Infrared Thermography for the Ante Mortem Detection of Bruising in Horses Following Transport to a Slaughter Plant

Roy, R.; Riley, Christopher B.; Stryhn, Henrik; Dohoo, Ian R.; Cockram, M. S.

doi:10.3389/fvets.2018.00344

Cited by 9 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 23 publications

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“…Unfamiliar feed: If feed is given, which the horse is not familiar with, especially with a high proportion of concentrate, digestive problems or colic may develop (Sadet-Bourgeteau et al, 2017).…”

Section: Iii) Gastro-enteric Disordersmentioning

confidence: 99%

Welfare of equidae during transport

Nielsen¹,

Álvarez²,

Bicout³

et al. 2022

EFS2

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In the framework of its Farm to Fork Strategy, the Commission is undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of animal welfare legislation. This opinion deals with the protection of horses and donkeys during transport. While the opinion focuses primarily on road transport of horses, there are specific sections dealing with the transport of horses on roll-on-roll-off ferries, horses transported by air and the transport of donkeys. In addition, the opinion covers welfare concerns in relation to a specific scenario identified by the European Commission related to the transport of horses on long journeys to slaughterhouses. Current practices related to transport of horses during the different stages (preparation, loading and unloading, transit and the journey breaks) are described. Overall, 13 welfare consequences were identified as being highly relevant for the welfare of horses during transport based on severity, duration and frequency of occurrence: gastro-enteric disorders, handling stress, heat stress, injuries, isolation stress, motion stress, prolonged hunger, prolonged thirst, respiratory disorders, resting problems, restriction of movement, sensory overstimulation and separation stress. These welfare consequences and their animal-based measures are described. A variety of hazards were identified related to factors such as inexperienced/untrained handlers, lack of horse training, structural deficiencies of vehicles/facilities, poor driving skills/conditions, horse separation/regrouping, unfavourable microclimatic and environmental conditions and poor husbandry practices. The opinion contains general and specific conclusions in relation to the different stages of transport. Recommendations to prevent hazards and correct or mitigate welfare consequences have been developed. Recommendations were also developed to define quantitative thresholds for microclimatic conditions within the means of transport and for space allowance. The development of welfare consequences over time was assessed in relation to maximum journey time.

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Section: Iii) Gastro-enteric Disordersmentioning

confidence: 99%

Welfare of equidae during transport

Nielsen¹,

Álvarez²,

Bicout³

et al. 2022

EFS2

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“…These may arise from contact with the transport vehicle or the horse stepping on itself, as such injuries are commonly associated with scrambling or slipping. Respondents likely underestimated the frequency of bruising associated with such transport injuries because of a lack of outwardly visible signs [35]. Most injuries were perceived as minor.…”

Section: Variables Associated With Injurymentioning

confidence: 99%

A Survey-Based Analysis of Injuries to Horses Associated with Transport by Road in New Zealand

Riley

Rogers

Thompson

et al. 2022

Animals

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Negative outcomes associated with the road transport of horses are a significant welfare issue. This study aimed to describe the injuries sustained by horses during road transport in New Zealand and factors associated with trauma while in transit. New Zealand horse industry participants were surveyed on their horse transport experiences and equine industry involvement. Participants were solicited through horse organisations. The data were tabulated, and a logistic regression was performed to identify significant (p < 0.05) factors associated with transport-related injury. In total, 201/1133 (17.7%/2 years) eligible surveys reported at least one horse injured during road transport. Most incidents occurred in transit (137/169; 81%), or when transported with one (76/193; 39.4%) or more (41/193; 21.2%) other horses. Most commonly, the hindlimbs, the head, or the forelimbs were injured (59.1%; 110/186 horses), ranging in severity from bruises to catastrophic orthopaedic trauma necessitating euthanasia. Eventing, not always checking horses’ fitness for transport, using a tail guard or bandage, a stallion guard in the vehicle, bedding type on the floor, and behavioural problems were associated with injuries. This survey identified a significant incidence of injury and related death when horses are transported by road in New Zealand, and the key risk factors associated with the odds of injury.

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“…The effects of transportation on the welfare of horses include anxiety-related behaviours, aggression, exhaustion, injury, respiratory and gastrointestinal disease, dehydration, pyrexia, and immunosuppression [ 3 , 9 , 10 ]. About 1% of horses die en route [ 4 ] but a greater percentage of animals are euthanised later due to severe injuries sustained during the journey or have non-visible injuries such as bruising, which is only recognisable post-mortem [ 11 ]. Behavioural and physiological responses, as well as injury rates, are affected by management factors such as vehicle specification, journey duration, and driver experience [ 12 , 13 , 14 ], and also by the physical fitness of the horse, its temperament, and its coping strategies [ 3 , 5 , 10 , 15 , 16 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Development and Validation of a Test for the Classification of Horses as Broken or Unbroken

Menchetti

Costa

Minero

et al. 2021

Animals

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Regulation EC 1/2005 has stricter rules for transportation of unbroken (untamed) vs. broken (tamed) horses, but does not provide adequate tools for their identification. This study aimed to develop and validate such a tool. A behavioural test (Broken/Unbroken Test (BUT)) based on approaching, haltering, and leading was applied to 100 horses. Physiological and additional behavioural data were also collected, and the horses’ status (broken/unbroken) was assessed by the expert who administered the BUT. Each horse’s behaviour during the BUT was scored by four trained observers blinded to the horse’s history. The BUT score showed excellent inter-observer, intra-observer, and test–retest reliability (all intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) > 0.75). It was also negatively associated with respiratory rate, avoidance distance, and time needed to approach, halter, and lead the horse (p < 0.05 for all). The optimal BUT score cut-off for discrimination between broken and unbroken horses (gold standard: expert judgment) showed 97.8% sensitivity and 97.3% specificity. There was almost perfect agreement between BUT-based and expert classification of horses (ICC = 0.940). These findings confirm the BUT’s construct and criterion validity. The BUT could provide officials with a feasible, reliable, and valid tool to identify a horse’s broken/unbroken status and, consequently, direct stakeholders towards correct transport procedures.

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Infrared Thermography for the Ante Mortem Detection of Bruising in Horses Following Transport to a Slaughter Plant

Cited by 9 publications

References 23 publications

Welfare of equidae during transport

Welfare of equidae during transport

A Survey-Based Analysis of Injuries to Horses Associated with Transport by Road in New Zealand

Development and Validation of a Test for the Classification of Horses as Broken or Unbroken

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