Horse Industry Research Articles

149 Effectiveness of eXtension online webinars as educational tools for current horse industry issues

149 Effectiveness of eXtension online webinars as educational tools for current horse industry issues

기술시스템 (Large Technological Systems) 이론구조를 활용한 경마방송 비교연구

This study was to analyze the gambling media system, one of important factors in horse racing industry. The purpose of this study is to show a vision in special field of horse racing industry, which is examined as comparative analysis on domestic and foreign gambling media system in terms of Large Technological Systems by Hughes(1987). This study approaches in two different viewpoints. First, this study is to conceptualize the subjects of study in Large Technological System. Second, this study is to show common factors and differences on domestic and foreign gambling media system through conceptualization. This paper shows vision and implications like faster decision-making by authority's direct operating, competitive content development, future policy in accordance with the international open-door policy and broadcasting convergence for the balanced development of horse industry through the gambling media system, analyzing reverse salient which is the barrier of domestic gambling media system from comparative study.

Using a community tourism development model to explore equestrian trail tourism potential in Virginia

As the tourism industry grows so does the demand by tourists for specialized travel alternatives. One niche market that is growing but has received very little attention in the tourism literature is equestrian tourism. Increased demand makes the development and planning of equestrian tourism critical to minimize conflict among stakeholders, and provide necessary infrastructure for patrons. The purpose of this study was to assess equestrian trail riders' perceptions and attitudes about the viability of and need for equestrian trail tourism development in their community. An online survey was conducted with members of the Virginia Horse Council. According to the findings, not only was equestrian trail tourism viewed as a viable industry for the county, current resource users voiced their support for expanding the market, which would result in retention and growth among related businesses and facilities. Trail riders felt that the greatest needs in developing equestrian tourism lay in the areas of marketing, support from officials, educating local officials about the economic importance of the horse industry, organization within the horse community, and developing additional trails. Results from this study will be useful in a general sense for rural tourism planners within and outside of the community wishing to increase equestrian trail tourism.

Browse-related behaviors of pastured horses in Australia: A survey

This study investigated the husbandry and management practices of Australian horses at pasture and observed browsing behavior (i.e., the consumption of nonpasture plant species). Horse owners were contacted via horse magazines, social media Web sites, and horse industry councils and invited to complete an online survey. Information was collected on location, husbandry, and feeding management of their horse(s), pasture conditions, the observation of specified behaviors and forage selection by their horse(s) at pasture. The survey had 497 respondents across Australia who owned a total of 3,082 horses. Most horses (85%) had access to grazing areas 16-24 hours per day. Owners commonly (90%) observed ≥1 pasture problems on their property, and the mean number of problems was similar across grazing areas of <2, 2-10, and >10 ha. Although the horses had access to pasture, there was a heavy reliance on supplementary feeding. Approximately 95% of the horses were fed concentrates and/or supplements on a daily basis, and 86% of the horses were offered conserved forage. Surveyed behaviors were reported by 75% of the respondents, with bark chewing and licking or eating dirt being the most prevalent behaviors. Almost three-quarters of the horse owners indicated that their horses browse on parts of trees, shrubs, or other nonpasture species. This study verifies that Australian horses consume a range of nonpasture species and frequently demonstrate bark-chewing behavior while at pasture. It is currently unclear if the selections of browse and bark stripping observed in this study are a function of reduced pasture availability or vegetation diversity and diet choices.

Improving the Competitiveness of the Korean Horse Industry in the Era of FTA

Improving the Competitiveness of the Korean Horse Industry in the Era of FTA

Epidemiology of Theileria equi in Persian Arab horses from Iran

The Khuzestan province in south-western Iran is the centre of Persian Arab horse breeding and training. The present study was aimed at determining the prevalence of Theileria equi in the equids of this province. A total of 165 blood samples from healthy Persian Arab horses from twenty four stables were examined for the presence of T. equi infection using molecular methods. For detection of T. equi, primers targeting the 18SrRNA gene were selected. The PCR method gave 47 (28.5%) positive results. Age (P = 0.68), sex (P = 0.88), contact with cattle (P = 0.26) and type of activity (P = 0.06) were not determined as risk factors for T. equi infection in this study. However, there was a significant geographical variation in the prevalence of T. equi infection ranging from 8.3% (2/24) in Shushtar to 55.6% (10/18) in Ramhormoz (CI, 2.46&amp;ndash;76.82) (P = 0.003). In conclusion, equine theileriosis has the potential of posing a significant problem for Iran&amp;rsquo;s Persian Arab horse industry and should remain a major concern to the horse community and regulatory agencies. &amp;nbsp;

Hendra virus in Queensland, Australia, during the winter of 2011: Veterinarians on the path to better management strategies

Following the emergence of Hendra virus (HeV), private veterinarians have had to adopt additional infection control strategies to manage this zoonosis. Between 1994 and 2010, seven people became infected with HeV, four fatally. All infected people were at a higher risk of exposure from contact with horses as they were either veterinary personnel, assisting veterinarians, or working in the horse industry. The management of emerging zoonoses is best approached from a One Health perspective as it benefits biosecurity as well as a public health, including the health of those most at risk, in this case private veterinarians. In 2011 we conducted a cross-sectional study of private veterinarians registered in Queensland and providing veterinary services to horses. The aim of this study was to gauge if participants had adopted recommendations for improved infection control, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and the development of HeV specific management strategies during the winter of 2011. A majority of participants worked in practices that had a formal HeV management plan, mostly based on the perusal of official guidelines and an HeV field kit. The use of PPE increased as the health status of an equine patient decreased, demonstrating that many participants evaluated the risk of exposure to HeV appropriately; while others remained at risk of HeV infection by not using the appropriate PPE even when attending a sick horse. This study took place after Biosecurity Queensland had sent a comprehensive package about HeV management to all private veterinarians working in Queensland. However, those who had previous HeV experience through the management of suspected cases or had attended a HeV specific professional education programme in the previous 12 months were more likely to use PPE than those who had not. This may indicate that for private veterinarians in Queensland personal experience and face-to-face professional education sessions may be more effective in the improvement of HeV management than passive education via information packages. The role of different education pathways in the sustainable adoption of veterinary infection control measures should be further investigated.

승마산업 확산을 위한 말산업 육성법의 정책결정과정 분석

승마산업 확산을 위한 말산업 육성법의 정책결정과정 분석

The equine cervical spine: comparing MRI and contrast-enhanced CT images with anatomic slices in the sagittal, dorsal, and transverse plane

Background: The impact of cervical pathology on performance is of great importance to the horse industry. Accurate diagnosis of cervical disease with imaging modalities, including computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), requires thorough appreciation of normal cervical anatomy.Objectives: (1) To describe in detail the anatomy of the equine cervical spine by comparing anatomical sections with corresponding MR and contrast-enhanced CT images in the sagittal, dorsal, and transverse plane. (2) To discuss the ability of MR and contrast-enhanced CT imaging to visualize anatomical structures in the cervical spine.Animals and methods: Three cervical spines of young adults (3–8 years), collected immediately after humane euthanasia, were used. The spine was stabilized on a frame in a natural flexed position with an angle of 20°. MR and contrast-enhanced CT imaging was performed within six hours after euthanasia. Anatomical sections of 1 cm were made in the sagittal, dorsal, and transverse plane and compared with corresponding CT and MR images. The intervertebral disk thickness, facet joint angle, sagittal dural space diameter and ventromedial facet joint projection were quantified.Results: The anatomic location of clinically important structures including the facet joints, spinal cord, cervical nerve roots and intervertebral disks were reliably identified in the anatomical sections and their corresponding MR images. Contrast-enhanced CT images depicted all osseous borders, whereas MR images were superior for soft tissue structures.Conclusion and clinical importance: This study enhances our understanding of normal cervical spine anatomy and the diagnostic usefulness of cervical MRI and contrast-enhanced CT in the horse.

Use of an Extension Horse Conference to Improve Profitability for the Horse Industry

An annual horse training conference has been used to improve profitability for horse owners through providing owners an affordable opportunity to learn from high-profile equine professionals. This conference has contributed to $9,300,000 increase in value of horses over its 21-year history. Furthermore, by attracting the country's elite equine professionals and designing an annual quality even that is unmatched in the region, equine Extension and teaching programs can gain much credibility to the horse industry regionally and nationally.

Survival of Hendra Virus in the Environment: Modelling the Effect of Temperature

Hendra virus (HeV), a highly pathogenic zoonotic paramyxovirus recently emerged from bats, is a major concern to the horse industry in Australia. Previous research has shown that higher temperatures led to lower virus survival rates in the laboratory. We develop a model of survival of HeV in the environment as influenced by temperature. We used 20 years of daily temperature at six locations spanning the geographic range of reported HeV incidents to simulate the temporal and spatial impacts of temperature on HeV survival. At any location, simulated virus survival was greater in winter than in summer, and in any month of the year, survival was higher in higher latitudes. At any location, year-to-year variation in virus survival 24 h post-excretion was substantial and was as large as the difference between locations. Survival was higher in microhabitats with lower than ambient temperature, and when environmental exposure was shorter. The within-year pattern of virus survival mirrored the cumulative within-year occurrence of reported HeV cases, although there were no overall differences in survival in HeV case years and non-case years. The model examines the effect of temperature in isolation; actual virus survivability will reflect the effect of additional environmental factors.

The Strategies for Vitalization of Exporting Horse Industry in Korea

The Strategies for Vitalization of Exporting Horse Industry in Korea

Congenital hypothyroidism and dysmaturity syndrome in foals: First reported cases inEurope

SummaryCongenital hypothyroidism and dysmaturity syndrome (CHD) in neonatal foals was first described in westernCanada in 1981 and remains an important problem for the westernCanadian horse industry. This syndrome is characterised by hyperplasia of the thyroid gland, increased gestational length and multiple congenital musculoskeletal abnormalities. This case series describes the first confirmed cases ofCHDinEurope and challenges contemporary opinion which suggests that this syndrome is distinct from congenital hypothyroidism associated with visible goitre.

Retrospective Review of Carriage Horse and Mule Welfare in Charleston, South Carolina (2009–2012)

Equine Welfare and Carriage Horse Companies have been recently highlighted as matters of public concern, although little data exists to describe working conditions, municipal regulations, and veterinary attention. In light of the current pandemic of unwanted horses in this country, it is prudent for the veterinary community to identify objective measurements of satisfactory equine welfare in the carriage horse industry to regulate and maintain working horses in sound conditions. Retrospective data from a carriage company in South Carolina was collected from 2009 to 2012. Variables included days in work, hours and/or tours worked, veterinary charges, management practices, and environmental conditions. City veterinary reports were also reviewed for all five local carriage companies. The average number of days in work per animal ranged from 163 to 188 per year. On average, each animal performed 4.6 hour long tours per working day, resulting in an average 865 tours per year. Each animal cost on average $2.00 per day in veterinary costs, and $0.84 of each animal's tour went toward veterinary bills. Welfare among carriage horses is a subject on which equine veterinarians should be well versed; not only to answer questions from clientele but also to promote good working and living conditions for these animals in an effort to stem the number of unwanted horses in America. The carriage company reported in detail here provides acceptable welfare for their animals. Prospective studies are needed to collect objective, evidence-based data regarding stress levels in the animals.

Carbomer Viscosupplementation in the Equine Middle Carpal Joint

Joint visco supplementation is widely used in the sport horse industry, commonly utilizing hyaluronan. Similar to hyaluronan, the carbomer molecule has bioadhesive and viscoelastic properties, and has been 15 studied for use in human medicine. Carbomers are generally inert biologically, non-irritating, and have been used in humans as injectable depots for time-release medications. Our objective was to describe the outcome of intra-articular viscosupplementation with carbomer in four horses. Four healthy adult mares participated in this study. Baseline lameness examinations, aseptic arthrocenteses and synovial fluid analyses were performed. Three mL of 3% carbomer was then 20 injected into each left middle carpal joint. Lameness evaluations were repeated daily for each horse for ten days post-injection or until the time of euthanasia. At euthanasia, synovial fluid analyses were repeated on the left middle carpal joint. Samples of synovium from the left middle carpal joints were submitted for histopathology. Articular cartilage of the third carpal bone including subchondral bone was submitted for histology and confocal microscopy. 25 Carbomer viscosupplementation of the middle carpal joint caused severe lameness in 3 /4 mares. The fourth mare developed moderate lameness after injection. Confocal microscopy was negative for cartilaginous defects. Histology of all treated samples revealed varying degrees of small cell inflammatory infiltrate into the subsynovia. With no abnormal findings in samples of cartilage or subchondral bone, lameness is attributable to 30 severe synovitis, which is consistent with histologic findings of synovium in all cases. The current formulation of carbomer is therefore not suitable for intra-articular viscosupplementation in horses.

Detection and quantitation of equid gammaherpesviruses (EHV-2, EHV-5) in nasal swabs using an accredited standardised quantitative PCR method

Equid gammaherpesviruses-2 and -5 are involved in respiratory problems, with potential clinical manifestations such as nasal discharge, pharyngitis and swollen lymph nodes. These viruses are sometimes associated with a poor-performance syndrome, which may result in a significant and negative economic impact for the horse industry. The aim of the present study was to develop and validate quantitative PCR methods for the detection and quantitation of EHV-2 and EHV-5 in equine respiratory fluids. Two distinct tests were characterised: (a) for the qPCR alone and (b) for the whole method (extraction and qPCR) according to the standard model AFNOR XP U47-600-2 (viz., specificity, quantifiable sensibility, linearity, accuracy, range of application, trueness, precision, repeatability and precision of reproducibility). EHV-2 and EHV-5 detection were performed on nasal swabs collected from 172 horses, all of which exhibited clinical signs of respiratory disease. The data revealed a high rate of EHV-2/EHV-5 co-detection that was correlated significantly with age. Viral load of EHV-2 was significantly higher in young horses whereas viral load of EHV-5 was not significantly different with age.

Risk factors associated with health disorders in sport and leisure horses in the Netherlands1

Horses are used for a wide variety of purposes from being used for recreational purposes to competing at an international level. With these different uses, horses have to adapt to numerous challenges and changes in their environment, which can be a challenge itself in continuously safeguarding their welfare. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of health disorders with clinical examination and identify possible risk factors of health disorders affecting horse welfare in professional husbandry systems in the Netherlands. With the use of fixed protocols for recording health aspects in horses, 150 horse farms voluntarily participating in the study were assessed by trained assessors. On each farm, 20 horses were clinically examined, in total almost 3,000 animals. This study recorded on the basis of the clinical examinations: the respiratory system (i.e., abnormal breathing [1%], coughing [1%], nasal discharge [1.9%]), body condition (i.e., 18.8% fat body condition and 6.4% poor body condition), locomotion (14.5% exhibited irregularity of locomotion and 4.8% were lame), back palpation (a light response [22.6%] and moderate to severe response [8.4%]), mouth (i.e., irregularities on mouth corners [3.4%] and bars [3.4%]), and ocular discharge (12%). Risk factor analysis, stepwise using mixed model regression, demonstrated several risk factors for health aspects. Horses used for instruction (riding lessons) were almost two times more at risk to develop moderate to severe back pain compared to horses used for recreation (odds ratios [OR] = 0.54) or for competition (OR = 0.61). Horses used for instruction (riding school lessons), breeding, or recreation all had a higher risk for irregular locomotion or lameness compared to competition horses (OR = 0.42, OR = 0.55, OR = 2.14, respectively). Horses used for recreation were more prone to have a higher BCS compared to horses used for breeding (OR = 3.07) and instruction (OR = 2.06). The prevalence of health problems and the identified risk factors are valid for the horses in the present study in which farms voluntarily participated. Furthermore, the results may provide the basis for horse welfare and health programs on farm and horse industry levels. With the development of a valid welfare monitoring system for the horse industry, the welfare of horses can be increased through improving awareness and stimulating changes in management.

Recovery rate and sperm quality after centrifugation of stallion sperm in different gradient concentrations

Single-layer sperm centrifugation (SLC) is commonly used in the horse industry to select sperm of high quality for artificial insemination or ICSI techniques. Most current protocols use 80% silica particle solution (SPS). It has not been determined whether this SPS concentration optimizes both sperm quality and recovery. The objective of this study was to determine recovery rate and sperm quality after SLC in varying SPS concentrations to determine the total number and quality of sperm recovered. For each replicate (n1⁄43), ejaculates from each of three stallions were pooled. Treatments included eight SPS concentrations (10,20,30,40,50,60,70,80%) and a control (C) sample. Treatments were prepared using a silica particle solution (RediGrad, GE Healthcare Life Sciences) diluted with a calcium-free TALP buffer. Following simple centrifugation (400 x g for 20 min) using a cushion solution (Minitube, Germany) the sperm pellet on top of the cushion fluid was extended to 500 million sperm/mL and 1mL was layered on top of each SPS solution and centrifuged (200 x g for 30 min). The SPS was removed and the pellet resuspended to approximately 1 mL in extender (Heitland, Eq Vet J 28:47,1996). Treatments were evaluated using 1) CASA for total sperm motility (TMOT),2) flow cytometry to evaluate DNA quality (Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay), and viability/acrosome integrity (Pisum sativum agglutinin/propidium iodide), 3) DIC microscopy to evaluate sperm morphology, and 4) a

A Study on the Sixth Industry of Horse Industry in the Era of FTA

The purpose of this study is to examine the business model and the tasks for the sixth industry of horse industry in the era of FTA. The sixth...

Testing mammary gland secretions to help predict when a mare will foal

IN general, horses have a higher economic value than other domestic animals. Assisted foaling is performed in order to avoid complications associated with unattended births. Most mares foal late at...