Working equids: linking human and animal welfare

Tadich, Tamara

doi:10.1136/vr.m4572

Cited by 3 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…In both low- and middle-income countries, working equids continue to be an essential component of the livelihoods of millions of families worldwide. These animals are often considered at risk for their welfare since the countries where they live are characterized by poor resources in terms of food and water availability [ 3 , 4 ]. Furthermore, the context of the countries should also be considered: for example, the lack of roads, the isolation of communities, and the cultural and religious situation that may influence working equid welfare and assessment [ 5 , 6 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Measuring Biochemical Variables and Serum Amyloid A (SAA) in Working Mules in Central Italy

Bazzano

Arfuso²,

Bonfili³

et al. 2022

Animals

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According to FAO reports, the global mule population counts about 9 million mules. This hybrid cross of a male donkey and a female horse is mainly used for draft purposes because they are thought to be strong and hardy animals. Most consider mules to be less susceptible to disease and fatigue compared to horses. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of fieldwork on biochemical variables and serum amyloid A in working mules. Blood samples were collected from 10 healthy, female, working mules before and after 8 h of fieldwork. According to statistical analysis, a significant influence (p < 0.05) of fieldwork was found on mules’ electrolyte profile with increased levels of sodium, chloride, and calcium, as well as on blood urea nitrogen and creatinine. After a day of fieldwork, serum sodium, chloride, calcium, urea, and creatinine concentrations were increased, supporting decreases in body water and renal blood flow. However, without comparison to a group of mules that were not exercised yet maintained under similar ambient conditions, it is uncertain whether these changes can be attributed to exercise. Further, no change in SAA concentration was found after exercise, indicating that the work performed did not result in systemic inflammation.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Poor body condition score (BCS), high incidence of musculoskeletal disorders, skin lesions associated with the harnessing system, dental diseases, parasitosis, and behavioral disorders, such as apathetic behavior or aggressivity, are often detected in working equids such as mules [ 4 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Measuring Biochemical Variables and Serum Amyloid A (SAA) in Working Mules in Central Italy

Bazzano

Arfuso²,

Bonfili³

et al. 2022

Animals

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“…On the one hand, knowledge of the behavior of closely related wild species helps to create the most favorable living conditions for the domestic species, in particular domestic horses (Davies et al, 2020). On the other hand, it allows organizing the maintenance of the wild species in captivity in such a way as to maintain their mental and physical health at a high level (Tadich, 2020). However, captive animals often have problems that they do not encounter in nature.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Behavioral Peculiarities of the Equidae Family in the Conditions of the Moscow Zoo Stud Farm

Ksenofontova¹,

Voinova²,

Ivanov³

et al. 2021

J Biochem Technol

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Working horse welfare in Senegal is linked to owner’s socioeconomic status, their attitudes and belief in horse sentience

Seck,

Carder,

Wathan

et al. 2024

PLoS ONE

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The role that working equids play in both rural and urban communities in low and middle-income countries is invaluable. They contribute to daily tasks such as carrying food, water and people, support income generation, and are of social and cultural importance. Despite their importance, global standards of working equid welfare are low. Many variables can impact the welfare status of animals under human care, but often specific factors are explored in isolation. Factors can include, but are not limited to an owner’s socioeconomic status and their attitudes and beliefs towards animals. In this study we assessed the relationships between 1.) Attitudes and belief in horse sentience, 2.) Owner’s socioeconomic status (including household income, coverage of needs and education) and 3.) Horse welfare status. The study, consisting of an owner questionnaire and a welfare assessment of their horses, was conducted in three regions in Senegal; participants included 299 owners and their horses. Overall, our findings show that a more positive attitude towards horses, stronger belief in horse sentience, a higher standard of living and a greater ability to cover the needs of the household was associated with more positive horse welfare. A stronger belief in horse sentience was a significant predictor of horse’s body condition, larger households and those with a higher income were more likely to own a horse in good general health. Our findings demonstrate a complex relationship between working horse welfare, their owner’s attitudes, and their socioeconomic status. It is the first study we are aware of that has explored the relationships between these different variables. The findings from this study provide valuable insights into the interconnected factors which impact upon working equid welfare in Senegal and potentially more widely.

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Working equids: linking human and animal welfare

Cited by 3 publications

References 17 publications

Measuring Biochemical Variables and Serum Amyloid A (SAA) in Working Mules in Central Italy

Measuring Biochemical Variables and Serum Amyloid A (SAA) in Working Mules in Central Italy

Behavioral Peculiarities of the Equidae Family in the Conditions of the Moscow Zoo Stud Farm

Working horse welfare in Senegal is linked to owner’s socioeconomic status, their attitudes and belief in horse sentience

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