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| Author | Vermeulen, A.D.; Evans, D.L. | ||||
| Title | Measurements of fitness in thoroughbred racehorses using field studies of heart rate and velocity with a global positioning system | Type | Journal Article | ||
Year  |
2006 | Publication | Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement | Abbreviated Journal | Equine Vet J Suppl |
| Volume | Issue | 36 | Pages | 113-117 | |
| Keywords | Animals; Female; Geographic Information Systems; Heart Rate/*physiology; Horses/*physiology; Male; Physical Conditioning, Animal/*physiology; Physical Fitness/*physiology; Running/physiology | ||||
| Abstract | REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Field based studies of changes in fitness are difficult to conduct in galloping Thoroughbreds. Measurements of heart rate (HR) and real time velocity with a global positioning system (GPS) could provide a method for routine field studies of fitness. OBJECTIVE: To investigate measurements of fitness in the field without using multiple, standardised steps of increasing velocity in the exercise test. METHODS: Twelve healthy 3- to 5-year-old Thoroughbreds were used in the study of reliability, and twelve 2-year-old Thoroughbreds in the investigation of the effect of training. Five second averages of velocity and HR were recorded during a typical fast exercise training session, using a GPS and Polar HR monitor. A standardised exercise test protocol was not used. Regression analyses using trot and gallop data were used to calculate velocities at HR of 200 beats/min (V200), and at maximal HR (VHRmax). Data were collected on consecutive 'fast' day training sessions to assess the reliability of measurements. The effect of training was investigated with fitness tests in weeks 2 and 6 of 'fast' training. Absolute and relative differences were calculated to evaluate reliability, and paired t tests were used to detect an effect of training. RESULTS: VHRmax, V200 and HRmax were reliable measurements of fitness, with mean differences of 2% or less. Reliability of VHRmax was not dependent on VHRmax. VHRmax and V200 both increased significantly with training (P<0.01), but there was no effect of training on HRmax. There were no significant changes in the slope or intercept of the regression equations after training. CONCLUSIONS: Velocity and HR measurements during field gallop exercise provided reliable measures of fitness which enabled a measurement of the response to training. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: This approach offers a simple, noninvasive method for monitoring adaptations to training in the field. | ||||
| Address | Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia | ||||
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| Language | English | Summary Language | Original Title | ||
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| Notes | PMID:17402404 | Approved | no | ||
| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 4013 | ||
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| Author | Kingston, J.K.; Soppet, G.M.; Rogers, C.W.; Firth, E.C. | ||||
| Title | Use of a global positioning and heart rate monitoring system to assess training load in a group of thoroughbred racehorses | Type | Journal Article | ||
| Year |
2006 | Publication | Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement | Abbreviated Journal | Equine Vet J Suppl |
| Volume | Issue | 36 | Pages | 106-109 | |
| Keywords | Analysis of Variance; Animals; Female; *Geographic Information Systems; Heart Rate/*physiology; Horses/*physiology; Male; Monitoring, Physiologic/veterinary; Physical Conditioning, Animal/*physiology; Satellite Communications; Telemetry/methods/*veterinary | ||||
| Abstract | REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Training is an important variable for determining athletic success. Nonetheless, there has been minimal scientific evaluation of racehorse training programmes. Training of racehorses focuses on running the horses at certain speeds using a combination of a stopwatch and rider's 'feel' for a horse's work intensity. Consequently, actual work intensity for individual horses is not clearly defined. OBJECTIVES: To 1) utilise a combined global positioning system (GPS) and heart rate monitor system to quantify training intensity and physiological responses of a group of racehorses undergoing training and racing; and 2) compare the workload measured by the GPS to that timed and recorded daily by a racehorse trainer. METHODS: Nineteen racehorses age 3 years were followed through a traditional training and racing programme over a 4 month period. Daily GPS and heart rate data together with the trainer's timing and distance data were collected while the horses were trained. Data were analysed using an ANOVA for repeated measures. RESULTS: The combined GPS/heart rate monitoring system detected different heart rate responses in individual horses subjected to the same training workouts. The average speeds detected with the GPS system were in agreement with average speeds timed by the trainer. However, peak speeds reached during training were significantly greater (P<0.05) than those estimated with stopwatch timing. The horses average training speeds increased significantly over the duration of the training period. CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: The results from this study show that a GPS/heart rate monitor system provides a reliable measure of daily workload in horses during training. This technology provides a detailed picture of horses' training sessions and has the potential to provide a greater insight into the types of training that may predispose horses to injury. | ||||
| Address | Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand | ||||
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| Language | English | Summary Language | Original Title | ||
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| Notes | PMID:17402402 | Approved | no | ||
| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 4014 | ||
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| Author | Leleu, C.; Cotrel, C. | ||||
| Title | Body composition in young standardbreds in training: relationships to body condition score, physiological and locomotor variables during exercise | Type | Journal Article | ||
| Year |
2006 | Publication | Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement | Abbreviated Journal | Equine Vet J Suppl |
| Volume | Issue | 36 | Pages | 98-101 | |
| Keywords | Adipose Tissue/metabolism; Animals; Body Composition/*physiology; Body Constitution/*physiology; Body Weight/physiology; Exercise Test/veterinary; Female; Gait/physiology; Heart Rate/*physiology; Horses/*physiology; Lactates/blood; Male; Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism; Physical Conditioning, Animal/*physiology | ||||
| Abstract | REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Body composition is an essential factor in athletic performance of human sprinters and long distance runners. However, in horses, many questions remain concerning relationships between body composition and performance in the different equine activities. OBJECTIVES: To determine relationships between body composition, body score, physiological and locomotor variables in a population of young Standardbreds in training. METHODS: Twenty-four 2-year-old Standardbreds were studied, body condition on a scale 0-5 and bodyweight recorded, and height at withers measured. Percentage of fat (%F), fat mass (FM) and fat free mass (FFM) were estimated echographically. During a standardised exercise test on the track, velocity, heart rate, respiratory frequency and blood lactate concentrations were measured. V4 and V200 (velocity for a blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol/l and velocity of 200 beats/min) calculated. Basic gait variables were measured at 3 different speeds with an accelerometric device. RESULTS: Body composition variables: %F and FM were significantly related to body condition score and physiological variables. Body score was highly correlated to %F (r = 0.64) and FM (r = 0.71). V4 was negatively correlated to %F (r = -0.59) and FM (r = -0.60), P<0.05. V200 was also negatively related to %F and FM, (r = -0.39 and r = -0.37, respectively, P<0.1). No relationships were found between body composition and gait characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Body composition was closely related to indirect measurements of aerobic capacity, which is a major factor of athletic performance in middle distance running horses. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: As in human athletes, trainers should take special note to evaluate optimal bodyweight and body composition of race horses to optimise performance. | ||||
| Address | Pegase Mayenne, Departement de Medecine du Sport, Centre Hospitalier, 53 015 Laval, France | ||||
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| Language | English | Summary Language | Original Title | ||
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| Notes | PMID:17402400 | Approved | no | ||
| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 4015 | ||
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| Author | Parsons, K.J.; Wilson, A.M. | ||||
| Title | The use of MP3 recorders to log data from equine hoof mounted accelerometers | Type | Journal Article | ||
| Year |
2006 | Publication | Equine Veterinary Journal | Abbreviated Journal | Equine Vet J |
| Volume | 38 | Issue | 7 | Pages | 675-680 |
| Keywords | Acceleration; Animals; Equipment and Supplies/standards/*veterinary; Hoof and Claw/*physiology; Horses/*physiology; Locomotion/*physiology; Physical Conditioning, Animal/*physiology; Reproducibility of Results; Running/physiology; Sensitivity and Specificity | ||||
| Abstract | REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDy: MP3 recorders are readily available, small, lightweight and low cost, providing the potential for logging analogue hoof mounted accelerometer signals for the characterisation of equine locomotion. These, however, require testing in practice. OBJECTIVES: To test whether 1) multiple MP3 recorders can maintain synchronisation, giving the ability to synchronise independent recorders for the logging of multiple limbs simultaneously; and 2) features of a foot mounted accelerometer signal attributable to foot-on and foot-off can be accurately identified from horse foot mounted accelerometers logged directly into an MP3 recorder. METHODS: Three experiments were performed: 1) Maintenance of synchronisation was assessed by counting the number of samples recorded by each of 4 MP3 recorders while mounted on a trotting horse and over 2 consecutive 30 min periods in 8 recorders on a bench. 2) Foot-on and foot-off times obtained from manual transcription of MP3 logged data and directly logged accelerometer signal were compared. 3) MP3/accelerometer acquisition units were used to log accelerometer signals from racehorses during extended training sessions. RESULTS: Mean absolute error of synchronisation between MP3 recorders was 10 samples per million (compared to mean number of samples, range 1-32 samples per million). Error accumulation showed a linear correlation with time. Features attributable to foot on and foot off were equally identifiable from the MP3 recorded signal over a range of equine gaits. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple MP3 recorders can be synchronised and used as a relatively cheap, robust, reliable and accurate logging system when combined with an accelerometer and external battery for the specific application of the measurement of stride timing variables across the range of equine gaits during field locomotion. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Footfall timings can be used to identify intervals between the fore and hind contacts, the identification of diagonal advanced placement and to calculate stride timing variables (stance time, protraction time and stride time). These parameters are invaluable for the characterisation and assessment of equine locomotion. | ||||
| Address | Structure and Motion Laboratory, The Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK | ||||
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| Language | English | Summary Language | Original Title | ||
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| Series Volume | Series Issue | Edition | |||
| ISSN | 0425-1644 | ISBN | Medium | ||
| Area | Expedition | Conference | |||
| Notes | PMID:17228585 | Approved | no | ||
| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 4022 | ||
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| Author | Ryan, C.T.; Schaer, B.L.D.; Nunamaker, D.M. | ||||
| Title | A novel wireless data acquisition system for the measurement of hoof accelerations in the exercising horse | Type | Journal Article | ||
| Year |
2006 | Publication | Equine Veterinary Journal | Abbreviated Journal | Equine Vet J |
| Volume | 38 | Issue | 7 | Pages | 671-674 |
| Keywords | *Acceleration; Animals; Biomechanics; Equipment and Supplies/*veterinary; Hoof and Claw/*physiology; Horses/*physiology; Kinetics; Musculoskeletal Physiology; Physical Conditioning, Animal/*physiology; Running/physiology | ||||
| Abstract | REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: A device is needed to safely and wirelessly evaluate accelerations experienced by the horse hoof under a variety of surface conditions with the horse exercising at training or racing speeds. OBJECTIVES: To develop a miniaturised wireless data acquisition system (WDAS) which reliably records hoof accelerations and the times over which they occur in a minimally invasive manner in the exercising Thoroughbred. METHODS: The following criteria were set for device development: production of a lightweight and minimally invasive system, which provides an adequate acceleration range, appropriate frequency response to capture high speed events, and compatibility with a low power wireless telemetry system. Following device development, the WDAS was calibrated, and tested in 6 Thoroughbred horses over a variety of surfaces. RESULTS: Collection of acceleration in seven trials using 6 horses over a variety of surfaces resulted in repeatable acceleration data with respect to the overall characteristic shape of the impact profile. Impact accelerations varied with surface, ranging 34.8-191.7 g. Accelerations on take off were in a similar range, although higher in some trials. Peak impact accelerations tended to larger over the grass paddock surface, than either the indoor arena or the dirt track. During dirt track trials, accelerations on take-off were often comparably larger than those observed on impact within the same footfall. CONCLUSIONS: This study reports the development of a wireless system that successfully measures hoof acceleration in a minimally invasive manner over a variety of surface and exercise conditions. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: The WDAS will be used in further studies to evaluate various components of the horse-racetrack interface, in an attempt to identify risk factors for musculoskeletal injury in the Thoroughbred racehorse. | ||||
| Address | Richard S. Reynolds, Jr. Comparative Orthopedic Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania 19348, USA | ||||
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| Language | English | Summary Language | Original Title | ||
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| ISSN | 0425-1644 | ISBN | Medium | ||
| Area | Expedition | Conference | |||
| Notes | PMID:17228584 | Approved | no | ||
| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 4023 | ||
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| Author | Schaer, B.L.D.; Ryan, C.T.; Boston, R.C.; Nunamaker, D.M. | ||||
| Title | The horse-racetrack interface: a preliminary study on the effect of shoeing on impact trauma using a novel wireless data acquisition system | Type | Journal Article | ||
| Year |
2006 | Publication | Equine Veterinary Journal | Abbreviated Journal | Equine Vet J |
| Volume | 38 | Issue | 7 | Pages | 664-670 |
| Keywords | Animals; Equipment and Supplies/veterinary; Forelimb/injuries/physiology; Hindlimb/injuries/physiology; Hoof and Claw/*physiology; Horses/*injuries/*physiology; Locomotion/physiology; Muscle, Skeletal/injuries/*physiology; *Musculoskeletal Physiology; Musculoskeletal System/*injuries; Physical Conditioning, Animal/*physiology; Risk Factors; Running/physiology; Shoes | ||||
| Abstract | REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: There is a need to determine accelerations acting on the equine hoof under field conditions in order to better assess the risks for orthopaedic health associated with shoeing practices and/or surface conditions. OBJECTIVES: To measure the acceleration profiles generated in Thoroughbred racehorses exercising at high speeds over dirt racetracks and specifically to evaluate the effect of a toe grab shoe compared to a flat racing plate, using a newly developed wireless data acquisition system (WDAS). METHODS: Four Thoroughbred racehorses in training and racing were used. Based on previous trials, each horse served as its own control for speed trials, with shoe type as variable. Horses were evaluated at speeds ranging from 12.0-17.3 m/sec. Impact accelerations, acceleration on break over and take-off, and temporal stride parameters were calculated. Impact injury scores were also determined, using peak accelerations and the time over which they occurred. RESULTS: Recorded accelerations for the resultant vector (all horses all speeds) calculated from triaxial accelerometers ranged 96.3-251.1 g, depending on the phase of the impact event. An association was observed between shoe type and change in acceleration in individual horses, with 2 horses having increased g on initial impact with toe grab shoes in place. In the final impact phase, one horse had an increase of 110 g while wearing toe grab shoes. Increased accelerations were also observed on break over in 2 horses while wearing toe grab shoes. CONCLUSIONS: Shoe type may change impact accelerations significantly in an individual horse and could represent increased risk for injury. Further work is needed to determine if trends exist across a population. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: The WDAS could be used for performance evaluation in individual horses to evaluate any component of the horse-performance surface interface, with the goal of minimising risk and optimising performance. | ||||
| Address | Richard S. Reynolds Jr. Comparative Orthopedic Research Laboratory, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania 19348, USA | ||||
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| Language | English | Summary Language | Original Title | ||
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| ISSN | 0425-1644 | ISBN | Medium | ||
| Area | Expedition | Conference | |||
| Notes | PMID:17228583 | Approved | no | ||
| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 4024 | ||
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| Author | Verheyen, K.L.; Price, J.S.; Wood, J.L. | ||||
| Title | Fracture rate in Thoroughbred racehorses is affected by dam age and parity | Type | Journal Article | ||
| Year |
2006 | Publication | Abbreviated Journal | Vet J | |
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| Abstract | This study's aim was to determine the effects of dam age and parity on the rate of fracture in offspring in Thoroughbred racehorses in training for flat racing. It was hypothesised that first foals and those from older mares would have a higher fracture rate than subsequent foals and those from younger mares. A two-year observational cohort study collected data from eight trainers on 335 horses that were monitored since the start of their training as yearlings. Multivariable Poisson regression analyses showed that first foals had a significantly lower fracture rate than subsequent ones (RR=0.33; 95% CI=0.12, 0.89; P=0.02) and rate of fracture decreased with increasing dam age (RR=0.91 per year increase in dam age; 95% CI=0.83, 0.99; P=0.03). This study shows for the first time that the rate of equine injury may be influenced by factors that affect skeletal development. Further research on intra-uterine and peri-natal determinants of injury risk in later life in horses is needed. | ||||
| Address | Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK | ||||
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| Language | English | Summary Language | Original Title | ||
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| ISSN | 1090-0233 | ISBN | Medium | ||
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| Notes | PMID:16996756 | Approved | no | ||
| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 4027 | ||
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| Author | Harland, M.M.; Stewart, A.J.; Marshall, A.E.; Belknap, E.B. | ||||
| Title | Diagnosis of deafness in a horse by brainstem auditory evoked potential | Type | Journal Article | ||
| Year |
2006 | Publication | The Canadian Veterinary Journal. La Revue Veterinaire Canadienne | Abbreviated Journal | Can Vet J |
| Volume | 47 | Issue | 2 | Pages | 151-154 |
| Keywords | Acoustic Stimulation/veterinary; Animals; Deafness/congenital/diagnosis/*veterinary; Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem/*physiology; Horse Diseases/congenital/*diagnosis; Horses; Male; Pigmentation/physiology; Sensitivity and Specificity | ||||
| Abstract | Deafness was confirmed in a blue-eyed, 3-year-old, overo paint horse by brainstem auditory evoked potential. Congenital inherited deafness associated with lack of facial pigmentation was suspected. Assessment of hearing should be considered, especially in paint horses, at the time of pre-purchase examination. Brainstem auditory evoked potential assessment is well tolerated and accurate. | ||||
| Address | Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Wire Road, Auburn, Alabama, USA | ||||
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| Language | English | Summary Language | Original Title | ||
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| ISSN | 0008-5286 | ISBN | Medium | ||
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| Notes | PMID:16579041 | Approved | no | ||
| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 5680 | ||
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| Author | Hodgson, D.; Howe, S.; Jeffcott, L.; Reid, S.; Mellor, D.; Higgins, A. | ||||
| Title | Effect of prolonged use of altrenogest on behaviour in mares | Type | |||
| Year |
2005 | Publication | Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997) | Abbreviated Journal | Vet J |
| Volume | 169 | Issue | 1 | Pages | 113-115 |
| Keywords | Administration, Oral; Anabolic Agents/adverse effects/*pharmacology; Animals; Behavior, Animal/*drug effects; Body Constitution/drug effects; Body Weight/drug effects; *Doping in Sports; Female; Horses/*physiology; Social Behavior; Social Dominance; Time Factors; Trenbolone/adverse effects/*analogs & derivatives/*pharmacology | ||||
| Abstract | Erratum in: Vet J. 2005 May;169(3):321. Corrected and republished in: Vet J. 2005 May;169(3):322-5. Oral administration of altrenogest for oestrus suppression in competition horses is believed to be widespread in some equestrian disciplines, and can be administered continuously for several months during a competition season. To examine whether altrenogest has any anabolic or other potential performance enhancing properties that may give a horse an unfair advantage, we examined the effect of oral altrenogest (0.044 mg/kg), given daily for a period of eight weeks, on social hierarchy, activity budget, body-mass and body condition score of 12 sedentary mares. We concluded that prolonged oral administration of altrenogest at recommended dose rates to sedentary mares resulted in no effect on dominance hierarchies, body mass or condition score. |
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| Address | Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Private Mailbag 4, Narellan Delivery Centre, Narellan, NSW 2567, Australia. davidh@camden.usyd.edu.au | ||||
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| Language | English | Summary Language | Original Title | ||
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| Series Volume | Series Issue | Edition | |||
| ISSN | 1090-0233 | ISBN | Medium | ||
| Area | Expedition | Conference | |||
| Notes | PMID:15683772 | Approved | no | ||
| Call Number | refbase @ user @ | Serial | 671 | ||
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| Author | Husted, L.; Andersen, M.S.; Borggaard, O.K.; Houe, H.; Olsen, S.N. | ||||
| Title | Risk factors for faecal sand excretion in Icelandic horses | Type | Journal Article | ||
| Year |
2005 | Publication | Equine Veterinary Journal | Abbreviated Journal | Equine Vet J |
| Volume | 37 | Issue | 4 | Pages | 351-355 |
| Keywords | Animal Feed; Animal Husbandry/methods; Animals; Denmark; Feces/*chemistry; Female; Gastrointestinal Diseases/epidemiology/etiology/prevention & control/veterinary; Horse Diseases/epidemiology/etiology/prevention & control; Horses/*metabolism; Logistic Models; Male; Pilot Projects; *Poaceae/growth & development; Risk Factors; Silicon Dioxide/administration & dosage/adverse effects/*analysis; Soil/*analysis | ||||
| Abstract | REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Sandy soil is often mentioned as a risk factor in the development of sand-related gastrointestinal disease (SGID) in the horse. There are other variables, but few studies confirm any of these. OBJECTIVE: To investigate soil type, pasture quality, feeding practice in the paddock, age, sex and body condition score as risk factors for sand intake in the horse. METHODS: Faeces were collected from 211 Icelandic horses on 19 different studs in Denmark together with soil samples and other potential risk factors. Sand content in faeces determined by a sand sedimentation test was interpreted as evidence of sand intake. Soil types were identified by soil analysis and significance of the data was tested using logistic analysis. RESULTS: Of horses included in the study, 56.4% showed sand in the faeces and 5.7% had more than 5 mm sand as quantified by the rectal sleeve sedimentation test. Soil type had no significant effect when tested as main effect, but there was interaction between soil type and pasture quality. Significant interactions were also found between paddock feeding practice and pasture quality. CONCLUSION: To evaluate the risk of sand intake it is important to consider 3 variables: soil type, pasture quality and feeding practice. Pasture quality was identified as a risk factor of both short and long grass in combination with sandy soil, while clay soil had the lowest risk in these combinations. Feeding practice in the paddock revealed feeding directly on the ground to be a risk factor when there was short (1-5 cm) or no grass. Also, no feeding outdoors increased the risk on pastures with short grass, while this had no effect in paddocks with no grass. More than 50% of all horses investigated in this study had sand in the faeces. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: The identification of risk factors is an important step towards prevention of SGID. Further research is necessary to determine why some horses exhibit more than 5 mm sand in the sedimentation test and whether this is correlated with geophagic behaviour. | ||||
| Address | Department of Large Animal Sciences, The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Dyrlaegevej 88, DK-1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark | ||||
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| Language | English | Summary Language | Original Title | ||
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| ISSN | 0425-1644 | ISBN | Medium | ||
| Area | Expedition | Conference | |||
| Notes | PMID:16028626 | Approved | no | ||
| Call Number | Serial | 1888 | |||
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