Effect of moving from being extensively managed out in pasture into training on the incidence of equine gastric ulcer syndrome in Icelandic horses.

The research investigates the effect of moving Icelandic horses from pasture into training on equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD) and equine glandular gastric disease (EGGD). The study finds that such transition could lead to a change in the incidence of these diseases. Furthermore, the influence of management factors, like regular provision of preserved forage, plays a crucial role in reducing ESGD incidence.

Study Design

• The research involved 81 Icelandic horses from 10 different farms located across four regions in Iceland.
• The median age of the horses was three years, with an interquartile range of one year.
• The initial examination for ESGD and EGGD was carried out 2 weeks post their transition from pasture to a training establishment.
• Another round of endoscopic examinations was conducted 8 weeks later on 71 of the horses.
• Various management and behavioural factors influencing the health of the horses were evaluated through face-to-face questionnaires with the owners or trainers.

Results and Implications

• The incidence of ESGD and EGGD in this population of horses, initially living in pasture, was found to be similar to domesticated horses.
• The incidence of ESGD reduced significantly from 71.6% to 25.4% over the 8-week training period.
• The study further revealed that factors such as horse’s sex and feeding 3 times or more in a day with preserved forage were connected with a reduction in ulcer grade.
• The farm conditions accounted for 35% of the variance, emphasizing the importance of proper management practices.
• The incidence of EGGD also reduced from 47% to 40.8% during the training period, however, no variables were found to be associated significantly with this reduction.
• The study concludes that merely providing pasture, without supplementary feed or forage, does not automatically lead to a low incidence of gastric ulcers.
• The research highlights the crucial role of management factors, specifically the regular provision of preserved forage, in reducing the incidence of ESGD in horses transitioning into training from pasture.