Chronically starved horses: predicting survival, economic, and ethical considerations.
Abstract: Nine of 45 horses subjected to prolonged malnutrition died subsequent to being placed with a responsible caregiver and being provided an appropriate diet. Initial extreme poor body condition score tended to be associated with death, although individual response to refeeding varied. The financial costs of stabilizing the group of horses significantly exceeded their free market price. Responsible management of chronically starved commercial animals should include options for immediate euthanasia. Neuf des 45 chevaux soumis à une malnutrition prolongée sont morts après avoir été placés chez un soigneur responsable et nourris de façon adéquate. L’extrême mauvaise condition physique initiale semblait être associée à la mortalité quoique la réponse individuelle à la réalimentation ait été variable. Les frais encourus pour stabiliser le troupeau de chevaux excédaient de loin leur valeur marchande. Une gestion responsable d’animaux à valeur commerciale chroniquement sous alimentés devrait comprendre une option d’euthanasie immédiate.
Publication Date: 2005-06-10 PubMed ID: 15943117PubMed Central: PMC1082874
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Summary
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This study discusses the effects of prolonged malnutrition in horses, noting that substantial deaths occurred even after responsible care and proper nutrition were provided. The research also points to the significant costs involved in the care of such animals surpassing their market value, suggesting options for immediate euthanasia in the management of chronically starved commercial animals.
Methodology and Findings
- The study involved 45 horses that had suffered from prolonged malnutrition. These horses were assigned to the care of a responsible caregiver and provided with an appropriate diet.
- Out of the total, nine horses didn’t survive despite the improved care and diet. The deaths were believed to be related to their initial extremely poor body condition, pointing to the severe long-term effects of neglect and starvation.
- The researchers observed that the response to refeeding differed from horse to horse, indicating that individual metabolic, physiological, or health differences could factor into recovery rates and survival.
Economic Implications
- The study found that the financial cost of rehabilitating and stabilizing these malnourished horses was significantly higher than their free market price.
- This points to the economic inefficiency of rehabilitating neglected and starved commercial animals, suggesting that the resources could be better spent on preventative measures or managing animals that are in better health.
Ethical Considerations
- Given the high mortality rate observed and the substantial economic implications, the researchers suggested that immediate euthanasia should be considered as part of the management of chronically starved commercial animals.
- This suggestion raises numerous ethical questions regarding animal treatment, animal rights, and the responsibility of commercial animal operations to uphold high standards of animal care.
Cite This Article
APA
Whiting TL, Salmon RH, Wruck GC.
(2005).
Chronically starved horses: predicting survival, economic, and ethical considerations.
Can Vet J, 46(4), 320-324.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Veterinary Services Branch, Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives, 545 University Crescent, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
MeSH Terms
- Animal Feed
- Animal Welfare / economics
- Animal Welfare / ethics
- Animals
- Body Constitution
- Eating / physiology
- Ethics, Professional
- Euthanasia, Animal / ethics
- Female
- Horse Diseases / diet therapy
- Horse Diseases / economics
- Horse Diseases / mortality
- Horses
- Male
- Manitoba / epidemiology
- Starvation / diet therapy
- Starvation / economics
- Starvation / mortality
- Starvation / veterinary
- Survival Analysis
References
This article includes 14 references
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Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Whiting TL, Postey RC, Chestley ST, Wruck GC. Explanatory model of cattle death by starvation in Manitoba: forensic evaluation.. Can Vet J 2012 Nov;53(11):1173-80.
- Reinisch AI. Characteristics of six recent animal hoarding cases in Manitoba.. Can Vet J 2009 Oct;50(10):1069-73.
- Whiting TL. The United States' prohibition of horsemeat for human consumption: is this a good law?. Can Vet J 2007 Nov;48(11):1173-80.
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