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Lab animal2015; 44(9); 350-358; doi: 10.1038/laban.741

Management methods to improve the welfare of horses used in research.

Abstract: Horses and ponies are used for experimental research in a variety of fields, but there is little published scientific literature that describes current or evidence-based recommendations for keeping and managing these species for research purposes. Equine species require particular environmental conditions and allowances to accommodate their behavior and physiology. Here the authors review studies and common practices for ambient facility conditions; provision of bedding, food and water; opportunities for exercise and environmental enrichment; allocation of facility spaces and resources; and design and management of different stabling systems for horses and ponies in research. Careful consideration of these factors can help to improve the welfare of equine subjects in research and to ensure high-quality experimental data.
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Publication Date: 2015-08-25 PubMed ID: 26300095DOI: 10.1038/laban.741Google Scholar: Lookup
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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.

The study focuses on improving the welfare of horses used for research purposes by suggesting better conditions, proper management of resources, and the design of stabling systems. It highlights the need for specific environmental factors, food, water, and exercise opportunities to accommodate equine behaviour and physiology.

Improving the Welfare of Equine Subjects

  • This paper explores different ways to improve the living conditions of horses and ponies which are used for experimental research. It acknowledges that there is not much existing scientific literature that outlines the best practices for managing these species in research settings.
  • It emphasizes the unique environmental specifications that these animals need because their behavior and physiology differ to other animals. The aim is to devise strategies which promote their welfare and in turn, create quality experimental results.

Conditions and Allowances for Horses and Ponies

  • The authors delve into common practices and previously conducted studies about the kind of environment that horses and ponies would optimally function in.
  • Factors like bedding, food and water provision, and exercise opportunities have been considered. The paper discusses how quality and consistency in these areas will greatly improve the welfare of these animals which will positively affect the experimental outcomes.
  • In addition, it suggests potential ways of creating environmental enrichment for these horses and ponies, which can contribute to their overall well-being.

Management of Facility Spaces and Resources

  • The research analyses how efficient allocation of facility resources and spaces can contribute to better management of horses and ponies in research.
  • The paper highlights the need to consider not just the physical but also the psychological needs of the animals, which can be addressed by creating an environment that allows them to exhibit natural behaviors, hence improving their well-being.

Stabling Systems for Horses and Ponies

  • The paper further explains the design and management of various stabling systems which can be implemented for keeping horses and ponies in research. This considers the animal’s need for freedom of movement and other social behaviors.

Cite This Article

APA
Jonckheer-Sheehy VS, Houpt KA. (2015). Management methods to improve the welfare of horses used in research. Lab Anim (NY), 44(9), 350-358. https://doi.org/10.1038/laban.741

Publication

Lab animal
ISSN: 1548-4475
NlmUniqueID: 0417737
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 44
Issue: 9
Pages: 350-358

Researcher Affiliations

Jonckheer-Sheehy, Valerie S M
  • Animalytics, Bussum, The Netherlands.
Houpt, Katherine A
  • Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY.

MeSH Terms

  • Animal Husbandry / methods
  • Animal Welfare
  • Animals
  • Biomedical Research / standards
  • Horses / physiology
  • Housing, Animal

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Citations

This article has been cited 3 times.
  1. Furtado T, King M, Perkins E, McGowan C, Chubbock S, Hannelly E, Rogers J, Pinchbeck G. An Exploration of Environmentally Sustainable Practices Associated with Alternative Grazing Management System Use for Horses, Ponies, Donkeys and Mules in the UK. Animals (Basel) 2022 Jan 8;12(2).
    doi: 10.3390/ani12020151pubmed: 35049774google scholar: lookup
  2. Gobbo E, Maccario C, Zupan Šemrov M, Bovo M, Atallah E, Minero M, Dalla Costa E. Exploring the impact of housing routine on lying behavior in horses measured with triaxial accelerometer. Front Vet Sci 2025;12:1572051.
    doi: 10.3389/fvets.2025.1572051pubmed: 40420950google scholar: lookup
  3. Masebo NT, Benedetti B, Mountricha M, Lee L, Padalino B. A Literature Review on Equine Bedding: Impacts on Horse and Human Welfare, Health, and the Environment. Animals (Basel) 2025 Mar 5;15(5).
    doi: 10.3390/ani15050751pubmed: 40076033google scholar: lookup
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