Welfare Practice Research Articles

Voluntary Sector's Roles and Relevance as Alternative Arenas for Promotion of Health and Social Inclusion of Migrant Parents and Families of Children With Special Health and Welfare Needs in Norway

ABSTRACTMigrant families of children with special health and welfare needs such as mental, developmental, and physical disabilities face significant barriers to health and welfare services. This could result in social inequalities and exclusion. The aim of this article was to explore the role and relevance of voluntary sector in promoting health and social inclusion of migrant families of children with special health and welfare needs in Norway. The study is based on a qualitative participatory research design using co‐production and interdisciplinary research methodologies. A total of 15 voluntary sector employees participated in semi‐structured qualitative interviews. We found three major themes to summarise the role of voluntary sector: 1) Providing arenas for social inclusion and belonging; 2) Facilitating access to public health and welfare services; and 3) Provision of complementary health and welfare services. Results indicate that voluntary services use more informal community centered caring approaches and are supplementary to public health and welfare services. An exploration of more opportunities for participation of migrant families of children with special health and welfare needs in the development of services and collaboration between voluntary services and public welfare providers may foster inclusion and could be of relevance to future welfare research and practice. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's .

Deep learning-based analysis of daily activity patterns of farmed dromedary camels

IntroductionThis study addresses the need for automated monitoring solutions to evaluate the daily activity patterns of camels, which is critical for improving animal welfare and farm management practices. By leveraging advanced deep learning techniques, this research aims to identify and analyze five key daily activities—sleeping, sitting, standing, eating, and drinking—using video recordings from a camel farm in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates.MethodsThe dataset was collected over two 7-day phases in November and December 2022. In Phase 1, video recordings were analyzed to monitor the activities of two camels and measure the duration of each activity. In Phase 2, the study expanded to include six camels, enabling an evaluation of individual behavioral variations. The YOLOv7 object detection algorithm was used to train and validate the model on images extracted from the recordings, achieving high accuracy in detecting and classifying the defined activities.ResultsThe results showed notable variations in activity patterns between Phases 1 and 2. Average standing time decreased from 9.8 hours (40.8%) to 6.0 hours (25.1%), and sleeping time dropped from 4.3 hours (18.0%) to 2.8 hours (11.7%). Conversely, sitting time increased from 6.2 hours (25.8%) to 9.9 hours (41.5%), and eating time rose from 3.1 hours (12.8%) to 4.6 hours (19.2%). Drinking time remained consistent at an average of 37 minutes (2.6%) across both phases. Activity peaks were observed during early mornings and after 16:00, with midday hours dominated by resting in shaded areas. Evening and nighttime activities primarily included sitting, minimal head movements, and occasional standing or walking.DiscussionThe established deep learning framework demonstrated reliable performance in detecting and analyzing camel activity patterns, offering a practical solution for continuous monitoring and improved farm management. However, further research is recommended to validate the model’s performance across different seasons and environmental conditions to enhance its robustness and adaptability.

An Assessment of Cattle Welfare and Ethical Practices In Akinyele Abattoir, Ibadan

An Assessment of Cattle Welfare and Ethical Practices In Akinyele Abattoir, Ibadan

A study of the motives of perpetrators of sexual violence against children (Case study of 5 perpetrators ff sexual violence in the special institution for children class I Medan)

Purpose: To determine out the motives of perpetrators of sexual violence against children in the immediate environment and how the modus operandi carried out by the perpetrators. Research Methodology: This type of research is qualitative with a case study approach to 5 perpetrators of sexual violence against children in LPKA Class I Medan. Results: The results of the study indicate that there is superior position and interior between the perpetrator and the victim, where the perpetrator feel more more powerful than victim so that triggering the occurrence of sexual violence. The existence of motive in the past past (because motive) such as the existence of experience bad experience in the past past that causing a sense of resentment and all informants lack get early socialization from their families in the past especially in understanding religion. Motives in the present (in order to motive), namely reasons that delivered by the perpetrator such as discommunication family, promiscuity and frequent watching movies which influence perpetrators commit violence sexual violence. Modus modus operandi in this research is that opportunity becomes one of the one of the factors that can trigger the occurrence of sexual violence sexual violence. Limitations: This research limits the scope of the study to only look at perpetrators based on the motives and modus operandi that led to the occurrence of sexual violence against children and how the background of the perpetrators of child sexual sexual violence against children. Contribution: It is expected to contribute to the development of science in the Department of Social Welfare sociology for social welfare, family sociology for social welfare and social work practice. Adding information about the motives of perpetrators of sexual violence that occur in children and with this research, it is hoped that families can be careful in protecting their children. besides that, it also provides input to related parties, especially the medan city government, class I special child development institutions and the office of women and children empowerment.

Caring for calves: Canadian public perspectives of calf handling methods during spring processing

In North American beef production, handling and restraint of young calves is integral to animal welfare and management practices. This study used a mixed-method approach to gather public perceptions of three handling and restraint methods common in western Canada during spring processing (TT—tilt table, RW—roping and wrestling, and NF—roping and NordFork). Canadians (n = 551) participated in an online survey that included videos of each handling method to ascertain preferences and acceptability. Participants were given industry information about handling and restraint or generic information regarding hay as a control information statement within the topic of agriculture. The survey also collected information about knowledge of the beef industry, animal welfare, and empathy toward animals. The reasons for preferences for specific handling methods were described as the presence of a perceived positive attribute and the absence of a perceived negative for most preferred methods, and inversely when explaining the least preferred method. The main themes focused on the calf’s experience, perception of handler actions, and pragmatic balancing of needs for a good life for the calf. All methods were rated as more acceptable for participants that ate meat consistently, knew more about the beef industry, and, to a lesser extent, if the individual had a lower animal empathy score. Acceptability was not affected by providing information about the practices; however, information did elicit more pragmatic reasoning. Most participants preferred TT over NF and RW (p < 0.001) and found TT more acceptable as well (p < 0.001). The TT was the most preferred method due to calf experience and human handling—notably the absence of dragging a calf, which was predominant in why participants selected NF or RW as their least preferred method. Consistency of themes highlights that regardless of method or acceptability, the fundamental expectation of the public focuses on the perception of the calf’s quality of life, humane handling, and pragmatism, which are values aligned with beef sustainability initiatives.

Youth perspectives as a driving force in social work innovation – trying to counteract deviance and structural vulnerability of youth at risk

ABSTRACT This article focuses on young people outside education and the labour market in a Danish context emphasising their narratives about social exclusion mechanisms throughout their schooling and up to their current situation today. Furthermore, the article entails the young peoples’ perspectives on social support, and their suggestions to improve the welfare practices to include them better in society. Through participatory research the article builds on 15 biographical interviews and two future workshops with 20 young people to provide insights into young, marginalised people’s experiences of social inclusion and exclusion. The young participants point out that their social exclusion started early in primary school, where they were labelled as outsiders. Howard Becker’s labelling theory is used as an analytical framework to understand the empirical findings and the youth perspectives of their deviance. The article aims to give these young people a voice. The perspectives of marginalised young people contribute to an understanding of their life situations and gives insights to meaningful interventions seen from a user perspective; what helps and support them to social inclusion, and what does not – as a starting point for social innovation and co-production in social work.

Designing and testing a sustainability soft regulation system: rating and ranking the wild animal welfare practices of tourism distribution channels

ABSTRACT The lack of standards pertaining to wild animal welfare practices in tourism creates an opportunity to introduce soft regulations to improve public accountability and foster positive change. We developed a rating and ranking system to embed the ideologies of a non-governmental organisation to improve wild animal welfare practices, acting as institutional entrepreneurs to gain pragmatic legitimacy within tourism distribution channels. The new system aims to create change in three ways: (i) informing, (ii) ordering, (iii) surveyance and control of wild animal welfare. We candidly report on the methodological choices behind the system’s design and implementation. We evaluate tourism distribution channels on four aspects, their: (i) policy and commitment statements, (ii) target setting and performance measurement, (iii) industry engagement and (iv) consumer awareness initiatives. An analysis of data from 12 international companies in 2020 and 2022 demonstrates how the system allows for shallow engagement in wild animal welfare practices, yet also offers the potential for significant improvements. We reflect on three methodological challenges: (i) quantification and commensuration during system design, (ii) the availability and credibility of data sources and (iii) the transparency of results.

A Retrospective Report of Carprofen Administration as Post-Operative Analgesia Reveals Negative Effects of Recommended Doses.

Effective pain management in laboratory animals is crucial for both animal welfare and the reliability of scientific research. We retrospectively examined the effects of carprofen as post-operative analgesia in Sprague Dawley rats following stereotactic surgery. Our data indicate that administering carprofen twice daily (5 mg/kg), as currently recommended by Die Gesellschaft für Versuchstierkunde/Society for Laboratory Animal Science (GV-SOLAS), led to adverse effects such as reduced food and water intake, disrupted fecal excretion, and abdominal bloating consistent with peritonitis. Continued administration exacerbated these symptoms, with post-mortem findings of intestinal obstructions and ulcers. However, when the frequency was reduced to once daily, such adverse symptoms were not observed. These results are based on incidental data collected from various neuroscientific experiments, resulting in small and uneven sample groups across various experimental cohorts. The inherent imbalances in these groups present challenges for statistical interpretation. While the findings suggest that less frequent carprofen use may reduce adverse effects, the surgical interventions and concurrent use of other drugs in these experiments likely exacerbated these outcomes. Further investigation into the interactions between carprofen, surgical stress, and other perioperative factors is needed to refine analgesia protocols in laboratory animals. Despite these limitations, these observations contribute to understanding analgesia protocols and may assist in improving animal welfare practices.

Characteristics of Labor Well-being in Colombian Micro and Small Enterprises

This article presents the analysis of the characteristics of labor well-being in Colombian micro and small enterprises, this was developed through a documentary review from the model of Hoyos (2010), it is a qualitative research, where 42 investigations were collected, which were consulted in databases such as: Science Direct, Refseek, Redalyc, Scielo, Google Scholar and Dialnet, in addition to exploring the repositories of Colombian universities such as: UNAD, Uniminuto, ECCI, Usanbuenaventura, EAFIT, Unipiloto, UGranada, UTecnológica, UJavieriana, UAndes, UCatólica, UNIR, among others, of which, 13 were adjusted with the categories: Practices of Labor Well-being, Theories of Labor Well-being, Needs in Collaborators and Sociodemographic Data, then descriptive synoptic sheets were constructed and then an analysis by category matrix was made, finally, a data analysis was carried out with the ATLAS.ti tool, which allows discerning the object of study through semantic networks. In this order, it is found that activities related to communication, incentives and motivation are part of the activities used as work welfare practices; as for the theoretical positions of well-being at work, the most supported is the one given by the WHO (2010), which is also defined from satisfaction and quality of life; Among the most outstanding needs to develop welfare programs is dissatisfaction in communication with colleagues and managers, ignorance of the responsibilities in their position, among others, on the other hand, there is evidence of a disregard to establish sociodemographic profiles, that is, companies do not consider it when planning or implementing workplace welfare actions. It concludes the need to build labor welfare policies and practices sensitive to the cultural and economic context for Colombian companies, this means recognizing the importance of adaptive and pragmatic approaches in microenterprises and the integration of more structured and theoretical approaches in small enterprises.

INDICADORES DE SALUD EN BOVINOS DE UNIDADES DE PRODUCCIÓN DOBLE PROPÓSITO EN TRÓPICO SECO

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Beef ranks third in consumption in the Mexican market, where the diversity in supply sources and management systems used in production units is notable. This diversity is reflected in the health and welfare conditions of cattle. <strong>Objective:</strong> To evaluate health indicators of dual-purpose cattle in Michoacán, Mexico, aiming to promote quality in the meat industry. <strong>Methodology:</strong> Data were collected using the protocol adapted from UC Davis Cow-Calf Health and Handling. Bivariate and multivariate statistical techniques (principal component analysis and cluster analysis) were applied to analyze the data. <strong>Results:</strong> Six factors explain the cattle's current and past health conditions. From these, three groups of cattle were obtained with statistically significant differences in eight key indicators. Group 1 (G1) was characterized by good body condition and favorable past health status. Group 2 (G2) showed recent health problems, skin lesions, wildlife attacks, and parasitosis. Group 3 (G3) presented moderate conditions regarding past and recent health. <strong>Implications:</strong> This study provides a foundation for designing tools to enhance livestock living conditions by identifying and addressing individuals with poor health and welfare. These actions benefit livestock and directly improve the quality of meat derived from them. <strong>Conclusions:</strong> Group 2 (G2) was identified as having the greatest health problems, while G3 showed intermediate conditions and G1 grouped cattle with better health indicators. These findings underscore the importance of implementing improved animal health and welfare practices in production units to enhance the quality of meat produced.</p>

A Study On Labour Welfare Practices In Suprajit Automotive Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru

Labour Welfare and Social Security has got tremendous significance with Public Sector, Private Sector and also Multinational Companies. The aspect of Labour Welfare requires a serious thought and also a honest and open approach that Money and Good Environment given to Employees never go waste. The Motto is take care of Employees and Workers and the Employees and Workers will take care of the Organisation. Employee oriented management has become a highly successful management in the Corporate Sector in India as well as in the Global arena. A happy employee is naturally a productive employee. The function of Human Capital Management is changing significantly in the present digital era. In response to the changing nature of the Workforce, Globalisation and rapid advancement in Technology, HR leaders are adopting innovative approaches and cutting-edge technologies to enhance Organisational effectiveness and enable employees to give their best. In this background, a detailed study has been conducted on the Labour Welfare Practices adopted at Suprajit Automotive Pvt Ltd, Bengaluru. Primary Data collected through a Structured Questionnaire administered to 100 respondents covering all departments and levels has revealed that the Company is providing satisfactory Welfare and Social Security amenities to its employees and Workers. However, there are certain areas where the respondents have expressed dissatisfaction and partial satisfaction. It will be in the interest of the company to look into these areas and take necessary remedial steps

Child Welfare Practices and Foster Care: Relational Realities

‘Dark sides of kinship’ such as the abuse some kids are subject to by, or while in the care of, their biological parents remain prevalent in our day and age. However, society’s tolerance of these types of occurrences has greatly diminished. To assuage familial tragedies, formal state-run foster homes can alleviate the harmful effects caused by ‘negative kinships’ by offering safe havens to vulnerable children. This remedy is hardly a panacea though. By exploring three ethnographic examples and further readings from an anthropological lens, we argue that despite the protective essence foster homes entail in theory, much harm emerges from them in practice. The caretaking involved in foster care, although generally benevolent, promotes a semblance of normality that may equally mask darker aspects of the relational reality behind the precarious and sometimes deceptive ‘kin solidarity’ produced within these institutionalized settings. Furthermore, contemporary foster care in the West showcases how politics and kinship are entangled. This can be challenging throughout the fostering process, but especially when services - and, thus, associated relationships - are terminated. To increase the effectiveness of the protection granted to children who are severely affected by ‘negative kinships,’ including improving their potential prospects and well-being, we argue that it is critical that work be done to better identify and understand their embodied relational experiences.

Public value in the making of automated and datafied welfare futures

Across Europe, the public sector is expanding its efforts to introduce data-driven decision-support and intelligent systems in the administration of welfare. The growing body of research that highlights the impact and harms these systems have on citizens’ lives, raises questions about the guiding ideas, values, and norms that are at the heart of current transformations in welfare. Research in critical data studies contends a silent marketisation of social protection and governance. It implies an intricate entanglement between the procedures and output of service provision on the one hand and the normative outcomes in terms of the well-being and flourishing of society as a whole on the other hand. Thinking with the capabilities approach and buen vivir as well as with the concept of data justice, our paper asks how to conceptualise this relation. It discusses how (in)justice may become a sociomaterial component in automated welfare and emphasises that welfare outcomes and welfare practices, including their procedural aspects, are rather co-produced than just interdependent. We conclude that whether future infrastructures of welfare will create public value or not, depends on the institutional arrangements, policies, and norms built to distribute the emerging benefits and risks equally in society.

“Somebody has to be crazy about that kid”: Speculating on the transformative recordkeeping potential of the caring corporate parent

Just as archival scholarship has increasingly engaged in conversations around care and holistic considerations of the agency of records subjects, the child welfare systems of the modern Western world have been moving towards conversations that aim to centre and celebrate the voice of the child in new and important ways. However, too often are these conversations held back by the enormity of the issue and the overhaul that would have to take place for philosophy to match with practice. In this paper, I suggest that part of the problem is that we have been trying to make these changes philosophy first, placing a new way of thinking on top of an old way of doing—an approach that will never generate change. Leaning in to using speculation to imagine what the new recordkeeping of a caring system might look like, I propose that the act of recordkeeping is the fulcrum that could make caring child welfare a reality and illustrate some of the avenues through which we might pursue instigating the systemic changes needed if we are to see the agency and perspectives of children prioritised in child welfare and protection practices.

“Suffering in silence”: How social workers in child welfare practice experience and manage burnout

Social workers in child welfare practice encounter dilemmas, tensions, contradictions, ambiguities, and ambivalence as they attempt to meet the competing demands of the Tri-sphere — the formal child welfare system, the professional theories and values guiding practice, and the child welfare service recipients. This study explored how these encounters result in worker burnout and how that is managed. The study used a constructivist grounded theory approach. Data were collected in St. John’s, NL, Canada, employing in-depth individual interviews with 18 frontline child welfare social workers. Findings reveal that child welfare social workers regularly experience varied feelings and emotions of burnout and utilize a variety of self-care strategies to manage. Recommendations include a call for child welfare agencies to provide opportunities for workers to feel heard and acknowledged about any negative feelings and emotions, strengthen positive peer supports, and promote essential self-care practices such as offering reduced membership cost for physical activities.

Navigating Challenges and Leveraging Technology: Experiences of Child Welfare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic

This qualitative study explores the experiences of child welfare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic through virtual interviews, focusing on the challenges and adaptations in their work and support systems. Participants reported significant difficulties in maintaining a healthy work–life balance, heightened stress, anxiety, and increased workloads due to sick leaves and burnout. This study highlights the dual role of technology as both a stressor and a crucial tool, with rapid integration posing challenges while also enabling continued support for children and families. Despite these challenges, workers demonstrated resilience and creativity, developing innovative solutions to navigate the new landscape. The findings underscore the importance of robust support systems, clear communication, and equitable access to technology. This study suggests integrating lessons learned during the pandemic into future child welfare practices to enhance resilience and adaptability in the face of future crises.

The Contribution of Dairy Bedding and Silage to the Dissemination of Genes Coding for Antimicrobial Resistance: A Narrative Review.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a concern in the dairy industry. Recent studies have indicated that bedding serves as a reservoir for antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and antimicrobial-resistance genes (ARGs), while silage has been proposed as another possible source. The impact of AMR in dairy farming can be significant, resulting in decreased productivity and economic losses for farmers. Several studies have highlighted the safety implications of AMR bacteria and genes in bedding and silage, emphasizing the need for further research on how housing, bedding, and silage management affect AMR in farm environments. Exposure to sub-lethal concentrations of antibiotics, such as those from contaminated bedding and silage, can prompt bacteria to develop resistance mechanisms. Thus, even if antimicrobial usage is diminished, ARGs may be maintained in the dairy farm environment. By implementing proactive measures to tackle AMR in dairy farming, we can take steps to preserve the health and productivity of dairy cattle while also protecting public health. This involves addressing the prudent use of antibiotics during production and promoting animal welfare, hygiene, and management practices in bedding and farm environments to minimize the risk of AMR development and spread. This narrative review compiles the growing research, positioning the contribution of bedding and silage to the prevalence and dissemination of AMR, which can elicit insights for researchers and policymakers.

263 Public perspectives of calf handling: A survey of Canadians

Abstract In North American beef production handling and restraint of young calves is integral to animal welfare and management practices. This study used a mixed method approach to gather public perceptions of three handling and restraint methods common on beef operations in western Canada (RW - Roping and Wrestling, NF – roping and NordForks, and TT – Tilt Table). Canadian participants (n = 551) recruited by CloudResearch to represent the national demographics participated in an online survey that included videos of each handling method to ascertain preferences and acceptability. Prior to watching the videos, participants were given industry information about handling and restraint or generic information regarding hay as a control information statement within the topic of agriculture. The survey also collected information about knowledge of the beef industry, animal welfare, and empathy toward animals. The reasons for preferences were described as presence of a perceived positive attribute and absence of a perceived negative for most preferred methods, and inversely when explaining least preferred method. The findings focused on calf’s experience, perception of handler actions, and pragmatic balancing of handler needs and a good life for the calf. Methods were rated as more acceptable for participants that ate meat consistently, knew more about the beef industry, and, to a lesser extent, if the individual had a lower animal empathy score (Table 1). Acceptability was not affected by providing information about the practices; however, information about handling and restraint did elicit more pragmatic reasoning. Most participants preferred TT over NF and RW (P < 0.001) and found TT more acceptable as well (P < 0.001). The TT was the most preferred method due to calf experience and human handling, notably the absence of dragging a calf, which was predominant in why participants selected NF or RW as their least preferred method. Consistency of themes highlights that the Canadian public has a fundamental expectation of value for the quality of life of the calf, humane handling, and pragmatism which aligns with beef sustainability initiatives and represent points of connection for building trust between industry and the public.

272 Relationships of salivary cortisol and automated brush system usage in freestall housed dairy cattle

Abstract The dairy industry has seen a significant shift in animal welfare practices, with growing emphasis on providing optimal living conditions for indoor-housed animals. Intensive management of dairy cows has become increasingly common, offering a controlled setting that ensures the well-being and productivity of the cow. Enrichment strategies such as automated brushes are proposed as a means for intensively managed dairy cows to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. These behavioral benefits can contribute to an enriched living environment. Additionally, automated brushes have been shown to decrease cortisol concentrations which can lead to impacts such as heightened immune systems and increased productivity. With this known, the objective of this study was to evaluate the usage of an automated brush systems influence on cortisol concentrations of lactating dairy cows housed in a freestall setting. Cows (n = 29) over three trials (20 d each) were evaluated for duration of brush activity utilizing scan sampling of video recordings (0500 h-0900 h and 1700 h-2100 h; post milking) totaling 8 h/d throughout each trial. Animals were managed in accordance with standard operating procedures of the dairy, and all data was passively collected without influencing behavioral changes. Video capture was performed using a four camera closed-circuit media recording system. Cameras were placed in the corners of the pen, allowing full view of animals interacting with the brush system. Video images were scored using NOLDUS Observer XT. Saliva collection was performed during milking sessions using Salimetrics SalivaBio Children’s Swab kits. Salivary samples were analyzed using commercially available cortisol ELISA kits. Results indicate that cows exhibited greater cortisol concentrations in the mornings compared with the evenings (P = 0.018) and showed increased brush usage in the evenings compared with the mornings (P = 0.019). These findings suggest a pattern where cows tend to have increased cortisol concentrations in the mornings and engage in more brush usage behavior during the evenings. An analysis was conducted to examine relationships between brush usage and cortisol concentration, specifically focusing on the effects of automated brush usage on cortisol levels. Cortisol concentration was only slightly related to brush usage (R2 = 0.03; P ≤ 0.01). Partitioning the trial in halves provided insight of continuous brush usage and its relation to cortisol. Results illustrate (d 1 to 10), brush usage and cortisol were slightly correlated (R2 = 0.13; P ≤ 0.01) during the first half of the study, while there was no relationship noted during the second half (R2 = 0.002; P = 0.22). In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the relationship between automated brush systems and cortisol in lactating dairy cows housed in a freestall setting. Though these findings contrast those in literature, this details the need for additional research to elucidate brush usage impact on dairy cow hormonal status.

“Straight from the Horse’s Mouth”: Equine-Assisted Services Curriculum Development Using Industry-Based Survey Assessment of Horse Welfare and Healthcare Management Practices

Equine-assisted services (EAS) is a relatively new area of study within higher education requiring the development of a curriculum that best prepares the undergraduate student for the demands of the industry. Further, coursework targeting the specific management challenges for ensuring the welfare of horses utilized within EAS is limited. Therefore, the objective of this study was to apply an industry-based survey assessment utilizing EAS professionals within the United States to document management practices associated with healthcare and pain management challenges in the EAS horse. Suggested curriculum for undergraduate students targeting a career in EAS is given, utilizing data collected from the survey. Participant responses (n = 30) indicated that all of the surveyed facilities cared for more than three geriatric horses within their program, with the majority (60% responding “definitely yes”) utilizing regularly functionally lame horses, although the prevalence of lameness was not correlated with number of geriatric horses within a program (0.20, p = 0.22). While lameness is a common healthcare challenge within EAS, gastrointestinal conditions (73%) were one of the other leading health concerns for these facilities. The most common equine pain detection method for EAS facilities was behavior assessment (93%), in which this method was positively correlated with years of horse experience (0.51, p = 0.01). Horse pain was primarily managed through annual alternative therapeutic interventions (76%), daily prescriptions (73%), and nutritional supplements (73%). As such, the curriculum for undergraduate EAS degree programs should cover healthcare practices targeting geriatric horse management and associated health issues such as gastrointestinal conditions and lameness, including early detection and pharmaceutical, nutritional, and alternative therapeutic treatments.