1
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Wong ASM, Morrice-West AV, Hitchens PL, Whitton RC. The association between Thoroughbred racehorse training practices and musculoskeletal injuries in Victoria, Australia. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1260554. [PMID: 37941814 PMCID: PMC10628463 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1260554] [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: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Catastrophic musculoskeletal injuries (CMI) in horses are associated with both too little and too much high-speed exercise. In order to advise trainers on training and management strategies that minimize the risk of musculoskeletal injury (MSI), a better understanding of how training practices affect MSI in racehorses is needed. Data from prospective studies relating training data and MSI are complicated by the gradual development of pathology and the effect of this on the ability of horses to train consistently prior to the identification of an injury. To circumvent this, 66 Australian Thoroughbred trainers were surveyed on their intended training practices, including rest, pre-training, and race-fit practices. Associations between intended training practices and catastrophic and non-catastrophic race day MSI outcomes in two-year-old and mature (≥three-year-old) horses were assessed using multivariable negative binomial regression models. The incidence of two-year-old race day MSI was lower for trainers who preferred shorter times (weeks) to trial, less time in fast work pre-trial (p = 0.003), shorter, more frequent rest periods (p < 0.01) and higher amounts of fast work at 15.5-16.7 m/s once race-fit (p = 0.001). The incidence of mature horse race day MSI was lower for trainers who preferred longer rest periods (p = 0.026) and a high-volume pre-trial training strategy comprising a high volume of slower speed gallop training and longer times to trial compared to fast and light training programs (p = 0.004) for their mature horses, in addition to higher amounts of fast work at 15.5-16.7 m/s for their race-fit two-year-olds (p = 0.012). Race day CMI incidence was lower for trainers who preferred lower volumes of fast gallop work for their race-fit mature horses (p < 0.05). These results suggest that two-year-old training practices could affect MSI risk later in a horse's career, and that age and stage in training (pre-trial, race-fit) are important considerations when developing training practices to minimize the risk of MSI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelene S. M. Wong
- Equine Lameness and Imaging Centre, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC, Australia
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2
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Siegers E, van den Broek J, Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan M, Munsters C. Longitudinal Training and Workload Assessment in Young Friesian Stallions in Relation to Fitness, Part 2-An Adapted Training Program. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13040658. [PMID: 36830445 PMCID: PMC9951678 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Young Friesian stallions have to complete a 10-week training program (70-day test) for acceptance as a breeding stallion. Part one of this study showed that the 70-day test was too intense and led to reduced fitness. In the present (part two) study, the effects of an adapted training program were studied. Training frequency and minutes of cantering per week were lowered compared with part one. The external workload (EW) of sixteen stallions (3.4 ± 0.8 years) was monitored during the 6-weeks before testing (preparation period) as well as during the 70-day test. Standardized exercise tests (SETs) were performed in week 1 (SET-I), 6 (SET-II), and 10 (SET-III) of the 70-day test, measuring heart rate (HR) and plasma lactate concentration (LA). Linear mixed effect models were used to analyze the EW, and the HR and LA related to the SETs. The EW increased from the preparation period to the 70-day test; this increase in the EW was lower compared with the original training program. The horses showed lower HR and LA levels in SET-III compared with SET-I. The young Friesian horses were at risk to be overtrained in part one, but the adapted training program resulted in increased fitness. This study shows that a carefully chosen program is necessary to improve the performance and welfare of (young) horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Siegers
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 114, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
| | - Jan van den Broek
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 114, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Carolien Munsters
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 114, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Equine Integration, Groenstraat 2C, 5528 NS Hoogeloon, The Netherlands
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3
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Stallones L, McManus P, McGreevy P. Sustainability and the Thoroughbred Breeding and Racing Industries: An Enhanced One Welfare Perspective. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13030490. [PMID: 36766378 PMCID: PMC9913237 DOI: 10.3390/ani13030490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
As society debates the use of animals in sport, entertainment, and leisure, there is an increasing focus on the welfare, social, and ecological impacts of such activities on the animals, human participants, people close to them, and the physical environment. This article introduces the "Enhanced One Welfare Framework" to reveal significant costs and benefits associated with Thoroughbred breeding and racing globally. In addition, relative to calls to ban horseracing and similar activities as part of sustainability approaches that focus chiefly on animals, the "Enhanced One Welfare Framework" is better positioned politically to guide discussions that renegotiate the conditions under which horses are used for sport and the impact racing has on humans and the planet. In 2020, the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities issued its minimum horse welfare standards based on the Five Domains model, positioning lifelong horse welfare as "fundamentally important to the viability and sustainability of the industry". In this article, we critique the One Welfare framework's historic lack of focus on sport and enhance it by including sport, leisure, and entertainment and framing it within the Five Domains model. We offer a novel extension of the Five Domains model beyond animal welfare to consider human welfare and the physical environmental impacts of the sport, leisure, and entertainment industries and propose innovations that may help thoroughbred breeding and racing assure a sustainable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorann Stallones
- Department of Psychology, College of Natural Sciences, One Health Institute, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1612, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Phil McManus
- School of Geosciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Paul McGreevy
- One Welfare Research Institute, Faculty of Science, Agriculture, Business and Law, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2350, Australia
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4
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Crawford KL, Ahern BJ. Investigations into Thoroughbred racehorse welfare in Queensland Australia focused on musculoskeletal injuries and retirement. Anim Front 2022; 12:59-62. [PMID: 35711502 PMCID: PMC9197301 DOI: 10.1093/af/vfac018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kylie L Crawford
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
| | - Benjamin J Ahern
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
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5
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Tavanaeimanesh H, Dashli-Boroon OJ, Corley K. Comparison of β-endorphin, lactate and cortisol concentrations in winning and losing racehorses. J Equine Vet Sci 2021; 110:103857. [PMID: 34965409 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103857] [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: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the physiological and biochemical changes in racehorses can be invaluable. Accurate information in this area could result in better understanding of needs of sport horses. The aim of this study was to prove the hypothesis that biochemical changes could influence the outcome of competitions. In this study, β-endorphin was evaluated as an indicator of analgesia, lactate as an indicator of fatigue and cortisol as an indicator of stress in the first two horses and the last ones that cross the finish line. This study was performed on 44 horses participating in the 1000-meter national championship. In Group 1, 22 winners and second place horses were included; for Group 2, 22 last and penultimate horses were included. Blood samples were obtained in the doping room after race (T0) and 20 minutes after finishing (T20). Results for beta endorphin at T0 and T20 were higher (P>0.05) for Group 1 compared to Group 2; on the contrary, lactate concentration was lower (P>0.05) for Group 1 than Group 2 at T0 and T20. However, differences (P<0.05) were obtained within groups at T0 and T20 for beta endorphin and lactate concentrations. No significant differences were found for cortisol concentration.The results of this study showed that winning horses had higher levels of β-endorphin and lower levels of lactate than losers. Further and deeper experimental studies are needed to prove the hypothesis that biochemical changes could influence the outcome of competitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Tavanaeimanesh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Omid Jahed Dashli-Boroon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kevin Corley
- Veterinary Advances, The Curragh, Co Kildare, Ireland
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6
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Rogers CW, Gee EK, Dittmer KE. Growth and Bone Development in the Horse: When Is a Horse Skeletally Mature? Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11123402. [PMID: 34944179 PMCID: PMC8698045 DOI: 10.3390/ani11123402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary A comparison of the pattern of growth in the horse with definitions used to describe growth and development in humans demonstrates the same general pattern of growth. In the horse, these development periods are completed very early in life, generally by 2 years of age. Using a variety of measures to define the completion of growth and bone development, the horse enters skeletal maturity by the time it is 2 years old. There is little variation in the age of maturity across different horse breeds. These data support the hypothesis that the horse evolved to be a precocious cursorial grazer and is capable of athletic activity, and used in sport, relatively early in life. Abstract Within the lay literature, and social media in particular, there is often debate about the age at which a horse should be started and introduced to racing or sport. To optimize the welfare and longevity of horses in racing and sport, it is important to match exercise with musculoskeletal development and the ability of the musculoskeletal system to respond to loading. The justification for not exercising horses at a certain age is often in contrast to the scientific literature and framed, with incorrect generalizations, with human growth. This review provides a relative comparison of the growth and development of the horse to the descriptors used to define growth and development in humans. Measures of physeal closure and somatic growth demonstrate that the horse completes the equivalent of rapid infant growth by weaning (4–6 months old). At approximately 11 months old, the horse completes the equivalent of the childhood phase of growth and enters puberty. At 2 years old, the horse has achieved most measures of maturity used within the human literature, including the plateauing of vertical height, closure of growth plates, and adult ratios of back length:wither height and limb length:wither height. These data support the hypothesis that the horse evolved to be a precocious cursorial grazer and is capable of athletic activity, and use in sport, relatively early in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris W. Rogers
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (E.K.G.); (K.E.D.)
- School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
- Correspondence:
| | - Erica K. Gee
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (E.K.G.); (K.E.D.)
| | - Keren E. Dittmer
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (E.K.G.); (K.E.D.)
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7
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Crawford KL, Finnane A, Greer RM, Barnes TS, Phillips CJC, Woldeyohannes SM, Bishop EL, Perkins NR, Ahern BJ. Survival Analysis of Training Methodologies and Other Risk Factors for Musculoskeletal Injury in 2-Year-Old Thoroughbred Racehorses in Queensland, Australia. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:698298. [PMID: 34796223 PMCID: PMC8593238 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.698298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Musculoskeletal injuries remain a global problem for the Thoroughbred racing industry and there is conflicting evidence regarding the effect of age on the incidence of injuries. The ideal time to commence race training is strongly debated, with limited supporting literature. There is also conflicting evidence regarding the effect of high-speed exercise on musculoskeletal injuries. There is a strong interest in developing training and management strategies to reduce the frequency of injuries. The types of musculoskeletal injuries vary between 2-year-old and older horses, with dorsal metacarpal disease the most common injury in 2-year-old horses. It is likely that risk factors for injury in 2-year-old horses are different than those for older horses. It is also likely that the risk factors may vary between types of injury. This study aimed to determine the risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries and dorsal metacarpal disease. We report the findings of a large scale, prospective observational study of 2-year-old horses in Queensland, Australia. Data were collected weekly for 56-weeks, from 26 trainers, involving 535 2-year-old Thoroughbred racehorses, 1, 258 training preparations and 7, 512-weeks of exercise data. A causal approach was used to develop our statistical models, to build on the existing literature surrounding injury risk, by incorporating the previously established causal links into our analyses. Where previous data were not available, industry experts were consulted. Survival analyses were performed using Cox proportional hazards or Weibull regression models. Analysis of musculoskeletal injuries overall revealed the hazard was reduced with increased exposure to high-speed exercise [Hazard ratio (HR) 0.89, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.84, 0.94, p < 0.001], increased number of training preparations (HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.50, 0.67, p < 0.001), increased rest before the training preparation (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.83, 0.96, p = 0.003) and increased dam parity (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.77, 0.97, p = 0.01). The hazard of injury was increased with increasing age that training commenced (HR 1.13, 95% CI 1.06, 1.19, p < 0.001). Analyses were then repeated with the outcome of interest dorsal metacarpal disease. Factors that were protective against dorsal metacarpal disease and musculoskeletal injuries overall included: increased total cumulative distance (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.82, 0.97, p = 0.001) and total cumulative days exercised as a gallop (HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.92, 0.99, p = 0.03), the number of the training preparations (HR 0.43, 95% CI 0.30, 0.61, p < 0.001). The age that training commenced was harmful for both dorsal metacarpal disease (HR 1.17, 95% CI 1.07, 1.28, p < 0.001 and overall musculoskeletal injuries.). The use of non-ridden training modalities was protective for dorsal metacarpal disease (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.81, 0.97, p = 0.008), but not musculoskeletal injuries overall. The male sex increased the hazard of DMD compared to females (HR 2.58, 95% CI 1.20, 5.56, p = 0.02), but not MSI overall. In summary, the hazard of musculoskeletal injury is greatest for 2-year-old horses that are born from uniparous mares, commence training at a later age, are in their first training preparation, have undertaken little high-speed exercise or had limited rest before their training preparation. The hazard of dorsal metacarpal disease is greatest for 2-year-old horses that are males, commence training at a later age, are in their first training preparation, have undertaken little high-speed exercise or had limited use of non-ridden training modalities. Close monitoring of these high-risk horses during their training program could substantially reduce the impact of MSI. Furthermore, an understanding of how training methodologies affect the hazard of MSI facilitates modification of training programs to mitigate the risk impact of injury. The strengths of this study include a large sample size, a well-defined study protocol and direct trainer interviews. The main limitation is the inherent susceptibility to survival bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylie L Crawford
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, Australia.,School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Anna Finnane
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Ristan M Greer
- Torus Research, Bridgeman Downs, QLD, Australia.,Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Tamsin S Barnes
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, Australia.,Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, Australia
| | - Clive J C Phillips
- Curtin University Sustainability Policy (CUSP) Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | | | - Emma L Bishop
- Garrards Equine Veterinary Practice, Albion, QLD, Australia
| | - Nigel R Perkins
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, Australia
| | - Benjamin J Ahern
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, Australia
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8
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Flash ML, Crabb HK, Hitchens PL, Firestone SM, Stevenson MA, Gilkerson JR. Factors associated with racing performance and career duration for Victorian-born Thoroughbreds. Aust Vet J 2021; 100:48-55. [PMID: 34651302 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The number of horses leaving the Australian Thoroughbred (TB) racing industry each year is of concern to animal welfare advocates, public and regulators. A horse's previous athletic performance is a significant driver of retirement from racing. Racehorse performance can be measured in terms of the total number of starts, duration of racing and prize money earned. This study investigated Australian racing records for the 2005 and 2010 Victorian TB foal crops to identify factors associated with total number of starts, racing career duration, prize money earned and age of last race start-up to the 10-year-old racing season. Racing Australia registered 4,577 TB horses born in Victoria in 2005 (n = 2,506) and 2010 (n = 2,071) that raced in Australia. Horses that started racing at 2-years of age had fewer race starts in their first racing season but an increased total number of starts, prize money and duration of racing. The median age of last start (LS) was five (Q1 4; Q3 7) years. Horses that had won a race, had a maximum handicap rating of 61 or above and those racing over distances of more than 2,400 m had an increased racing career duration and an age of last race start greater than 6-years of age. Horses participating in jumps races (n = 63) had the longest careers and older age of LS. These horses were more likely to have had a handicap rating over 80 and were just as likely to start their racing careers as 2-years-olds.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Flash
- Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - H K Crabb
- Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - P L Hitchens
- Equine Centre, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
| | - S M Firestone
- Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - M A Stevenson
- Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - J R Gilkerson
- Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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9
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Flash ML, Crabb HK, Hitchens PL, Firestone SM, Stevenson MA, Gilkerson JR. Participation of Victorian Thoroughbreds in the racing industry: a whole-of-population benchmark. Aust Vet J 2021; 100:40-47. [PMID: 34595748 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The proportion of Thoroughbred (TB) horses that commence training and eventually race, is an important industry-level indicator of how successful it is at producing horses suitable for racing. It is also of interest to the wider community and is central to the issue of whether there is overbreeding in the Australian TB industry. This study investigated the training and racing records for the 2005 and 2010 Victorian TB foal crops to determine the proportion of TBs that train and race, and the age of entering training and first race start. Subsets of the foal crop were also examined to determine if premier yearling sale cohorts would produce selection bias. The Australian Stud Book (ASB) registered 7662 TB horses born in Victoria in 2005 (n = 4116) and 2010 (n = 3546). Of these, 5614 (73%) entered training and 4868 (64%) started in at least one race. Fourteen percent (n = 1045) of the study cohort had their first race start as 2-year-olds and 35% (n = 2644) had their first start as 3-year-olds. A higher proportion of TB horses that attended premier yearling sales entered training (93%) and raced (84%). This study established a baseline for training and racing milestones, such as the proportion and age that horses commenced training, and age of first start using population-level data. It also established that the use of subsets of the population can introduce selection bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Flash
- Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - H K Crabb
- Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - P L Hitchens
- Equine Centre, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, 3030, Australia
| | - S M Firestone
- Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - M A Stevenson
- Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - J R Gilkerson
- Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
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10
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Shrestha K, Gilkerson JR, Stevenson MA, Flash ML. Drivers of exit and outcomes for Thoroughbred racehorses participating in the 2017-2018 Australian racing season. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257581. [PMID: 34547036 PMCID: PMC8454983 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The destinations of Thoroughbred (TB) racehorses exiting the racing industry is a high-profile issue with ethical and welfare implications of interest to both animal welfare groups and racing regulators. This cross-sectional study investigated the reasons that TBs temporarily or permanently exited racing and training in Australia in the 2017–2018 racing season and the outcomes for these horses post-racing. An online questionnaire was sent to the last registered trainers of a representative sample of 2,509 ‘inactive’ TBs. Inactive horses were defined as those horses that were recorded as ‘active’ but had not trialled or raced in the last 6 months of the racing season or had an inactive status recorded in the Racing Australia database. Of the 1,750 responses received, the largest group of inactive TBs had permanently exited the racing industry (45% retired, 5.3% deceased). A relatively large group exited racing temporarily (43%) but participated in the racing industry in the following season. The reasons for retirement were predominantly voluntary, such as poor performance or owner’s request. Almost one third of retirements were due to injuries with tendon or ligament problems the most frequently conditions listed. The median age at retirement was five (Q1 4; Q3 7) years. Extrapolation of the survey results to the population of horses racing or training in Australia in 2017–2018 (n = 37,750) show that that 17% of the population retire each year and 2.1% die. These estimates provide benchmarks for industry and animal welfare organisations to resource and measure the effectiveness of interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kshitiz Shrestha
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - James R. Gilkerson
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark A. Stevenson
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Meredith L. Flash
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
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11
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Palmer S, Gomez AMM, Mohammed HO. Attrition of Thoroughbred and Standardbred racehorses at New York Racetracks due to exercise and non-exercise related fatalities during the 2016 - 2019 racing seasons. J Equine Vet Sci 2021; 104:103703. [PMID: 34416983 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
A longitudinal retrospective study was carried out to investigate the attrition of Thoroughbred (TB) and Standardbred (SB) horses racing at New York racetracks during the 2016 to 2019 seasons. The data were collected from the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) Equine Breakdown, Death, Injury and Incident (EBDII), The Jockey Club InCompass Solutions, and The United States Trotting Association Pathway databases. Survival analysis was used to compare the predisposing factors by breed of the horse. The study included 431 horses (360 TB and 71 SB). There was a significant difference between the average incidence of attrition events per start for TB (0.304) and SB (0.035) horses. There was a significant difference in the median age to attrition between TB (4.2 years) and SB (7.5 years) horses. There was also a significant difference between the average number of starts to attrition for TB (13.6) and SB (125.5) horses. Among the causes of attrition events in the two breeds musculoskeletal injuries and medical conditions were significantly higher among TB horses, while sudden death was significantly higher among SB horses. The multivariate analysis showed that the hazard of attrition was affected by the age of the horse, age at first start, whether the horse was intact male, type of activity (racing training or other) and the breed of the horse. SB horses were less likely to experience attrition events in comparison to TB horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Palmer
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - Adriana M Morales Gomez
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - Hussni O Mohammed
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.
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12
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Logan AA, Nielsen BD. Training Young Horses: The Science behind the Benefits. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11020463. [PMID: 33572461 PMCID: PMC7916178 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Of common debate among equine professionals and enthusiasts alike, is whether entering race training at two years of age is detrimental or beneficial to the animal’s career and growth. This literature review evaluates epidemiological studies to elucidate that two-year-old horses are not at greater risk of injury compared to older horses. Horses which enter race training at two years of age are, in fact, found to have greater earnings and longer race careers. This review also tackles the impact that exercising an animal at two years of age or younger has on bone, articular cartilage, and tendons. Numerous studies on growing animals have found confinement to be detrimental to normal musculoskeletal growth. However, exercise of dynamic nature in moderate distances, such as that attained with pasture access or prescribed sprints, is beneficial to musculoskeletal development and may prevent injuries when entering race training. Based on scientific evidence, the research cited in this review supports the training and racing of two-year-old horses and advises caution in the use of medications such as corticosteroids. Abstract Conflicting research and anecdotal evidence have created disagreement among equestrians as to whether two-year-old horses should be trained and raced. The objective of this literature review is to evaluate epidemiological studies, as well as physiological data on equine bone, articular cartilage, and tendons to better determine the impact of training and racing two-year-old horses. The evaluation of numerous studies on the topic provides evidence that a horse which is trained or raced as a two-year-old has a lower risk of injury and better adapted tissues for the rigors of racing. Unfortunately, the current prolific use of pain-mitigating substances in the racing industry does place horses, including young cohorts, at greater risk of injury, and should be used with caution.
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Crawford KL, Finnane A, Phillips CJC, Greer RM, Woldeyohannes SM, Perkins NR, Kidd LJ, Ahern BJ. The Risk Factors for Musculoskeletal Injuries in Thoroughbred Racehorses in Queensland, Australia: How These Vary for Two-Year-Old and Older Horses and with Type of Injury. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11020270. [PMID: 33494508 PMCID: PMC7910838 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) continue to affect Thoroughbred racehorses internationally, despite over thirty years of research into this problem. Studies of risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries report inconsistent findings. Consequently, developing training strategies to mitigate the risk of MSI is difficult. We identified factors associated with particularly high odds of injury in this population of racehorses. Two-year-old horses from primiparous mares (first foals born) are at increased odds of MSI, particularly dorsal metacarpal disease (“shinsoreness”). Two-year-old horses that have had a total preparation length of between 10 and 14 weeks also have increased odds of injury. Horses of all ages that travelled a total distance of 2.4–3.8 km (12–19 furlongs) at a gallop (faster than 15 m/s; 13 s/furlong; 900 m/min; 55 km/h) in the last four weeks and horses three years and older that travelled 3.0–4.8 km (15–24 furlongs) at three-quarter pace and above (faster than 13 m/s; 15 s/furlong; 800 m/min; 48 km/h) also have increased odds of injury. We recommend that these horses should be monitored closely for impending signs of injury. We also observed a non-linear relationship between high-speed exercise and musculoskeletal injuries. This highlights the importance of high-speed exercise to enable tissue adaptation to training. Finally, in some situations, increasing the number of days worked at a slow pace may be more effective for preventing MSI, if horses are perceived at a higher risk, than resting the horse altogether. Early identification of horses at increased risk of injury and appropriate intervention could substantially reduce the impact of musculoskeletal injuries in Thoroughbred racehorses. Abstract Musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) continue to affect Thoroughbred racehorses internationally. There is a strong interest in developing training and management strategies to reduce their impact, however, studies of risk factors report inconsistent findings. Furthermore, many injuries and fatalities occur during training rather than during racing, yet most studies report racing data only. By combining racing and training data a larger exposure to risk factors and a larger number of musculoskeletal injuries are captured and the true effect of risk factors may be more accurately represented. Furthermore, modifications to reduce the impact of MSI are more readily implemented at the training level. Our study aimed to: (1) determine the risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries and whether these are different for two-year-old and older horses and (2) determine whether risk factors vary with type of injury. This was performed by repeating analyses by age category and injury type. Data from 202 cases and 202 matched controls were collected through weekly interviews with trainers and analysed using conditional logistic regression. Increasing dam parity significantly reduced the odds of injury in horses of all age groups because of the effect in two-year-old horses (odds ratio (OR) 0.08; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.02, 0.36; p < 0.001). Increasing total preparation length is associated with higher odds of injury in horses of all ages (OR 5.56; 95% CI 1.59, 19.46; p = 0.01), but particularly in two-year-old horses (OR 8.05; 95% CI 1.92, 33.76; p = 0.004). Increasing number of days exercised at a slow pace decreased the odds of injury in horses of all ages (OR 0.09; 95% CI 0.03, 0.28; p < 0.001). The distance travelled at three-quarter pace and above (faster than 13 m/s; 15 s/furlong; 800 m/min; 48 km/h) and the total distance travelled at a gallop (faster than 15 m/s; 13 s/furlong; 900 m/min; 55 km/h) in the past four weeks significantly affected the odds of injury. There was a non-linear association between high-speed exercise and injury whereby the odds of injury initially increased and subsequently decreased as accumulated high-speed exercise distance increased. None of the racing career and performance indices affected the odds of injury. We identified horses in this population that have particularly high odds of injury. Two-year-old horses from primiparous mares are at increased odds of injury, particularly dorsal metacarpal disease. Two-year-old horses that have had a total preparation length of between 10 and 14 weeks also have increased odds of injury. Horses of all ages that travelled a total distance of 2.4–3.8 km (12–19 furlongs) at a gallop in the last four weeks and horses three years and older that travelled 3.0–4.8 km (15–24 furlongs) at three-quarter pace and above also have increased odds of injury. We recommend that these horses should be monitored closely for impending signs of injury. Increasing the number of days worked at a slow pace may be more effective for preventing injury, if horses are perceived at a higher risk, than resting the horse altogether. Early identification of horses at increased risk and appropriate intervention could substantially reduce the impact of musculoskeletal injuries in Thoroughbred racehorses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylie L. Crawford
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia; (S.M.W.); (N.R.P.); (L.J.K.); (B.J.A.)
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Herston 4006, Australia;
- Correspondence:
| | - Anna Finnane
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Herston 4006, Australia;
| | - Clive J. C. Phillips
- Curtin University Sustainability Policy (CUSP) Institute, Curtin University, Perth 6845, Australia;
| | - Ristan M. Greer
- Torus Research, Bridgeman Downs 4035, Australia;
- School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston 4006, Australia
| | - Solomon M. Woldeyohannes
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia; (S.M.W.); (N.R.P.); (L.J.K.); (B.J.A.)
| | - Nigel R. Perkins
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia; (S.M.W.); (N.R.P.); (L.J.K.); (B.J.A.)
| | - Lisa J. Kidd
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia; (S.M.W.); (N.R.P.); (L.J.K.); (B.J.A.)
| | - Benjamin J. Ahern
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia; (S.M.W.); (N.R.P.); (L.J.K.); (B.J.A.)
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O'Brien TJ, Rosanowski SM, Mitchell KD, Carrick JB, Butt TD, Adkins AR. Factors associated with survival and racing performance of 114 Thoroughbred foals with septic arthritis compared with maternal siblings (2009-2015). Equine Vet J 2020; 53:935-943. [PMID: 33205483 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is little consensus on factors associated with survival in foals with septic arthritis and limited data on long-term racing performance of Thoroughbred foals treated for septic arthritis. A more thorough understanding of short- and long-term outcome is necessary to help inform owners, and subsequently guide treatment. OBJECTIVES To investigate factors associated with survival, and to analyse racing performance of foals with septic arthritis compared with their maternal siblings. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort and a case-control study. METHODS Veterinary clinical records of Thoroughbred foals ≤180 days old that underwent arthroscopic, cannulae or through-and-through needle lavage for the treatment of septic arthritis between 2009 and 2015 were reviewed. Data included signalment, and clinicopathological information. The dam's foaling records were reviewed and the lifetime racing records were obtained for affected foals and two of their maternal siblings. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with survival to discharge or racing. Comparisons between treated foals and their maternal siblings were made. RESULTS Ninety (78%) of 115 foals diagnosed with septic arthritis were discharged alive. Foals <26 days old at the time of admission were five times less likely (P = .003) and foals with concurrent multisystemic disease were six times less likely (P = .02) to be discharged alive. Sixty (67%) foals discharged alive started in ≥1 race, and there was no difference in the proportion of foals that started in a race or racing performance between foals treated for septic arthritis and their maternal siblings. MAIN LIMITATIONS Retrospective study design, limited number of foals with multiple joint involvement and failure to accurately record duration of clinical signs. CONCLUSIONS Foals treated for septic arthritis at the Scone Equine Hospital, New South Wales, Australia had a good prognosis for survival, and for this cohort, foals that survived to discharge had a similar ability to race as their maternal siblings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah M Rosanowski
- Centre for Applied One Health Research and Policy Advice, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | - Joan B Carrick
- Equine Specialist Consulting, Scone, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Troy D Butt
- Scone Equine Hospital, Scone, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Angus R Adkins
- Scone Equine Hospital, Scone, New South Wales, Australia
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Crawford KL, Finnane A, Greer RM, Phillips CJC, Woldeyohannes SM, Perkins NR, Ahern BJ. Appraising the Welfare of Thoroughbred Racehorses in Training in Queensland, Australia: The Incidence and Type of Musculoskeletal Injuries Vary between Two-Year-Old and Older Thoroughbred Racehorses. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10112046. [PMID: 33167429 PMCID: PMC7694396 DOI: 10.3390/ani10112046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) remain a concerning cause of racehorse morbidity and mortality with serious ethical and welfare consequences. Previous research examining risk factors for injuries report inconsistent findings. Age is thought to affect the risk of injury, but, to date, there have been no prospective studies specifically comparing injuries between two-year-old versus older horses. We aimed to: (1) determine the incidence of injuries for two-year-old and older horses, and whether this was affected by training track, season, or rainfall, and (2) determine the types of injuries affecting two-year-old and older horses, and whether horses trialled or raced after injury. Data were collected through personal structured weekly interviews with participating trainers over a 13-month period. Data were analysed using Poisson regression. The incidence of MSI in the current study was low (0.6%). The incidence of MSI in two-year-old horses was higher than older horses. Types of MSI varied between two-year-old and older horses and affected whether horses subsequently trialled or raced from 11 to 23 months after injury. A larger proportion of two-year-old horses had dorsal metacarpal disease and traumatic lacerations. A smaller proportion of two-year-old horses had suspensory desmitis, superficial digital flexor tendonitis, proximal sesamoid bone fractures, and fetlock joint injuries than older horses. Training track and rainfall did not affect the incidence of injuries. The season affected the incidence of injuries in two-year-old horses but not in older horses. Abstract Musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) remain a concerning cause of racehorse morbidity and mortality with important ethical and welfare consequences. Previous research examining risk factors for MSI report inconsistent findings. Age is thought to affect MSI risk, but, to date, there have been no prospective studies comparing MSI in two-year-old versus older horses. This study aimed to: (1) determine the incidence of MSI for two-year-old and older horses, and whether this was affected by training track, season, or rainfall, and (2) determine the types of MSI affecting two-year-old and older horses, and whether horses trialled or raced after injury. A prospective survey was conducted with data collected through personal structured weekly interviews with participating trainers over a 13-month period. Data were analysed using Poisson regression. The incidence of MSI in the current study was low (0.6%). The incidence of MSI in two-year-old horses was higher than older horses (p < 0.001). Types of MSI varied between two-year-old and older horses (p < 0.001) and affected whether horses subsequently trailed or raced from 11 to 23 months after injury (p < 0.001). A larger proportion of two-year-old horses had dorsal metacarpal disease and traumatic lacerations. A smaller proportion of two-year-old horses had suspensory ligament desmitis, superficial digital flexor tendonitis, proximal sesamoid bone fractures, and fetlock joint injuries than older horses. Training track and rainfall did not affect MSI. The season affected MSI in two-year-old horses (p < 0.001) but not older horses. The major limitation was that trainers in this study were metropolitan (city) and our findings may not be generalisable to racehorses in regional (country) areas. Another significant limitation was the assumption that MSI was the reason for failure to trial or race after injury. In conclusion, the incidence of MSI was low in the current study and the types and the risk factors for MSI are different for two-year-old and older horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylie L. Crawford
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, 4343 Gatton, Australia; (S.M.W.); (N.R.P.); (B.J.A.)
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, 4006 Herston, Australia;
- Correspondence:
| | - Anna Finnane
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, 4006 Herston, Australia;
| | - Ristan M. Greer
- Torus Research, 4035 Bridgeman Downs, Australia;
- School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, 4006 Herston, Australia
| | - Clive J. C. Phillips
- Curtin University Sustainability Policy (CUSP) Institute, Curtin University, 6845 Perth, Australia;
| | - Solomon M. Woldeyohannes
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, 4343 Gatton, Australia; (S.M.W.); (N.R.P.); (B.J.A.)
| | - Nigel R. Perkins
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, 4343 Gatton, Australia; (S.M.W.); (N.R.P.); (B.J.A.)
| | - Benjamin J. Ahern
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, 4343 Gatton, Australia; (S.M.W.); (N.R.P.); (B.J.A.)
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Flash ML, Wong ASM, Stevenson MA, Gilkerson JR. Barriers to entering race training before 4 years of age for Thoroughbred horses born in the 2014 Australian foal crop. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237003. [PMID: 32756576 PMCID: PMC7406052 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, there is a paucity of data on the barriers for Australian Thoroughbred horses transitioning from stud farm to racetrack. This paper reports the reasons why horses failed to enter race training and documents their exit destinations. Biographical records of Australian Thoroughbred horses born in 2014 were investigated to determine the number of horses that had not officially entered race training by the start of the 4-year old racing season (1 August 2018). Of the 13,677 foals born in 2014, 66% had commenced training and 51% had raced before the beginning of their 4-year-old season in Australia. A sampling frame based on the post code of the premises where foals were born and records from Racing Australia were used to select a geographically representative sample of the 2014 Australian Thoroughbred foal crop (n = 4,124). From the population eligible for sampling 1,275 horses that had not entered training were enrolled in the survey and their breeders were sent an online questionnaire with follow-up phone calls for those who had not responded. Of the 633 responses (50% of 1275) the most frequent outcomes for horses were: death (38%, n = 239), participation in the racing industry in their 4-year old racing season (24%, n = 154) and retirement (16%, n = 100) either as Australian Stud Book (ASB) bloodstock (n = 17), or as horses rehomed outside the Thoroughbred industry (n = 83). Illness or injury was the most frequent reason for horses not entering race training that were ASB bloodstock, rehomed or deceased. There was a loss of traceability at the point of sale with most horses sold at 1 year of age. This study provides important information on the reasons, alternative outcomes and gaps in traceability for horses not entering training prior to the 4-year-old racing season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith L. Flash
- Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Adelene S. M. Wong
- Equine Centre, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark A. Stevenson
- Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - James R. Gilkerson
- Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Patterns of Racing and Career Duration of Racing Greyhounds in New Zealand. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10050796. [PMID: 32380681 PMCID: PMC7278431 DOI: 10.3390/ani10050796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary There is limited information on the career length and patterns of racing for greyhounds. Performance outcomes, including number of racing starts, career length and the age at which greyhounds finish racing, provide insight into causes of attrition in the greyhound racing industry. To investigate trends in greyhound racing careers a baseline is required. This paper presents results from a retrospective cohort study exploring career duration and patterns of racing of greyhounds in New Zealand. Abstract The welfare and wastage of racing greyhounds is a topic of public concern. Little is published about the racing patterns of these dogs in New Zealand. The aim of this study is to describe the pattern of greyhound racing in New Zealand. Data on all race starts between 1 August 2011 and 25 March 2018 were supplied by Greyhound Racing New Zealand. A cohort was created containing dogs that had a racing career between 1 August 2013 and 31 July 2017. Data were collated within a customized Microsoft Access database from electronic records of all racing starts for every dog within the 2013–2016 racing seasons. For this cohort of racing dogs, there were 97,973 race starts across 22,277 races involving 2393 individual greyhounds. The median number of days between racing starts was 7 days (inter-quartile range (IQR): 4–10 days). The median career length was 424 days (IQR: 206–647 days) and the median number of racing starts throughout a racing career was 35 (IQR: 16–59 starts). Dogs of similar ability finished their career at a similar age.
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Rogers CW, Bolwell CF, Gee EK, Rosanowski SM. Equine musculoskeletal development and performance: impact of the production system and early training. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1071/an17685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The welfare debate around horse racing appears to be focussed on musculoskeletal injury and the racing of 2-year-olds. Much of this debate appears contrary to the evolutionary history of the horse as a cursorial animal and the capability of the equine musculoskeletal system to respond to the demands of race training. Epidemiological studies have reported that 2-year-old racehorses have a longer time period from entering training to the first race and a greater number of lost training days than older horses. However, this is, in part, due to the time taken to learn to train and the impact of dorsal metacarpal disease, which is due to loading of naïve as opposed to immature tissue. Across several racing jurisdictions and codes, it has been demonstrated that horses that train and race as 2-year-olds have longer, more successful, careers than those that start racing later in life. This positive trend has also been observed with horses starting in equestrian sport at an early age. The literature on the growth and development of the horse indicates that the musculoskeletal system is primed for activity and loading from an early age. Additional exercise for the young horse has a positive rather the negative effect, with many tissues having a sensitive period for ‘priming’ when the horse is a juvenile. This implies that under many modern management systems, the challenge to horse welfare is not ‘too much exercise too soon’ but ‘too little too late’. The current limitation in our understanding is the lack of knowledge of what is the correct exercise dose to optimise the musculoskeletal system. Modern management systems invariably provide too little exercise, but is the exercise data from feral horses the ‘gold standard’, or more a reflection of what the horse is capable of if resources such as food and water are limited? Further research is required to refine our understanding of the optimal exercise levels required and development of greater precision in identifying the sensitive periods for priming the musculoskeletal system.
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Parkes RSV, Weller R, Pfau T, Witte TH. The Effect of Training on Stride Duration in a Cohort of Two-Year-Old and Three-Year-Old Thoroughbred Racehorses. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9070466. [PMID: 31336595 PMCID: PMC6680649 DOI: 10.3390/ani9070466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Objective gait monitoring via GPS and motion sensors is becoming increasingly popular with racehorse trainers. This has the potential to assist in early detection of lameness and performance issues. This study sought to identify normal changes in gait in a population of two and three-year-old racehorses in order to inform future studies. We found that horses decrease their stride duration at a given speed over time with training. Stride duration appears to increase with increased distance galloped, but this effect is reduced over a training season and presumably increased fitness, so this may serve as a useful indicator for fatigue. Abstract Objective gait monitoring is increasingly accessible to trainers. A more comprehensive understanding of ‘normal’ gait adaptations is required. Forty two-year-old thoroughbred racehorses were recruited when entering training and followed for 22 months. Gait analysis was performed by equipping each horse with an inertial measurement unit with inbuilt GPS (GPS-IMU) mounted on the dorsum. Horses were exercised as per their regular training regimen. Data were analysed using a linear mixed model. For two-year-old horses, there was a non-linear pattern of stride duration (SD) over time (p < 0.001) with SD decreasing initially and then ‘flattening off’ over time (linear and quadratic coefficients −0.29 ms/week and 0.006 ms/week2). Horses showed an increase in SD of 2.21 ms (p < 0.001) per 100 m galloped, and over time, SD decreased by 0.04 ms (p < 0.001) with each 100 m galloped per week. Three-year-old horses overall showed no change in SD over time (p = 0.52), but those that had a period of time off showed a decrease in SD of −0.59 ms per week (p = 0.02). They showed an increase in SD of 1.99 ms (p < 0.001) per 100 m galloped, and horses that had a period of time off showed an increase in stride duration of 1.05 ms per 100 m galloped (p = 0.01) compared to horses which did not have time off. Horses demonstrate an adaptation to high-speed exercise over time. SD decreases with training when other factors are controlled for in naïve horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca S V Parkes
- Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
- Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK.
| | - Renate Weller
- Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Thilo Pfau
- Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK
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20
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Todd ET, Jäderkvist Fegraeus K, Thomson PC, Ihler CF, Strand E, Lindgren G, Velie BD. Premie race participation is associated with increased career longevity and prize money earnings in Norwegian-Swedish Coldblooded Trotters. ACTA AGR SCAND A-AN 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/09064702.2018.1563211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E. T. Todd
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - K. Jäderkvist Fegraeus
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - P. C. Thomson
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - C. F. Ihler
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - E. Strand
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - G. Lindgren
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - B. D. Velie
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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21
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Velie BD, Jäderkvist Fegraeus K, Ihler CF, Lindgren G, Strand E. Competition lifespan survival analysis in the Norwegian‐Swedish Coldblooded Trotter racehorse. Equine Vet J 2018; 51:206-211. [DOI: 10.1111/evj.12989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- B. D. Velie
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Uppsala Sweden
| | - K. Jäderkvist Fegraeus
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Uppsala Sweden
| | - C. F. Ihler
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Norwegian University of Life Sciences Oslo Norway
| | - G. Lindgren
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Uppsala Sweden
| | - E. Strand
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Norwegian University of Life Sciences Oslo Norway
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Physick-Sheard PW, Avison A, Chappell E, MacIver M. Ontario Racehorse Death Registry, 2003-2015: Descriptive analysis and rates of mortality. Equine Vet J 2018; 51:64-76. [PMID: 29672910 DOI: 10.1111/evj.12955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Province of Ontario maintains a registry of racehorse deaths occurring within 60 days of a race or trial entry that provides insight into mortality rates and costs of competition. OBJECTIVES To characterise and quantify mortality and identify breed differences. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective annualised cohort study. METHODS The Ontario Death Registry for 2003-2015, containing 1713 cases, was audited and information on the relationship between death and official work added. Race and trial data from industry performance databases were used to determine mortality rates according to breed, year, age, sex and circumstances of death. RESULTS Breed differences in mortality rate and individual risk were found. Thoroughbreds (Tb) had the greatest exercise-associated mortality (EAM) rate and risk by all measures (2.27 deaths/1000 race starts, 0.95-1.0% annual individual risk), followed by Quarter horses (Qh, 1.49, 0.60-0.69%). Rate and risk were lowest for Standardbreds (Sb, 0.28, 0.23-0.24%). Nonexercise annual individual risk was highest for the Sb (0.45%, vs. Tb 0.33%, and Qh 0.32%). Pattern and type of EAM mirrored the characteristics of competitive activity in each industry, with high Tb and Qh mortality being associated with exercise and involving musculoskeletal injuries, dying suddenly and accidents. Low Sb EAM reflected the more extensive nature of training preparation and racing for this breed. MAIN LIMITATIONS Available data provided no information on morbidity, mortality beyond the 60-day horizon or for horses not racing. Numbers for the Qh were low. CONCLUSIONS Race-intensity exercise is clearly hazardous for horses, with hazards varying widely between breeds and showing parallels with industry cultural and management norms. Breed differences provide insights concerning strategies that could reduce mortality, while improving welfare and reducing costs of participation. For all breeds, musculoskeletal injury was the major contributing cause of mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- P W Physick-Sheard
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - A Avison
- DVM Program, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - E Chappell
- DVM Program, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - M MacIver
- DVM Program, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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Smith LCR, Wylie CE, Palmer L, Ramzan PHL. A longitudinal study of fractures in 1488 Thoroughbred racehorses receiving intrasynovial medication: 2006-2011. Equine Vet J 2018; 50:774-780. [DOI: 10.1111/evj.12833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - C. E. Wylie
- Rossdales Equine Hospital; Newmarket Suffolk UK
| | - L. Palmer
- Rossdales Equine Hospital; Newmarket Suffolk UK
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Thompson KR, Clarkson L, Riley CB, van den Berg M. Horse Husbandry and Preventive Health Practices in Australia: An Online Survey of Horse Guardians. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2018; 21:347-361. [DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2018.1428099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kirrilly R. Thompson
- Appleton Institute for Behavioural Science, Central Queensland University, Wayville, South Australia, Australia
| | | | - Christopher B. Riley
- Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Farries G, McGettigan PA, Gough KF, McGivney BA, MacHugh DE, Katz LM, Hill EW. Genetic contributions to precocity traits in racing Thoroughbreds. Anim Genet 2017; 49:193-204. [PMID: 29230835 DOI: 10.1111/age.12622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Adaptation to early training and racing (i.e. precocity), which is highly variable in racing Thoroughbreds, has implications for the selection and training of horses. We hypothesised that precocity in Thoroughbred racehorses is heritable. Age at first sprint training session (work day), age at first race and age at best race were used as phenotypes to quantify precocity. Using high-density SNP array data, additive SNP heritability (hSNP2) was estimated to be 0.17, 0.14 and 0.17 for the three traits respectively. In genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for age at first race and age at best race, a 1.98-Mb region on equine chromosome 18 (ECA18) was identified. The most significant association was with the myostatin (MSTN) g.66493737C>T SNP (P = 5.46 × 10-12 and P = 1.89 × 10-14 respectively). In addition, two SNPs on ECA1 (g.37770220G>A and g.37770305T>C) within the first intron of the serotonin receptor gene HTR7 were significantly associated with age at first race and age at best race. Although no significant associations were identified for age at first work day, the MSTN:g.66493737C>T SNP was among the top 20 SNPs in the GWAS (P = 3.98 × 10-5 ). Here we have identified variants with potential roles in early adaptation to training. Although there was an overlap in genes associated with precocity and distance aptitude (i.e. MSTN), the HTR7 variants were more strongly associated with precocity than with distance. Because HTR7 is closely related to the HTR1A gene, previously implicated in tractability in young Thoroughbreds, this suggests that behavioural traits may influence precocity.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Farries
- UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland
| | - P A McGettigan
- UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland
| | - K F Gough
- UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland
| | - B A McGivney
- UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland.,Plusvital Ltd., Dun Laoghaire Industrial Estate, Pottery Road, Dublin, A96 KW29, Ireland
| | - D E MacHugh
- UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland.,UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland
| | - L M Katz
- UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland
| | - E W Hill
- UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland.,Plusvital Ltd., Dun Laoghaire Industrial Estate, Pottery Road, Dublin, A96 KW29, Ireland
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Affiliation(s)
- A.J. Stirk
- British Horseracing Authority - Equine Science and Welfare; London UK
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Solé M, Sánchez MJ, Valera M, Molina A, Azor PJ, Sölkner J, Mészáros G. Assessment of sportive longevity in Pura Raza Español dressage horses. Livest Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2017.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Solé M, Valera M, Gómez M, Sölkner J, Molina A, Mészáros G. Heritability and factors associated with number of harness race starts in the Spanish Trotter horse population. Equine Vet J 2016; 49:288-293. [DOI: 10.1111/evj.12632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Solé
- Department of Agro-Forestry Sciences; ETSIA; University of Seville; Seville Spain
| | - M. Valera
- Department of Agro-Forestry Sciences; ETSIA; University of Seville; Seville Spain
| | - M.D. Gómez
- Department of Agro-Forestry Sciences; ETSIA; University of Seville; Seville Spain
| | - J. Sölkner
- Division of Livestock Sciences; University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences-Vienna; Wien Austria
| | - A. Molina
- Department of Genetics; University of Cordoba; Cordoba Spain
| | - G. Mészáros
- Division of Livestock Sciences; University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences-Vienna; Wien Austria
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Velie BD, Hamilton NA, Wade CM. Heritability of racing performance in the Australian Thoroughbred racing population. Anim Genet 2014; 46:23-9. [DOI: 10.1111/age.12234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/23/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- B. D. Velie
- Faculty of Veterinary Science; University of Sydney; Camperdown Sydney NSW 2006 Australia
| | - N. A. Hamilton
- Faculty of Veterinary Science; University of Sydney; Camperdown Sydney NSW 2006 Australia
| | - C. M. Wade
- Faculty of Veterinary Science; University of Sydney; Camperdown Sydney NSW 2006 Australia
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Martig S, Chen W, Lee PVS, Whitton RC. Bone fatigue and its implications for injuries in racehorses. Equine Vet J 2014; 46:408-15. [DOI: 10.1111/evj.12241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Accepted: 01/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Martig
- Faculty of Veterinary Science; The University of Melbourne; Werribee Victoria Australia
| | - W. Chen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Melbourne School of Engineering; The University of Melbourne; Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - P. V. S. Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Melbourne School of Engineering; The University of Melbourne; Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - R. C. Whitton
- Faculty of Veterinary Science; The University of Melbourne; Werribee Victoria Australia
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