Cow Horse Research Articles

Comparison of hematologic variables among Warmbloods, Thoroughbreds, and Western stock horse breeds.

Hematology is a diagnostic tool used to evaluate the health status of horses. However, breed differences are often not considered. The objective was to compare complete blood count variables among Warmbloods, Thoroughbreds, and stock horses (SH). Ninety-six healthy horses were grouped by breed (Warmbloods, Thoroughbreds, and SH). Samples were collected through venipuncture for complete blood count analysis. One-way ANOVA with Tukey's tests or Kruskal-Wallis with Dunn's post hoc tests were used to compare hematologic variables among groups. Warmbloods had a significantly lower total white blood cell (WBC) count (6.08 ± 1.11 × 109/L) and lymphocyte count (1.76 ± 0.41 × 109/L) than Thoroughbreds (7.28 ± 1.45; 2.28 ± 5.16 × 109/L, respectively; P < .001) and SH (7.21 ± 1.18 × 109/L, P < .01; 2.10 ± 5.17 × 109/L; P < .05). Warmbloods had a significantly lower red blood cell count (7.7 ± 0.8 × 1012/L) and higher mean corpuscular volume (MCV, 49.4 ± 2.2 fL) than Thoroughbreds (8.42 ± 1.2 × 1012/L, P < .01; 47.3 ± 3.0 fL). Warmbloods had lower MCVs than SH (49.4 ± 2.2 vs 51.2 ± 2.6 fL). The mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) was higher in Warmbloods (35.0, 33.8-36.2 g/dL) and Thoroughbreds (34.9, 33.4-35.7 g/dL) than in SH breeds (34.0, 33.4-35.4 g/dL; P < .001, both). Total protein concentrations were significantly lower in Thoroughbreds (67, 59-80 g/L) compared with SH (71, 64-83 g/dL) (P < .05). Warmbloods had decreased WBC and lymphocyte counts compared with Thoroughbreds and SH, and Thoroughbreds had increased red blood cell counts. Thoroughbreds had lower total protein concentrations than SH. Clinicians should consider breed differences when interpreting hematologic values.

45 Quantifying gait quality changes in fragile foal syndrome carriers using artificial intelligence

The domestic horse has remarkable locomotor polymorphisms valuable to study of genetic musculoskeletal diseases and their effect on gait quality. Here we investigate a polymorphism in the PLOD1 gene, responsible for Fragile Foal Syndrome (FFS), as it impacts the organization of collagen fibers. We hypothesize that the changes in the biomechanical properties of tissues will result in change of locomotor phenotypes. We first addressed the need for a gait assessment tool that can accurately quantify various locomotor parameters. We created a pipeline built around the software package DeepLabCut (DLC), a user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI) written in Python, and a custom gait parameter calculator written in MatLab. DLC uses a pre-trained deep neural network model to apply 22 anatomical landmarks on jogging horses observed in video recordings. A custom GUI allows the user to perform error checks of the labels before the pipeline processes the raw marker coordinate files produced by DLC into geometric gait parameters. We then genotyped 138 horses in training for jumping competition by extracting DNA from the bulbs of pulled tail hair and running a PCR-RFLP test. We confirmed these genotypes via sanger sequencing. Of the 138 horses, 58 were purebred Thoroughbreds, 72 were warmbloods, and the remaining 8 were made up of stock horses. The carrier rate was n = 4 in Thoroughbreds, and n = 3in the warmbloods including an Irish Sport Horse, Sillia Argentina, and Holsteiner. We observed a FFS carrier frequency markedly higher in the Thoroughbred population than those reported in previous studies (6.9%, P = 0.015, Χ2 test). A Quadratic Discriminant Analysis then produced standardized coefficient scores for each of the 15 gait parameters to determine the best predictors of genotype within the model. The change in joint extension of both the hind and forelimb were the strongest predictors of genotype and indicated that FFS carriers had greater extension and swing of all 4 limbs. As a result, FFS carriers likely have an altered hoof flight path throughout the stride cycle. Future work will increase the sample size to capture more FFS carriers and will more precisely define the FFS locomotor phenotype. We will also apply this new phenotyping method to investigate changes in gait associated with other genetic variants for connective tissue disorders like HERDA and JEB. Improved quantification of gait parameters, and our understanding of the physiology of this and other known connective tissue disorders in the horse, will aid in future breeding and selection decisions to reduce injury risk and improve performance.

Reducing chronic back pain and inflammation in horses using a commercial herbal liniment

SummaryBackgroundBack pain in horses, regardless of the underlying cause, is a common condition that can result in poor performance. The field veterinarian has limited noninvasive treatment options for reduction in back muscle soreness. This study was designed to evaluate effectiveness of a commercially available herbal, nonheating liniment (Sore No More Performance Ultra, Arenus), in reducing pain and inflammation in horses with mild back pain.ObjectivesFocus on a standardised area of the lumbar back region to evaluate effects of an herbal liniment over 44 days using pressure algometry to determine pain response and thermographic measurement of surface temperature to evaluate inflammation.Study designA randomised complete block design was used. Eighteen mature stock horses were evaluated for back pain and randomly assigned to treatment group (herbal liniment or control solution).MethodsAll horses maintained similar light work 5 days per week in a university equestrian programme for 44 days. Evaluation of the back was standardised by identifying the lumbar region, and pain and inflammation assessed weekly with force gauge pressure readings and thermal images.ResultsAll horses displayed a decrease in pain scores over the first 3 weeks of the study, but the control group saw a rise in pain scores at Day 23. Pain scores on the left side of the back were significantly lower in the liniment group than the control group at Day 30.Main limitationsNumber of horses available for the study was limited. Daily exercise of the horses used represented typical use of mature lesson horses, however, was not standardised for the entirety of the 44‐day trial.ConclusionsStandardised evaluation procedures using pressure algometry and thermography found that Sore No More Performance Ultra herbal liniment had some effect on thermography (inflammation) and pain response of the back, with improvements shown at 23–30 days.

Síndrome de Insuficiencia Adrenocortical en un caballo de resistencia

At last 5Km in the endurance competition a gelding (Australian Stock Horse) with 10-years-old showed poor performance and exhausted. On clinical examination the horse presented exhausted, depression, lethargy and anorexia. After start the treatment the horse death. On necropsy showed multiples hemorrhages in the adrenal cortex and renal cortical with papillary necrosis, acute tubular necrosis. Histopathology showed: hemorrhages in adrenal cortex, capsule thickening and atrophy cortical with coagulation necrosis of zona glomerulosa, coagulation necrosis focal zona fasciculata, only congestion of the zona reticularis. In conclusion, we report a case of adrenocortical insufficiency syndrome in a resistance horse with rapid development of clinical signs, without response to emergency treatment, confirmed with laboratory, necropsy and histopathology results.

119 Physical, discipline, and breed factors influence sale price between stock-type and sport-type horses sold in online auctions

Online auctions are becoming a common place to sell horses and other equids due to increased marketability and focused sales for different discipline areas. Within the United States, online auctions and sale parameters for stock horses have been well established, but a similar online auction format for sport horses has recently become available. We hypothesized that horses marketed in stock or sport auctions would differ in bid price relative to physical characteristics, cross-discipline training, and breed registration status. Data from 51 stock and 75 sport online auctions across an 8 year period (Professional Horse Auctions, LLC) were assessed to determine market specific variations in sale price, along with desired traits including type and number of disciplines for which the horse was trained, breed, and registration status. Height (cm) was recorded and classified as a pony (less than 142.24 cm), small horse (142.24 to under 162.56 cm) and large horse (162.57 cm and above). Data were assessed using ANOVA and mean comparisons (a = 0.05), with Tukey's pairwise post hoc analysis where appropriate (STATA 16). Online auction format proved to be more effective for stock horses with 59.2% (n = 1,374) sold, compared with only 41.5% (n = 1,012) of sport horses. Across all horses (n = 4,744), sport horses (n = 2,425) sold at a higher mean price (5,164 ± 5,345 USD) than stock horses (n = 2,319, 3,303 ± 3,332 USD). The size of the horse impacted final sale bid across stock and sport listings, with large sport horses having a higher final sale price (7,471 ± 237 USD, P = 0.00001). The number of disciplines listed per horse was not a contributing factor to sale price; however, if listed, specific disciplines such as dressage (5,729 ± 5,590 USD) and jumping (5,516 ± 5,3 USD) resulted in a higher sale price ( P = 0.0001). Registry within a breed or riding association tended to be a driving factor in a successful sale ( P = 0.08); however, horses listed as registered did not differ in their price when evaluated by sale type. Understanding driving factors, including height, breed registry, and discipline training, that affect online auction bid differences across stock and sport horses may help inform sale decisions for both buyer and seller.

Outcome following neurectomy of the deep branch lateral plantar nerve and plantar fasciotomy for hindlimb proximal suspensory desmopathy in western performance horses: 21 cases

To report the outcome of horses used in western performance disciplines after deep branch lateral plantar neurectomy/fasciotomy surgery for hind limb proximal suspensory desmopathy (PSD). Retrospective analysis. Twenty-one client-owned horses. Medical records were reviewed (2009-2019) for horses involved in western performance disciplines that had been treated with deep branch lateral plantar neurectomy and plantar fasciotomy for lameness due to hind limb PSD. Follow-up was obtained by reexamination and/or verbal interviews with owners >2 years postoperatively. Sixteen quarter horses and five paints were used for western pleasure (14/21), barrel racing (2/21), cutting (1/21), steer wrestling (1/21), working cow horse (1/21), team roping (1/21) and reining (1/21). A median duration of 8 months was required before horses were able to resume training or athletic work. Nine horses were able to return to a similar or higher level of athletic use, nine horses returned to a lower level of athletic performance, and three horses could not return to intended function. Owner satisfaction with outcome after the procedure was high (16/21), average (3/21), and low (2/21). Deep branch lateral plantar neurectomy and plantar fasciotomy allowed most horses to resume some athletic function as western performance horses. These results provide evidence of potential outcomes when considering surgical treatment of hind limb PSD in western performance horses.

Age-Related Changes in the Behaviour of Domestic Horses as Reported by Owners.

Simple SummarySome treatments for common problem behaviours in domestic horses can compromise horse welfare. Such behaviours can be the manifestation of pain, confusion and conflict. In contrast, among the desirable attributes in horses, boldness and independence are two important behavioural traits that affect the fearfulness, assertiveness and sociability of horses when interacting with their environment, objects, conspecifics and humans. Shy and socially dependent horses are generally more difficult to manage and train than their bold and independent counterparts. Previous studies have shown how certain basic temperament traits predict the behavioural output of horses, but few have investigated how the age of the horse and the age it was when started being trained under saddle affect behaviour. Using 1940 responses to the Equine Behaviour Assessment and Research Questionnaire (E-BARQ), the current study explored the behavioural evidence of boldness and independence in horses and how these related to the age of the horse. Results revealed age-related effects on boldness and independence of horses. Older horses were bolder than younger horses, but horses started under saddle at an older age were less bold and independent than those started at a younger age. Additionally, significant differences in boldness and independence relating to specific breeds and primary equestrian disciplines also emerged. Finally, riders with eight or more years of riding experience reported having more independent horses than those who had ridden their whole lives. Understanding how horses’ ages affect behavioural traits can improve horse–rider matching and potentially also optimise welfare.The broad traits of boldness and independence in domestic horses can affect their usefulness and, indirectly, their welfare. The objective of the current study was to explore associations between attributes that reflect equine boldness and independence with both the age of horses and the age at which they were started under saddle, as well as other variables including breed, colour and primary equestrian discipline. All data were sourced from responses (n = 1940) to the 97-question online Equine Behaviour Assessment and Research Questionnaire (E-BARQ). Twenty E-BARQ items from the dataset were selected to reflect boldness and independence and were tested for univariate significance at p < 0.2. Multivariable modelling of the effect of age on remaining traits was assessed by an ordinal logistic regression, using a cumulative log odds model. This revealed that older horses were bolder (p = 0.012). However, horses started under saddle at an older age were less bold and less independent (p = 0.040 and p = 0.010, respectively). Australian Stock Horses were bolder and more independent (p = 0.014 and p = 0.007, respectively) than crossbreed horses. Horses used for breeding conformation (p = 0.039), working equitation (p = 0.045), eventing (p = 0.044) and traditional working horses (p = 0.034) were bolder than those used for other disciplines. Dressage (p = 0.039) and therapy (p = 0.040) horses were less bold than horses used for other disciplines. Stallions were bolder (p = −0.034) than geldings. Brown (p = 0.049) and chestnut (p = 0.027) horses were less bold than bay horses. Compared to crossbreed horses, Thoroughbreds (p = 0.000) and companion horses (p = 0.017) were less bold whilst heavy horses (p = 0.029) and ponies (p = 0.044) were bolder. Compared to pleasure horses, mounted games horses (p = 0.033) were less independent whereas working equitation horses (p = 0.020) were more independent. Riders with more than eight years’ experience reported more independence in their horses (p = 0.015) than those who had ridden their whole lives. The study findings suggest that boldness and independence are separate traits and only boldness was associated with the age of the horse. Factors that relate to desirable boldness and independence are important in ridden horses because they can affect rider safety. Results from this study should improve horse–rider matching and thereby potentially enhance horse welfare.

Oxytetracycline associated acute kidney injury in a neonatal foal

SummaryA 3‐day‐old Australian Stock Horse filly presented with fulminant acute kidney injury after receiving 4 g of intravenous oxytetracycline at 24 and 48 h of age for medical management of flexural deformities. The filly’s clinical status initially improved, but worsening azotaemia prompted euthanasia after 55 h of supportive care. Necropsy confirmed proximal tubular necrosis. Nephropathy in association with oxytetracycline administration has been rarely reported. This case describes severe nephropathy in an apparently normal foal and highlights the need for thorough case evaluation prior to use of high‐dose oxytetracycline therapy for correction of flexural deformities in foals.

PSI-20 Public perceptions of problematic equine industry sectors and management scenarios

Abstract The equine industry is highly variable with many different sectors and management practices. To determine how the public views common management practices and discipline-specific areas of the equine industry, an online study was distributed via email and social media over a 6-week period to U.S. residents over the age of 18 (n = 1,372). Survey questions included demographics, industry connection, definition of welfare and equine classification. Respondents were asked to select the most concerning option from a series of management-related scenarios. The production livestock and equine industries were then segmented by species or discipline, respectively, and respondents were asked which sector was most problematic. To analyze the data, frequency tables (Proc FREQ) and multinomial logistic regression (Proc LOGISTIC) were used in SAS 9.4 (Cary, NC) to test the factors associated with likelihood to select a given management scenario from each series (α=0.05). Respondents who were heavily connected to the industry were four times more likely than lightly connected individuals to select that a blanketed horse or unblanketed horse in 30°F weather with unlimited access to food and water equally presented no concern than to say that a blanketed or unblanketed horse in 30°F weather with unlimited access to food and water and were concerning (OR= 4.09; 95%CL: 2.08,8.04). Of the 1,244 respondents who answered, 563 (45%) said that the gaited horse industry is the most problematic equine industry compared to the racing industry (41%) and stock horse industry (8.7%). Understanding how the public perceives the various animal industries and management scenarios in relation to an individual’s connection to the industry, classification of equines and welfare definition is important to assess and improve educational intervention strategies.

Multi-scale drivers of soil resistance predict vulnerability of seasonally wet meadows to trampling by pack stock animals in the Sierra Nevada, USA

BackgroundMeadow ecosystems have important ecological functions and support socioeconomic services, yet are subject to multiple stressors that can lead to rapid degradation. In the Sierra Nevada of the western USA, recreational pack stock (horses and mules) use in seasonally wet mountain meadows may lead to soil trampling and meadow degradation, especially when soil water content is high and vegetation is developing.MethodsIn order to improve the ability to predict meadow vulnerability to soil disturbance from pack stock use, we measured soil resistance (SR), which is an index of vulnerability to trampling disturbance, at two spatial scales using a stratified-random sampling design. We then compared SR to several soil and vegetation explanatory variables that were also measured at the two spatial scales: plant community type (local scale) and topographic gradient class (meadow scale).ResultsWe found that local-scale differences in drivers of SR were contingent on the meadow scale, which is important because multiple spatial scale evaluation of ecological metrics provides a broader understanding of the potential controls on ecological processes than assessments conducted at a single spatial scale. We also found two contrasting explanatory models for drivers of SR at the local scale: (1) soil gravimetric water content effects on soil disaggregation and (2) soil bulk density and root mass influence on soil cohesion. Soil resistance was insufficient to sustain pack stock use without incurring soil deformation in wet plant communities, even when plant cover was maximal during a major drought.ConclusionsOur study provides new information on seasonally wet meadow vulnerability to trampling by pack stock animals using multi-scale drivers of SR, including the contrasting roles of soil disaggregation, friction, and cohesion. Our work aims to inform meadow management efforts in the Sierra Nevada and herbaceous ecosystems in similar regions that are subject to seasonal soil saturation and livestock use.

Industry Perceptions of HERDA in Performance Horses

Hereditary equine regional derma asthenia (HERDA), an autosomal-recessive trait, found in Quarter Horses, causes abnormal collagen structure. Owing to current breeding practices, 3.5% of registered quarter horses and 28.3% of the cow horse population are heterozygote carriers. Research demonstrated homozygote horses develop hyperextensible skin susceptible to injury and other abnormal tissues containing high fibrillar collagen content. No research exists determining the effects of the disease in heterozygote carriers. Currently, 30% of cutting sires are HERDA carriers, potentially increasing the number of heterozygous individuals when bred. The objective of the present study is to gauge knowledge of the disease, perception, and concerns of the diseases’ impact on horse performance and perceived value and breeding decisions. A Qualtrics link was distributed to horse owners via extension specialists and was available online on equine-related Facebook pages. Overall group means and standard deviations for constructs were reported. A total of 228 responses were collected. Most participants were involved in reining and cutting and 34.6% reported they were very familiar with the disease. Participants (78.5%) reported that HERDA status affects value of a breeding animal. Owners of HERDA carriers (62.5%) noticed no difference in performance or injury compared with noncarriers. Respondents (95.2%) believed that all breeding animals should have HERDA status available. Respondents are attempting to make informed breeding decisions based on HERDA status by pairing carriers with noncarriers; however, it remains to be seen if that is adequate to control the disease. Education regarding breeding practices and its impact on the genetic pool are warranted.

Long bone failure after intraosseous regional perfusion

SummaryA 5‐year‐old Australian Stock Horse gelding was initially referred to the Charles Sturt University Veterinary Clinical Centre (CSUVCC) for assessment of a penetrating laceration over the medial splint bone (second metacarpal bone) of the left foreleg. Clinical examination failed to reveal a communication with a synovial structure, but radiographs showed a palisading bone reaction on the proximal aspect of the medial splint bone which was thought to be a characteristic of infection. Soft tissue swelling precluded access to a peripheral vein, so a decision was made to use intraosseous regional limb perfusion. This was achieved through an access portal in the lateral diaphysis of the third metacarpal bone (McIII). Subsequently, the horse developed lameness and further investigation revealed a nondisplaced longitudinal fracture of McIII propagating from the intraosseous regional perfusion access portal.

Relationship between Morphometric Measurements and Leptin Levels of Horses Vary Among Breeds

Obesity in domestic horse populations is becoming more prevalent, manifesting in increased occurrences of metabolic issues. Currently, obesity in horses is determined by subjective visual assessment, which is not reliably standardized. Circulating leptin levels directly correlate with adipose tissue mass; therefore, leptin levels could potentially be used as an objective measure of obesity in horses. To determine the relationship between body mass, as defined by morphometric measurements, and plasma leptin levels, blood was collected via jugular vein from horses (n=35) from four different breeds with known varying risks of obesity and obesity‐related conditions (Saddlebreds, n = 7, draft/draft crosses, n=7, stock horses, n=11, and Welsh ponies, n=10), in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois every 60 days for one year. Morphometric measurements included neck circumference, height, and girth. These measurements were used to calculate neck circumference to height ratio (NCHR) and girth to height ratio (G:H). For both NCHR and G:H calculations, a greater value indicates increased obesity. Plasma leptin levels (repeated measures MANOVA, F3,29=5.65, p=0.004), NCHR (repeated measures MANOVA, F3,31=26.64, p&lt;0.0001), and G:H (repeated measures MANOVA, F3,31=23.00, p&lt;0.0001) varied significantly among breeds. In addition, the relationship between leptin levels and NCHR (repeated measures MANOVA, F3,29=6.44, p=0.002) and leptin levels and G:H (repeated measures MANOVA, F3,29= 6.55, p=0.002) varied significantly among breeds. Among these results, post hoc analysis revealed Saddlebreds had the highest leptin levels (pairwise contrast, F1,29=10.51, p=0.003), lowest NCHR (pairwise contrast, F1,31=52.87, p&lt;0.0001), and lowest G:H (pairwise contrast, F1,31=60.93, p&lt;0.0001) compared to all other breeds. This suggests Saddlebreds have a different relationship between obesity and leptin levels compared to other breeds. Saddlebreds are known to have various metabolic issues, such as an increased risk of insulin resistance, even when visual inspection and exercise regimen would suggest normal insulin sensitivity. Therefore, unique relationships between leptin levels and obesity in some horse breeds may be associated with varying risks of obesity‐related conditions.Support or Funding InformationThis work was sponsored by the Biomedical Scholars Program at Beloit College.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Time of Year Has No Effect on Indicators of Insulin Resistance in Fasting Horses

Laminitis is a severe equine lameness associated with obesity and obese‐related conditions, such as insulin resistance. Extremely painful, laminitis typically manifests in horses in the spring and/or summer. It is unclear if insulin resistance is the mechanism that initiates the seasonal onset of laminitis or even if insulin resistance is altered seasonally in horses. To determine if insulin resistance varies throughout the year in horses, blood was collected via the jugular vein, from overnight fasted horses (n=35), from four different breeds with varying known risks for obesity‐related conditions and laminitis, (stock horses, n=11; draft/draft crosses horses, n=7; Saddlebreds, n=7; and Welsh ponies, n=10) every 60 days for a year (September 2015–July 2016). Fasting insulin resistance was determined by plasma glucose to insulin ratio (GIR=[fasting plasma glucose]/[fasting plasma insulin]) and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI=1/(log[fasting plasma glucose]+log[fasting plasma insulin])), with lower levels of each indicating increased insulin resistance. Neither time of year (MANOVA, F5,23=0.911, p=0.491; F5,23=1.28, p=0.307) nor breed (F5,27=0.417, p=0.091; F5,27=2.43, p=0.087) had an effect on GIR and QUICKI. Therefore, no difference in insulin resistance was detected in fasting horses throughout the year. GIR and QUICKI are commonly used in clinical settings; however, it is possible that these indicators may not accurately reflect the insulin status in horses, due to the fasted states required by these measurements. Other metrics of insulin sensitivity may need to be implemented to determine if insulin resistance is a precursor to the onset of seasonal laminitis.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by the Biomedical Scholars program at Beloit College.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Do you understand me or should I shout louder? Bringing about human behavior change in the equine industry

Restrictive nosebands are of growing concern because of their potential effect on equine welfare. This study evaluates archived radiographs of equine nasal bones for evidence of trauma and to test whether age, sex, or breed were risk factors for such radiographic changes. Radiographs of equine nasal bones (n = 60) were studied for evidence of bony or soft tissue changes by a specialist radiologist blinded to their signalment. Horses with described changes were classified as possible cases and horses without changes, non-cases. The possible cases (n = 9) were discussed with a second specialist radiologist following which the first radiologist reclassified 3 possible cases as non-cases. Radiographs were matched to the age, sex, and breed of each horse and associations with being a case were assessed using Fisher's exact tests. Of 60 horses assessed, 50% of Warmbloods (3/6), 11% of Thoroughbreds (2/18), and 20% of Australian Stock Horses (1/5) were cases. Warmbloods had a greater proportion of changes than other breeds (P = 0.01). There were no statistically significant sex or age associations. The radiologists disagreed as to whether some changes were within normal anatomical variation or were radiographic artifacts but agreed that assessing equine nasal bones using existing radiographs was surprisingly difficult due to issues such as inconsistent radiographic technique and equipment, obliquity of many of the radiographs, and lack of objective data as to what comprises normal nasal bones. Further radiographic studies in this domain should consider the merits of a prospective sample, establish consistent radiography protocols, and aim to establish normality, perhaps by studying a control population that has not had human interventions, such as Australian wild brumbies.

Science and evolving community knowledge and opinion on feral horses in Kosciuszko National Park

Science and evolving community knowledge and opinion on feral horses in Kosciuszko National Park

The dairy goat introduction to the neotropical savannas of N.E.-Venezuela: a five years (2010-15), rewarding experience

Hereby the innovative introduction of the goat Capra hircus as a sustainable small ruminant dairy goat entrepreneurship to the Neo tropical Mesa de Sabana high savanna Biome of Northeastern Anzoategui Venezuela is technically described The goat agro ecological entrepreneurship is described over its first five years of operation since the first native goats were introduced to Curareque Urica Arriba an old traditional Hato L Lanero Oriental Typical Venezuelan N E Plain Land Cow Horse Farm XIX Century This methodological descriptive article paper summarizes the vet s farmer experiences and new goat behaviour ethological learning s as an innovative historical sociocultural commercial entrepreneurship cabra leche sabana is on its sustainable starts at the Northeastern Anzoategui Venezuelan Llanos savanna plain lands

An opportunistic pilot study of radiographs of equine nasal bones at the usual site of nosebands

Abstract Restrictive nosebands are of growing concern because of their potential effect on equine welfare. This study evaluates archived radiographs of equine nasal bones for evidence of trauma and to test whether age, sex, or breed were risk factors for such radiographic changes. Radiographs of equine nasal bones (n = 60) were studied for evidence of bony or soft tissue changes by a specialist radiologist blinded to their signalment. Horses with described changes were classified as possible cases and horses without changes, non-cases. The possible cases (n = 9) were discussed with a second specialist radiologist following which the first radiologist reclassified 3 possible cases as non-cases. Radiographs were matched to the age, sex, and breed of each horse and associations with being a case were assessed using Fisher's exact tests. Of 60 horses assessed, 50% of Warmbloods (3/6), 11% of Thoroughbreds (2/18), and 20% of Australian Stock Horses (1/5) were cases. Warmbloods had a greater proportion of changes than other breeds ( P = 0.01). There were no statistically significant sex or age associations. The radiologists disagreed as to whether some changes were within normal anatomical variation or were radiographic artifacts but agreed that assessing equine nasal bones using existing radiographs was surprisingly difficult due to issues such as inconsistent radiographic technique and equipment, obliquity of many of the radiographs, and lack of objective data as to what comprises normal nasal bones. Further radiographic studies in this domain should consider the merits of a prospective sample, establish consistent radiography protocols, and aim to establish normality, perhaps by studying a control population that has not had human interventions, such as Australian wild brumbies.

Demographics of Australian horses: results from an internet-based survey.

To obtain information on the types of Australian horses, how they are kept and their activities. An invitation to participate in an opt-in, internet-based survey was sent to 7000 people who had registered an email address to receive information from the Australian Horse Industry Council Inc. There were 3377 (48%) useable responses from owners of 26,548 horses. Most horses were kept on small properties (usually 2-8 ha) in paddocks in rural areas of Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. Most horses were female or geldings and the most common of 54 different activities was breeding. Owners reported 19,291 horses were used in different activities and 6037 (23%) horses were not kept for any stated purpose or activity. Owners used an average of 1.95 horses in 2.9 different types of activities. The most common of the 43 breeds were Thoroughbred, Australian Stock Horse and Australian Quarter Horse. Only 1% of the total numbers of Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds in this survey were used in horse racing, indicating there is a demand for these breeds in non-racing activities. Microchip was the most favoured method of horse identification and 36% favoured compulsory registration of horses. Most respondents reported owning some other animal species. There is a wide variation in horse breeds used in different activities by Australian horse owners. There are regional differences in various management systems. There needs to be considerable improvement in the collection and recording of information to improve the validity and reliability of horse industry data.

Genome-wide SNP data show little differentiation between the Appaloosa and other American stock horse breeds.

The Appaloosa, American Quarter Horse (QH) and American Paint Horse (Paint) breeds are commonly referred to as stock horses, as each is used, to some extent, when managing livestock. QHs and Paint horses are genetically similar, which is predicted based on phenotype, ancestry and admixture allowed between the registries and with the Thoroughbred. In the Appaloosa, admixture is also allowed with the Thoroughbred, QH and Arabian. The Appaloosa is similar in conformation to the other stock breeds but has a unique leopard-spotting coat color pattern as well as mottled skin, white sclera of the eye and striped hooves. The goal of this study was to examine the relationship of the Appaloosa to the other stock breeds and determine whether genomic regions unique to the breed could be identified. This work will inform future clinical and genetic work of inherited phenotypes. The horses studied were sampled for other purposes and, as much as possible, represented a random sample of each breed. Second-order relationships (shared grandsire/dam) within each breed were excluded based on pedigree. The Appaloosas (n = 24) included 20 in the regular registry (had Appaloosa characteristics), two non-characteristic and two non-characteristic but with a completed certified pedigree option. Six Appaloosas had a QH parent, whereas 11 others had a QH or Thoroughbred grandsire/dam. Twenty-five QHs and 18 Paint horses were included. Diversity and F-statistics were calculated from 12 013 autosomal SNPs genotyped on the Illumina SNP50 or SNP70 BeadArray; these SNPs were selected after eliminating loci with minor allele frequency 0.2) in PLINK. The Appaloosas studied had higher diversity (expected heterozygosity) than did the QH and Paint as anticipated by pedigree. This greater degree of diversity was also noted in the number of fixed loci (of 40 281 total) within each breed (QH = 728, Paint = 1347, Appaloosa = 567). FIS did not indicate inbreeding (Table S1). Across breeds, cluster analysis (STRUCTURE) was unable to support clustering beyond K = 1 (Fig. S1). Principal component (PC) analysis in SNPRELATE revealed that PCs 1 and 2 accounted for 4.15% of the total variation. PCs 1 and 3 failed to separate the breeds, whereas PC 2 showed a trend of clustering the Appaloosas apart from the intermingled Paint and QHs (Fig. 1). Pairwise FST values were low [0.001 (Paint-QH) to 0.005 (QH-Appaloosa)] (Table S1) but significantly different from zero as determined by 15 000 permutations in ARLEQUIN; however, an exact test of population differentiation, assuming the null hypothesis that all alleles are drawn from the same pool/population, was not significant. The highest single-locus FST across populations was on ECA1 at 108.9 Mb, which also was the highest pairwise value between the Appaloosa and Paint and ranked second when comparing Appaloosa to the QH (Table S1); this SNP is 574.5 kb from the 5’ end of TRPM1, the gene implicated in Appaloosa coat color. Another SNP on ECA1, 62.5 kb from TRPM1, also had a high FST in pairwise comparisons including the Appaloosa. Therefore, although the divergence between breeds is low, these results are evidence that genomic signatures of selection for major, breed-defining phenotypes in the Appaloosa can be detected.