Improving Horse Welfare and Environmental Sustainability in Horse Husbandry: Linkage between Turnout and Nitrogen Surplus

Abstract

A scientific consultation tool is currently being developed in Germany to assess, analyze, and improve animal welfare on site and simultaneously consider aspects of environmental sustainability in horse husbandry in order to contribute to a resource-conserving and responsible handling of natural resources and the welfare of living beings. To date, no study has assessed to what extent species-appropriate free-range locomotion possibilities are implemented on horse farms and to what extent turnout areas are affected by unwanted nutrient inputs from horse excretions. Using the indicators “species-appropriate turnout” (hereafter: “turnout”) and “unwanted nitrogen inputs in water bodies” (based on “nitrogen surplus”), we exemplarily examine animal- and environmentally relevant aspects of horse husbandry. We conducted 88 assessments on 46 horse farms (n = 2220 horses) to test literature-based indicators of animal welfare and environmental sustainability. We found that the indicator “nitrogen surplus,” used to assess an aspect of environmental sustainability, was mostly a problem in the wintertime (summertime = −4.24, range: −109.27–58.97; wintertime: mean: 12.01, range: −35.19–468.00 nitrogen surplus per hectare, n = 44 farms, p < 0.001), when the horses had a reduced space allowance for free locomotion. On most farms, “turnout” was provided daily for several hours, but in many of the single housing systems, not all horses had the possibility for free locomotion (24.1 ± 20.4% of horses per farm), which is unacceptable in terms of animal welfare. Husbandry systems with a large enough space allowance for turnout (≥200 m2 per horse) were found to be measures with a valuable synergetic effect, providing a resource which is an opportunity both for an environmentally sustainable and welfare-friendly horse husbandry. Demanuring remarkably decreased the nitrogen surplus (p < 0.001). Hence, based on the study, we recommend to daily demanure the pasture or paddock if the space allowance is less than 200 m2 per horse. In conclusion, regarding animal welfare, group housing is favorable, but regarding a site-specific environmentally friendly or even biodiversity-enhancing management, space allowance per horse is a crucial factor rather than the type of housing system. The two selected exemplary indictors demonstrate the need for a holistic and comprehensive decision support system that considers the linkage between horse welfare and environmental sustainability in order to assist peoples’ decision-making with horses under their care.

Protein Source and Intake Effects on Diet Digestibility and N Excretion in Horses—A Risk of Environmental N Load of Horses

“…In addition, it is important to retain the N in the bedding of stabled horses, recognizing that various bedding materials differ in their N retention capacity [ 19 , 20 , 64 , 65 ]. Removing faeces from paddocks is also an efficient practice to minimize the leaching risk [ 66 , 67 , 68 ]. This is especially recommended to do daily, if the space allowance is less than 200 m 2 per horse [ 68 ].…”

“…Removing faeces from paddocks is also an efficient practice to minimize the leaching risk [ 66 , 67 , 68 ]. This is especially recommended to do daily, if the space allowance is less than 200 m 2 per horse [ 68 ]. The CP nutrition and N excretion via urine also influence stable air quality.…”

Green treasures: Investigating the biodiversity potential of equine yards through the presence and quality of landscape features in the Netherlands

“…Specifics of equine yard design are likely to be influenced by a number of factors, ranging from current levels of knowledge and skill, to personal preferences, ideology, client demands, financial considerations, ease of access and efficiency, and, importantly, aspects of equine health and welfare [ 27 , 42 , 62 , 63 ].…”

“…It could be argued, therefore, that much of the diversity observed is likely the result of the constraints and priorities of a yard's primary purpose [38]. In order to integrate ecosystem services and stimulate biodiversity in equine yards, particular attention should be paid to the interaction between land utility and ecological processes [13], as well as how management and husbandry techniques may impact the ecological development of the landscape [39][40][41][42].…”

A Delphi Study to Determine International and National Equestrian Expert Opinions on Domains and Sub-Domains Essential to Managing Sporthorse Health and Welfare in the Olympic Disciplines

“…Some good examples exist, for example, the Swedish Animal Welfare Act 2018, which includes regulation that all horses should receive daily turnout opportunities [59], and Tierschutz im Pferdesport ('Animal Protection in Equestrian Sport') [60] published by the German Equestrian Federation after consultation with the German Agricultural Ministry and other equestrian stakeholders as a guide to promote more ethical management and training of sporthorses [61]. However, generally, management guidance to date was developed ad hoc or for specific discipline or user groups, reducing their transferability [1,6] and more work is needed in this area [62].…”