Journal of Equine Veterinary Science最新文献

The welfare of unwanted horses presents a significant concern for the equine industry. However, there is a lack of research on how unwanted horses are affected by major crises. The drastic changes that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic presented ample opportunity to investigate how unwanted horses are impacted by challenging circumstances. Study objectives were to evaluate the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the unwanted horse population and determine the current perceptions of horses in-transition. A 23-question online survey designed using Qualtrics^TM was administered electronically to adults living in the United States. Questions pertained to effects on equine ownership, equine management, event participation, and perceptions of unwanted horses. Frequency analysis combined with Chi-squared analyses and analyses of variance identified the impacts of COVID-19 on horse owners, non-horse owners, and equine professionals. From survey results, equine ownership, management practices, and time spent with horses proved to be unaffected (P < 0.001) by the coronavirus pandemic. A decreased ability to participate in equine events was evident across all groups (P ≤ 0.03). Financial hardship, unmanageable behavior, and injury were cited as leading causes for horses becoming "in-transition." Euthanasia was the transitioning method perceived as most accessible, while donation to an equine program was least accessible. Based on results, the COVID-19 pandemic had negligible impact on the number of unwanted horses in the United States. Long-term effects of COVID-19 on equine ownership and management decisions should be considered to provide a deeper base of knowledge for how major crises affect the horse in-transition population.

During hospitalization horses may develop gastrointestinal conditions triggered by a stress-associated weak local immune system. The prospective, clinical trial was conducted to find out whether fecal immunoglobulin A (IgA) concentrations could be determined in hospitalized horses and how they changed during hospitalization and in response to various stressors. Samples were obtained from 110 horses and a control group (n = 14). At arrival in the hospital, horses were categorized into pain grades (1-5), and elective versus strenuous surgery (> 2 hours, traumatic and emergency procedures). Feces were collected on day 1, day 2, day 3, and day 7 in all horses. Blood samples were obtained at the same intervals, but additionally after general anaesthesia in horses undergoing surgery (day 2). IgA concentration in feces was determined by ELISA and measured in optical density at 450nm. The control group showed constant IgA concentrations on all days (mean value 0.30 OD₄₅₀ ±SD 0.11, 1.26 mg/g; n = 11). After general anaesthesia fecal IgA concentrations decreased considerably independent of duration and type of surgery (P < 0.001 for elective and P = 0.043 for traumatic surgeries). High plasma cortisol concentrations were weakly correlated with low fecal IgA on the day after surgery (P = 0.012, day 3, correlation coefficient r = 0.113). Equine fecal IgA concentrations showed a decline associated with transport, surgery, and hospitalization in general, indicating that stress has an impact on the local intestinal immune function and may predispose horses for developing gastrointestinal diseases such as enterocolitis.

Modern Pentathlon (MP) includes an equestrian Jumping discipline, with horses drawn blindly by unfamiliar riders. At the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games, concerns regarding inadequate horsemanship generated adverse publicity for MP. Conventional stadium Jumping in Tokyo provided an opportunity for comparison of the two closest Olympic equestrian Jumping disciplines. The objectives of this study were to complete an objective analysis of the Tokyo MP riding phases, and to test the hypothesis that MP riding faults in women's and men's Tokyo competitions combined were more frequent than in the Individual Jumping Qualifier (JQ). Types of faults for Tokyo MP (n = 71 riders) and JQ (n = 73 riders) were tabulated from published official results and detailed observation of online videos of each competition. Fault distributions were compared using Chi-square analysis (significance at P < .05). MP riders had more jumping faults (15.4 %) than JQ (7.8 %, P < .0001). Both MP and JQ riders had more faults at oxers (17.1 %, P < .0001 and 9.7 %, P = .0171, respectively) than verticals (14.5 % and 6.2 %). JQ (9.8 %, P = .0093) but not MP (15.7 %, p = .5166) riders had more faults in the second half of the course compared to the first half (5.7 % and 15.0 %, respectively). Double clear rounds (no jumping or time faults) were 4.9 times more likely in JQ (34.2 %) than in MP (6.9 %: P < .0001). Proposed solutions to decrease MP fault frequency include lower maximum fence heights, fewer jumping efforts, and a more liberal re-ride policy.

The aim of this study was to estimate the potential for nutrient leaching based on current feeding practices of horses in the Netherlands. An online survey of horse owners collected data on the demographics of the horses (n = 274) and feeding practices. The median age was 8 years, the majority being warmblood and geldings with a mean bodyweight of 542.4 ± 101.9 kg. Most horses (85 %) had access to a limited area of pasture (<200m² per horse), with a median grazing time of 10 hours. Grass hay was the predominant conserved forage offered (77 %) within diets. Concentrate feeds were provided to most horses (93.8 %) as well as the dietary supplements (80 %). The majority of the horses were offered high levels of metabolizable energy (ME) (90 %), starch (mean 2.4 ± 0.8 g/kg bw) and sugar intake (mean 1.4 ± 1.2 g/kg bw) compared to NRC recommendations. The estimated potential nitrogen excretion per horse per day was 228 ± 134 g, or 8.47 kg of nitrogen per ton of manure. Consequently, the estimated daily fecal excretion rates of microminerals for each horse were as follows: Copper (Cu) at 141.0 ± 151.3 mg, Zinc (Zn) at 593.1 ± 504.4 mg, Manganese (Mn) at 957 ± 541.2 mg, and Cobalt (Co) at 2.3 ± 3.5 mg. The analysis indicated that many equine diets in the Netherlands offered excess ME, CP and the minerals Cu, Zn, Mn and Co. To mitigate these concerns, it is crucial to promote sustainable feeding practices and better educate horse owners.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements obtained from first, second, and third probe-cornea touch (PCT) and compare them with the average of six PCTs using two rebound tonometers in horses. This study enrolled a total of thirty-eight stallions, comprising of 24 Arabian horses and 14 cross-breeds (with an average age of 8 ± 3 years). The IOP measurements of first, second, and third, as well as the average of six PCTs were obtained using either Tonovet (TV) or Tonovet Plus (TV+) rebound tonometers. The mean differences (95% limits of agreement) between the average of six PCTs and the first, second, and third PCTs were 0.1 (-4.8 to 5), 0.2 (-4.8 to 4.5), and 0.2 (-3.6 to 4.0) mmHg with TV, respectively. With TV+, the differences were 0.3 (-6.6 to 7.2), 1.1 (-8.6 to 10.8), and -0.2 (-3.6 to 4.0) mmHg, respectively. Compared to the average of six PCTs, only 89.5%, 92.1%, and 97.4% of IOP measurements obtained from TV and 78.9%, 73.3%, and 65.8% of IOP measurements obtained from TV+ were within 4 mmHg of the average of six PCTs for first, second, and third PCTs, respectively. In conclusion, the measurement of IOP in the first PCT achieved best agreement with the IOP measurement of six average PCTs. Therefore, the first PCT could be considered as an alternative option for measuring IOP in horses when obtaining an average of six PCTs is not feasible.

Oxidative damage to sperm during cooled storage is a significant issue, and selenium with antioxidant potential could be a solution. Moreover, nano-sized selenium offers more advantages compared to its ionic forms. This research aimed to assess the impact of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) supplemented in the INRA96 extender on the quality of Turkmen stallion sperm and lipid peroxidation during 72 h of cooled storage. A total of 25 ejaculates were treated using different concentrations of SeNPs, including no SeNPs (Control), 0.5 μM SeNPs (SeNPs 0.5), 1.0 μM SeNPs (SeNPs 1.0), and 1.5 μM SeNPs (SeNPs 1.5). The samples were then evaluated for sperm quality characteristics and lipid peroxidation. The results indicated a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in total and progressive motility, viability, and plasma membrane functionality after 48 h of cooled storage, along with an increase (P < 0.05) in spermatozoa abnormality and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as the cooled storage time increased. However, SeNPs demonstrated an improvement (P < 0.05) in sperm total motility after 24 h of cooled storage, progressive motility throughout the entire 72-hour period, functionality of the plasma membrane after 48 hours of cooled storage, spermatozoa abnormality after 48 h of cooled storage, and semen MDA levels throughout the cooled storage (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the enrichment of the INRA96 extender with nano-sized selenium can enhance the quality of Turkmen stallion sperm during storage at 5 °C by increasing total, progressive, and curvilinear motilities, improving plasma membrane functionality, and reducing sperm abnormalities and lipid peroxidation.

We aimed to test the hypothesis that repeated muscle collections would impact mitochondrial function, antioxidant status, and markers of inflammation and muscle damage. Twenty-six horses (8 geldings, 18 mares; mean ± SD 9.5 ± 3.5 y) had gluteus medius muscle biopsy samples collected at: 0 and 24h (n=7); 0 and 6h (n = 6); 0, 6, and 12h (n=7); or 0, 6, 12, and 24h (n=6). Blood was collected from all horses every 6h for 72h, starting 24h prior to the 0h muscle collection. Data were analyzed using mixed linear models. Muscle integrative (per mg tissue) electron transfer capacity of complex II decreased (P=0.004) and intrinsic (relative to citrate synthase (CS) activity) LEAK increased (P<0.03) from 0 to 6h but both returned to 0h levels by 12h. Activity of CS was greater at 0 than 12 and 24h (P≤0.02). Serum creatine kinase (CK) activity was similar from -24 through 0h but increased in all horses at 6h and remained elevated through 48h (P<0.05) though not above reference ranges. Whole blood superoxide dismutase activity fluctuated throughout the 72-h collection period (P=0.03) and serum cortisol concentration displayed a circadian pattern (P<0.0001) but neither were altered by muscle collections. No other variable, including muscle mitochondrial capacities and function, blood and muscle antioxidant status and concentrations of select cytokines, and serum amyloid A, differed by time or muscle collection. Repeated gluteal collections had limited short-term or no effect on physiological markers in unstressed, mature horses except serum CK activity, which should be interpreted with caution during repeated tissue collections.

A 17-year-old mare presenting with acute fever, weakness and bladder dysfunction was diagnosed with equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM). The mare become transiently recumbent, underwent parenteral fluid therapy, plasma infusion, steroidal/nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (SAID/NSAIDs) and bladder catheterization. After 10 days the mare was hospitalized. Neurological evaluation revealed ataxia and proprioceptive deficits mainly in the hind limbs. The mare was able to stand but unable to rise from recumbency or walk. Secondary complications included Escherichia coli cystitis, corneal ulcers and pressure sores. A full-body support sling was used for 21 days. Medical treatment included systemic antimicrobials, NSAIDs, gradual discontinuation of SAIDs, parenteral fluid therapy and bladder lavage. The mare tested positive for Varicellovirus equidalpha 1 (EHV-1) DNA in nasal swab and blood samples on day 13 and in urine samples on days 13 and 25 after the onset of fever. Neurological signs improved over a period of 34 days and the mare was discharged with mild hind limb weakness/ataxia. Secondary complications resolved within 2 weeks. At the eight-month follow-up, marked improvement in locomotory function had been achieved.

The aim of this study was to evaluate two cryoprotectants, dimethylformamide (DMF) and methylformamide (MF) in two concentrations (5 and 7 %) in vitro in donkey semen using a rapid freezing technique and the effect on pregnancy rates in mares. Twenty-four ejaculates from 8 jacks (n = 8; r = 3) were divided into 4 extenders: BotuSemen Gold with 5 % or 7 % MF and 5 % or 7 % DMF, all containing 11 % lactose, 20 % egg-yolk and 0.5 % Equex. Post-thaw evaluations included: sperm motility, membrane function and acrosome status. A linear mixed effect model was used to test the effect of different freezing media on semen parameters. No differences were observed between the 4 freezing media used, for any of the seminal parameters (P > 0.05). However, samples with 5 % DMF showed the highest percentages of sperm with acrosomes and functional membranes (DMF: 5 %: 53.67 ± 22.01; 7 %: 33.92 ± 23.4; MF: 5 %: 44.5 ± 20.46; 7 %: 38.75 ± 27.4) (Data: mean ± SD; P > 0.05). Hence, thirty mares were inseminated: 15 with 5 % DMF and 15 with 7 % DMF. The pregnancy rate was 46 % (7/15) and 0 % (0/15) using the extender with 5 % or 7 % DMF, respectively (P = 0.003). To conclude, the use of 5 % or 7 % of MF or DMF did not affect the in vitro parameters. Despite the lack of differences in vitro with the two DMF concentrations, in vivo results only showed pregnancies when using 5 % DMF. Thus, the results of this study demonstrate the importance of accompanying in vitro semen evaluations with studies that evaluate post-insemination pregnancy rates.

We aimed to evaluate the effects of dental correction on voluntary nutrient intake, time of intake, apparent digestibility and fecal particle size in Brazilian ponies. Twelve mares, with no history of previous dental treatments, housed in individual pens and fed a diet based on tifton 85 were used. The study comprised two consecutive experimental phases, pre and post dental treatment. Each phase consisted of 15 days for adaptation to the pen and treatment and 5 days for data collection, totaling 20 days. To calculate nutrient intake and digestibility coefficients, samples of diets, leftovers, and feces were analyzed for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), crude fat (CF), mineral matter (MM), organic matter (OM), and non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC). Food intake time was recorded using a digital video recorder. Fecal particles were analyzed by wet sieving. Dental correction did not influence the intake of DM, CP, NDF, CF, and OM by the animals. However, there was an increase in NFC intake from 0.12 kg to 0.14 kg and in food intake time from 654.50 ± 138.98 to 774.95 ± 167.14. There was a decrease in the digestibility of CP from 0.08 kg to 0.04 kg and an increase in the digestibility of NDF from 0.65 kg to 0.82 kg. Although odontoplasty increased the time of hay intake and the digestibility of the fibrous fractions of the feed of ponies, it did not influence the intake of nutrients and the size of the fecal particles.