The relationship between agriculture and horses encompasses the historical and contemporary roles that horses play in agricultural settings. Horses have been utilized for various agricultural tasks, including plowing fields, planting crops, and transporting goods. Their contributions extend to both draft work and the maintenance of pasture lands. This topic explores the integration of equine labor in farming practices, the impact of horse management on agricultural productivity, and the evolution of mechanization replacing equine labor. Additionally, it examines the environmental and economic implications of using horses in agriculture. This page gathers peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that investigate the historical significance, current practices, and future prospects of horses in agricultural systems.
Nebbia C, Dacasto M, Rossetto Giaccherino A, Giuliano Albo A, Carletti M.The apoprotein expression and the catalytic activities of cytochrome P450s involved in the biotransformation of xenobiotics were investigated in horse liver microsomes and compared with those of food producing (cattle, pigs, broiler chicks, and rabbits) and laboratory species (rats). Western blot analysis revealed the presence of proteins immunorelated to rat CYP 1A, CYP 2B, CYP 2E, and CYP 3A subfamilies in hepatic microsomes from horses and from any other examined species. With the exception of the N-demethylation of N-nitrosodimethylamine in broiler chicks, all the recorded interspecies dif...
Zheng J, Guo JG, Wang XF, Zhu HQ.To study the relationship between the livestock trade and schistosomiasis transmission and to provide an evidence for making a strategy of schistosomiasis control in mountainous areas. Methods: A retrospective survey and analysis was conducted to investigate the prevalence of schistosomiasis in both humans and livestock (cattle, horses, mules, donkeys and pigs), and the number and migration of livestock in Weishan County, Yunnan Province in 1980-1991. Results: A positive correlation was found between the infection rate of residents and the numbers of livestock migration (R = 0.9151, P < 0.0...
Hudak PF.Ratios of conservative chemicals have been used to identify sources of groundwater contamination. While chloride/bromide ratios have been reported for several common sources of groundwater contamination, little work has been done on leachate derived from farm-animal waste. In this study, chloride/bromide ratios were measured in leachate derived from longhorn-cattle, quarterhorse, and pygme-goat waste at a farm in Abilene, Texas, USA. (Minimum, median, and maximum) chloride/bromide ratios of (66.5, 85.6, and 167), (119, 146, and 156), and (35.4, 57.8, and 165) were observed for cattle, horses, ...
Mar G, Castagnetti C, Belluzzi S.The aims of this study were to evaluate the reliability, under general farm conditions, of the use of a single transrectal sonogram in pregnant mares to determine fetal sex by locating the genital tubercle, and the feasibility of extending the period of gestation in which this examination can be carried out. This research was done during routine reproductive examinations on three different stud farms. Forty mares between the 54th and the 89th day of gestation were examined once; gestation was calculated by identifying the last day of mating as Day 0. In order to verify the precision of the det...
Westendorf ML, Wohlt JE.Brewers grains, a by-product of beer production, are often used as a livestock feed. Because brewers grains provide protein, fiber, and energy, they can be useful in a variety of diets. Protein in brewers grains can meet a significant portion of supplemental protein requirements; in addition, they provide fiber and needed bulk in the diets of ruminants and horses. Brewers grains and other brewers by-products have also been fed to pigs, sheep, and poultry. Currently, the primary market for wet brewers grains is as a dairy cattle feed; however, some may be fed to beef cattle in feedlots. Brewers...
Coles GC.It is suggested that the major factor in avoiding the development of anthelmintic resistance is the percentage of worms that do not encounter the anthelmintics (worms in refugia). This in turn is determined by the numbers of larvae on pasture, the percentage of animals treated and whether any stages in the host can avoid the action of anthelmintic. To maintain anthelmintic efficacy the percentage of worms in refugia must be sufficiently large. In cattle, this should involve treating only first-year animals and using a different pasture each year for calves. For sheep, only animals that have to...
Jones PJ, Field WE.The Amish and other Old Order Anabaptists have been inseparably linked with agriculture since coming to America. However few efforts have been identified which analyze the issues involved with Old Order Anabaptist farm injuries or present best practices for addressing these problems. As part of an effort to develop culturally appropriate and effective injury prevention strategies for use within the Old Order Anabaptist community, this article identifies important cultural issues that should be considered in understanding and attempting to reduce farm injures in this population, summarizes stat...
Velázquez-Beltrán LG, Felipe-Pérez YE, Arriaga-Jordán CM.Campesino systems on hill slopes in Central Mexico rely on equids for multiple activities and have a problem in adequately feeding them. A participatory trial was conducted to evaluate the inclusion of common vetch in the traditional forage oat crop to improve its feeding value. An agronomic evaluation was undertaken by intersowing common vetch at 40 kg seed/ha with oats at 80-100 kg/ha in small plots, recording the yield and the chemical composition of the fresh forage in ten plots at harvest. The data were analysed as a completely random design, taking each farmer/plot as a treatment. A feed...
Hendricks KJ, Adekoya N.To provide data on the magnitude and patterns of animal related on-farm injuries to youth in the United States. Methods: A survey of 26,000 farm households conducted for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health by the United States Department of Agriculture in 1998. Methods: Youth younger than 20 years of age. Results: There were an estimated 6,438 animal related on-farm injuries to youth in 1998. 70% occurred to farm residents; 69% were work related. Males accounted for 64% and approximately 41% occurred to those younger than 10; 37% involved horses and 31% cattle. Most horse...
Gimsing S.Occupational injuries are notifiable in Denmark. Hitherto, occupational injuries caused by riding and horse handling have not been reported. Methods: This retrospective study comprises all cases reported to the National Working Environment Authority during the period 1992-1999. Results: There were 634 occupational accidents, and 43% of the victims were below the age of 25 years with a four-in-one female preponderance. In contrast, there were only three cases of occupational disease. Conclusions: Occupational diseases ought to be much more common than suggested by these few reported cases. Resp...
Langley RL, Hunter JL.To better understand the extent of animal-related fatalities in the workplace. Methods: This study utilized Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries files from the US Department of Labor for the years 1992-1997 to describe the events surrounding human workplace fatalities associated with animals. Results: During the 6-year time period, 350 workplace deaths could be associated with an animal-related event. Cattle and horses were the animals primarily involved, and workers in the agricultural industry experienced the majority of events. Many deaths involved transportation events, either direct coll...
Harris PA.Equine feeding and stable management practices for horses kept in the UK vary greatly and it is probable that almost any permutation of regimen could be found somewhere. Unfortunately, there is uncertainty about the number of horses in the UK and very limited data are available on the ways horses are being fed and managed. This paper reviews some of the information that is available and provides an outline of some of the factors influencing the practices used. To a certain extent, the way UK horses are fed and managed primarily reflects the purpose for which they are kept (e.g. racing Thorough...
Suggett RH.The horse industry is large and varied, but until comparatively recently its contribution to the economy of the UK has been virtually ignored and this, together with the disparate nature and small size of the individual businesses involved, has resulted in a general lack of universally available data. What is undoubtedly true, however, is that the horse touches upon the professional and recreational aspects of many peoples' lives and that, without the horse, not only would a significant proportion of the rural working population be unemployed but many ancillary industries would have considerab...
Trolldenier H, Klarmann D, Krabisch P, Rohde J, Steiner A, Verspohl J.368 streptococcal strains from udder secretions of cattle (Sc. agalactiae, Sc. dysgalactiae, Sc. uberis) and 191 streptococcal isolates from horse specimens (Sc. equi ssp. zooepidemicus, Sc. equi ssp. equi) originating from different agricultural regions in Germany (Lower Saxony, in particular the region of Weser-Ems, Bavaria, Altmark) were investigated for their sensitivity to 4 beta-lactam antibiotics (benzylpenicillin, ampicillin, oxacillin, cefotaxime). Two different test methods were applied: the agar diffusion test for determination of the diameter of the zone of inhibition and the E-tes...
Frazier K, Hullinger G, Hines M, Liggett A, Sangster L.A 10-y retrospective study of aldicarb intoxication in domestic animals from 1988 to 1998 is provided from animals submitted to the University of Georgia Veterinary Diagnostic and Investigational Laboratory. Within the period examined, 162 separate cases were confirmed and 18 additional cases were suspected based on bioassay but could not be confirmed. Some cases involving as many as 15 affected animals. Dogs were most often involved, but cats, horses, cattle and goats were also poisoned. Most intoxications appeared intentional or malicious. "Baits" including frankfurters, ham or ground beef w...
Böhnel H.The laboratory diagnosis of C. botulinum is described for cattle and horses in the years 1995-1998. Out of 122 cases 66 were positive. All types of toxins were identified; in cattle mainly types C and D. In 9 cases typing was not conclusive. The results of an enquiry of afflicated animal owners showed, that modern agricultural technology has an important impact on toxinogenesis in feed stuff. Possibilities to prevent the disease and to reduce economic losses are discussed; a solution cannot be presented.
Kimbell-Dunn M, Bradshaw L, Slater T, Erkinjuntti-Pekkanen R, Fishwick D, Pearce N.To examine the prevalence of symptoms of asthma and allergy in different farming groups in New Zealand. Methods: A postal questionnaire was sent to a random sample of 2,500 farmers throughout New Zealand. Results: The response rate was 77% (1,706 of 2,203 eligibles). The 12-month period prevalence of current asthma was 11.8% overall, compared with 15% in the general population. Asthma prevalence was higher for horse breeders/groomers (16.5%), pig farmers (18.2%), poultry farmers (17.4%), and those working with oats (17.4%). Asthma was also significantly elevated among those working with cleani...
Pearson RA, Vall E.Use of animal power generally enables farmers in sub-Saharan Africa to increase agricultural production and improve the quality of life. Effective use of working animals depends on an understanding of the capabilities of the animals for work, their husbandry requirements and the factors which can influence their performance. These issues are reviewed in this paper in the context of the use of animal power in agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa. The type of animal used for work determines power available to the farmer. The performance of donkeys, horses and cattle have been compared in work tests...
Holly EA, Bracci PM, Mueller BA, Preston-Martin S.Nineteen counties from San Francisco and Los Angeles, California and Seattle, Washington were the United States sites for a large population-based case-control study of childhood brain tumors (CBTs), sponsored by the National Cancer Institute. CBT patients who were 1 year and were first on a farm when they were < 6 months of age also had increased risk for CBTs (OR = 3.9, 95% CI = 1.2-13). A somewhat increased risk for CBTs was found for children of mothers who ever had worked on livestock farms compared with mothers who never had worked on a farm (OR = 7.4, 95% CI = 0.86-64, based on five...
Huovinen S, Tunnela E, Huovinen P, Kuijpers AF, Suhonen R.We report fingernail onychomycosis caused by Trichophyton equinum in a farmer who breeds racehorses. In addition to the thumbnail, T. equinum had infected one of the racehorses. Oral terbinafine cured the infection in the farmer.
Rivara FP.Examine the current magnitude of the injury problem to children and adolescents on farms, and to compare these data to that from 1978-83. Methods: US National Center for Health Statistics Mortality Multiple Cause of Death Tapes for the years 1991-3, and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission National Electronic Injury Surveillance System for data on emergency department visits for 1990-3. Methods: Children and adolescents 19 years and younger injured on farms. Results: There were an average of 104 deaths per year due to injuries occurring on farms. The rate of 8.0 deaths per 100,000 child f...
Olson ME, Thorlakson CL, Deselliers L, Morck DW, McAllister TA.Giardia intestinalis and Cryptosporidium spp. are commonly identified intestinal pathogens in humans and animals. In light of the clinical disease, production losses and zoonotic potential of both Giardia and Cryptosporidium infections, a study was undertaken to investigate the prevalence of these parasites in cattle, sheep, pigs and horses in Canadian farms at different geographical locations. A total of 104 cattle, 89 sheep, 236 pigs and 35 horses were sampled from 15 different Canadian geographical locations. Fecal samples were examined after concentration and immunofluorescent staining. Gi...
Kaneene JB, Saffell M, Fedewa DJ, Gallagher K, Chaddock HM.The Michigan equine monitoring system (MEMS) was designed and implemented in the State of Michigan, starting in 1991. The program was designed systematically to track the State's equine population, its health, and its economic implications to the equine industry. The MEMS was designed as a two-phase program. Phase I (the population and economic survey; the subject of this paper) was designed to provide new and statistically valid information describing the size, composition, location and economic characteristics of the Michigan equine industry. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect ...
Falge R, Ehling C, Niemann H.The conservation of endangered breeds as live animals is at present the main national strategy of the government and breeding organizations to maintain genetic diversity. Fourty-three breeds and some old strains of cattle, pig, sheep, goat and horses are currently involved. Cryopreservation and banks for sperm, embryos or DNA are another type of genetic material which could subsequently be used for breeding and production in agriculture. Present semen banks involve 9 endangered cattle breeds and also a small amount of deep-frozen sperm of some endangered sheep and horse breeds. Only 2 embryo b...
Egerton JR.Until the latter part of the nineteenth century, there were no domestic animals other than pigs, dogs and poultry in the island of New Guinea. From 1889 onwards, occupying authorities, missionaries and settlers from Germany, the UK, Japan and Australia imported ruminants, pigs and horses. Some of these importations were from Asia. This paper describes some outcomes of those importations and the potential hazards for Australia entailed in them.
Calixto-Vega LC, Martínez-Aranzales JR.The existing literature does not contain information about the prevalence of gastric ulcers in mules, and on the potential associations between the presence of ulcers and work load, work type, diet, sex, age and body condition score (BCS). Objective: To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with mule gastric ulcer syndrome (MGUS) and evaluate its distribution in both mule squamous gastric disease (MSGD) and mule glandular gastric disease (MGGD) mucosa in a population of mules in Colombia. Methods: Observational, cross-sectional. Methods: A total of 97 clinically healthy mules of diffe...
Elvinge F.The question of the origin of the horse-shoe is reconsidered and China is pointed out as the site of origin. The theory is put forward that the Mongolian people living north of China and having constant fights with the Chinese have learnt the horseshoes with nails from the Chinese and that the Huns on their travel westwards have brought this type of horseshoe to Europa. The theory is substantiated from authoritative sources. The Chinese ministry of agriculture and forestry has given the information that horseshoes with nails have been used here for more than 2000 years. The possibility exists ...
McConnico RS.There is no way to prepare for every situation that arises in a disaster. By working closely with other producers and agricultural leaders, however, horse owners can lessen the impact of a disaster on their operation. Preparation and detailed planning are the most important aspects of flood-related injury prevention. Encouraging animal owners and caretakers to have an evacuation plan and dispersing knowledge about local and regional disaster authorities are critical for a successful disaster response. Educational programs on future disaster response empower communities to care for their people...
Holler AC.A farrier is a specialist in the shoeing of horses. It has been estimated that in the United States over 8 million horses are ridden for show and pleasure. These horses need hoof and leg care. The farrier does give this care and in so doing is subject to occupational hazards. These hazards cover a wide range and include bites from horses and farmer's dogs, ergonomic problems, noise and exposure to metal and welding fumes. Many of the hazards he encounters are unique to his profession.
Allsup TN.This paper deals with some recent developments in the air transportation of cattle, sheep, pigs and horses and comments on the factors involved which influence the results.
Heinke ML, Sabo C.This article examines gender shifts in equine veterinary practice. A significant gender compensation gap continues across the spectrum of professions, including veterinary medicine. Many styles of practice serve the disparate and sometimes conflicting goals of financial well-being, patient care, and physical family presence.
Calixto LC, Martinez JR.Cortisol is a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands that is stimulated by physiological and pathological factors and has been studied widely in equids, but not in mules. The objectives of this study were to obtain a reference value for serum cortisol in mules destined for agricultural activities and to identify age- and gender-related differences in the value. The concentration was obtained in blood samples using a commercial sandwich ELISA specific for cortisol. The concentration was 96.3 ± 40.6 ng/ml and similar between age groups and genders.