Suitability of biocompost as a bedding material for stabled horses: respiratory hygiene and management practicalities

The Most Common Environmental Risk Factors for Equine Asthma-A Narrative Review

Equine asthma is a popular subject of research. Many factors influencing the methods used to improve the welfare of asthmatic horses remain unclear. This study reviews scientific articles published after 2000 to collect the most important information on the terminology, symptoms, and potential environmental factors influencing the development and course of equine asthma. Our work highlights the impact of environmental factors on the severity of equine asthma and why these factors should be controlled to improve treatment outcomes. The present article provides horse owners and veterinarians with valuable information on how to improve the well-being of horses that are at risk of developing asthma symptoms.

Assessing the cost efficiency and benefits of sawdust, pinewood, and rubber wood shavings as bedding materials

This study aimed to evaluate the benefits of using sawdust, pinewood shavings, and rubber wood shavings as horse bedding materials. Nine horses were used in a repeated measure design, where each horse was provided with each of the bedding materials for two consecutive weeks. The weight, cost, mucking out time, ammonia emissions, and urine holding capacity were measured and calculated for each bedding material. Results showed that pinewood shavings had the highest urine-holding capacity, while rubber wood shavings had the lowest absorbency for urine. Pinewood shavings also had lower ammonia emissions compared to sawdust and rubber wood shavings but were significantly more expensive. Sawdust was the cheapest of the three bedding materials, but it was used in greater quantities, which required more time for mucking out. The findings from this study could be used to make informed decisions on bedding materials for stables, taking into consideration the trade-off between cost, maintenance requirements, and labor hours.

Exposure to chemical pollutants and biological aerosol in indoor facilities for recreational and sport horses

BACKGROUND

Due to the increasing prevalence of equine non-infectious respiratory disease, the air contamination in equine housing (Stables A-C) and training facilities (indoor riding arenas A - C) was investigated. The aim of the study was to monitor gaseous pollutants, bioaerosols, and dust concentrations at three different sites (stables and riding halls), where different floor materials were used in the riding halls.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Air quality was monitored in housing for horses and in riding halls in terms of dust concentration, the presence of gaseous chemical pollutants, and concentrations of biological aerosol. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The levels obtained were compared with acceptable limits.

RESULTS

Among the gaseous pollutants identified, the highest concentration was obtained for ammonia in stables B and C (16.37 and 22.39 mg/m3, respectively). Standards for total dust were exceeded in stables B and C and in riding halls B and C. The highest numbers of bacteria and fungi were recorded in stables A and C and in riding hall B. Ulocladium sp. had the highest percentage share among the moulds identified.

CONCLUSIONS

The results confirm that the wrong choice of bedding in the stable and indoor riding arenas may contribute, even in short training periods, to equine non-infectious respiratory disease (equine asthma). Bioaerosol suspended in the air together with released gaseous pollutants can exacerbate this phenomenon, which even in the case of short training periods can lead to equine asthma of varying degrees of severity. For this reason, the choice of floor material in riding halls should be treated as a priority, as the wrong decision can shorten the period during which the horse can be used for recreational purposes.

The effect of stable bedding materials on dust levels, microbial air contamination and equine respiratory health

The choice of bedding material affects the quality of air in a stable and, consequently, the respiratory health of horses and humans. The risk of respiratory problems can be mitigated by improving the quality of air in the stable. The choice of bedding material is particularly important in cold climate conditions where horses are kept indoors throughout the year. This study examined the impact of three bedding materials: straw (S), peat with shavings (PS), and crushed wood pellets (CWP). The investigated factors were air contamination, including dust contamination and microbial (bacterial and fungal) contamination, and the condition of the equine respiratory tract. The condition of the respiratory tract was evaluated based on the results of arterial blood biochemistry tests and endoscopic evaluations of the upper respiratory tract. Mechanical dust contamination was lowest for PS (1.09mg/m³) and highest for CWP (4.07mg/m³). Bacterial contamination (in CFU - colony forming units) was highest for PS (5.14log₁₀CFU/m³) and lowest for CWP (4.81log₁₀CFU/m³). Fungal air contamination was lowest for CWP (4.54log₁₀CFU/m³) and highest for S (4.82log₁₀CFU/m³) and PS (4.88log₁₀CFU/m³). An analysis of physiological indicators revealed that all horses were clinically healthy regardless of the type of applied bedding. The type of bedding material did not exert a clear influence on arterial blood biochemistry or the results of endoscopic evaluations of the respiratory tract; however, the use of alternative for straw bedding materials improved endoscopy results.

Recurrent airway obstruction: a review

Recurrent airway obstruction is a widely recognised airway disorder, characterised by hypersensitivity-mediated neutrophilic airway inflammation and lower airway obstruction in a subpopulation of horses when exposed to suboptimal environments high in airborne organic dust. Over the past decade, numerous studies have further advanced our understanding of different aspects of the disease. These include clarification of the important inhaled airborne agents responsible for disease induction, improving our understanding of the underlying genetic basis of disease susceptibility and unveiling the fundamental immunological mechanisms leading to establishment of the classic disease phenotype. This review, as well as giving a clinical overview of recurrent airway obstruction, summarises much of the work in these areas that have culminated in a more thorough understanding of this debilitating disease.

Variability in particulate concentrations in a horse training barn over time

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY

Exposure of horses to airborne particulates during stable confinement has been linked with airway inflammation in these animals. Understanding that link requires accurate measures of exposures and greater understanding of the sources of variability in these exposures.

OBJECTIVES

Area and breathing zone particulate concentrations were measured over time in order to determine the relative variability introduced by daily, monthly or between horse variations. Additionally, the relationship between area and breathing zone respirable particulate concentrations was examined.

METHODS

The study was conducted in a Thoroughbred training stable. Breathing zone and area respirable particulate concentrations were measured over a 30-month period. Mixed-model analysis of variance was used to determine effect of month and year at the time of sampling and the daily variance upon area particulate concentrations. The effects of hay feeding method and horse variance on breathing zone measures were included in the model. Real-time concentrations of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 10 microm or smaller (PM10) were measured to determine the effect of barn door position. Significance was set at P < 0.05.

RESULTS

Average area particulate concentration varied with month and year of sampling but daily variation was not significant. Maximum area respirable particulate concentrations were significantly affected by daily variation. Opening barn doors resulted in lower PM10 levels. Horses fed from hay nets were exposed to significantly higher concentrations of respirable particulates in their breathing zone than when fed hay on the ground. Horse-to-horse variability was significant. Breathing zone concentrations were significantly greater than area concentrations and the 2 measurements were not correlated.

CONCLUSIONS

While area respirable particulate concentrations reflected seasonal changes, these measures are poor predictors of individual horse exposure. Instead, methods of feeding and individual horse behaviour are important determinants of exposure.

POTENTIAL RELEVANCE

Studies investigating the effect of natural exposures on lung health in horses should consider the effects of individual behaviour and management practices on breathing zone exposure.