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18 Effect of different blanket weights on surface temperature of horses in cold environments
Abstracts / Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 35 (2015) 383e391
group however, showed less of an increase as compared with the CC group (P < 0.05), suggesting that the IC group expended less energy at the same workload. Resting hematocrit levels increased for both groups following 8 weeks of conditioning; however, IC horses showed less of an increase post SET as compared with CC horses (P < 0.05). Kinematic analysis of horses at the trot showed shorter hind stance times post training for both groups (P < 0.05). The IC group had no significant change in swing time for either the front or hind limbs, indicating that propulsive forces were able to be generated with less ground contact time. IC horses also had a longer period of suspension at the trot post training as compared with CC horses (P < 0.05). By comparison, CC horses had significantly longer front limb stance times coupled with shorter swing times and shorter time in suspension following training (P < 0.05). Results from this study suggest that interval conditioning may be more effective as compared with continuous conditioning, indicated by improved physiological response to exercise as well as improved muscular propulsion.
Key Words: equine, exercise, interval
16 Wearable biometric sensors for horses and rider-centered interface R.E. LeRoy*1, Z. Cochran 2, A.G. Foster 1, and J.A. Wilson 1 1 Berry College, Mount Berry, GA, USA; 2 Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA Various methodologies to improve horse and rider performance have been applied for centuries. With advancements in technology, such as the Lameness Locator to help monitor the health and wellness of horses, wearable sensors have become more relevant as we try to capture and interpret biometric and performance data. However, consolidating, processing, and relaying these data to riders is difficult. The objective of this research is to develop a platform for sensors that instantaneously gathers and displays the biometric information and performance data in exercising horses to rider and trainer. To capture inertial movement data from the horse's legs, a custom set of sensors was designed using open-source accelerometers. The networked sensors wirelessly gather data, which is processed by a smartphone carried on the rider. The processed information is then relayed to the rider via google glass and the trainer via a tablet application. The network of sensors has the potential to encompass additional sensors (e.g., EMG and heart rate data) that target other areas of the horse's body. The ability to identify a horse's gait from the leg-mounted accelerometers was confirmed through ANOVA testing with a high degree of confidence (P < 0.001). Distinct identification of the 3 gaits (walk, trot, and canter) was confirmed using 2 separate trials with 500 sensor readings. The second aspect of the research focuses on relaying gathered data and conveying it to the rider while minimizing the cognitive load required to interpret it. A minimal Google Glass display allows riders to process simple equine performance data without impairing their line of sight and requiring minimal attention. The development of this interface presents information periodically to the rider in a simplified form that leverages spatial, numerical, and visual cues to make information processing simple. As data collection and processing become more prevalent for horses, the need for a platform which deploys sensors and gathers information will increase. This work has taken the preliminary steps to establish such a platform. Additionally, the introduction of advanced data processing will allow deeper examination of the data, exposing insights into performance and wellness. This preliminary research can be used to expand data visualization to trainers with a more in-depth data
389
that will inspire concrete conversations and critique of the rider's and horse's performance.
Key Words: wearable technology, rider interface, biometric sensors
17 Demographics, body condition scores, and owner bodyweight estimations of adult draft and warmblood horse breeds A.M. Hansen*1, D.N. Catalano 1, R.J. Coleman 2, M.R. Hathaway 1, M.E. McCue 1, A.K. Rendahl 1, and K.L. Martinson 1 1 University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA; 2 University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA Excessive bodyweight (BW) has become a major health issue in equine industry. It has been estimated that up to 51% of horses are overweight with a body condition score (BCS) of ¼ 7. Determining horse BW is important for feed and health management; however, owners tend to under estimate horse BW and BCS. The objectives of this research were to obtain breed demographics, determine BCS, and investigate horse owner's ability to estimate BW of adult draft and warmblood horse breeds. During 2014, demographics, BW and BCS of adult (¼ 3 yr), non-pregnant, draft (n ¼ 138) and warmblood (n ¼ 89) horse breeds were collected at 2 separate shows in Minnesota, the Scott County Draft Horse Show (draft breeds) and the Minnesota Harvest Horse Show (warmblood breeds). Age, gender, breed, and discipline were recorded for all horses. Trained personnel assessed BCS on a scale of 1 to 9 and BW was determined using a portable livestock scale. Prior to horses being weighed, owners were required to guess horse BW. Data were analyzed using an ANOVA with significance set at P ¼ 0.05. Draft horse breeds included Percheron (61%), Belgian (25%), Clydesdale (11%) and Shire (3%). The majority of draft horses were geldings (75%), used for driving (97%), with an average age ± SD of 6.7 ± 2.9 years, BW ± SD of 851 ± 78 kg, and BCS ± SD of 6.3 ± 0.9. Almost half (42%) of draft horses were considered overweight with a BCS of ¼ 7. Owner-reported warmblood horse breeds included warmblood and crosses (42%), Dutch warmblood and crosses (19%), Holsteiner (17%), Hanovarian and crosses (14%) and Oldenburg (8%). The majority of warmbloods were geldings (74%), used as hunters and/or jumpers (100%), with an average age ± SD of 9.7 ± 3.5 years, BW ± SD of 603 ± 51 kg, and BCS ± SD of 5.3 ± 0.6. Only 2% of warmbloods were considered overweight with a BCS of ¼ 7. There was no difference between owner guessed bodyweight and actual bodyweight for either breed-type (P ¼ 0.35). Draft horses had greater BW (P < 0.0001) and BCS (P < 0.001) compared with warmbloods. This research suggested owners of daft and warmblood horses were able to accurately guess horse bodyweight. Draft horses had greater BCS and BW compared with warmblood horses. The greater BCS of draft horses could be related to draft hitch show ring standards.
Key Words: draft horse breeds, bodyweight, warmbloods
18 Effect of different blanket weights on surface temperature of horses in cold environments C.S. Slaubaugh*, and C.J. Hammer North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA Many horse owners blanket their horses during cold weather as a means to keep them warm. However, data on how air
390
Abstracts / Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 35 (2015) 383e391
temperatures affect a horse's body temperature when blanketed is limited. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine changes in surface temperature of horses wearing winter blankets. Four mature stock type horses with heavy winter coats were utilized in a 4 4 Latin square design. Treatments included 3 different blanket weights (based on g of fiberfill): light-weight (0 g; LW), medium-weight (200 g; MW), heavy-weight (370 g; HW), and a non-blanketed control (CON). An infrared non-contact digital thermometer (Fluke Inc., Everett, WA) was used to measure surface temperature at the neck, abdomen, and hip before blanketing. Horses were blanketed and turned outside in a pen with no shelter and ad libitum access to grass hay and water. Blankets covered the chest, abdomen, and hip area. Weather conditions were clear with a mean temperature of 8.7 C and wind chill of 15.5 C. After 30 min, horses were brought inside (16.5 C) and surface temperatures were collected and recorded. Horses were allowed a 20 min equilibration period inside the barn between each sampling period. ANOVA was computed using the general linear model procedure of SAS (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC). Model included treatment, period, and treatment x period interaction. Statistical significance was declared at P values ¼ 0.05. There was no difference in any of the pretreatment temperature measurements. Pretreatment temperatures for neck, abdomen, and hip were 75.4, 74.2, 75.3 C, respectively. There was an overall treatment effect for neck (P ¼ 0.05), abdomen (P < 0.01) and hip (P < 0.01) temperatures after horses were outside for 30 min. Post treatment neck temperatures were 67.0, 67.6, 70.7, and 73.6 C for CON, LW, MW, and HW, respectively. Post treatment abdomen temperatures were 59.0, 65.0, 71.4, and 74.4 C for CON, LW, MW, and HW, respectively. Post treatment hip temperatures were 52.4, 65.0, 71.3, and 73.0 C for CON, LW, MW, and HW respectively. Post treatment neck temperature was warmer (P ¼ 0.02) for HW compared with LW and CON which were not different. Post treatment abdomen temperature became progressively warmer with increasing blanket weight compared with CON (P ¼ 0.05). Post treatment hip temperature was colder (P ¼ 0.01) in CON compared with all blanketed groups. There was no difference in any of the areas measured between MW and HW during the environmental conditions tested. In conclusion, wearing a winter blanket can increase horse surface temperature during cold weather and surface temperature is influenced by blanket weight.
Table 1 Average fecal egg count by initial shedding classification Treatment Pre MOX IVE CON 4 Week Post MOX IVE CON
High
Moderate
Low
Average
1,275 1,117 600
219 281 213
3 6 14
315 302 157
0 0 588
0 0 1,525
0 0 68
0 0 427
per gram (EPG), as low (<200 EPG), moderate (200e500 EPG), or high (>500 EPG) shedders. Animals were then blocked by shedding classification (19% high, 24% moderate, 56% low) and assigned to one of 2 treatment groups (IVE or MOX) or to a control group (CON, untreated). Fecal samples were collected and evaluated for parasite eggs 4 weeks after treatment. At that time, horses in the CON group were moderate or high shedders while the egg count in horses that received either MOX or IVE were zero (low shedders). There was a difference at 4 weeks in fecal egg count between deworming groups as determined by a one-way ANOVA (P ¼ 0.006). A LSD post-hoc test revealed EPG was significantly lower for the horses that received IVE (P ¼ 0.004) or MOX (P ¼ 0.004) compared to the CON group. There were no statistically significant differences between the IVE and MOX groups. Of the 41 horses tested, 23 (56%) had a change in their EPG. In the animals that had an EPG change, it was found that IVE and MOX both achieved 100% fecal egg count reduction. After evaluating the egg count 4 weeks post-deworming, it was concluded that both anthelmintics were effective against the parasite population found in horses in western Kentucky.
Key Words: equine, anthelmintic, resistance
20 Efficacy of Carica papaya seeds for reducing equine strongyle fecal egg counts S. Samuels*, N. Heskett, and S. Burk Otterbein University, Westerville, OH, USA
Key Words: horse, blanket, temperature
19 Effects of ivermectin and moxidectin on equine parasites in horses in western Kentucky L.R. Hamm*, M.M. Ernst, M.L. Santiago, and C.A. Shea Porr Murray State University, Murray, KY, USA Internal parasites are a common health concern in horses. Parasitism can have a negative effect on equine health, including weight loss, higher incidence of intestinal ulcers and colic, and even death. Unfortunately, overuse of anthelmintics has resulted in parasite resistance to some commonly used drugs in the United States. The objective of this project was to evaluate the efficacy of ivermectin (IVE) and moxidectin (MOX) on horses to test parasite resistance in western Kentucky. Based on a review of the literature, it was hypothesized that MOX would be more effective at controlling parasites than IVE. Fecal samples from 41 horses were collected and evaluated using the McMaster technique for the presence of parasite eggs. Horses had not been dewormed in at least 5 mo. The majority of parasite eggs were identified as strongyles. Horses were classified, based on the number of eggs
The objective of this study is to determine if a botanical anthelmintic (Carica papaya) can reduce equine strongyle fecal egg counts. Cyathostomes (small strongyles) are among the most prevalent equine parasites. They are responsible for more health problems in mature horses than any other parasite, and can actually lead to equine fatality. These nematodes are usually treated with anthelmintics such as fenbendazole, ivermectin, moxidectin, and pyrantel pamoate. The effects of these medications on the environment are unknown. Carica papaya seeds have been shown to be an effective natural treatment for certain ovine and poultry parasites. Given that cyathostome resistance to some standard anthelmintics is prevalent, a novel agent would be useful in treating this parasitic infection. All study horses belong to Otterbein University's equine program. High shedding horses were defined as those producing fecal egg counts ¼ 200 eggs/g, as measured by a modified Stoll technique. Seven (20%) of the screened horses were found to be high shedders of strongyle eggs and were included in the study. The mean weight of the 7 horses was 513.5 kg. Papaya seeds were ground into a fine powder. In the month of August, horses were administered 0.176 g papaya seed powder/100 kg of horse. For palatability, 14 mL water and 1 mL blackstrap molasses were added per 10 g of papaya seed. Papaya seeds were administered within 24 h of the initial fecal egg count.
group however, showed less of an increase as compared with the CC group (P < 0.05), suggesting that the IC group expended less energy at the same workload. Resting hematocrit levels increased for both groups following 8 weeks of conditioning; however, IC horses showed less of an increase post SET as compared with CC horses (P < 0.05). Kinematic analysis of horses at the trot showed shorter hind stance times post training for both groups (P < 0.05). The IC group had no significant change in swing time for either the front or hind limbs, indicating that propulsive forces were able to be generated with less ground contact time. IC horses also had a longer period of suspension at the trot post training as compared with CC horses (P < 0.05). By comparison, CC horses had significantly longer front limb stance times coupled with shorter swing times and shorter time in suspension following training (P < 0.05). Results from this study suggest that interval conditioning may be more effective as compared with continuous conditioning, indicated by improved physiological response to exercise as well as improved muscular propulsion.
Key Words: equine, exercise, interval
16 Wearable biometric sensors for horses and rider-centered interface R.E. LeRoy*1, Z. Cochran 2, A.G. Foster 1, and J.A. Wilson 1 1 Berry College, Mount Berry, GA, USA; 2 Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA Various methodologies to improve horse and rider performance have been applied for centuries. With advancements in technology, such as the Lameness Locator to help monitor the health and wellness of horses, wearable sensors have become more relevant as we try to capture and interpret biometric and performance data. However, consolidating, processing, and relaying these data to riders is difficult. The objective of this research is to develop a platform for sensors that instantaneously gathers and displays the biometric information and performance data in exercising horses to rider and trainer. To capture inertial movement data from the horse's legs, a custom set of sensors was designed using open-source accelerometers. The networked sensors wirelessly gather data, which is processed by a smartphone carried on the rider. The processed information is then relayed to the rider via google glass and the trainer via a tablet application. The network of sensors has the potential to encompass additional sensors (e.g., EMG and heart rate data) that target other areas of the horse's body. The ability to identify a horse's gait from the leg-mounted accelerometers was confirmed through ANOVA testing with a high degree of confidence (P < 0.001). Distinct identification of the 3 gaits (walk, trot, and canter) was confirmed using 2 separate trials with 500 sensor readings. The second aspect of the research focuses on relaying gathered data and conveying it to the rider while minimizing the cognitive load required to interpret it. A minimal Google Glass display allows riders to process simple equine performance data without impairing their line of sight and requiring minimal attention. The development of this interface presents information periodically to the rider in a simplified form that leverages spatial, numerical, and visual cues to make information processing simple. As data collection and processing become more prevalent for horses, the need for a platform which deploys sensors and gathers information will increase. This work has taken the preliminary steps to establish such a platform. Additionally, the introduction of advanced data processing will allow deeper examination of the data, exposing insights into performance and wellness. This preliminary research can be used to expand data visualization to trainers with a more in-depth data
389
that will inspire concrete conversations and critique of the rider's and horse's performance.
Key Words: wearable technology, rider interface, biometric sensors
17 Demographics, body condition scores, and owner bodyweight estimations of adult draft and warmblood horse breeds A.M. Hansen*1, D.N. Catalano 1, R.J. Coleman 2, M.R. Hathaway 1, M.E. McCue 1, A.K. Rendahl 1, and K.L. Martinson 1 1 University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA; 2 University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA Excessive bodyweight (BW) has become a major health issue in equine industry. It has been estimated that up to 51% of horses are overweight with a body condition score (BCS) of ¼ 7. Determining horse BW is important for feed and health management; however, owners tend to under estimate horse BW and BCS. The objectives of this research were to obtain breed demographics, determine BCS, and investigate horse owner's ability to estimate BW of adult draft and warmblood horse breeds. During 2014, demographics, BW and BCS of adult (¼ 3 yr), non-pregnant, draft (n ¼ 138) and warmblood (n ¼ 89) horse breeds were collected at 2 separate shows in Minnesota, the Scott County Draft Horse Show (draft breeds) and the Minnesota Harvest Horse Show (warmblood breeds). Age, gender, breed, and discipline were recorded for all horses. Trained personnel assessed BCS on a scale of 1 to 9 and BW was determined using a portable livestock scale. Prior to horses being weighed, owners were required to guess horse BW. Data were analyzed using an ANOVA with significance set at P ¼ 0.05. Draft horse breeds included Percheron (61%), Belgian (25%), Clydesdale (11%) and Shire (3%). The majority of draft horses were geldings (75%), used for driving (97%), with an average age ± SD of 6.7 ± 2.9 years, BW ± SD of 851 ± 78 kg, and BCS ± SD of 6.3 ± 0.9. Almost half (42%) of draft horses were considered overweight with a BCS of ¼ 7. Owner-reported warmblood horse breeds included warmblood and crosses (42%), Dutch warmblood and crosses (19%), Holsteiner (17%), Hanovarian and crosses (14%) and Oldenburg (8%). The majority of warmbloods were geldings (74%), used as hunters and/or jumpers (100%), with an average age ± SD of 9.7 ± 3.5 years, BW ± SD of 603 ± 51 kg, and BCS ± SD of 5.3 ± 0.6. Only 2% of warmbloods were considered overweight with a BCS of ¼ 7. There was no difference between owner guessed bodyweight and actual bodyweight for either breed-type (P ¼ 0.35). Draft horses had greater BW (P < 0.0001) and BCS (P < 0.001) compared with warmbloods. This research suggested owners of daft and warmblood horses were able to accurately guess horse bodyweight. Draft horses had greater BCS and BW compared with warmblood horses. The greater BCS of draft horses could be related to draft hitch show ring standards.
Key Words: draft horse breeds, bodyweight, warmbloods
18 Effect of different blanket weights on surface temperature of horses in cold environments C.S. Slaubaugh*, and C.J. Hammer North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA Many horse owners blanket their horses during cold weather as a means to keep them warm. However, data on how air
390
Abstracts / Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 35 (2015) 383e391
temperatures affect a horse's body temperature when blanketed is limited. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine changes in surface temperature of horses wearing winter blankets. Four mature stock type horses with heavy winter coats were utilized in a 4 4 Latin square design. Treatments included 3 different blanket weights (based on g of fiberfill): light-weight (0 g; LW), medium-weight (200 g; MW), heavy-weight (370 g; HW), and a non-blanketed control (CON). An infrared non-contact digital thermometer (Fluke Inc., Everett, WA) was used to measure surface temperature at the neck, abdomen, and hip before blanketing. Horses were blanketed and turned outside in a pen with no shelter and ad libitum access to grass hay and water. Blankets covered the chest, abdomen, and hip area. Weather conditions were clear with a mean temperature of 8.7 C and wind chill of 15.5 C. After 30 min, horses were brought inside (16.5 C) and surface temperatures were collected and recorded. Horses were allowed a 20 min equilibration period inside the barn between each sampling period. ANOVA was computed using the general linear model procedure of SAS (SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC). Model included treatment, period, and treatment x period interaction. Statistical significance was declared at P values ¼ 0.05. There was no difference in any of the pretreatment temperature measurements. Pretreatment temperatures for neck, abdomen, and hip were 75.4, 74.2, 75.3 C, respectively. There was an overall treatment effect for neck (P ¼ 0.05), abdomen (P < 0.01) and hip (P < 0.01) temperatures after horses were outside for 30 min. Post treatment neck temperatures were 67.0, 67.6, 70.7, and 73.6 C for CON, LW, MW, and HW, respectively. Post treatment abdomen temperatures were 59.0, 65.0, 71.4, and 74.4 C for CON, LW, MW, and HW, respectively. Post treatment hip temperatures were 52.4, 65.0, 71.3, and 73.0 C for CON, LW, MW, and HW respectively. Post treatment neck temperature was warmer (P ¼ 0.02) for HW compared with LW and CON which were not different. Post treatment abdomen temperature became progressively warmer with increasing blanket weight compared with CON (P ¼ 0.05). Post treatment hip temperature was colder (P ¼ 0.01) in CON compared with all blanketed groups. There was no difference in any of the areas measured between MW and HW during the environmental conditions tested. In conclusion, wearing a winter blanket can increase horse surface temperature during cold weather and surface temperature is influenced by blanket weight.
Table 1 Average fecal egg count by initial shedding classification Treatment Pre MOX IVE CON 4 Week Post MOX IVE CON
High
Moderate
Low
Average
1,275 1,117 600
219 281 213
3 6 14
315 302 157
0 0 588
0 0 1,525
0 0 68
0 0 427
per gram (EPG), as low (<200 EPG), moderate (200e500 EPG), or high (>500 EPG) shedders. Animals were then blocked by shedding classification (19% high, 24% moderate, 56% low) and assigned to one of 2 treatment groups (IVE or MOX) or to a control group (CON, untreated). Fecal samples were collected and evaluated for parasite eggs 4 weeks after treatment. At that time, horses in the CON group were moderate or high shedders while the egg count in horses that received either MOX or IVE were zero (low shedders). There was a difference at 4 weeks in fecal egg count between deworming groups as determined by a one-way ANOVA (P ¼ 0.006). A LSD post-hoc test revealed EPG was significantly lower for the horses that received IVE (P ¼ 0.004) or MOX (P ¼ 0.004) compared to the CON group. There were no statistically significant differences between the IVE and MOX groups. Of the 41 horses tested, 23 (56%) had a change in their EPG. In the animals that had an EPG change, it was found that IVE and MOX both achieved 100% fecal egg count reduction. After evaluating the egg count 4 weeks post-deworming, it was concluded that both anthelmintics were effective against the parasite population found in horses in western Kentucky.
Key Words: equine, anthelmintic, resistance
20 Efficacy of Carica papaya seeds for reducing equine strongyle fecal egg counts S. Samuels*, N. Heskett, and S. Burk Otterbein University, Westerville, OH, USA
Key Words: horse, blanket, temperature
19 Effects of ivermectin and moxidectin on equine parasites in horses in western Kentucky L.R. Hamm*, M.M. Ernst, M.L. Santiago, and C.A. Shea Porr Murray State University, Murray, KY, USA Internal parasites are a common health concern in horses. Parasitism can have a negative effect on equine health, including weight loss, higher incidence of intestinal ulcers and colic, and even death. Unfortunately, overuse of anthelmintics has resulted in parasite resistance to some commonly used drugs in the United States. The objective of this project was to evaluate the efficacy of ivermectin (IVE) and moxidectin (MOX) on horses to test parasite resistance in western Kentucky. Based on a review of the literature, it was hypothesized that MOX would be more effective at controlling parasites than IVE. Fecal samples from 41 horses were collected and evaluated using the McMaster technique for the presence of parasite eggs. Horses had not been dewormed in at least 5 mo. The majority of parasite eggs were identified as strongyles. Horses were classified, based on the number of eggs
The objective of this study is to determine if a botanical anthelmintic (Carica papaya) can reduce equine strongyle fecal egg counts. Cyathostomes (small strongyles) are among the most prevalent equine parasites. They are responsible for more health problems in mature horses than any other parasite, and can actually lead to equine fatality. These nematodes are usually treated with anthelmintics such as fenbendazole, ivermectin, moxidectin, and pyrantel pamoate. The effects of these medications on the environment are unknown. Carica papaya seeds have been shown to be an effective natural treatment for certain ovine and poultry parasites. Given that cyathostome resistance to some standard anthelmintics is prevalent, a novel agent would be useful in treating this parasitic infection. All study horses belong to Otterbein University's equine program. High shedding horses were defined as those producing fecal egg counts ¼ 200 eggs/g, as measured by a modified Stoll technique. Seven (20%) of the screened horses were found to be high shedders of strongyle eggs and were included in the study. The mean weight of the 7 horses was 513.5 kg. Papaya seeds were ground into a fine powder. In the month of August, horses were administered 0.176 g papaya seed powder/100 kg of horse. For palatability, 14 mL water and 1 mL blackstrap molasses were added per 10 g of papaya seed. Papaya seeds were administered within 24 h of the initial fecal egg count.