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Morphometric differences of multiple equine breed types
106
Abstracts / Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 52 (2017) 96e109
each replicate were combined using one of the following raketypes: wheel rake, sidebar rake, rotary rake or hay merger. Samples were analyzed for ash, crude protein (CP), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF), neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFd48) and relative forage quality (RFQ) was calculated. Parameters were analyzed using the MIXED procedure in SAS with significance set at P ¼ 0.05. Ash content differed at 5 of the 6 locations post-raking and post-baling (P ¼ 0.05). The hay merger and sidebar rake resulted in the least amount of ash while the wheel rake resulted in the greatest amount of ash post-raking in all locations. Differences in CP (ranging from 20 to 24%) and NDF (ranging from 36 to 48%) due to hay rake-type were rarely observed and both remained consistent throughout harvest. First cutting alfalfa differed in RFQ with the hay merger and sidebar rake resulting in greater RFQ values compared with the wheel rake. Using a hay merger or sidebar rake to combine swaths tended to result in less ash content and greater RFQ compared with a wheel rake. Key Words: hay, ash, nutrition
151 Acclimation reduces cortisol in horses tied with overchecks K. Bennett-Wimbush*, J. Suagee-Bedore, M.D. Amstutz Ohio State University, Wooster, OH, USA Little information is available on the welfare of horses used for transportation. It is common to observe horses wearing a complete harness, hooked to horse drawn vehicles, and tied up for extended periods in some geographical regions. Previous research has shown that horses tied with high overchecks had higher plasma cortisol concentrations compared with horses tied with no or low overchecks. However, another study reported that roping calves readily acclimated to unique and novel stressors. Therefore, the current study was designed to determine if an acclimation period would reduce or alleviate the short-term stress observed previously in tied horses. Six Standardbred mares, ages 9 to 14, were fitted with harness and high overchecks, adjusted so that their head and neck were approximately 3e5 degrees above their natural neck carriage, and tied daily for 60 min. The acclimation period lasted for 2 weeks and was followed by a test period, which consisted of tying horses with a high overcheck for 60 min with blood collection via jugular venipuncture at time 0 (Pre), during the test at 30 (T30) and 60 (T60) minutes; and 60 min post-test (P60). Plasma cortisol was measured using an equine validated ELISA assay and analyzed with time as the main effect. Mean plasma cortisol concentrations were 80.6 ± 13.1, 80.8 ± 13.1, 88.2 ± 14.4 and 75.5 ± 13.1 ng/mL for Pre, T30, T60 and P60 respectively and were not different between any of the time periods. Two mares, both of whom demonstrated agitated behaviors during the test, had elevations in plasma cortisol during the test period. Their plasma cortisol levels returned to pre-test levels at P60 and they did not significantly alter group least squares means. Plasma cortisol concentrations from non-acclimated horses, tested before the acclimation period, were higher (80.8 ± 11.4 vs. 132.4 ± 16.1 ng/ mL, P < 0.01) at 30 min and tended to be higher (88.2 ± 12.5 vs. 126.4 ± 16.1 ng/mL, P ¼ 0.07) at 60 min then after the 2 week acclimation period. It appears that acclimating horses to the exact set of stressors can alleviate short-term stress in adult horses. However, individual horses may require longer or shorter acclimation periods. Key Words: horse, welfare, cortisol
152 Effect of bucket color on water intake in horses A.T. Davis*, B.A. Siehr, B.C. Akam, J.A. FitzSimmons Wilmington College, Wilmington, OH, USA It is common practice for stall kept horses to have access to water from bucket(s) hanging in stalls, and horses prefer hanging buckets to automatic bowls. Black or dark colored buckets are readily available for purchase; however, dark-colored buckets may mask dirt, debris, or unsanitary conditions in buckets reducing water intake. Horses have dichromatic vision and can distinguish between several colors, but it was not known if water bucket color would influence water intake. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine if horses preferred drinking out of light-colored (yellow) or dark-colored (black) water buckets. Twelve mature stock horses (15 ± 5 yrs, 967 ± 74kg) were lightly ridden 30 min/d 4 days a week for use in a college riding program. Three days a week when not ridden, horses were turned out individually in a dry lot without access to water or forage for approximately 30min. Stalls contained 2 buckets (black and yellow) hung side by side on the front of the stall. Bucket position rotated every day for 6 d. Water intake was measured and buckets refilled at 0700, 1200, 1700, and 2300h. Each day at 0700h buckets were dumped, rinsed, and refilled. Water intake was measured for 6 d in the month of November and was calculated by measuring depth of water rounded to the nearest 0.5cm. Difference in water depth was converted to volume difference by volumetric computations using graduated cylinders. Data were analyzed using a t-test to compare the means of the 2 groups using the assumption of homoscedasticity. Average daily intake was not different (P ¼ 0.89) between the black (3.80 L) and yellow (3.76 L) buckets. Stalled horses had no preference when given the option of drinking out of light (yellow) or dark (black) buckets. Key Words: water, drinking, color
153 Morphometric differences of multiple equine breed types D.N. Catalano*1, R.J. Coleman 2, M.R. Hathaway 1, A.E. Neu 1, E.L. Wagner 3, P.J. Tyler 3, K.L. Martinson 1 1 University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA; 2 University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA; 3 Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA Equine breed types are morphometrically different from one another; however this has not been documented until recently. These variations across breed types can affect a multitude of factors including body conditioning, feed and health management, and saddle and tack fit. Between 2011 and 2016, the University of Minnesota has collected data on adult (3 yr), nonpregnant equine across 7 breed types including miniature horses, ponies, Arabian, stock, saddle-type and gaited (saddletype), warmblood (WB), and draft horses at 9 shows and events (n ¼ 1,342). At all shows, trained personnel assessed body condition score (BCS) on a scale of 1 to 9, measured wither height, girth circumference at the third thoracic vertebra, body length from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttock (BLW), body length from the point of the shoulder to a line perpendicular to the point of the buttock (BLS), and neck circumference at the midway point between the poll and the withers. Each horse was weighed using a calibrated, portable
Abstracts / Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 52 (2017) 96e109
livestock scale and age was recorded as owner reported. Individuals were grouped into breed types using multivariate ANOVA analysis of morphometric measurements. The uniformity of these data allowed for comparisons to be made across breed types, with distinct differences observed within all variables. All 7 breed types had different bodyweights (BW) from one another (P 0.05). Arabians and ponies were older (14 yr) compared with all types. Saddle-type, stock, and WB horses were in the middle (9e11 yr.), and draft and miniature horses were younger than all other breed types (7 yr, P 0.05). Draft horses had the highest BCS (6.3) compared with WB horses (5.3, P 0.05). Three ratios were evaluated; girth to height (G:H), girth to BLS (G:L), and height to neck (H:N). Arabians and drafts had the greatest G:H (1.21) compared with saddle-type horses (1.15, P 0.05). Draft horses had the greatest G:L (1.27) compared with gaited horses (1.17, P 0.05). Saddle-type horses had the greatest H:N (1.81) compared with miniature and draft horses (1.42e1.45, P 0.05). A weak negative correlation was observed between age and BCS (0.17, P < 0.0001), and a moderate correlation was found between H:N and BCS (0.41, P < 0.0001) and between G:L and BCS (0.42, P < 0.0001). No correlation was found between BW and age or BW and BCS (P > 0.134). These results confirm differences across breed types and may help owners adjust management strategies including feeding, health and saddle fit. Key Words: body weight, breed type, equine management
154 Effect of bucket placement on water intake B.C. Akam*, B.A. Siehr, A.T. Davis, J.A. FitzSimmons Wilmington College, Wilmington, OH USA Horses are commonly provided water buckets while stabled; however there is no uniformly accepted practice regarding location of water buckets in stalls. Therefore, this study was performed to determine if horses preferred to drink out a bucket placed near the door or a bucket placed near the feeder. Twelve mature stock horses (15 ± 5 yrs, 967 ± 74kg) were lightly ridden 30min a d 4 days a week for use in a college riding program. Three days a week when not ridden, horses were turned out individually in a dry lot without access to water or forage for approximately 30min. Each 4m 4m stall was designed with a 1.2m wide sliding door located on one side of the stall front with the feeder located on the opposite side of the stall front. Stalls contained 2 buckets hung side by side on the front of stalls between the feeder and stall door. Water intake was measured and buckets were refilled at 0700, 1200, 1700, and 2300h. Each day at 0700h buckets were dumped, rinsed, and refilled. Water intake was measured for 6 d in the month of November and was calculated by measuring depth of water rounded to the nearest 0.5cm. Difference in water depth was converted to volume difference by volumetric computations using graduated cylinders. Data were analyzed using a ttest to compare the means of the 2 groups using the assumption of homoscedasticity. Horses drank more (P 0.001) water from buckets placed near the stall door. The average daily intake was 4.29 L and 3.14 L for buckets placed near the stall door and near the feeder, respectively. When stalled horses were given the option of drinking out of 2 buckets, horses preferred to drink out of a bucket placed furthest away from their food source. Key Words: water, drinking, behavior
107
155 Effect of weight load on stride characteristics of horses as measured at the trot K. Walter*1, L. White 2 1 Truman State University, Kirksville, MO, USA; 2 New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA Recommendations for maximum acceptable weight-loads are in use for equine events; however, they lack any scientific support and vary depending on source and discipline. The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of weight applied at 15%, 20%, and 25% BW on stock type horses at the trot using gait analysis software. We hypothesized that a 25% BW load would result in shorter stride length, and increased knee action compared with lighter loads. Six Quarter horses (3 mares and 3 geldings; 7 to 16 years of age) were used in a replicated 3 3 Latin Square design. Treatment order was randomly assigned, and consisted of horses carrying 15%, 20%, or 25% BW. Each experimental period consisted of 1 d of stride analysis and was followed by 1 d of rest. Horses were weighed each day to determine BW and calculate treatment loads, which were applied as dead weight in the form of lead bricks fastened to a standard western saddle to remove any variation from riders. Horses were trotted in hand on a sand surface by one consistent handler. The recording frame was 5 m in length, and was preceded by a warm-up distance of 5 m and followed by an additional distance of 5 m. The camera was 10 m from the center of the recording frame and placed perpendicular to the line of travel on a tripod set at 86 cm. Horses walked and trotted the total distance (15 m) once to warm-up before recording. Horses were evaluated at 0% BW each day before the treatment load to allow for assessment of intra-animal variation and confirm ‘normal’ baseline data for each horse before experimental analysis with added loads. Video was analyzed for stride length and fetlock angle in both the thoracic and pelvic limbs, and carpal angle. Stride length was measured as the horizontal distance traveled by the right limb during the swing phase (swing phase ¼ time from toe leaving the ground to heel striking ground). Fetlock angle was measured during the weight bearing stance of the stride when the limb was perpendicular to the ground. Carpal angle was measured in the swing phase during maximum flexion. All measurements were done in duplicate by one individual. Data were analyzed using PROC GLM of SAS. Change in stride length was evaluated by subtracting 0% BW measurements from the weight loads to account for intra-animal variation. Weight load did not influence fetlock angle or stride length (P > 0.05) in the thoracic or pelvic limbs. Carpal angle was smaller (P < 0.05) at the 25% BW load compared with 20%, suggesting greater knee action while carrying the heavier load. Further research is needed to investigate the impact of carrying loads for extended periods. Key Words: weight load, stride length
156 Acclimation of mature horses to novel short-term confinement and social isolation C.R. Hansen*1, A.L. Wagner-Wells 2, R.K. Splan 1 1 Sul Ross State University, Alpine, TX, USA; 2 Probiotech International Inc., Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada Sudden confinement and social isolation can be stressful to naïve horses, resulting in an increased incidence of locomotor and
Abstracts / Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 52 (2017) 96e109
each replicate were combined using one of the following raketypes: wheel rake, sidebar rake, rotary rake or hay merger. Samples were analyzed for ash, crude protein (CP), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF), neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFd48) and relative forage quality (RFQ) was calculated. Parameters were analyzed using the MIXED procedure in SAS with significance set at P ¼ 0.05. Ash content differed at 5 of the 6 locations post-raking and post-baling (P ¼ 0.05). The hay merger and sidebar rake resulted in the least amount of ash while the wheel rake resulted in the greatest amount of ash post-raking in all locations. Differences in CP (ranging from 20 to 24%) and NDF (ranging from 36 to 48%) due to hay rake-type were rarely observed and both remained consistent throughout harvest. First cutting alfalfa differed in RFQ with the hay merger and sidebar rake resulting in greater RFQ values compared with the wheel rake. Using a hay merger or sidebar rake to combine swaths tended to result in less ash content and greater RFQ compared with a wheel rake. Key Words: hay, ash, nutrition
151 Acclimation reduces cortisol in horses tied with overchecks K. Bennett-Wimbush*, J. Suagee-Bedore, M.D. Amstutz Ohio State University, Wooster, OH, USA Little information is available on the welfare of horses used for transportation. It is common to observe horses wearing a complete harness, hooked to horse drawn vehicles, and tied up for extended periods in some geographical regions. Previous research has shown that horses tied with high overchecks had higher plasma cortisol concentrations compared with horses tied with no or low overchecks. However, another study reported that roping calves readily acclimated to unique and novel stressors. Therefore, the current study was designed to determine if an acclimation period would reduce or alleviate the short-term stress observed previously in tied horses. Six Standardbred mares, ages 9 to 14, were fitted with harness and high overchecks, adjusted so that their head and neck were approximately 3e5 degrees above their natural neck carriage, and tied daily for 60 min. The acclimation period lasted for 2 weeks and was followed by a test period, which consisted of tying horses with a high overcheck for 60 min with blood collection via jugular venipuncture at time 0 (Pre), during the test at 30 (T30) and 60 (T60) minutes; and 60 min post-test (P60). Plasma cortisol was measured using an equine validated ELISA assay and analyzed with time as the main effect. Mean plasma cortisol concentrations were 80.6 ± 13.1, 80.8 ± 13.1, 88.2 ± 14.4 and 75.5 ± 13.1 ng/mL for Pre, T30, T60 and P60 respectively and were not different between any of the time periods. Two mares, both of whom demonstrated agitated behaviors during the test, had elevations in plasma cortisol during the test period. Their plasma cortisol levels returned to pre-test levels at P60 and they did not significantly alter group least squares means. Plasma cortisol concentrations from non-acclimated horses, tested before the acclimation period, were higher (80.8 ± 11.4 vs. 132.4 ± 16.1 ng/ mL, P < 0.01) at 30 min and tended to be higher (88.2 ± 12.5 vs. 126.4 ± 16.1 ng/mL, P ¼ 0.07) at 60 min then after the 2 week acclimation period. It appears that acclimating horses to the exact set of stressors can alleviate short-term stress in adult horses. However, individual horses may require longer or shorter acclimation periods. Key Words: horse, welfare, cortisol
152 Effect of bucket color on water intake in horses A.T. Davis*, B.A. Siehr, B.C. Akam, J.A. FitzSimmons Wilmington College, Wilmington, OH, USA It is common practice for stall kept horses to have access to water from bucket(s) hanging in stalls, and horses prefer hanging buckets to automatic bowls. Black or dark colored buckets are readily available for purchase; however, dark-colored buckets may mask dirt, debris, or unsanitary conditions in buckets reducing water intake. Horses have dichromatic vision and can distinguish between several colors, but it was not known if water bucket color would influence water intake. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine if horses preferred drinking out of light-colored (yellow) or dark-colored (black) water buckets. Twelve mature stock horses (15 ± 5 yrs, 967 ± 74kg) were lightly ridden 30 min/d 4 days a week for use in a college riding program. Three days a week when not ridden, horses were turned out individually in a dry lot without access to water or forage for approximately 30min. Stalls contained 2 buckets (black and yellow) hung side by side on the front of the stall. Bucket position rotated every day for 6 d. Water intake was measured and buckets refilled at 0700, 1200, 1700, and 2300h. Each day at 0700h buckets were dumped, rinsed, and refilled. Water intake was measured for 6 d in the month of November and was calculated by measuring depth of water rounded to the nearest 0.5cm. Difference in water depth was converted to volume difference by volumetric computations using graduated cylinders. Data were analyzed using a t-test to compare the means of the 2 groups using the assumption of homoscedasticity. Average daily intake was not different (P ¼ 0.89) between the black (3.80 L) and yellow (3.76 L) buckets. Stalled horses had no preference when given the option of drinking out of light (yellow) or dark (black) buckets. Key Words: water, drinking, color
153 Morphometric differences of multiple equine breed types D.N. Catalano*1, R.J. Coleman 2, M.R. Hathaway 1, A.E. Neu 1, E.L. Wagner 3, P.J. Tyler 3, K.L. Martinson 1 1 University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA; 2 University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA; 3 Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA Equine breed types are morphometrically different from one another; however this has not been documented until recently. These variations across breed types can affect a multitude of factors including body conditioning, feed and health management, and saddle and tack fit. Between 2011 and 2016, the University of Minnesota has collected data on adult (3 yr), nonpregnant equine across 7 breed types including miniature horses, ponies, Arabian, stock, saddle-type and gaited (saddletype), warmblood (WB), and draft horses at 9 shows and events (n ¼ 1,342). At all shows, trained personnel assessed body condition score (BCS) on a scale of 1 to 9, measured wither height, girth circumference at the third thoracic vertebra, body length from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttock (BLW), body length from the point of the shoulder to a line perpendicular to the point of the buttock (BLS), and neck circumference at the midway point between the poll and the withers. Each horse was weighed using a calibrated, portable
Abstracts / Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 52 (2017) 96e109
livestock scale and age was recorded as owner reported. Individuals were grouped into breed types using multivariate ANOVA analysis of morphometric measurements. The uniformity of these data allowed for comparisons to be made across breed types, with distinct differences observed within all variables. All 7 breed types had different bodyweights (BW) from one another (P 0.05). Arabians and ponies were older (14 yr) compared with all types. Saddle-type, stock, and WB horses were in the middle (9e11 yr.), and draft and miniature horses were younger than all other breed types (7 yr, P 0.05). Draft horses had the highest BCS (6.3) compared with WB horses (5.3, P 0.05). Three ratios were evaluated; girth to height (G:H), girth to BLS (G:L), and height to neck (H:N). Arabians and drafts had the greatest G:H (1.21) compared with saddle-type horses (1.15, P 0.05). Draft horses had the greatest G:L (1.27) compared with gaited horses (1.17, P 0.05). Saddle-type horses had the greatest H:N (1.81) compared with miniature and draft horses (1.42e1.45, P 0.05). A weak negative correlation was observed between age and BCS (0.17, P < 0.0001), and a moderate correlation was found between H:N and BCS (0.41, P < 0.0001) and between G:L and BCS (0.42, P < 0.0001). No correlation was found between BW and age or BW and BCS (P > 0.134). These results confirm differences across breed types and may help owners adjust management strategies including feeding, health and saddle fit. Key Words: body weight, breed type, equine management
154 Effect of bucket placement on water intake B.C. Akam*, B.A. Siehr, A.T. Davis, J.A. FitzSimmons Wilmington College, Wilmington, OH USA Horses are commonly provided water buckets while stabled; however there is no uniformly accepted practice regarding location of water buckets in stalls. Therefore, this study was performed to determine if horses preferred to drink out a bucket placed near the door or a bucket placed near the feeder. Twelve mature stock horses (15 ± 5 yrs, 967 ± 74kg) were lightly ridden 30min a d 4 days a week for use in a college riding program. Three days a week when not ridden, horses were turned out individually in a dry lot without access to water or forage for approximately 30min. Each 4m 4m stall was designed with a 1.2m wide sliding door located on one side of the stall front with the feeder located on the opposite side of the stall front. Stalls contained 2 buckets hung side by side on the front of stalls between the feeder and stall door. Water intake was measured and buckets were refilled at 0700, 1200, 1700, and 2300h. Each day at 0700h buckets were dumped, rinsed, and refilled. Water intake was measured for 6 d in the month of November and was calculated by measuring depth of water rounded to the nearest 0.5cm. Difference in water depth was converted to volume difference by volumetric computations using graduated cylinders. Data were analyzed using a ttest to compare the means of the 2 groups using the assumption of homoscedasticity. Horses drank more (P 0.001) water from buckets placed near the stall door. The average daily intake was 4.29 L and 3.14 L for buckets placed near the stall door and near the feeder, respectively. When stalled horses were given the option of drinking out of 2 buckets, horses preferred to drink out of a bucket placed furthest away from their food source. Key Words: water, drinking, behavior
107
155 Effect of weight load on stride characteristics of horses as measured at the trot K. Walter*1, L. White 2 1 Truman State University, Kirksville, MO, USA; 2 New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA Recommendations for maximum acceptable weight-loads are in use for equine events; however, they lack any scientific support and vary depending on source and discipline. The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of weight applied at 15%, 20%, and 25% BW on stock type horses at the trot using gait analysis software. We hypothesized that a 25% BW load would result in shorter stride length, and increased knee action compared with lighter loads. Six Quarter horses (3 mares and 3 geldings; 7 to 16 years of age) were used in a replicated 3 3 Latin Square design. Treatment order was randomly assigned, and consisted of horses carrying 15%, 20%, or 25% BW. Each experimental period consisted of 1 d of stride analysis and was followed by 1 d of rest. Horses were weighed each day to determine BW and calculate treatment loads, which were applied as dead weight in the form of lead bricks fastened to a standard western saddle to remove any variation from riders. Horses were trotted in hand on a sand surface by one consistent handler. The recording frame was 5 m in length, and was preceded by a warm-up distance of 5 m and followed by an additional distance of 5 m. The camera was 10 m from the center of the recording frame and placed perpendicular to the line of travel on a tripod set at 86 cm. Horses walked and trotted the total distance (15 m) once to warm-up before recording. Horses were evaluated at 0% BW each day before the treatment load to allow for assessment of intra-animal variation and confirm ‘normal’ baseline data for each horse before experimental analysis with added loads. Video was analyzed for stride length and fetlock angle in both the thoracic and pelvic limbs, and carpal angle. Stride length was measured as the horizontal distance traveled by the right limb during the swing phase (swing phase ¼ time from toe leaving the ground to heel striking ground). Fetlock angle was measured during the weight bearing stance of the stride when the limb was perpendicular to the ground. Carpal angle was measured in the swing phase during maximum flexion. All measurements were done in duplicate by one individual. Data were analyzed using PROC GLM of SAS. Change in stride length was evaluated by subtracting 0% BW measurements from the weight loads to account for intra-animal variation. Weight load did not influence fetlock angle or stride length (P > 0.05) in the thoracic or pelvic limbs. Carpal angle was smaller (P < 0.05) at the 25% BW load compared with 20%, suggesting greater knee action while carrying the heavier load. Further research is needed to investigate the impact of carrying loads for extended periods. Key Words: weight load, stride length
156 Acclimation of mature horses to novel short-term confinement and social isolation C.R. Hansen*1, A.L. Wagner-Wells 2, R.K. Splan 1 1 Sul Ross State University, Alpine, TX, USA; 2 Probiotech International Inc., Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada Sudden confinement and social isolation can be stressful to naïve horses, resulting in an increased incidence of locomotor and