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Home / Equine Research Bank / Vet Q / Airborne dust and aeroallergen concentrations in different s...
The veterinary quarterly1997; 19(4); 154-158; doi: 10.1080/01652176.1997.9694762

Airborne dust and aeroallergen concentrations in different sources of feed and bedding for horses.

Abstract: Standardized methods were used to make quantitative and qualitative assessments of respirable dust and aeroallergens in feed and bedding for horses. Concentrations of airborne dust were measured by using a Rion particle counter, and levels of major aeroallergens implicated in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were measured by using an Andersen sampler. Laboratory conditions allowed comparison of the different sources of forage, supplements, and bedding without external influences such as ventilation, external temperature and horse activity affecting the result. Grass silages of approximately 50% dry matter and alfalfa pellets appeared to be very good sources of forage with low levels of dust and aeroallergens. The studied good quality straw was significantly less dusty with fewer allergens than the wood shavings. Supplements, such as whole grains and molassed concentrates, contained many respirable particles and aeroallergens. Rolled grains were significantly more dusty than good hay.
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Publication Date: 1997-12-31 PubMed ID: 9413111DOI: 10.1080/01652176.1997.9694762Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research examined the concentration of airborne dust and allergens in various types of feed and bedding used for horses, finding that grass silages and alfalfa pellets as well as good quality straw emerged as optimal choices due to their lower dust and allergen levels.

Research Methodology

  • The researchers utilized standardized techniques to quantitatively and qualitatively gauge the presence of respirable dust and aeroallergens in the feed and bedding intended for horses.
  • The study made use of a Rion particle counter to measure airborne dust concentrations, while an Andersen sampler was implemented to take measurements of major aeroallergens that are associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
  • The laboratory environment was regulated in a way so as to avoid any interference from external factors like ventilation, temperature fluctuations and horse activities that might potentially skew the results.

Research Findings

  • The study deduced that grass silages and alfalfa pellets were notably effective sources of forage; the reason being their relatively lower production of dust and aeroallergens.
  • The good quality straw which was tested revealed that it had considerably lower dust levels and fewer allergens compared to wood shavings. This makes it a healthier and safer bedding alternative for horses.
  • The feed supplements that were examined, which comprised of whole grains and molassed concentrates, were found to contain a high volume of respirable particles and aeroallergens.
  • The study also discovered that rolled grains tended to produce a much higher amount of dust as compared to good quality hay.

Conclusion

  • Based on this study’s findings, it suggests that grass silages, alfalfa pellets, and good quality straw may be superior choices when considering the overall respiratory health of horses.
  • Meanwhile, feed supplements like whole grains and molassed concentrates and rolled grains may not be the healthiest choices due to their high concentration of dust and allergens.

Cite This Article

APA
Vandenput S, Istasse L, Nicks B, Lekeux P. (1997). Airborne dust and aeroallergen concentrations in different sources of feed and bedding for horses. Vet Q, 19(4), 154-158. https://doi.org/10.1080/01652176.1997.9694762

Publication

The veterinary quarterly
ISSN: 0165-2176
NlmUniqueID: 7909485
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 19
Issue: 4
Pages: 154-158

Researcher Affiliations

Vandenput, S
  • Laboratory for Functional Investigation, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, Belgium.
Istasse, L
    Nicks, B
      Lekeux, P

        MeSH Terms

        • Air Pollutants / analysis
        • Allergens / analysis
        • Animal Feed / analysis
        • Animal Husbandry / methods
        • Animals
        • Dust / analysis
        • Edible Grain / chemistry
        • Horse Diseases / etiology
        • Horse Diseases / physiopathology
        • Horses / physiology
        • Housing, Animal / standards
        • Lung Diseases, Obstructive / etiology
        • Lung Diseases, Obstructive / physiopathology
        • Lung Diseases, Obstructive / veterinary
        • Respiration / physiology

        Citations

        This article has been cited 18 times.
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