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Aragona F, Arfuso F, Rizzo M, Fazio F, Acri G, Piccione G, Giannetto C. Using infrared thermography for the evaluation of road transport thermal homeostasis in athletic horse. J Equine Vet Sci 2024; 138:105102. [PMID: 38815839 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate changes in body temperature in athletic horses during two different road transport distances. Six Italian Saddle horses were subjected to a 100 and 300 km transport during different times of day (am and pm). Rectal and cutaneous temperatures were recorded before (T0), immediately (following 5 min- T1) and 1 hour (T2) after transport by means of a rectal digital thermometer and a thermal infrared camera (FLIR T440) respectively, for the evaluation of left and right side of four body regions: jugular, shoulder, croup and inner thigh. There were no differences between left and right sides, inner thigh or rectal temperatures when comparing the transport distance, time points or time of day. At T0, jugular (P < 0.0001), shoulder (P < 0.01) and croup (P < 0.01) average temperatures were higher in the pm compared to those in the am in both journeys. At T1, jugular (P < 0.01) and croup (P < 0.01) temperatures were lower in the pm compared to am following the 300 km journey. Jugular temperature (P < 0.0001) was higher following the 300 km compared to the 100 km journey at each time point (T1 and T2) at both times of day (am and pm). Shoulder (P < 0.0001) and croup temperatures (P < 0.0001) were higher at T2 after the 300 km journey than at T2 after the 100 km journey). The current results suggested a difference between the two distances and the time of day appeared to have as great effect on ocular temperature as road transport distance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Aragona
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo University Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Francesca Arfuso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo University Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy.
| | - Maria Rizzo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo University Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Fazio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo University Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Acri
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Piccione
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo University Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Claudia Giannetto
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo University Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy
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Jacquay ET, Harris PA, Stowe CJ, McIntosh BJ, Adams AA. A survey of general road transportation: How and why horses are transported in the U.S. J Equine Vet Sci 2024:105137. [PMID: 38909768 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105137] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Horses are regularly transported in the United States (U.S.); however, how, and why horses travel by road has not been explored. Consequently, an online nationwide survey was conducted to understand 1) the most common reasons for travel; 2) the types of journeys undertaken when being transported by road in the U.S. and 3) the general management practices when transporting for 3 hours or less. Responses were collected from 1294 participants with at least one response from every state in the continental U.S. The most common survey taker was a female (93.9%), adult amateur (81.2%), horse owner (64.6%) who rode recreationally (33.1%) and transported their own horse (79.4%). The most common reasons for travel were for trail or leisure riding (34.2%) followed by showing and competition (25.3%); however, this varied by discipline. The most common trip duration was less than one hour (46.8%), with only 12.4% of the most common trip durations being 4 hours or more. The most common specific horse transported by road for 3 hours or less was an adult (age 5-15; 59.0%), Quarter Horse (21.2%), used for pleasure or trail riding (44.3%). The biggest concern when transporting was injury to the horse (26.7%), whilst the biggest factor when planning to travel was the weather (24.1%). These results provide insight into why horses are being transported by road in the U.S. and that it is more common to transport horses for shorter durations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica T Jacquay
- MARS Equestrian Scholar, M.H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America.
| | - Patricia A Harris
- Equine Studies Group, Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Waltham-on-the-Wolds, Leicestershire, England, United Kingdom
| | - C Jill Stowe
- Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | | | - Amanda A Adams
- MARS Equestrian Research Fellow, M.H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
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Tavanaeimanesh H, Alinia Z, Sadeghian Chaleshtori S, Moosavian H, Mohebi Z, Daneshi M. The efficacy of N-acetylcysteine in decreasing airway inflammation and mucus accumulation in horses with 18 hours of head confinement. J Vet Intern Med 2024; 38:1224-1231. [PMID: 38236790 PMCID: PMC10937485 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During transportation many horses develop post-transportation infection, which can be life-threatening and end their sport career. Preventing mucus accumulation and inflammation during transportation is vital, emphasizing the need for effective strategies to enhance overall horse health welfare. OBJECTIVES Assess the impact of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on mucus accumulation and inflammation in horses subjected to 18 hours of head confinement. ANIMALS Six healthy crossbred horses, 5.3 ± 2.1 years of age and weighing 387 ± 30 kg. METHODS Prospective placebo-controlled cross-over design study. The horses' heads were restrained in their stalls for a period of 18 hours. They were studied under 4 conditions: Not confined (NC): before head confinement, placebo (P), and confined head (CH): 18 hours of head confinement without treatment, and N-Acetylcysteine (NAC): 18 hours of head confinement treated with NAC before confinement (15 mg/kg/day NAC PO for 3 days). Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed in each condition. Mucus accumulation along the trachea was evaluated by endoscopy. RESULTS Endoscopic scores were significantly different between CH and other conditions, whereas no significant differences were found among NC, P, and NAC. The BAL cell count (34 291 ± 2624 cells/μL), neutrophil and lymphocyte count (18 601 ± 3193 cells/μL and 3337.4 ± 593 cells/μL, respectively) in CH were significantly higher compared to NAC. Neutrophil percentage was significantly higher in CH (53.8 ± 8%) compared to horses that received NAC (20.08 ± 8%). Conversely, in comparison to NAC (66.33 ± 9%), the percentage of macrophages was significantly lower in CH (35.7 ± 10%). CONCLUSIONS N-acetylcysteine was found to significantly decrease mucus accumulation and inflammatory cell counts in horses with head confinement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Tavanaeimanesh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of TehranTehranIran
| | - Zahra Alinia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of TehranTehranIran
| | | | - Hamidreza Moosavian
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of TehranTehranIran
| | - Zeinab Mohebi
- Faculty of PharmacyKermanshah University of Medical SciencesKermanshahIran
| | - Mojtaba Daneshi
- Department of Animal ScienceNorth Dakota State UniversityFargoNorth DakotaUSA
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McGilloway M, Manley S, Aho A, Heeringa KN, Lou Y, Squires EJ, Pearson W. The combination of trailer transport and exercise increases gastrointestinal permeability and markers of systemic inflammation in horses. Equine Vet J 2023; 55:853-861. [PMID: 36210653 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leaky gut syndrome (LGS) is an idiopathic disorder characterised by alterations in intestinal permeability and low-grade systemic inflammation. Factors contributing to development of LGS are not well-understood but physiological stressors such as exercise and transport may play a role which may be of pathophysiological relevance in horses. OBJECTIVES To characterise the combined effect of transport stress and exercise on gastrointestinal permeability, and to determine whether these effects are associated with increased inflammatory biomarkers in plasma. STUDY DESIGN Controlled, randomised and cross-over study. METHODS Horses (n = 8 per group) were given a gastrointestinal permeability tracer (iohexol; 5.6% solution; 1 ml/kg bwt) via nasogastric entubation prior to being assigned to a stressed (EX; 1 h of trailer transport immediately followed by 30 min moderate intensity exercise; n = 4) or sedentary control (CON; n = 4) group. Plasma samples were obtained prior to iohexol administration (P1), after transport (P2), at exercise cessation (P3), and at 1 (P4), 2 (P5), 4 (P6) and 8 (P7) hours after cessation of exercise and were analysed for iohexol, inflammatory biomarkers (SAA, LPS, IFABP and LBP) and tight junction proteins (zonulin). Faecal samples were collected at times corresponding to before and after stress from both groups and analysed for zonulin. Data were analysed using a 2-way RM ANOVA. RESULTS In EX horses, a significant increase in iohexol was observed at P2 (1.5 ± 0.24 μg/ml; p = 0.03), P3 (2.1 ± 0.29 μg/ml; p < 0.001), P4 (2.1 ± 0.17 μg/ml; p < 0.001) compared with P1 (0.7 ± 0.21 μg/ml); iohexol was significantly higher in EX than CON horses at P3 (p < 0.001), P4 (p < 0.001) and P5 (p = 0.003). LPS and SAA were significantly higher in EX than CON at P4 (p < 0.001) and P6 (p = 0.04), respectively. MAIN LIMITATIONS Data from our small sample size may not be generalisable to the larger equine population. CONCLUSIONS Combined transport and exercise increases gastrointestinal permeability and systemic SAA and LPS. The model described herein may be useful in further studies on the role of alterations in gastrointestinal permeability in equine disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa McGilloway
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shannon Manley
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alyssa Aho
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Keisha N Heeringa
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yanping Lou
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eli James Squires
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wendy Pearson
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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Jacquay ET, Harris PA, Adams AA. Age-Related Differences in Short-Term Transportation Stress Responses of Horses. J Equine Vet Sci 2023; 128:104879. [PMID: 37399910 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Transportation of horses on short journeys can lead to an increase in stress. There are known age-associated changes in immune and metabolic responses in horses; however, no research exists evaluating how age may influence these responses to transportation stress. Eleven mares within two age groups, aged (n = 5, 22 ± 1 year) or young (n = 6, 2 ± 1 year), were transported 1 hour and 20 minutes. Peripheral blood and saliva were collected before and after transportation at baseline (2 to 3 weeks prior to transportation), 24 hours pre-transport, 1 hour before loading, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 to 3 hours, 24 hours and 8 days post-transport. Heart rates, rectal temperatures, under the tail temperatures, serum cortisol, plasma ACTH, serum insulin, salivary cortisol and salivary IL-6 were measured. Whole blood gene expression of the cytokines IL-1b, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, IFNγ, and TNFα were determined through qPCR, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated, stimulated, and stained to determine IFNγ and TNFα production. Serum cortisol (P < .0001), salivary cortisol (P < .0001) and heart rate (P = .0002) increased in response to transportation with no age differences. Rectal (P = .03) and under the tail temperatures (P = .02) were increased in young versus aged horses. ACTH was higher in aged horses (P = .007) and post-transportation (P = .0001). Aged horses showed a greater increase in insulin compared with young horses (P < .0001). While age does not seem to impact cortisol responses to short-term transportation in horses, it did influence the post transportation insulin response to stress in aged horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica T Jacquay
- Department of Veterinary Science, MARS EQUESTRIAN Scholar, M.H. Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY.
| | - Patricia A Harris
- Equine Studies Group, Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Waltham on the Wolds, Leicestershire, England, UK
| | - Amanda A Adams
- Department of Veterinary Science, MARS EQUESTRIAN Research Fellow, M.H. Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
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Arfuso F, Rizzo M, Giannetto C, Giudice E, Piccione G, Fazio F, Cirincione R, Cassata G, Cicero L. Inflammatory-like status and acute stress response in horses after road transport. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9858. [PMID: 37330619 PMCID: PMC10276830 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37069-1] [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: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the change of white blood cell count, serum concentration of cortisol, C-reactive protein, albumin and globulin fractions in horse after road transport, and to assess the linkage among hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) and inflammatory reaction. From 10 horses blood samples were collected at rest, before road transport (218 km) (BT); after unloaded (AT), 30 and 60 min after unloaded (AT30 and AT60) in order to assess white blood cell count (WBC), serum cortisol, C-reactive protein (CRP), total proteins, albumin, α1-, α-2, β1-, β2- and γ-globulins. WBC, cortisol, CRP, α1-, α-2 and β2-globulins values increased after road transport than rest condition (p < 0.001). Albumin and A/G ratio showed lower values after road transport than rest (p < 0.001). Pearson's test showed a negative correlation between cortisol and the values of WBC, CRP, α1-, α2-, β1-, β2- globulins, and a positive correlation between WBC and serum concentration of CRP, α1- and α2-, β1-, β2-globulins at AT and AT30. The results showed that road transport evokes an inflammatory like-status in horses. Moreover, the activation of HPA and the onset of acute phase reaction in response to road transport seem to be interconnected with effects on horse's immune status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Arfuso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168, Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Rizzo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168, Messina, Italy
| | - Claudia Giannetto
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168, Messina, Italy.
| | - Elisabetta Giudice
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168, Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Piccione
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168, Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Fazio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168, Messina, Italy
| | - Roberta Cirincione
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri", 90129, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giovanni Cassata
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri", 90129, Palermo, Italy
| | - Luca Cicero
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri", 90129, Palermo, Italy
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"Not All Who Wander Are Lost": The Life Transitions and Associated Welfare of Pack Mules Walking the Trails in the Mountainous Gorkha Region, Nepal. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12223152. [PMID: 36428381 PMCID: PMC9686551 DOI: 10.3390/ani12223152] [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: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Equids in general experience transient lives where ownership may change multiple times, for working equids this can be more extreme where ownership changes are not only numerous but abrupt, and situations encountered prove difficult, diverse and tough for equids to adapt. In this study, we investigate the life cycle of pack mules in Nepal, investigating the challenges they face during their lives through to end of life. To gain insight into the lives of mules, we conducted semi-structured interviews and livelihood surveys with 27 key informants, gathering the perspectives of the people working with mules. Welfare assessments of the mules were undertaken via the Equid Assessment Research and Scoping tool (EARS) by a trained assessor. Mules had to adapt swiftly to changes in industry type, enduring long distance transportation in overloaded vehicles and across country borders with no checks for biosecurity or welfare. Mules had to show swift adaptation to their new environment, to respond to and learn new tasks via inhumanely administered training, using inappropriate techniques, delivered by owners lacking in understanding of mule behaviour and learning. Environmental conditions were often hard; the negotiation of difficult terrain and challenging weather conditions during monsoon and subsequent high-altitude working without acclimatisation likely pushed mules to their biological limits. This study investigates the lives of a population of mules in the mountains of Nepal, developing a better understanding of their needs and their 'truth' or 'telos' informing what measures will help them to thrive.
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Gonzalez-Obando J, Forero JE, Zuluaga-Cabrera AM, Ruiz-Saenz J. Equine Influenza Virus: An Old Known Enemy in the Americas. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10101718. [PMID: 36298583 PMCID: PMC9610386 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10101718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Equine influenza is a highly contagious disease caused by the H3N8 equine influenza virus (EIV), which is endemically distributed throughout the world. It infects equids, and interspecies transmission to dogs has been reported. The H3N8 Florida lineage, which is divided into clades 1 and 2, is the most representative lineage in the Americas. The EIV infects the respiratory system, affecting the ciliated epithelial cells and preventing the elimination of foreign bodies and substances. Certain factors related to the disease, such as an outdated vaccination plan, age, training, and close contact with other animals, favor the presentation of equine influenza. This review focuses on the molecular, pathophysiological, and epidemiological characteristics of EIV in the Americas to present updated information to achieve prevention and control of the virus. We also discuss the need for monitoring the disease, the use of vaccines, and the appropriate application of those biologicals, among other biosecurity measures that are important for the control of the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Gonzalez-Obando
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Animales—GRICA, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Bucaramanga 680002, Colombia
| | - Jorge Eduardo Forero
- Grupo de Investigación en Microbiología Veterinaria, Escuela de Microbiología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia
| | - Angélica M Zuluaga-Cabrera
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Fundación Universitaria Autónoma de las Américas, Circular 73 N°35-04, Medellín 050010, Colombia
| | - Julián Ruiz-Saenz
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Animales—GRICA, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Bucaramanga 680002, Colombia
- Correspondence:
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9
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Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Canali E, Drewe JA, Garin‐Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Gortázar Schmidt C, Michel V, Miranda Chueca MÁ, Padalino B, Pasquali P, Roberts HC, Spoolder H, Stahl K, Velarde A, Viltrop A, Winckler C, Earley B, Edwards S, Faucitano L, Marti S, Miranda de La Lama GC, Costa LN, Thomsen PT, Ashe S, Mur L, Van der Stede Y, Herskin M. Welfare of equidae during transport. EFSA J 2022; 20:e07444. [PMID: 36092762 PMCID: PMC9449990 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2022.7444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In the framework of its Farm to Fork Strategy, the Commission is undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of animal welfare legislation. This opinion deals with the protection of horses and donkeys during transport. While the opinion focuses primarily on road transport of horses, there are specific sections dealing with the transport of horses on roll-on-roll-off ferries, horses transported by air and the transport of donkeys. In addition, the opinion covers welfare concerns in relation to a specific scenario identified by the European Commission related to the transport of horses on long journeys to slaughterhouses. Current practices related to transport of horses during the different stages (preparation, loading and unloading, transit and the journey breaks) are described. Overall, 13 welfare consequences were identified as being highly relevant for the welfare of horses during transport based on severity, duration and frequency of occurrence: gastro-enteric disorders, handling stress, heat stress, injuries, isolation stress, motion stress, prolonged hunger, prolonged thirst, respiratory disorders, resting problems, restriction of movement, sensory overstimulation and separation stress. These welfare consequences and their animal-based measures are described. A variety of hazards were identified related to factors such as inexperienced/untrained handlers, lack of horse training, structural deficiencies of vehicles/facilities, poor driving skills/conditions, horse separation/regrouping, unfavourable microclimatic and environmental conditions and poor husbandry practices. The opinion contains general and specific conclusions in relation to the different stages of transport. Recommendations to prevent hazards and correct or mitigate welfare consequences have been developed. Recommendations were also developed to define quantitative thresholds for microclimatic conditions within the means of transport and for space allowance. The development of welfare consequences over time was assessed in relation to maximum journey time.
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10
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Kang H, Sole-Guitart A, Mellor VA, Gaughan JB, Zsoldos RR. The use of percutaneous thermal sensing microchips for non-invasive measurement of body temperature in foals during summer seasons in a subtropical region. Animal 2022; 16:100620. [PMID: 35994970 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2022.100620] [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: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Continuous accurate attainment of the body temperature of foals is important to detect early stages of severe heat stress or fever due to a systemic illness. Among a number of methods to measure body temperature, measuring rectal temperature with a digital thermometer is most frequently used due to being relatively fast and simple method. It is also comparatively accurate and correlates well with the core body temperature. However, this method requires restraining the foal for a few seconds to obtain the temperature, and it can be dangerous for the handling person. Percutaneous thermal sensing microchips (PTSMs) are a means of monitoring the body temperature of horses, which offers a non-invasive, hygienic, quick, and accurate way to measure body temperature and provide an identification number for each individual, once it is implanted. This study tested the hypothesis that PTSM has a strong relationship with a conventional body temperature measurement, i.e., measuring rectal temperature with a digital thermometer of foals during summer seasons. Thirty-two foals in three consecutive foaling seasons (2018, 2019, and 2020 season) were implanted a PTSM into the right pectoral muscle, the right splenius muscle, the right gluteal muscle, and the nuchal ligament as early as two weeks after birth. The four PTSM temperatures, rectal temperature, and climate conditions (air temperature, relative humidity, and wet-bulb globe temperature) were obtained simultaneously during the three summer seasons and paired for comparison analysis. Among the PTSM temperatures, the pectoral muscle had the highest correlation and the least differences with rectal temperature. Using PTSM was safe, easy, and reliable for attaining body temperature in foals.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Kang
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia.
| | - A Sole-Guitart
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia
| | - V A Mellor
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia
| | - J B Gaughan
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia
| | - R R Zsoldos
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia
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11
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Immune Functions Alterations Due to Racing Stress in Thoroughbred Horses. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12091203. [PMID: 35565629 PMCID: PMC9104563 DOI: 10.3390/ani12091203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Racehorses are under constant stress when training and during competitions. It is known that high levels of cortisol, the hormone responsible for stress regulation, can impact the immune system. Hence, the importance of assessing the immune cells, blood components and cortisol during different times of athlete horses’ routines, including races. This research verified the impact of training and racing on the immune function of Thoroughbreds’ trough phagocytosis and oxidative neutrophil burst assays, serum cortisol determination, erythrocytes apoptosis, lymphoproliferation, and blood count analyses. Abstract Racehorses are constantly exposed to stress. Aiming to verify the state of blood components and cortisol alterations during their routine and after races, phagocytosis and oxidative neutrophil burst assays, serum cortisol determination, erythrocytes apoptosis evaluation, lymphoproliferation assays, and blood count tests were performed in thirty Thoroughbred racehorses, which were divided in two groups. The samples were taken right after races (moment 0 d), during rest periods (−11 d, +1 d, +3 d), and after training (−8, +2, +5). In both groups, the phagocytosis showed a decrease in percentage and intensity immediately after the race when comparing samples collected during rest or training periods. In the mean values of oxidative burst on samples collected immediately after the race, group I animals demonstrated a decrease (524.2 ± 248.9) when compared with those samples collected in other moments. No significant differences were found between the results of different moments regarding the apoptotic cells and lymphoproliferation assays. The mean values of serum cortisol levels were increased immediately after racing. There was an increase in the percentage of neutrophils found immediately after the race. It was possible to conclude that, although a transient reduction was found in the number of neutrophils, the horses’ adaptive function was not affected.
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