Analyze Diet

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI.

Periodical
Animal Welfare
Animals
Human-Animal Bond
Publisher:
Molecular Diversity Preservation International,
Frequency: Quarterly
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Start Year:2010 -
ISSN:
2076-2615 (Electronic)
2076-2615 (Linking)
Impact Factor
4.2
2022
NLM ID:101635614
(OCoLC):667255765
LCCN:2012254619
Introducing an Innovative Pain Scale for Assessing Postpartum Pain in Mares: Preliminary Clinical Evaluation.
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI    November 30, 2025   Volume 15, Issue 23 3454 doi: 10.3390/ani15233454
Bolesławska-Szubartowska J, Kucharczuk M, Skrabska A, Zbysław A, Adamowicz J, Alszko A, Domagalska-Stomska K, Durska M, Dziekcierów A....Pain after giving birth is commonly observed in horses, yet there has not been a specific tool developed for assessing this pain in postpartum mares. The goal was to adapt existing equine pain scales and to preliminarily validate a practical pain scale for use by veterinarians and caregivers after foaling. Methods: The pain scale was developed by adapting items from other pain scales, including established orthopedic and colic equine pain scales, and incorporating caregiver feedback. The final scale includes eight areas for assessing pain: behavior, facial expressions, vital signs, udder exami...
The Impact of MEI1 Alternative Splicing Events on Spermatogenesis in Mongolian Horses.
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI    November 28, 2025   Volume 15, Issue 23 3435 doi: 10.3390/ani15233435
Song D, Wang G, Baterin T, Weng Y, Dugarjaviin M, Li B.Normal spermatogenesis in Mongolian horses depends on the mitotic division of spermatogonia, two successive meiotic divisions, and the morphological transformation of spermatids into mature spermatozoa. The gene is involved in the meiosis cycle and is required for normal chromosome association during meiosis. Previous studies have shown that alternative splicing of may promote spermatogenesis in Mongolian horses. In this paper, the regulatory effects of different alternative splicing events on Mongolian horse spermatogenesis are investigated. Results: In this study, two overexpressed lentiv...
Prevalence and Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns of Salmonella in Asymptomatic Horses in Eastern Spain: A One Health Perspective.
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI    November 26, 2025   Volume 15, Issue 23 3413 doi: 10.3390/ani15233413
Simó-Martínez MS, Marco-Fuertes A, Galán-Relaño Á, Astorga Márquez RJ, Marin C, Valero Díaz A, Vega S. are zoonotic pathogens, and rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR) amplifies their public health impact. Asymptomatic horses can act as reservoirs, contributing to environmental contamination and interspecies transmission. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of and characterize AMR patterns in healthy horses from eastern Spain. Faecal samples from 95 asymptomatic horses were collected once daily over five consecutive days (475 samples in total) and processed under for detection. Epidemiological information was obtained through owner questionnaires, and associations with shedding we...
Preliminary Assessment of Leisure Horses’ Preferences for Different Forms of Carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus).
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI    November 24, 2025   Volume 15, Issue 23 3385 doi: 10.3390/ani15233385
Mańkowska A, Dobraczyńska BM, Szewczak J, Chodup Z, Radzanowski B, Matychyn I, Witkowska D.Cultivated carrot ( subsp. ) is a valuable component of equine diets due to its high β-carotene content (a precursor of vitamin A) and desirable sensory properties. However, its use may be limited by short shelf life, susceptibility to spoilage, and firm texture, which can be challenging for horses with dental problems. This study aimed to evaluate horses' preferences for different physical forms of carrots. Twenty-one leisure horses aged 3-22 years were individually evaluated in a free-choice test. Each horse was simultaneously offered equal portions (150 g) of five carrot forms: raw, grated...
Degenerative Changes in MCP/MTP Joints of Working Horses Without Lameness: Integrating CT-Based Assessment and Synovial Fluid Biomarkers.
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI    November 24, 2025   Volume 15, Issue 23 3392 doi: 10.3390/ani15233392
Marković L, Vićić I, Lazarević Macanović M, Francuski Andrić J, Kovačević Filipović M, Radaković M.Working horses often develop distinct patterns of joint degeneration, yet research in this population remains limited. This study aimed to characterize degenerative changes in the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints of Serbian Mountain Horses using computed tomography (CT) and to explore their associations with synovial fluid (SF) biomarkers. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 32 MCP/MTP joints from eight clinically sound horses. Postmortem, joints underwent CT imaging, and SF samples were analyzed for viscosity, protein content, total nucleated cell count (...
Preliminary Biometric Study on Symmetry of Hoof Solear Aspect in Forelimbs in Four Horse Breeds.
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI    November 21, 2025   Volume 15, Issue 23 3369 doi: 10.3390/ani15233369
Stachurska A, Wnuk E, Łuszczyński J, Donderowicz W.Correct conformation and symmetry of bilateral hooves are associated with a properly balanced hoof, which has a significant impact on the biomechanics of movement and reduces the risk of injury. The aim of the study was to compare solear aspect dimensions of bilateral hooves in forelimbs (hoof width, length, frog width, length, medial and lateral diagonals) with regard to sex, breed and age of horses. The dimensions were measured with a calliper in 100 horses of four breeds. The results showed that the breed factor significantly affected all dimensions. Age was significant for some variables, ...
In Vitro Investigation of Equine Gut Microbiota Alterations During Hypoglycin A Exposure.
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI    November 19, 2025   Volume 15, Issue 22 3343 doi: 10.3390/ani15223343
François AC, Taminiau B, Renaud B, Gonza-Quito IE, Massey C, Hyde C, Piercy RJ, Douny C, Scippo ML, Daube G, Gustin P, Delcenserie V, Votion DM.Hypoglycin A is a plant-derived protoxin that causes atypical myopathy in equids. In atypical myopathy-affected horses, metabolomic and microbiome studies have reported alterations in metabolic markers and faecal microbiota composition, pointing to a potential disruption of microbial homeostasis. However, in vivo observations are strongly confounded by host-related factors, underscoring the need for controlled in vitro approaches. To address this, we used an in vitro static batch fermentation model simulating the equine colon to investigate the direct effects of hypoglycin A on microbiota comp...
The Indoor Environment at the University Equestrian Facility in the Autumn Semester: A Case Study.
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI    November 18, 2025   Volume 15, Issue 22 3322 doi: 10.3390/ani15223322
Kic P, Wohlmuthová M.Although a large part of the world's horse population is currently used for agricultural work, the breeding and use of horses represents an important part of cultural, sporting, and recreational life, especially in Western countries in the 21st century [...].
Defining the Heart Rate Zone Corresponding to the Lactate Threshold in Colombian Paso Horses.
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI    November 17, 2025   Volume 15, Issue 22 3308 doi: 10.3390/ani15223308
Zuluaga-Cabrera AM, Barbosa da Costa G, Martinez ID, Arias MP.Colombian Paso horses (CPs) excel in gait competitions due to their endurance, speed, and precision, which demand a high level of cardiorespiratory fitness. However, their training regimes often lack scientific support, and few studies have linked physiological parameters to optimal training zones. This study aimed to estimate the aerobic lactate threshold (LTaer) using mathematical methods and to correlate it with heart rate (HR) zones and blood lactate. Eighteen CPs were evaluated and classified into trained (GT) and untrained (GD) groups. All animals underwent a field-based incremental exer...
Comparative Analysis of the Stallion Field Performance Test at Different Training Stages and Horse Age.
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI    November 13, 2025   Volume 15, Issue 22 3289 doi: 10.3390/ani15223289
Lewczuk D, Borowska A, Andruszkiewicz J, Bagnicka E.Breeding value estimations of Warmblood horses in Poland are based on field performance, but the amount of stallions' data is still insufficient (334 horses). The first study's aim is to compare stallions' results in different stages and evaluate the overall ability using both stages. The effects on preselection (first stage free movement) and performance tests (second stage under rider) were analyzed separately and together as the overall ability. Spearman correlations were evaluated. The second aim was to evaluate the training period on the results. Due to the pandemic and lack of tests, hor...
Correction: Maldonado Moreno et al. Analgesic and Gastrointestinal Effects of Methadone in Horses Undergoing Orchiectomy. Animals 2025, 15, 2358.
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI    November 10, 2025   Volume 15, Issue 22 3252 doi: 10.3390/ani15223252
Maldonado Moreno N, Alves Moreira J, Araujo De Oliveira L, Sanches Gontijo A, Castilho Baldi ML, Rocha Wenceslau R, Batista da Silveira Xavier A.... [...].
Multi-Omics Deciphers Divergent Mechanisms in Differentially Cardiac-Remodeled Yili Horses Under Conditions of Equivalent Power Output.
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI    November 9, 2025   Volume 15, Issue 22 3251 doi: 10.3390/ani15223251
Wang T, Yang X, Ren W, Meng J, Yao X, Chu H, Yao R, Zhai M, Zeng Y.Exercise performance is a critical trait for evaluating the economic and breeding value of working and athletic horses, with cardiac structure and function serving as essential physiological determinants of athletic capacity. This study aimed to investigate the multi-omics response mechanisms associated with varying degrees of cardiac remodeling under identical exercise intensity. Twenty 2-year-old Yili horses were selected and categorized based on echocardiographic parameters into a high cardiac remodeling group (BH; EDV > 500 mL, SV > 350 mL, EF > 66%) and a low cardiac remodeling g...
Chronic State and Relationship to Humans Influence How Horses Decode Emotions in Human Voices: A Brain and Behavior Study.
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI    November 5, 2025   Volume 15, Issue 21 3217 doi: 10.3390/ani15213217
d'Ingeo S, Siniscalchi M, Quaranta A, Cousillas H, Hausberger M.Current research on acoustic encoding of emotional content suggests that there are universal cues, allowing for decoding within and across taxa. This is particularly important for human-animal relationships, wherein domestic animals are supposed to be particularly efficient in decoding human emotions. Here we investigated whether the decoding of the emotional content in human voices shared universal acoustic properties, or whether it could be influenced by experience. Emotional human voices were presented to two populations of horses, in which behavioral, cardiac, and brain responses were meas...
Time Budgets in Domesticated Male Icelandic Horses on Pasture Turnout in Winter and Spring.
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI    November 4, 2025   Volume 15, Issue 21 3206 doi: 10.3390/ani15213206
Taylor DEF, Lancaster BE, Ellis AD.There are few 24 h time budgets for horses, especially for domesticated horses kept at pasture. Most time budgets utilise short-term scan sampling, which can miss behaviours. This study aimed to assess the seasonal variation in continuous behaviour of domesticated Icelandic horses at pasture during winter and spring in fair weather. Eight Icelandic horses (11.25 ± 9.19 years; 7 geldings, 1 stallion) were observed in a 26 acre field. Herd location and individual behaviour were continuously observed during 3 h periods amounting to 3 × 24 h in winter and late spring, compiled over 43 days (~21 ...
Free Plasma Amino Acid Concentrations in Horses Fed Different Dosing Regimens of Hydrolysed Collagen.
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI    November 3, 2025   Volume 15, Issue 21 3195 doi: 10.3390/ani15213195
Kranenburg LC, Reinke KS, van den Broek J, Zaal EA, van den Boom R, van Doorn DA.Hydrolysed collagen is used as a supplement for horses with osteoarthritis, hoof horn growth problems, and gastric ulcers. To determine the oral availability of a specific hydrolysed collagen supplement and the appropriate dose, six Warmblood mares were fed two different concentrations of the supplement: 100 g HC (C), 50 g HC (C), and a control of 0 g HC (C) during one week in a randomised cross-over design. On day 7, 14 and 21, blood sampling for amino acid (AA) analysis was performed, just prior to feeding the supplement (t = 0) and every hour after feeding for 8 h (t = 1-8). Statistical ana...
Seasonal Trends in Cardiac Troponin I Concentration and Creatine Kinase and Aspartate Aminotransferase Enzyme Activity in Relation to Myocardial Velocity Rates in Eventing Horses.
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI    November 3, 2025   Volume 15, Issue 21 3198 doi: 10.3390/ani15213198
Rump-Dierig I, Giers J, Frenzel C, Stöckle S, Gehlen H.This study examines seasonal changes in muscle and heart parameters in eventing horses over the course of a competition season. Blood levels of the enzymes creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) as well as the heart muscle-specific concentration of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) were measured before (pre), 30 min (p30) and 24 h (p24) after competitions. Creatine kinase (CK: median pre-competition = 175 U/L, 30 min post = 221 U/L, 24 h post = 140 U/L), aspartate aminotransferase (AST: pre = 319 U/L, p30 = 335 U/L, p24 = 333 U/L), and cardiac troponin I concentration (cTnI: pre = 0...
A Feasibility Study to Determine Whether Neuromuscular Adaptations to Equine Water Treadmill Exercise Can Be Detected Using Synchronous Surface Electromyography and Kinematic Data.
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI    November 1, 2025   Volume 15, Issue 21 3189 doi: 10.3390/ani15213189
St George L, Nankervis K, Walker V, Maddock C, Robinson A, Sinclair J, Hobbs SJ.Despite growing evidence on the adaptive movement patterns that horses adopt during water treadmill (WT) exercise, underlying adaptations in muscle activity remain uninvestigated. This feasibility study aimed to develop a method for the synchronous measurement of muscle activity and movement of horses during WT exercise. Combined surface electromyography (sEMG) (2000 Hz) from selected hindlimb (biceps femoris, gluteus medius, tensor fasciae latae) and epaxial (longissimus dorsi) muscles, and three-dimensional kinematic (200 Hz) data from the back and pelvis of one (n = 1) horse were collected ...
Computed Tomographic Assessment of Normal Ocular Dimensions and Densities in Cadaveric Horses (Equus ferus caballus).
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI    October 31, 2025   Volume 15, Issue 21 3165 doi: 10.3390/ani15213165
Díaz-Bertrana ML, Pitti L, Ramírez AS, Encinoso M, Fumero-Hernández M, Morales I, Arencibia A, Jaber JR.This study aimed to characterize the computed tomographic (CT) dimensions and contrast attenuation properties of the equine eye. CT scans from 21 horses without ocular abnormalities were analyzed to obtain detailed ocular measurements and attenuation values. In addition, cranial measurements, such as nasal-occipital length and zygomatic width, were incorporated to explore potential anatomical relationships between the skull and intraocular structures. Although most correlations between cranial and ocular parameters were weak, statistically significant associations-particularly those involving ...
Player-Reported Perceptions of Lameness Risks and Contributing Factors for Polo Horses: Results from a Survey.
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI    October 29, 2025   Volume 15, Issue 21 3136 doi: 10.3390/ani15213136
Schumacher A, Merle R, Stöckle S, Gehlen H.Polo is an equestrian sport with a long tradition, but to date there is little scientific data on health risks, particularly lameness. In an international online survey, 145 polo players (47.6% female, 52.4% male) with an average of 13.4 years of playing experience were questioned about lameness risks and influencing factors. The respondents reported a median of six horses, most frequently mares as their best-performing and healthiest animals. Horse age was significantly associated with the risk of lameness, increasing by approximately 19.5% per year (OR = 1.195; = 0.030) and differed dependi...
New Model of Disuse-Induced Bone Density Loss in Horses.
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI    October 29, 2025   Volume 15, Issue 21 3137 doi: 10.3390/ani15213137
Micheau L, Audigié F, Moiroud C, Jacquet S.Disuse-induced bone loss during stall confinement and immobilization is a major concern in horses because it impairs recovery and increases susceptibility to further injury. Experimental models are needed to evaluate therapeutic options, but most available equine models rely on cast immobilization, which is technically demanding and may be associated with complications. This study aimed to assess a simpler and less restrictive model to induce a quantifiable decrease in bone density in horses. Six French Standardbred horses underwent eight weeks of stall confinement, with a wooden wedge fitted ...
Retrospective Analysis of Suspensory Ligament Branch Injuries in 70 Dressage Horses.
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI    October 23, 2025   Volume 15, Issue 21 3079 doi: 10.3390/ani15213079
Boado A, Pollard D, Dyson S.There are no studies that have investigated factors influencing the outcome of dressage horses with suspensory ligament (SL) branch injuries. The aim was to determine if age, breed, work level, injury severity, anatomical localisation of injury, number of injured branches, periligamentous fibrosis, persistence of power Doppler signal or coexistent osteoarthritis of a metacarpophalangeal (MCP) or metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint influenced the prognosis of 70 dressage horses. Outcome was defined as good (return to pre-injury level of work or higher), poor (return to a lower level of work) or ret...
A Scoping Review of Antimicrobial Therapy in Leptospira Infections in Domestic Animals.
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI    October 20, 2025   Volume 15, Issue 20 3045 doi: 10.3390/ani15203045
Mendes J, Aymée L, Lilenbaum W.Leptospirosis, caused by spp., affects multiple domestic species and can result in significant economic and public health impacts. This scoping review, conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, searched PubMed, SciELO, and Scopus for original studies that described complete therapeutic protocols (including dose, duration, and confirmed diagnosis) in dogs, cats, cattle, pigs, horses, sheep, and goats. Thirty-five studies met the criteria: 14 (40%) in cattle, 7 (20%) in swine, 2 (5.7%) in small ruminants, 7 (20%) in dogs and cats, and 5 (14.3%) in horses. In livestock, streptomycin monoth...
Incorporating a Behavioral Medicine Approach in the Multi-Modal Management of Chronic Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS): A Clinical Commentary.
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI    October 17, 2025   Volume 15, Issue 20 3019 doi: 10.3390/ani15203019
Klinck M, Lovett A, Sykes B.Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) refers to mucosal gastric disease in horses, including equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD) and equine glandular gastric disease (EGGD), which present as two distinct disease entities differing in pathophysiology and approach to disease management. Both diseases are a source of pain in affected horses, partly explaining why EGUS continues to receive substantial attention in the equine medical, welfare and equitation research sectors. There is a complex interplay between EGUS and a variety of physical and psychological stressors. Horses with EGUS are often...
What if Horses Were Humans? Comparing Rein Tension and Bit Pressures to Human Pressure Pain Thresholds.
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI    October 15, 2025   Volume 15, Issue 20 2989 doi: 10.3390/ani15202989
Musial F, Weiss T.Bit pressure and rein tension-induced mouth pain in horses have recently become a significant welfare concern, fueling debates within the equestrian community and beyond. Evidence indicates that bits can cause pain-related behaviors and even oral lesions. Although studying pressure-induced pain in animals is challenging, the similarities in the physiology of pain processing (nociception) across mammals suggest that it is reasonable to assume that pain perception in humans and horses is principally comparable. Therefore, we compared human pressure pain detection thresholds (PPDTs) to reported r...
Orthopaedic Injuries in 272 Dressage Horses: A Retrospective Study.
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI    October 14, 2025   Volume 15, Issue 20 2972 doi: 10.3390/ani15202972
Boado A, Pollard D, Lopez-Sanroman FJ, Dyson S.There is limited information regarding orthopaedic injuries in dressage horses. This study assessed the prevalence of injuries in a mixed referral and first opinion population of 272 horses training and competing in dressage, 238 of which were followed up one to five years after injury. Warmblood (55.8%) and Iberian (38.6%) breeds predominated. The median age was 8 years (interquartile range [IQR] 5,11; range 1,21). Horses were examined due to lameness (85.3%) or poor performance (14.7%). The median lameness grade was 2/5 (IQR 2,4; range 0,4). Forelimb lameness was more prevalent than hindlimb...
Methodologies to Identify Metabolic Pathway Differences Between Emaciated and Moderately Conditioned Horses: A Review of Multiple Gene Expression Techniques.
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI    October 10, 2025   Volume 15, Issue 20 2933 doi: 10.3390/ani15202933
Austin MMP, Ivey JLZ, Shepherd EA, Myer PR.Starvation in horses presents critical welfare, economic, and management challenges with underlying molecular mechanisms of metabolic modification and recovery left poorly defined. Prolonged caloric deprivation induces significant systemic shifts in carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism, reflected in coordinated changes in tissue-specific gene expression. This review synthesizes current knowledge on equine metabolic responses to starvation, emphasizing pathways found through RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) studies. Molecular investi...
Dynamic Mobilization Exercises Improve Activity and Stride Parameters Measured with Accelerometry in Sedentary Horses.
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI    October 10, 2025   Volume 15, Issue 20 2943 doi: 10.3390/ani15202943
Saitua A, Pérez-Umbría J, García-Álamo K, Muñoz A.Dynamic mobilization exercises (DME) are an effective strategy to prevent musculoskeletal injuries and promote back health in sport horses. Previous studies focused mainly on multifidus muscle cross-sectional area, with limited data on locomotion and adaptation timing. This study evaluated locomotor changes using accelerometry, over 8 weeks of DME application in 14 sedentary horses: a DME group ( = 8) performing 10 different DME (3 neck flexions, 1 neck extension and 3 lateral bending exercises to each side), 5 repetitions of each DME per session, 3 sessions/week, and a control group ( = 6), t...
Metagenomic Applications to Herbivore Gut Microbiomes: A Comprehensive Review of Microbial Diversity and Host Interactions.
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI    October 10, 2025   Volume 15, Issue 20 2938 doi: 10.3390/ani15202938
Wei J, Wei L, Ullah A, Geng M, Zhang X, Wang C, Khan MZ, Wang C, Zhang Z.Herbivorous animals rely on complex gastrointestinal systems and microbial communities to efficiently digest plant-based diets, extract nutrients, and maintain health. Recent advances in metagenomic technologies have enabled high-resolution, culture-independent analysis of gut microbiota composition, functional potential, and host-microbe interactions, providing insights into microbial diversity across the herbivore digestive tract. This review summarizes key findings on the gastrointestinal microbiota of herbivores, focusing on ruminant foregut and non-ruminant hindgut fermentation. Ruminants...
Cryptorchidism in Equid: A Retrospective Study on Diagnostic Approach, Anaesthesia Management, Surgical Treatment and Outcomes.
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI    October 9, 2025   Volume 15, Issue 19 2923 doi: 10.3390/ani15192923
Nocera I, Moroni R, Fanelli D, Rota A, Di Franco C, Ungari C, Puccinelli C, Gandini M, Giusto G, Vannozzi I.Over the years, various diagnostic and surgical techniques have been developed to recognise and treat cryptorchidism in equid. This study retrospectively analysed cases of cryptorchidism referred to two centres between 2012 and 2025. Clinical data collected included species, breed, age, gender, location of retained testis, diagnostic approach, anaesthesia plan and surgical treatment, perioperative medical treatment, intra-operative complications and outcomes. A total of 37 clinical cases were included, 1/37 was a donkey and 1/37 was an intersex female. Most of the horses were three years old a...
Preanesthetic Administration of Trazodone Does Not Impact Anesthetic Recovery Scores in Horses.
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI    October 6, 2025   Volume 15, Issue 19 2907 doi: 10.3390/ani15192907
Joseph EJ, Love L, Mayakis M, Varner K.Trazodone is administered to hospitalized equine patients to aid in behavioral management, but the effects on the anesthetic recovery period have not been investigated. This study sought to determine if there is an association between trazodone administration and recovery quality, recovery time, need for sedation, or need for reversal agent administration. We hypothesized that there would be no difference in recovery scores, recovery time, additional sedation, or reversal agent administration between horses that received preanesthetic trazodone and horses that did not. Records were reviewed to...
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