Records |
Author |
Milinovich, G.J.; Trott, D.J.; Burrell, P.C.; van Eps, A.W.; Thoefner, M.B.; Blackall, L.L.; Al Jassim, R.A.M.; Morton, J.M.; Pollitt, C.C. |
Title |
Changes in equine hindgut bacterial populations during oligofructose-induced laminitis |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2006 |
Publication |
Environmental Microbiology |
Abbreviated Journal |
Environ Microbiol |
Volume |
8 |
Issue |
5 |
Pages |
885-898 |
Keywords |
Animal Feed; Animals; Bacteria/classification/*isolation & purification; DNA, Bacterial/analysis; Disease Models, Animal; Feces/microbiology; Foot Diseases/etiology/microbiology/*veterinary; Horse Diseases/*etiology/metabolism/microbiology; Horses; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; Intestines/*microbiology; Oligosaccharides/*administration & dosage/*metabolism; Phylogeny; Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA, Bacterial/analysis; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/analysis |
Abstract |
In the horse, carbohydrate overload is thought to play an integral role in the onset of laminitis by drastically altering the profile of bacterial populations in the hindgut. The objectives of this study were to develop and validate microbial ecology methods to monitor changes in bacterial populations throughout the course of experimentally induced laminitis and to identify the predominant oligofructose-utilizing organisms. Laminitis was induced in five horses by administration of oligofructose. Faecal specimens were collected at 8 h intervals from 72 h before to 72 h after the administration of oligofructose. Hindgut microbiota able to utilize oligofructose were enumerated throughout the course of the experiment using habitat-simulating medium. Isolates were collected and representatives identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The majority of these isolates collected belonged to the genus Streptococcus, 91% of which were identified as being most closely related to Streptococcus infantarius ssp. coli. Furthermore, S. infantarius ssp. coli was the predominant oligofructose-utilizing organism isolated before the onset of lameness. Fluorescence in situ hybridization probes developed to specifically target the isolated Streptococcus spp. demonstrated marked population increases between 8 and 16 h post oligofructose administration. This was followed by a rapid population decline which corresponded with a sharp decline in faecal pH and subsequently lameness at 24-32 h post oligofructose administration. This research suggests that streptococci within the Streptococcus bovis/equinus complex may be involved in the series of events which precede the onset of laminitis in the horse. |
Address |
Australian Equine Laminitis Research Unit, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia. g.milinovich@uq.edu.au |
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ISSN |
1462-2912 |
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Notes |
PMID:16623745 |
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no |
Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
2625 |
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Author |
Papakostas, Y.G.; Daras, M.D.; Liappas, I.A.; Markianos, M. |
Title |
Horse madness (hippomania) and hippophobia |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2005 |
Publication |
History of Psychiatry |
Abbreviated Journal |
Hist Psychiatry |
Volume |
16 |
Issue |
Pt 4 (no 64) |
Pages |
467-471 |
Keywords |
Ancient Lands; Animals; Cattle; History, Ancient; Horse Diseases/*history; Horses; Humans; *Mythology |
Abstract |
Anthropophagic horses have been described in classical mythology. From a current perspective, two such instances are worth mentioning and describing: Glaucus of Potniae, King of Efyra, and Diomedes, King of Thrace, who were both devoured by their horses. In both cases, the horses' extreme aggression and their subsequent anthropophagic behaviour were attributed to their madness (hippomania) induced by the custom of feeding them with flesh. The current problem of 'mad cow' disease (bovine spongiform encephalopathy) is apparently related to a similar feed pattern. Aggressive behaviour in horses can be triggered by both biological and psychological factors. In the cases cited here, it is rather unlikely that the former were the cause. On the other hand, the multiple abuses imposed on the horses, coupled with people's fantasies and largely unconscious fears (hippophobia), may possibly explain these mythological descriptions of 'horse-monsters'. |
Address |
Athens University Medical School |
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English |
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ISSN |
0957-154X |
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PMID:16482685 |
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no |
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Serial |
1876 |
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Author |
Jonsson, H.; Egenvall, A. |
Title |
Prevalence of gastric ulceration in Swedish Standardbreds in race training |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2006 |
Publication |
Equine Veterinary Journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
Equine Vet J |
Volume |
38 |
Issue |
3 |
Pages |
209-213 |
Keywords |
Age Factors; Animal Feed; Animals; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Gastric Mucosa/pathology; Gastroscopy/methods/veterinary; Horse Diseases/*epidemiology/etiology/pathology; Horses; Male; Physical Conditioning, Animal/*adverse effects; Prevalence; Questionnaires; Severity of Illness Index; Sex Factors; Sports; Stomach Ulcer/epidemiology/etiology/pathology/*veterinary; Sweden/epidemiology |
Abstract |
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: There is little information about the prevalence of gastric ulcers in Standardbred trotters and potential correlations between ulcers and various traits, e.g. age, sex, performance, temperament and feeding regimens, need further elucidation. OBJECTIVES: The prevalence of ulcers in the gastric squamous mucosa of Swedish Standardbreds was estimated and the associations between ulcer score and age, sex, performance, temperament and feeding regimens were determined. METHODS: Eighty Swedish Standardbreds in active race training, trained by 9 different trainers, underwent gastroscopy. Information on age, gender, status of training, performance over the last 4 months compared with the trainer's expectations before that period, behaviour, eating habits, feed type, bedding type, time spent outdoors per day and medical treatment during the last month was collected. Gastroscopy was performed and lesions in the squamous gastric mucosa were scored from 0 to 4 (0 = no lesions; 4 = > 5 lesions with haemorrhage, > 10 lesions with no haemorrhage, or a large area of diffuse loss of surface epithelium). RESULTS: Twenty-four (30%) of the horses had no lesions in the squamous mucosa, 22 (27.5%) had a score of 1; 21 (26.2%) score 2; 9 (11.2%) score 3; and 4 (5%) score 4. Horses that were in preparatory training and those that had raced during the last month were significantly more affected than horses that were fit for racing but had not raced during the last month, using a logistic regression model with trainer incorporated as a random effect. CONCLUSIONS: The study confirmed a high prevalence of ulcers in the gastric squamous mucosa of Standardbreds in race training. Of the studied parameters only status of training showed a significant association with gastric ulcers of the squamous mucosa. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Gastric ulceration is a common disease and diagnosis should be made by endoscopic examination of the gastric mucosa, since parameters such as age, gender, performance, behaviour, eating habits provide only weak clues as to which horses might be affected. Further studies are needed to determine the aetiology of the syndrome and to find ways to reduce, if possible, the frequency of gastric ulcers. |
Address |
ATG:s Hastsjukhus Farjestad, Norra Infarten 82, SE-654 65 Karlstad, Sweden |
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English |
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ISSN |
0425-1644 |
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Notes |
PMID:16706273 |
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no |
Call Number |
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Serial |
1870 |
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Author |
Goodwin, D.; Davidson, H.P.B.; Harris, P. |
Title |
Foraging enrichment for stabled horses: effects on behaviour and selection |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2002 |
Publication |
Equine Veterinary Journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
Equine Vet J |
Volume |
34 |
Issue |
7 |
Pages |
686-691 |
Keywords |
Animal Feed; Animal Husbandry/*methods; Animal Welfare; Animals; *Behavior, Animal; Female; Horse Diseases/*psychology; Horses/*physiology; Housing, Animal; Male; *Poaceae; *Stereotyped Behavior; Videotape Recording |
Abstract |
The restricted access to pasture experienced by many competition horses has been linked to the exhibition of stereotypic and redirected behaviour patterns. It has been suggested that racehorses provided with more than one source of forage are less likely to perform these patterns; however, the reasons for this are currently unclear. To investigate this in 4 replicated trials, up to 12 horses were introduced into each of 2 identical stables containing a single forage, or 6 forages for 5 min. To detect novelty effects, in the first and third trials the single forage was hay. In the second and fourth, it was the preferred forage from the preceding trial. Trials were videotaped and 12 mutually exclusive behaviour patterns compared. When hay was presented as the single forage (Trials 1 and 3), all recorded behaviour patterns were significantly different between stables; e.g. during Trial 3 in the 'Single' stable, horses looked over the stable door more frequently (P<0.001), moved for longer (P<0.001), foraged on straw bedding longer (P<0.001), and exhibited behaviour indicative of motivation to search for alternative resources (P<0.001) more frequently. When a previously preferred forage was presented as the single forage (Trials 2 and 4) behaviour was also significantly different between stables, e.g in Trial 4 horses looked out over the stable door more frequently (P<0.005) and foraged for longer in their straw bedding (P<0.005). Further study is required to determine whether these effects persist over longer periods. However, these trials indicate that enrichment of the stable environment through provision of multiple forages may have welfare benefits for horses, in reducing straw consumption and facilitating the expression of highly motivated foraging behaviour. |
Address |
Anthrozoology Institute, University of Southampton, UK |
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English |
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ISSN |
0425-1644 |
ISBN |
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Notes |
PMID:12455839 |
Approved |
no |
Call Number |
refbase @ user @ |
Serial |
1910 |
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Author |
Mills, D.S.; Taylor, K. |
Title |
Field study of the efficacy of three types of nose net for the treatment of headshaking in horses |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2003 |
Publication |
The Veterinary Record |
Abbreviated Journal |
Vet. Rec. |
Volume |
152 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
41-44 |
Keywords |
Animals; Female; Horse Diseases/pathology/*prevention & control; Horses; Male; Nose; Protective Devices/*veterinary; Seasons; Severity of Illness Index; *Stereotypic Movement Disorder; Treatment Outcome |
Abstract |
Thirty-six owners of seasonally headshaking horses took part in a trial to compare the effectiveness of three types of nose net, a traditional cylindrical net (full net) and two forms of larger mesh nets which cover only the nostrils and dorsorostral muzzle (half nets). Baseline data relating to the overall severity of the problem and 18 specific behaviours describing the nature of the problem were recorded on a check sheet by the owners. A within-subjects repeated measures design experiment, with each net used for a week before reassessment, was then used to assess the effect of the nets on the headshaking problem. Approximately 75 per cent of owners reported some overall improvement with each net; around 60 per cent recorded a 50 per cent or greater improvement and 30 per cent a 70 per cent or greater improvement. The nets significantly reduced the overall headshaking score and the following specific behaviours: up-and-down headshaking, nose flipping, acting as if a bee had flown up the nose, shaking at exercise, shaking when excited, shaking in bright sunlight or in windy conditions (P < 0.0001), striking at the face, shaking at night, rubbing the nose when moving, rubbing the nose on objects, sneezing, shaking in the rain and shaking indoors (P < 0.05). There was no evidence of a significant effect on side-to-side headshaking, shaking at rest or rubbing the nose when stationary, but the effect on snorting was uncertain. There were few significant differences between the nets, but the half nets were reported to be significantly better at controlling 'bee up the nose' behaviour. Horses more than 10 years old were reportedly less likely to show a 50 per cent or greater improvement in 'nose flipping' and 'headshaking at exercise. |
Address |
Animal Behaviour, Cognition and Welfare Group, University of Lincoln, Riseholme Park, Lincoln LN2 2LG |
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ISSN |
0042-4900 |
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PMID:12553579 |
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no |
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Serial |
1909 |
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Author |
Virga, V.; Houpt, K.A. |
Title |
Prevalence of placentophagia in horses |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2001 |
Publication |
Equine veterinary journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
Equine Vet J |
Volume |
33 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
208-210 |
Keywords |
Animals; *Behavior, Animal; Colic/epidemiology/*veterinary; Exploratory Behavior; *Feeding Behavior; Female; Horse Diseases/*epidemiology; Horses; Incidence; New York/epidemiology; *Placenta; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy; Prevalence; Questionnaires |
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Address |
Animal Behavior Clinic, Cornell University Hospital for Animals, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA |
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0425-1644 |
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Notes |
PMID:11266073 |
Approved |
no |
Call Number |
refbase @ user @ |
Serial |
31 |
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Author |
Nelson, D.M.; Gardner, I.A.; Chiles, R.F.; Balasuriya, U.B.; Eldridge, B.F.; Scott, T.W.; Reisen, W.K.; James Maclachlan, N. |
Title |
Prevalence of antibodies against Saint Louis encephalitis and Jamestown Canyon viruses in California horses |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2004 |
Publication |
Comparative Immunology, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases |
Abbreviated Journal |
Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis |
Volume |
27 |
Issue |
3 |
Pages |
209-215 |
Keywords |
Animals; Antibodies, Viral/*blood; California/epidemiology; Encephalitis Virus, California/*immunology/isolation & purification; Encephalitis Virus, St. Louis/*immunology/isolation & purification; Encephalitis, St. Louis/epidemiology/immunology/*veterinary/virology; Female; Horse Diseases/epidemiology/immunology/*virology; Horses; Logistic Models; Male; Neutralization Tests/veterinary; Polyomavirus Infections/epidemiology/immunology/*veterinary/virology; Questionnaires; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Tumor Virus Infections/epidemiology/immunology/*veterinary/virology |
Abstract |
Jamestown Canyon (JC) and Saint Louis encephalitis (SLE) viruses are mosquito-transmitted viruses that have long been present in California. The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of these two viruses in horses prior to the introduction of West Nile (WN) virus. Approximately 15% of serum samples collected in 1998 from 425 horses on 44 equine operations horses throughout California had serum antibodies to JC virus, whereas antibodies were not detected to SLE virus. The results indicate that horses in California were commonly infected prior to 1998 with mosquito-transmitted Bunyaviruses that are identical or closely related to JC virus, but not with SLE virus. The different seroprevalence of SLE and JC viruses in horses likely reflects the unique ecology of each virus, and it is predicted that WN virus will have a wider distribution in California than closely related SLE virus. |
Address |
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services, U.S. Department of Agriculture, California and Nevada Area Office, 9850 Micron Avenue, Suite E, Sacramento, CA 95827, USA |
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ISSN |
0147-9571 |
ISBN |
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Notes |
PMID:15001316 |
Approved |
no |
Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
2637 |
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Author |
Dargatz, D.A.; Traub-Dargatz, J.L. |
Title |
Multidrug-resistant Salmonella and nosocomial infections |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2004 |
Publication |
The Veterinary Clinics of North America. Equine Practice |
Abbreviated Journal |
Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract |
Volume |
20 |
Issue |
3 |
Pages |
587-600 |
Keywords |
Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents/*pharmacology; Cross Infection/prevention & control/*veterinary; Disease Outbreaks/prevention & control/veterinary; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; *Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial; Horse Diseases/*drug therapy/transmission; Horses; Infection Control/methods; Microbial Sensitivity Tests/veterinary; Salmonella/*drug effects; Salmonella Infections, Animal/*drug therapy/transmission |
Abstract |
Nosocomial infections are a serious threat to optimum patient care. In addition, nosocomial infections can have far-reaching consequences for the hospital personnel and the financial aspects of the hospital. Nosocomial infections with Salmonella spp have been described among hospitalized equine populations more frequently than any other agent. Salmonella spp associated with hospitalized equids often possess more antimicrobial resistance determinants than do Salmonella spp isolated from healthy horses in the general population. There is little evidence to suggest that resistant salmonellae are more virulent than nonresistant forms. MDR forms of Salmonella complicate the selection of appropriate antimicrobials when they are indicated, however. Furthermore, the use of some antimicrobials may apply selection pressure toward enhanced ability of MDR Salmonella to colonize equine patients. Further research should help to elucidate the risky uses of antimicrobials in the hospital setting and define the role of disinfectants and treatments such as NSAIDs in the ecology of MDR forms of nosocomial infections, including Salmonella. In the meantime, thoughtful selection of when and how to use antimicrobials in equine patients, together with deliberate selection of which antimicrobials to use based on monitoring data and other factors, such as safety and spectrum, is advised. |
Address |
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services, Centers for Epidemiology and Animal Health, United States Department of Agriculture, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building MS 2E7, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA. david.a.dargatz@aphis.usda.gov |
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ISSN |
0749-0739 |
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PMID:15519820 |
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no |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
2632 |
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Author |
Hurn, S.D.; Turner, A.G. |
Title |
Ophthalmic examination findings of Thoroughbred racehorses in Australia |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2006 |
Publication |
Veterinary Ophthalmology |
Abbreviated Journal |
Vet Ophthalmol |
Volume |
9 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
95-100 |
Keywords |
Animals; Cataract/epidemiology/veterinary; Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological/veterinary; Eye Diseases/diagnosis/epidemiology/*veterinary; Female; Horse Diseases/diagnosis/*epidemiology; Horses; Male; Prevalence; Victoria/epidemiology |
Abstract |
OBJECTIVE: To record the prevalence and document the types of eye disease in population of Thoroughbred racehorses in Victoria, Australia. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: Two hundred four Thoroughbred racehorses. PROCEDURE: All horses and both eyes were examined at four metropolitan and two country racing stable complexes. Ophthalmic exam was performed following dark adaptation with a transilluminator, biomicroscope, and direct ophthalmoscope. Intraocular pressures were measured when indicated. Both pupils were dilated with tropicamide when indicated. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-two (89.2%) flat-racing and 22 (10.8%) jump-racing (hurdle or steeple) horses were examined. Age range: 2-9 years (mean 3.7 years, median 3); 97 (47.5%) male-neuter, 74 (36. 3%) female, 33 (16.2%) male. Potential vision-threatening eye disease was present in 15 (7.4%) different horses: complete lenticular cataracts 3, posterior lens luxation and cataract 1, large peripapillary 'butterfly' inactive lesions 3, large peripapillary 'butterfly' active lesions 2, peripapillary focal inactive 'bullet hole' chorioretinal lesions (> 20) 5, optic nerve atrophy 1. Non-vision threatening eye disease was present in 117 (57.4%) different horses, involving one or more ocular structures: lower eyelid scars 3; periocular fibropapillomatous disease 1; third eyelid squamous cell carcinoma 1; corneal scars 6; corneal band opacity 2; anterior iris synechia 1; developmental cataracts 36 (17.2%); peripapillary focal inactive 'bullet hole' chorioretinal lesions (< 20) 103 (50.0%); linear peripapillary hyperpigmentation bands 16 (7.9%). Unusual variations of normal ocular anatomy and colobomata was recorded in 11 (5.4%) different horses: granular iridica hypoplasia 3, granular iridica hyperplasia 2, multilobular granular iridica cyst 1, microcornea 1, hyaloid remnant 1, rotated optic nerve head 1, coloboma of the lens 1, atypical coloboma of the retina 1. CONCLUSIONS: This survey demonstrates that the prevalence of vision-threatening eye disease in racing horses may be greater than previously perceived, and highlights the importance of ocular examination within any routine physical examination of horses. |
Address |
All Animal Eye Services, Mount Waverley, Victoria, Australia. sdhurn@bigpond.com |
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1463-5216 |
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PMID:16497233 |
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no |
Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
3766 |
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Author |
Keiper, R.; Houpt, K. |
Title |
Reproduction in feral horses: an eight-year study |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
1984 |
Publication |
American journal of veterinary research |
Abbreviated Journal |
Am J Vet Res |
Volume |
45 |
Issue |
5 |
Pages |
991-995 |
Keywords |
Abortion, Veterinary/epidemiology; Anestrus; Animal Population Groups/*physiology; Animals; Animals, Wild/*physiology; Birth Rate; Female; Fertility; Horse Diseases/epidemiology; Horses/*physiology; Lactation; Male; Maryland; Pregnancy; *Reproduction; Seasons; Sex Ratio; Virginia |
Abstract |
The reproductive rate and foal survival of the free-ranging ponies on Assateague Island National Seashore were studied for 8 years, 1975 to 1982. Most (52%) of the 86 foals were born in May, 13% were born in April, 22.6% in June, 10.4% in July, and less than 1% in August and September. The mean foaling rate was 57.1 +/- 3.9% and the survival rate was 88.3 +/- 3.6%. Forty-eight colts and 55 fillies were born (sex ratio 53% female). Mares less than 3 years old did not foal and the foaling rate of 3-year-old mares was only 23%, that of 4-year-old mares was 46%, that of 5-year-old mares was 53%, and 6-year-old mares was 69%. The relatively poor reproduction rate was believed to be a consequence of the stress of lactating while carrying a foal when forage quality on the island was low. The hypothesis was supported by the higher reproductive rate (74.4 +/- 2.4%) of the ponies in the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on the southern part of the island. Their foals are weaned and sold in July each year. Despite the low reproductive rate on Assateague Island National Seashore , the number of ponies increased from 43 to 80, a 90% increase in the 8-year period or greater than 10%/yr. There were 24 deaths and 8 dispersals from the study area. |
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0002-9645 |
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PMID:6732036 |
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no |
Call Number |
refbase @ user @ |
Serial |
665 |
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