1
|
Merridale-Punter MS, Elias B, Wodajo AL, El-Hage CM, Zewdu H, Tesfaye R, Hailegebreal G, Sori T, Wiethoelter AK, Hitchens PL. Putting the cart before the horse: mixed-methods participatory investigation of working equid harnessing practices in three selected towns of the Oromia national regional state in Ethiopia. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:113. [PMID: 38519893 PMCID: PMC10958837 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-03967-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Millions of working equids provide socio-economic support for many low-income communities worldwide. With the prevalence of harness-related wounds reported as higher than 60%, this study aims to describe the equipment used by working equids in three locations of the Ethiopian national regional state of Oromia (Fiche, Bishoftu and Shashamene), and the attitudes and practices of equid owners, users and harness makers regarding work equipment. This mixed-methods study consists of cross-sectional surveying of working equids used for taxi or transport of goods or water, as well as cart-driver questionnaires and focus groups (FG) with working equid stakeholders. Activities conducted with FG included participatory ranking of equipment attributes and equipment drawing exercises. Indicators of equipment design and assembly, as well as cart-driver attitudes and practices were described quantitatively. Associations between equipment characteristics and species, work-type and cart-driver indicators were investigated through univariable logistic regression models, whereas focus group discussions were transcribed and analysed thematically. RESULTS In total, 368 working equid surveys and cart-driver questionnaires were completed and 87 participants took part in nine FG. Equipment composition and characteristics differed considerably from ideal animal draught and harnessing principles described in the literature, with none of the observed harnesses adhering to all principles and thus not considered fully adequate. Various harness compositions were used, with only saddles and breast collars present in all. Donkey equipment had fewer components than that of horses, such as swingle trees (OR 0.02; 95% CI 0.01-0.06; p < 0.001) or girths (OR 0.09; 95%CI 0.02-0.4; p = 0.002). Horse equipment was more likely to have functional elements such as breeching (OR 7.8; 95% CI 2.9-20.9; p < 0.001). Of all equipment attributes, FG participants ranked cost, design and impact on animal wellbeing as having the highest importance. Thematic analysis identified motivations and priorities regarding equipment; awareness and knowledge of design and function; barriers to using ideal equipment; and consequences of equipment design and practices as key themes. CONCLUSIONS Various weaknesses of design, assembly and use of equid work equipment were identified. Promoting behavioural change through awareness and training could lead to a sustainable improvement of work equipment quality, access, and prevention of equipment-related problems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Belay Elias
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Abel L Wodajo
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
| | - Charles M El-Hage
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Hanna Zewdu
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
| | - Reta Tesfaye
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
| | | | - Teshale Sori
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, Addis Ababa University, P.O. Box 34, Bishoftu, Ethiopia
| | - Anke K Wiethoelter
- Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Peta L Hitchens
- Equine Centre, Melbourne Veterinary School, University of Melbourne, 250 Princes Hwy, Werribee, VIC, 3030, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lagos J, Rojas M, Tadich T. Morphological Characteristics, Preferences, and Perceptions of the Ideal Working Mule. J Equine Vet Sci 2021; 108:103821. [PMID: 34800636 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Suitability and physical attributes of working mules are important features that can affect management, performance, and welfare. The aim of this study was to assess the morphology of working mules used in the Chilean army and determine if they adjust to soldier's preference and perceptions of their ideal pack mule. A total of 16 morphometric traits were measured per mule and six morphofunctional indexes calculated in 60 mules. Perception and preferences for the ideal mule in 73 soldiers was assessed through a questionnaire. The questionnaire included one closed-ended question where the ideal mule size could be selected and one open-ended question about their ideal mule, which was analyzed by text mining. The studied mules were well-balanced, with more riding and saddle type aptitude than for load work. According to responses, the ideal pack mule should be docile, medium size, resistant and suitable for load work in mountainous terrain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javiera Lagos
- Programa Doctorado en Ciencias Silvoagropecuarias y Veterinarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Manuel Rojas
- Departamento Ingeniería Industrial, Facultad Ciencias Físicas y Matemáticas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Tamara Tadich
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Ciencia Animal, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.
| |
Collapse
|