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Animals
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Horse Husbandry-Nutrition, Management and Welfare
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Horse Husbandry-Nutrition, Management and Welfare

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Equids".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2021) | Viewed by 36814

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Glenys Noble

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, NSW 2678, Australia
Interests: equine nutrition; equine exercise physiology; equine behaviour & welfare; pharmacokinetics of equine medications
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear colleagues,

Nutrition is the foundation stone of health and welfare. Without adequate nutrition, all body systems are compromised, including the musculoskeletal system, the endocrine system, the immune system, the nervous system and the cardiovascular system. If any of these systems are not functioning effectively, the health and therefore welfare of the horse is compromised. In these cases, horses cannot perform or behave according to human expectations.

Studies on equine time budgets demonstrate how intertwined equine eating behaviour, nutrition, and welfare are. Horses with no or limited human intervention routinely spend between 50% and 65% of their time eating. Modern husbandry and feeding practices can reduce this time to 15%. This leads to the manifestation of oral-based stereotypies such as windsucking, crib biting and wood chewing. The locomotory aspects of eating should not be ignored with horses constantly moving while grazing and browsing. Horses kept intensively also develop locomotor-based stereotypies such as box walking and weaving. All are indicators of poor welfare.

Adequate nutrition is fundamental to maintaining good health and performance in all classes of horse. This means not only the provision of energy, protein, minerals and vitamins, but also the appropriate selection of feedstuffs for an animal who evolved a digestive system based on the consumption of large amounts of low-quality forage. This can be particularly challenging when feeding horses with high energy requirements. Equine digestive physiology also evolved to accommodate periods of feast and famine. However, current horse husbandry practices provide an endless period of feast with no famine. This leads to a host of health issues due to overnutrition, such as obesity, insulin resistance, carbohydrate overload and laminitis. All compromise horse health and welfare.

Dr. Glenys Noble
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • equine
  • horses
  • behaviour
  • stereotypies
  • welfare
  • obesity
  • insulin
  • weight loss
  • undernutrition
  • overnutrition
  • exercise

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Editorial

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7 pages, 201 KiB  
Editorial
Horse Husbandry–Nutrition, Management and Welfare
by Glenys K. Noble
Animals 2023, 13(1), 169; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ani13010169 - 01 Jan 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3161
Abstract
Nutrition is the foundation of health and welfare, going hand in hand with horse husbandry [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Horse Husbandry-Nutrition, Management and Welfare)

Research

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13 pages, 993 KiB  
Article
Do You Think I Am Living Well? A Four-Season Hair Cortisol Analysis on Leisure Horses in Different Housing and Management Conditions
by Silvia Michela Mazzola, Carla Colombani, Giulia Pizzamiglio, Simona Cannas, Clara Palestrini, Emanuela Dalla Costa, Alessia Libera Gazzonis, Arianna Bionda and Paola Crepaldi
Animals 2021, 11(7), 2141; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ani11072141 - 20 Jul 2021
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 8807
Abstract
The satisfaction of leisure horses’ behavioral needs has begun to be considered a priority, linked to the awareness that horses kept in single boxes may be deprived of social contact and the possibility to perform natural behaviors. Several factors may influence horses’ quality [...] Read more.
The satisfaction of leisure horses’ behavioral needs has begun to be considered a priority, linked to the awareness that horses kept in single boxes may be deprived of social contact and the possibility to perform natural behaviors. Several factors may influence horses’ quality of life also in the paddock, and there are very few data on the effects of those variables on leisure horses’ chronic stress, measurable in terms of activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenocortical axis. Therefore, managerial choices faced by owners and stables managers are only based on experience, common sense, and anecdotal beliefs. This study assessed and compared the chronic stress levels in leisure horses hosted in structures in the same geographic and climatic area with different daily routines to verify which management strategy could be the one that better contributes to achieving the welfare of horses. Forty-seven horses were divided into three groups homogeneous in terms of sex and age: Mixed management group (n = 12), Paddock group (n = 19), and Natural management group (n = 16). The hair cortisol concentration, a reliable marker of long-term stress, was analyzed in all the horses the same day at four time points of the year. In addition to management strategies, the influences of other variables (sex, age, coat color, and season) were evaluated. Independently from the management strategies, significantly higher hair cortisol values were detected in the autumn and summer, as well as in individuals older than 15 years. No significant differences were highlighted between the sexes or the coat colors. The comparison of the different management strategies showed that, in the summer, autumn, and winter, the hair cortisol levels were significantly lower in the Mixed management group horses than the Paddock group, highlighting that those subjects had better homeostasis. The Natural management group horses’ hair cortisol levels were intermediate between the other two groups of horses in all the seasons. Spending the night in the stables would seem to positively impact the well-being of the horses. These findings, if confirmed by further studies, may be helpful in enhancing horse welfare and assisting in managerial choice decision-making. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Horse Husbandry-Nutrition, Management and Welfare)
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16 pages, 293 KiB  
Article
Owners’ Knowledge and Approaches to Colic in Working Equids in Honduras
by Isabella Wild, Sarah Freeman, Daniela Robles, Dennis Matamoros, Maverick Ortiz, Jonathan Rodriguez and John Burford
Animals 2021, 11(7), 2087; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ani11072087 - 13 Jul 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4390
Abstract
In Honduras, many families are reliant on working equids in their daily life. The aim of this study was to evaluate knowledge about, and approaches to colic used by owners of working equids in Choluteca, Honduras using a phenomenological approach. Semi-structured, verbal questionnaires [...] Read more.
In Honduras, many families are reliant on working equids in their daily life. The aim of this study was to evaluate knowledge about, and approaches to colic used by owners of working equids in Choluteca, Honduras using a phenomenological approach. Semi-structured, verbal questionnaires were conducted with ninety-three owners from eleven different communities in the Choluteca region on equid horse owners’ knowledge of colic and treatments. Additional context was gained through observations and verbal questionnaires with three veterinary practitioners and eight agricultural pharmacy (agrovet) store owners. Working equids were commonly used for firewood collection 31% (40/126), transportation 24% (30/126), and carrying crops 13% (17/126). Thirty-eight percent of owners (35/92) said they did not know what colic was, 27% (24/89) could not name any clinical signs, and 46% (42/92) could not name any causes. Most owners with previous experience of colic had treated it themselves 79% (53/67), typically using herbal remedies. Colic was a major concern for owners of working equids who had prior experience or knowledge of the condition. Knowledge and understanding of colic varied, and access to evidence-based treatments was very limited. The findings will be used to inform the development of educational resources on colic in working equids. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Horse Husbandry-Nutrition, Management and Welfare)
18 pages, 2848 KiB  
Article
Equine Activity Time Budgets: The Effect of Housing and Management Conditions on Geriatric Horses and Horses with Chronic Orthopaedic Disease
by Zsofia Kelemen, Herwig Grimm, Claus Vogl, Mariessa Long, Jessika M. V. Cavalleri, Ulrike Auer and Florien Jenner
Animals 2021, 11(7), 1867; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ani11071867 - 23 Jun 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4721
Abstract
Housing and management conditions strongly influence the health, welfare and behaviour of horses. Consequently, objective and quantifiable comparisons between domestic environments and their influence on different equine demographics are needed to establish evidence-based criteria to assess and optimize horse welfare. Therefore, the present [...] Read more.
Housing and management conditions strongly influence the health, welfare and behaviour of horses. Consequently, objective and quantifiable comparisons between domestic environments and their influence on different equine demographics are needed to establish evidence-based criteria to assess and optimize horse welfare. Therefore, the present study aimed to measure and compare the time budgets (=percentage of time spent on specific activities) of horses with chronic orthopaedic disease and geriatric (≥20 years) horses living in different husbandry systems using an automated tracking device. Horses spent 42% (range 38.3–44.8%) of their day eating, 39% (range 36.87–44.9%) resting, and 19% (range 17–20.4%) in movement, demonstrating that geriatric horses and horses suffering from chronic orthopaedic disease can exhibit behaviour time budgets equivalent to healthy controls. Time budget analysis revealed significant differences between farms, turn-out conditions and time of day, and could identify potential areas for improvement. Horses living in open-air group housing on a paddock had a more uniform temporal distribution of feeding and movement activities with less pronounced peaks compared to horses living in more restricted husbandry systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Horse Husbandry-Nutrition, Management and Welfare)
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7 pages, 241 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Androstenone on the Plasma Serotonin, β-Endorphin, and Cortisol Concentrations in Thoroughbred Horses
by Yeonju Choi and Minjung Yoon
Animals 2021, 11(6), 1694; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ani11061694 - 07 Jun 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3230
Abstract
Androstenone influences the changing behaviors of animals. Previous studies discovered that an androstenone receptor was expressed in horses and treatment with androstenone induced horses to be more compliant. As changes in the level of neuroendocrine factors result in animal behavioral changes, the objective [...] Read more.
Androstenone influences the changing behaviors of animals. Previous studies discovered that an androstenone receptor was expressed in horses and treatment with androstenone induced horses to be more compliant. As changes in the level of neuroendocrine factors result in animal behavioral changes, the objective of the study was to monitor the changes in the concentrations of 5-HT, β-endorphin, and cortisol in response to androstenone. Eight thoroughbred horses (five mares and three geldings) were treated with androstenone diluted in jojoba oil (10 µg/mL) and only oil for a control cross-overly. A handler applied the treatments to the horses′ nostril and rubbed for 5 s. Blood samples were collected before, 15, 30, and 60 min after each treatment. The concentrations of each neurotransmitter were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The concentrations of each neurotransmitter after the treatment were compared to its baseline concentration. The concentration of 5-HT of the androstenone-treated horses remained consistent throughout the experiment, while the concentration of the control group significantly decreased over time. The plasma concentration of β-endorphin in the androstenone-treated group also remained constant, whereas the concentration increased in the control group. Cortisol levels did not change in either the treated or untreated groups. An androstenone treatment triggers changes in the secretion of 5-HT and β-endorphin in horses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Horse Husbandry-Nutrition, Management and Welfare)
18 pages, 257 KiB  
Article
Identification of Thoroughbred Racehorse Welfare Issues by Industry Stakeholders
by Glen Mactaggart, Natalie Waran and Clive J. C. Phillips
Animals 2021, 11(5), 1358; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ani11051358 - 11 May 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3816
Abstract
Identifying key welfare issues for thoroughbred racehorses could lead to an improvement in standards. A lack of scientific information on the relative importance of key issues was addressed by soliciting the views of, first, welfare experts in the industry and, second, a broader [...] Read more.
Identifying key welfare issues for thoroughbred racehorses could lead to an improvement in standards. A lack of scientific information on the relative importance of key issues was addressed by soliciting the views of, first, welfare experts in the industry and, second, a broader group of stakeholders, who selected the best welfare options by adaptive conjoint analysis. The experts represented racehorse breeders, veterinarians, trainers, owners, government officials, salespeople, farriers, transporters, and horse re-trainers for post-racing activities. In a focus group meeting, the experts identified fourteen key welfare issues, each with two to four levels that related to common husbandry practices. Then, in an internet survey, 224 stakeholders ranked the issues using adaptive conjoint analysis, in declining importance, as: horsemanship > health and disease > education of the horse > track design and surface > ventilation > stabling > weaning > transport > nutrition > wastage > heat and humidity > whips > environment > gear. Relatively uniform responses to the survey by the different stakeholder groups suggested that there was a common view on what had the biggest impact on welfare. An exception was a greater rating given by women than men to the importance of correct horse nutrition. The rating of importance for welfare of different levels of provision of each issue mostly conformed to the scientific evidence, with the exception of weaning. This understanding of the importance of welfare issues for thoroughbred racehorses could be used to target interventions to the most serious problems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Horse Husbandry-Nutrition, Management and Welfare)

Review

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19 pages, 2425 KiB  
Review
From the Eurasian Steppes to the Roman Circuses: A Review of Early Development of Horse Breeding and Management
by Weronika Klecel and Elżbieta Martyniuk
Animals 2021, 11(7), 1859; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ani11071859 - 22 Jun 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 6570
Abstract
The domestication of the horse began about 5500 years ago in the Eurasian steppes. In the following millennia horses spread across the ancient world, and their role in transportation and warfare affected every ancient culture. Ownership of horses became an indicator of wealth [...] Read more.
The domestication of the horse began about 5500 years ago in the Eurasian steppes. In the following millennia horses spread across the ancient world, and their role in transportation and warfare affected every ancient culture. Ownership of horses became an indicator of wealth and social status. The importance of horses led to a growing interest in their breeding and management. Many phenotypic traits, such as height, behavior, and speed potential, have been proven to be a subject of selection; however, the details of ancient breeding practices remain mostly unknown. From the fourth millennium BP, through the Iron Age, many literature sources thoroughly describe horse training systems, as well as various aspects of husbandry, many of which are still in use today. The striking resemblance of ancient and modern equine practices leaves us wondering how much was accomplished through four thousand years of horse breeding. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Horse Husbandry-Nutrition, Management and Welfare)
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