategy Through the Village Spirit of Horse Riding and Farming in an Effort to Improve the Well-Being of the Community at Leban Village Sub-District Boja and District Kendal Central Java Province

This research get focus on strategic empowerment of communities through tourist village spirit riding and agricultural in an effort to improve the condition of the Leban village. As for the purpose of this research is to draw up strategies community empowerment through tourist village the spirit of riding and agricultural in an effort to improve the welfare of the village community wide, to analyze the barricade factors and to know the efforts made to address the factors a barrier. The research is descriptive research with a qualitative approach to the source of the data from the results of interviews, review literature that analyzed using SWOT analysis to search for strategies that will be used. Based on the research done, produced 1 (one) of alternative strategy for implementation who recommended to the local government of district kendal as well as the government leban village, namely: A performance of traditional arts and culture the village community leban routinely; Based on the results of this research is recommended to the government district kendal to provide support to the rural community empowerment wide and immediately issue a decree regent kendal on the determination of wide villages into tourist village. For department of culture and tourism in order to strengthen the role of tourist group conscious (pokdarwis) and held an education and training that sustained to villagers wide community to empowerment more optimal in terms of conscious tourism.

Anthelmintic resistance of horse strongyle nematodes to ivermectin and pyrantel in Lithuania

BackgroundWith intensive use of anthelmintic drugs in recent decades, anthelmintic resistance (AR) in horse nematodes is becoming a growing issue in many countries. However, there is little available information about the parasites, treatment practices or AR in the horse population in Lithuania. The aim of this study was to assess the current situation of AR on horse farms in Lithuania. The study was conducted in 25 stables on horses with a strongyle faecal egg count (FEC) of ≥ 200 eggs per gram. A faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) was performed on each farm after administration of ivermectin (IVM) or pyrantel (PYR).ResultsThe efficacy of IVM was comparatively high, with 98.8% of 250 horses having a zero egg count 14 days after treatment. Two conditions were used to interpret the FECRT results for PYR: firstly, resistance was determined when FECR was < 90% and the lower 95% confidence interval (LCL) was < 80%, and secondly when in addition the upper confidence level (UCL) was < 95%. Under the first condition, resistance against PYR was found in five stables (25% of all tested herds), while when considering the UCL as well, resistance was only detected in two stables (8%). The FEC showed a significant (P < 0.01) difference between the treatment and control groups. Only cyathostomin larvae were detected in larval cultures derived from strongyle-positive faecal samples collected 14 days after treatment of a test group with PYR.ConclusionsThis in vivo study showed that PYR resistance is prevalent on horse farms in Lithuania, while the efficacy of IVM still appears to be unaffected. However, further studies of ivermectin resistance are needed. These findings should guide the implementation of more sustainable management of strongyle infections in horses in Lithuania.

VERTEBRAL ANATOMIC VARIATIONS IN THOROUGHBRED RACEHORSES IN TRINIDAD

The occurrence of lumbar vertebrae variants in horses in Trinidad are rarely reported. Parts of the skeletons of two horses of unknown age and sex that died in a horse farm in Trinidad and Tobago were brought to the Anatomy Laboratory. It was reported that specimens of fused left transverse processes of the 5th and 6th lumbar vertebrae and a blunted left transverse process of the 6th lumbar vertebra in thoroughbred racehorses in Trinidad. It may be a first reports of its own kind in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Role of Socio-Economic Determinants of Horse Farms for Grassland Management, Vegetation Composition and Ecological Value

Socio-economic context is increasingly seen as a decisive factor for sustainable agricultural land use. The high prevalence of part-time farming and frequent lack of formal agricultural education within the equine sector are often seen as reasons why horse-grazed pastures do not fulfill their biodiversity potential. In spite of the substantial variability within horse farming, little is known about the relationship of socio-economic determinants with vegetation characteristics of horse-grazed grasslands. We surveyed 122 horse farms in Germany, classifying them into four socio-economic classes according to farm income type and farm managers’ agricultural education. We recorded farm structure parameters, grassland management practices and vegetation characteristics. Socio-economic class partly explained the great variability in farm structure that we observed. In contrast to our expectation, income type and agricultural education did not distinctly affect grassland management and were neither directly nor indirectly related to vegetation characteristics. Part-time farming and lack of agricultural education thus did not adversely affect the ecological value of horse-grazed grasslands. By contrast, both farm structure and paddock level management affected grassland vegetation and ecological value. Therefore, the socio-economic context of horse farms should be addressed in further research with strategies targeting the development of sustainable grassland management in horse keeping.

Preliminary Data from Six Years of Selective Anthelmintic Treatment on Five Horse Farms in France and Switzerland.

Simple SummaryToday, anthelmintic resistance (AR) of small strongyles (cyathostomins) against all presently available anthelmintics for equids poses on many horse farms worldwide huge problems with regard to an efficient and satisfactory parasite control. Therefore, alternative parasite control schemes are urgently needed. The so-called selective anthelmintic or targeted selective treatment (SAT) is one of the concepts considered to delay or even to overcome this challenging AR-situation. In the present field study, all 93 equids (90 horses, 3 ponies) from five horse riding farms in France and Switzerland were regularly sampled (spring and autumn) and the feces were analyzed for a period of six years. From a total of 757 fecal samples, only 263 (34.7%) had a fecal egg count ≥200 Eggs per Gram (EpG) (threshold) and consequently needed an anthelmintic treatment. A long-term reduction in the number of anthelmintic treatments can be expected on a herd and on the individual horse level, respectively, when comparing to a conventional (or strategic) twice per year treatment regime.Anthelmintic resistance (AR) of small strongyle populations (cyathostomins) against products of the benzimidazole and tetrahydropyrimidine classes occurs now worldwide and there is an increasing number of reports also regarding macrocyclic lactones. Consequently, and in order to maintain an appropriate horse parasite control, alternative control schemes must be evaluated under field conditions. Here we present a six-year field study on the administration of the so-called selective or targeted selective anthelmintic treatment (SAT) concept. In this study on five horse farms in France and Switzerland, 757 fecal samples from 93 equids (90 horses, 3 ponies) have been taken twice a year (between early and late spring and between early and late autumn) from autumn 2014 to spring 2020 and processed by a McMaster technique. From a total of 757 samples, only 263 (34.7%) had a fecal egg count ≥200 EpG and needed an anthelmintic treatment. This small number of fecal samples ≥200 EpG demonstrates the considerable potential for a long-term reduction of the number of anthelmintic treatments and the anthelmintic pressure by using the SAT-programme.

Introduction to automatic forage stations and measurement of forage intake rate in an active open barn for horses

Interest in the use of open barns on Swedish horse farms is increasing as an alternative to keeping horses in box stalls and as a 2007 law requires phasing out of tie stalls. To provide adequate forage to satisfy welfare requirements for nutrition, gut health and behavioural needs, the use of automated feeding is also increasing. Studies on forage intake rate report wide variation but provide little information on how to introduce horses to an automatic forage station and on how forage intake rate varies in individual horses fed using an automatic forage station. This study documented the process of training 22 horses to use a transponder-controlled automatic forage feeding station and measured forage intake rates. Observations on the learning period of horses for transponder-controlled automatic forage stations showed that after 4 days, 48% of the horses had reached the goal of 90% intake. After 8 days, learning was completed in 71% of horses and at 16 days in 95% of horses. Measurements of forage intake rate revealed significant differences between individual horses. Overall mean intake rate ± SD, based on 314 observations, was 22.4 ± 6.7 min/kg forage DM. Evaluation of the number of intake measurements required to set a representative average ration in the automatic station for an individual horse showed that the variation levelled off at four samples. In conclusion, horses quickly learned how to use an automatic forage station, with two-thirds of horses achieving this within 7 days. To ensure the correct ration in a timed transponder-controlled automatic forage station, each horse’s forage intake rate must be measured at least four times to obtain a representative average.

Dynamics of androgens in healthy and hospitalized newborn foals.

BackgroundInformation on steroids derived from the adrenal glands, gonads, or fetoplacental unit is minimal in newborn foals.ObjectiveTo measure androgen concentrations in serum and determine their association with disease severity and outcome in hospitalized foals.AnimalsHospitalized (n = 145) and healthy (n = 80) foals.MethodsProspective, multicenter, cross‐sectional study. Foals of ≤3 days of age from 3 hospitals and horse farms were classified as healthy and hospitalized (septic, sick nonseptic, neonatal maladjustment syndrome [NMS]) based on physical exam, medical history, and laboratory findings. Serum androgen and plasma ACTH concentrations were measured with immunoassays. Data were analyzed by nonparametric methods and univariate analysis.ResultsSerum dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), androstenedione, testosterone, and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) concentrations were higher upon admission in hospitalized foals (P < .05), were associated with nonsurvival, decreased to 4.9‐10.8%, 5.7‐31%, and 30.8‐62.8% admission values in healthy, SNS, and septic foals, respectively (P < .05), but remained unchanged or increased in nonsurviving foals. ACTH:androgen ratios were higher in septic and NMS foals (P < .05). Foals with decreased androgen clearance were more likely to die (odds ratio > 3; P < .05).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceSimilar to glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and progestagens, increased serum concentrations of androgens are associated with disease severity and adverse outcome in hospitalized newborn foals. In healthy foals, androgens decrease over time, however, remain elevated longer in septic and nonsurviving foals. Androgens could play a role in or reflect a response to disorders such as sepsis or NMS in newborn foals.

SWK-03. CAREGIVER EXPERIENCES FOR PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES AT A DEDICATED MEDICAL SPECIALTY CAMP

BACKGROUNDMedical specialty camps have provided children with unique psychosocial experiences; however, dedicated pediatric brain tumor camps are rare in the United States, except in limited locations. This study aimed to glean caregiver perceptions from a dedicated family brain tumor camp, and to learn about the family experience with navigating a neuro-oncology diagnosis. DESIGN: Flying Horse Farms is a non-profit organization located in Mt. Gilead, Ohio and a member of the SeriousFun Children’s Network, a global community of camps and programs serving children with serious illnesses and their families, at no cost. The institutional review board at Ohio University approved this project at Flying Horse Farms in September 2017. Consent from caregivers was obtained prior to participation in the study, which provided the opportunity to complete three separate phases: a pre-camp survey, attend a semi-structured interview during the weekend, and complete a post-camp survey.RESULTS11 families were present for the weekend, and 10 families consented to participate in all three phases. For 6 families, this was their first experience at Flying Horse Farms. For 9 of the 10 families, the camp met their expectations. Additionally, 9 out of 10 families reported they would be interested in attending a diagnosis specific camp again in the future.CONCLUSIONSThis work demonstrates the feasibility of conducting research at a medical specialty camp without restricting the camp experience. Better understanding of the attendee’s attitudes toward camp may enhance the experience and the neuro-oncology journey in the future.

The Prospects of genetic resources of horse using in Ukraine

The high-priority task in international and national agricultural programsis to preserve the genetic resources of livestock and develop some ways to use them effectively, because there is a tendency in the world where we can see the reduction of the breed composition of domesticated animal species. Today, horse farms are unprofitable, do not have the funds for expanded reproduction, and accordingly the population of valuable breeds of horses is reduced, the general gene pool is impoverished. The aim of the study was to analyze and highlight the current state of horse breeding in Ukraine, the characteristics of domestic breeds of breeding horses, which are the basis for breeding work, and forecasting their importance in the breed process. To analyze the state of development of horse breeding in Ukraine, the State Register of subjects of breeding in animal husbandry for 2005-2018 and the data of long-term research in the field of horse breeding in Ukraine were used. There were used the methods of system generalization, graphic, analytical and comparative-statistical. The analysis of the state development of horse breeding in Ukraine has been carried out. It was also proved that in the conditions of a long crisis for the last 14 years pedigree horse breeding in Ukraine has undergone a significant decrease in the number of livestock, narrowing of the breed structure and change of ownership. At the beginning of 2019 in Ukraine, according to the State Register of Breeding Entities in Animal Husbandry, there are 38 breeding entities: 18 stud farms, 20 breeding breeders. The largest number of breeding horses is concentrated in the eastern regions of Ukraine: Luhansk, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kirovohrad, Zaporizhia. It is established that the leaders in the number of factory breeds of horses are the Ukrainian horse, Orel trotter and purebred horse. During the period from 2005 to 2019, the horse breeding industry in Ukraine suffered significant losses, and the number of breeding horses decreased more than twice. However, over the last year in Poltava, Kyiv, Khmelnytsky regions there have been tendencies to increase the number of breeding horses. Some breeds of horses can be used both in the breeding process and for custom of crossbreeding for sports. Key words: breed, horse farm, breeding breeder, livestock, stallion, mare, foal yield.

Hyalomma anatolicum resistance against ivermectin and fipronil is associated with indiscriminate use of acaricides in southwestern Balochistan, Pakistan.

Ivermectin and fipronil have been used regularly to control the hard tick Hyalomma anatolicum (Acari: Ixodidae) in domestic ruminants for more than a half-decade in Balochistan, Pakistan. Inappropriate and indiscriminate use of these acaricides has resulted in the development of resistances in tick species. In this work, acaricides (ivermectin and fipronil) resistance was evaluated in H. anatolicum through in vitro and in vivo bioassays in a horse farm of Quetta, Balochistan province, Pakistan. A participatory epidemiological survey was conducted to assess potential risk factors associated with the development of acaricide resistance in H. anatolicum. The results of the epidemiological survey revealed that the horse keepers did not follow the manufacturer's instructions for the use of acaricides and applied indiscriminate doses of acaricides. The results of in vitro bioassays (adult immersion test and larval immersion test) showed that fipronil and ivermectin have protective efficacy against H. anatolicum. The results of in vivo bioassay (adult-tick mortality assay) revealed that fipronil had a higher efficacy (78.16%) than ivermectin (49.94%). More than 80% of tick mortality was not achieved in any bioassays, even for the highest acaricide concentration (100ppm), which suggests the development of acaricide resistance against fipronil and ivermectin. This study highlights the urgency to implement a country-wide awareness about resistance monitoring and effective tick control. Graphical abstract.