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Australian veterinary journal2024; doi: 10.1111/avj.13332

Stakeholder perceptions of thoroughbred yearling sales endoscopy in Australia: can we do better?

Abstract: To identify thoroughbred industry stakeholders' views on the yearling sales endoscopy in Australia. Methods: Semi-structured qualitative group interviews with equine veterinarians, thoroughbred breeders and yearling purchasers. Methods: Twenty-nine experienced thoroughbred industry stakeholders participated in online focus groups: (1) equine veterinarians involved in yearling endoscopy; (2) thoroughbred breeders; and (3) yearling buyers. The focus groups were audio and video recorded and digital whiteboards were available. Data was transcribed, live-coded and analysed thematically. Results: The main themes identified included the uncertainty surrounding the relationship between yearling laryngeal function and future performance, especially the significance of yearlings with grade 3 out of 5 laryngeal function; interobserver variability in the laryngeal function grade assigned by veterinarians to the same endoscopic exam; and the presence of intra-horse variability in laryngeal function over different time points. Conclusions: Stakeholders raised multiple concerns about the current yearling sales endoscopy process in Australia. Recommendations to address these concerns include further investigation into the race performance of yearlings identified with grade 3 laryngeal function; training of veterinarians to reduce inter-observer variability; and the need to determine the most appropriate grading system to use in yearlings. Future research should evaluate the significance of intra-horse variability in a yearling population.
© 2024 The Authors. Australian Veterinary Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Australian Veterinary Association.
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Publication Date: 2024-04-09 PubMed ID: 38590275DOI: 10.1111/avj.13332Google 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 research discusses the concerns and views of stakeholders in Australia’s thoroughbred industry regarding the process of yearling sales endoscopy. It identifies issues such as uncertainty in interpreting laryngeal function, calculation discrepancies between veterinarians, as well as notable variations in laryngeal functionality over time.

Research Methodology

  • The research was carried out in a qualitative manner through semi-structured group interviews.
  • Participants in the study were 29 knowledgeable stakeholders from the thoroughbred industry who formed three focus groups, comprising equine veterinarians, thoroughbred breeders, and yearling buyers.
  • The discussions in the focus groups were digitally captured via audio and video recordings, with a digital whiteboard available for reference.
  • The recorded data was then transcribed, coded in real-time and thematically analysed to identify the primary themes.

Research Findings

  • The research extracted several key themes from the focus groups discussions. These included:
    • An element of uncertainty regarding the connection between a yearling’s laryngeal function and future racing performance, with particular emphasis on yearlings with a grade 3 laryngeal function.
    • Inconsistencies in the grading of a yearling’s laryngeal function by different veterinarians, with each giving differing scores for the same endoscopic exam.
    • Variances noticed in the laryngeal functionality of individual horses over a series of time points.

Conclusions and Recommendations

  • The research concluded that stakeholders raised multiple concerns about the current method of yearling sales endoscopy in Australia.
  • Several suggestions were put forward to address these issues, including further investigation into the racing performance of yearlings identified with grade 3 laryngeal function.
  • The training of veterinarians to reduce the discrepancy between observers and finding the most suitable grading system for yearlings were also highlighted.
  • Future research was recommended to delve into the significance of variations in laryngeal function within individual horses in the yearling population.

Cite This Article

APA
Hardwick JL, Ahern BJ, Franklin SH. (2024). Stakeholder perceptions of thoroughbred yearling sales endoscopy in Australia: can we do better? Aust Vet J. https://doi.org/10.1111/avj.13332

Publication

Australian veterinary journal
ISSN: 1751-0813
NlmUniqueID: 0370616
Country: England
Language: English

Researcher Affiliations

Hardwick, J L
  • School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy, South Australia, 5371, Australia.
  • School of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia.
Ahern, B J
  • The University of Queensland, School of Veterinary Science, Equine Specialist Hospital, Gatton, Queensland, 4343, Australia.
Franklin, S H
  • School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, Roseworthy, South Australia, 5371, Australia.

Grant Funding

  • Agrifutures Australia

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Citations

This article has been cited 2 times.
  1. Hardwick JL, Ahern BJ, Crawford KL, Allen KJ, Anderson BH, Rose KJ, Franklin SH. Yearling laryngeal function grades II.2 and below are not associated with reduced performance. Equine Vet J 2025 Jul;57(4):953-966.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.14452pubmed: 39837796google scholar: lookup
  2. Hardwick JL, Ahern BJ, Crawford KL, Allen KJ, Franklin SH. Yearling laryngeal function in Thoroughbreds that underwent a laryngoplasty differs from controls. Equine Vet J 2025 Mar;57(2):431-440.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.14110pubmed: 38847239google scholar: lookup
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