Nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC), which includes sugars, starches and fructans in pasture forages, undergo circadian and seasonal variation which has direct effects on metabolism in grazing horses. Increased intake of NSC is implicated in the development of digestive and metabolic disorders, such as laminitis. A series of five studies at Virginia Tech's M.A.R.E. Center in April, May, August, and October 2005, and January 2006, examined circadian and seasonal variability in forage NSC content and metabolic and digestive variables in horses over a 36 h sampling period. Fourteen mares were randomly assigned to grazing (housed on a 5-ha predominantly tall fescue pasture; n = 10) or control (stabled within the pasture and fed timothy/alfalfa hay; n = 4) groups. Blood samples were collected hourly from the horses which corresponded to hourly pasture forage samples. In all five studies, plasma glucose and insulin were measured and proxies for insulin resistance were calculated. In the April study, plasma L-lactate and fecal pH, L-lactate, D-lactate and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) were also measured. Two approaches were used for the determination of carbohydrate profiles in pasture forage samples. For the first (LAB1), sugar was water soluble carbohydrates extracted prior to analysis for starch, and included fructans. The NSC was the sum of starch and sugar. For the second (LAB2), samples were analyzed for specific NSC fractions using hydrolytic enzymes, with the addition of HCL for the determination of fructans including graminans, the type of fructans in cool season grasses. Both the LAB1 and LAB2 analyses revealed circadian and seasonal patterns in forage NSC and its constituents. In general, pasture forage NSC content was lowest in the morning and highest in the late afternoon. April had the highest NSC content which was comprised mostly of simple sugars. Forage NSC content (LAB1) was associated with environmental variables in all months with strongest correlations in April; ambient temperature (r = 0.72, P < 0.001), solar radiation (r = 0.62, P < 0.001), and humidity (r = -0.84, P < 0.001). In the animals, plasma insulin was highest in grazing horses in April (P < 0.001) followed by May (P < 0.001). Plasma insulin was higher in grazing compared to control horses at all sample points in April, and a circadian pattern was evident (P = 0.012). In grazing horses, plasma glucose was higher in April than all months except for May, and plasma glucose was higher in grazing horses compared to controls in April. In grazing horses, plasma insulin was significantly correlated with NSC and sugar in April (r = 0.69 and r = 0.67, respectively); May (r = 0.46 and r = 0.47, respectively); and January (r = 0.44 and r = 0.46, respectively). In April only, individual mean insulin response was proportional to the increase in insulin per increase in unit of NSC (r2 = 0.033, P < 0.001). Sinusoidal circadian patterns in NSC (r2 = 0.51, P < 0.001) and insulin in grazing horses (r2 = 0.12, P < 0.001) had similar frequency (P = 0.36). Plasma L-lactate was higher in grazing horses (0.64 mmol/L) than control horses (0.40 mmol/L) (P < 0.001). Fecal pH was lower in grazing horses (pH 6.9) than control horses (pH 7.2) (P = 0.008). Fecal VFAs, including acetic acid, butyric acid, and D- and L-lactate were higher in grazing horses compared to control horses (P < 0.05). These studies identified a link between forage NSC content and alterations in carbohydrate metabolism and digestion that may increase risk of laminitis via exacerbation of insulin resistance. Strategies for management practices to decrease intakes of pasture NSC by horses at risk of developing metabolic disorders are needed. / Ph. D.

Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM), predominantly caused by the protozoa Saracocystis neurona, is a common neurologic disease in horses from North America. Equine exposure to the parasite occurs frequently as the protozoa is excreted in opossum (Didelphis virginiana) feces and contaminates the horse's environment. However, clinical neurologic disease only emerges in a small fraction of exposed horses. The seemingly protective immune response that develops in some exposed horses but not all is not fully defined. Previous reports utilizing horse EPM models and immune compromised mouse models, which develop disease simulating EPM after infection with S. neurona, have reported a role of T-lymphocytes and the cytokine interferon gamma, in disease protection. As part of this dissertation, the role of T-lymphocytes and IFNγ was further elucidated. It was determined that IFNγ production is essential for T-lymphocytes to offer protection against S. neurona induced encephalitis, in immune compromised mice. Another factor hindering prognosis of EPM affected horses is treatment failure. The efficacy of the antiprotozoal decoquinate, was tested and found to be ineffective at preventing S. neurona encephalitis, in immune compromised mice. However, the antiprotozoal, diclazuril, was found to be effective at preventing S. neurona encephalitis in immunocompromised mice but once treatment was terminated, infection persisted, and neurologic disease developed. In-situ methods were employed to extensively evaluate the immunopathology of spinal cord tissue samples collected from EPM affected horses. A novel in-situ hybridization technique was successfully utilized to identify S. neurona in tissue samples collected from horses with EPM. This technique will create new opportunities for investigating the immunopathology of EPM. Overall results from the studies conducted in this dissertation suggest that IFNγ production from T lymphocytes is essential for them to offer protection against S. neurona encephalitis. Additionally, further insight on FDA approved and non-FDA approved treatment options for S. neurona infection was gained through the use of the B6Ifnγ -/- mouse model. Collectively, these studies expanded on the knowledge of an understudied equine neurologic disease. / Doctor of Philosophy / Horses are susceptible to the neurologic disease Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis, more commonly referred to as EPM by equine enthusiasts. The disease results from ingestion of the parasite, Saracocystis neurona, which contaminates the horse's natural environment; therefore, horses are likely to come in contact with the parasite while eating or drinking. Not all horses that encounter S. neurona develop neurologic disease, some will be protected by their immune system with the only evidence of exposure being serological antibodies. In efforts to not experimentally induce EPM in horses, an immunocompromised mouse model is often used instead. Through the use of the immunocompromised mouse model, researchers have discovered that the immune cell, T lymphocytes, and signaling molecule, interferon gamma, are important for protection against S. neurona infection. In one study conducted for this dissertation it was found that T lymphocytes need to be able to produce interferon gamma in order to provide protection. Another issue that the immunocompromised mouse model has helped address, is EPM treatment efficacy. The inability of antiprotozoal drugs that are utilized for EPM treatment to fully eliminate the parasite from the horse's body is thought to cause reoccurring disease in some horses. One non-FDA approved treatment was evaluated here and determined not to be effective in the immunocompromised mouse model. One FDA approved treatment option, which is commonly used to treat EPM, was evaluated as well. This drug was proven to be effective at preventing disease while mice were being treated but termination of treatment led to development of neurologic disease, exemplifying treatment failure. One final study was conducted to examine the different types of immune cells and signaling molecules in spinal cord tissue samples collected, from horses which had to be euthanized due to poor prognosis related to EPM. In this study a novel experimental technique was successfully used which will help progress EPM research. Overall results of these studies offered more explanation on the immune response that protects against neurologic disease from S. neurona infection and demonstrated that not all treatments are effective and reoccurring disease may be a result of treatment failure.

Many cultures and civilizations throughout history have developed beliefs that explain the creation of man and his role in nature. With the development of these beliefs, man developed symbolism which he applied to material objects and objects that make up his environment. As man developed his ability to control his surroundings through construction, symbolism entered his architecture. Through the application of anthropological relationships with the environment and the use of symbolism, this thesis aspires to investigate relationships between man, horse and rider. / Master of Architecture

The purpose of this study was to develop an effective method for trailer loading horses based on the principles of positive reinforcement. Target training and shaping were used to teach trailer loading behavior in a natural setting. Five AQHA mares were selected for this program. All five had been loaded before through the use of punishment. A two-horse trailer was used. Approximations to loading and inappropriate behaviors were the dependent variables. When intervention started the target was moved to various locations inside the trailer. Subjects started training on the left side of the trailer. After a subject was loading in the left side they were moved to the right side, then to loading half on the right and half on the left, then they were loaded by a different trainer, and into a different trailer. For one subject a limited hold was utilized, as well as a companion horse.

Law Shun-ying, Shirley. / Thesis submitted in: June 2003. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 134-138). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Abstract --- p.i / Acknowledgements --- p.iii / List of Tables --- p.iv / List of Figures --- p.vi / Chapter CHAPTER 1 --- INTRODUCTION / Chapter 1.1 --- The Hong Kong Jockey Club --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- History of Sand Mesh System in Hong Kong --- p.2 / Chapter 1.3 --- Problems Encountered in Track Maintenance --- p.3 / Chapter CHAPTER 2 --- CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK OF STUDY / Chapter 2.1 --- Sand and Sand Mesh Systems --- p.9 / Chapter 2.2 --- The Basic Components of a Turf Track System --- p.11 / Chapter 2.3 --- Track Characteristics --- p.14 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Hardness --- p.14 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Stability --- p.17 / Chapter 2.4 --- Problems Encountered in Sand Mesh Systems --- p.20 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Maturity of sand mesh system --- p.20 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Surface instability in the early years after construction --- p.22 / Chapter 2.4.3 --- Shading of sections of the Happy Valley track --- p.24 / Chapter 2.5 --- Objectives of Study --- p.26 / Chapter 2.6 --- Hypothesis of Study --- p.26 / Chapter 2.7 --- Significance of Study --- p.27 / Chapter CHAPTER 3 --- LITERATURE REVIEW / Chapter 3.1 --- Components of a Turf Track --- p.28 / Chapter 3.2 --- Age Development in Sand Based Turf --- p.30 / Chapter 3.3 --- Surface Stability of Sand Rootzone --- p.32 / Chapter 3.4 --- Physical Properties and Botanical Cmposition --- p.34 / Chapter 3.5 --- Significance of Macropores --- p.42 / Chapter 3.6 --- Water Retention --- p.43 / Chapter 3.7 --- Ideal Sand Medium --- p.45 / Chapter CHAPTER 4 --- METHODOLOGY / Chapter 4.1 --- Study Site --- p.46 / Chapter 4.2 --- Sampling Period / Chapter 4.2.1 --- "September, after the commencement of first race" --- p.51 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Mid-December to January --- p.51 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- April --- p.52 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- "June, before the on-set of summer renovation" --- p.52 / Chapter 4.3 --- Sampling Method --- p.53 / Chapter 4.4 --- Physical Qualities of Sand / Chapter 4.4.1 --- Moisture release characteristics --- p.54 / Chapter 4.4.2 --- Saturated hydraulic conductivity --- p.58 / Chapter 4.4.3 --- Unsaturated hydraulic conductivity --- p.59 / Chapter 4.4.4 --- Oxygen diffusion rates --- p.62 / Chapter 4.5 --- Grass Bio grass / Chapter 4.5.1 --- "Topgrowth, stolons and roots" --- p.63 / Chapter 4.6 --- Performance Indicator / Chapter 4.6.1 --- Track hardness --- p.65 / Chapter 4.6.2 --- Shear strength --- p.67 / Chapter 4.6.3 --- Divot assessment --- p.68 / Chapter CHAPTER 5 --- THE STUDY OF PERFORMANCE INDICATORS AND PROFILE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES / Chapter 5.1 --- Performance Indicators / Chapter 5.1.1 --- Race times --- p.71 / Chapter 5.1.2 --- Shear strength --- p.73 / Chapter 5.1.3 --- Vertical penetration resistance and hardness --- p.77 / Chapter 5.2 --- Analysis of Physical Properties of Sand / Chapter 5.2.1 --- Moisture release characteristics / Chapter 5.2.1.1 --- Age and moisture release curves (MRC) in Shatin Turf Track --- p.80 / Chapter 5.2.1.2 --- MRC and profile design in Happy Valley Old and New Sections --- p.83 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Saturated and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity / Chapter 5.2.2.1 --- Hydraulic conductivity in Shatin --- p.85 / Chapter 5.2.2.2 --- Hydraulic conductivity in Happy Valley --- p.87 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- Oxygen diffusion rates / Chapter 5.2.3.1 --- ODR and profile age in Shatin --- p.90 / Chapter 5.2.3.2 --- ODR and profile design in Happy Valley --- p.91 / Chapter 5.2.4 --- Grass biomass / Chapter 5.2.4.1 --- Biomass and variation in profile age in Shatin --- p.92 / Chapter 5.2.4.2 --- Biomass and variation in profile design in Happy Valley --- p.93 / Chapter 5.2.4.3 --- Biomass and the effect of shade in Happy Valley --- p.93 / Chapter 5.2.5 --- Track hardness / Chapter 5.2.5.1 --- Track hardness and variation in profile age in Shatin --- p.94 / Chapter 5.2.5.2 --- Track hardness and variation in profile design in Happy Valley --- p.96 / Chapter 5.2.6 --- Shear strength / Chapter 5.2.6.1 --- Shear strength and variation of profile age in Shatin --- p.98 / Chapter 5.2.6.2 --- Track hardness and variation in profile design in Happy Valley --- p.99 / Chapter 5.3 --- Correlation between Soil Physical Properties and Performance index / Chapter 5.3.1 --- Correlation between soil physical properties and shear strength value --- p.100 / Chapter 5.3.2 --- Correlation between soil physical properties and surface hardness --- p.101 / Chapter CHAPTER 6 --- CONCLUSIONS / Chapter 6.1 --- Summary of Findings --- p.118 / Chapter 6.2 --- Implications of Study / Chapter 6.2.1 --- Target levels of performance indicators --- p.120 / Chapter 6.2.1.1 --- Surface strength target level --- p.121 / Chapter 6.2.1.2 --- Surface hardness target level --- p.122 / Chapter 6.2.2 --- Turf management and cultural practice implications / Chapter 6.2.2.1 --- Effect of aging and variations of profile age in Shatin --- p.123 / Chapter 6.2.2.2 --- Effect of different profile design in Happy Valley --- p.125 / Chapter 6.2.2.3 --- Effect of shading in Happy Valley --- p.126 / Chapter 6.2.3 --- Construction material and design --- p.126 / Chapter 6.2.4 --- Managing user intensity --- p.127 / Chapter 6.3 --- Limitations of Study --- p.128 / Chapter 6.4 --- Further Studies / Chapter 6.4.1 --- Shear strength tester --- p.129 / Chapter 6.4.2 --- Maximum life of sand mesh profile --- p.129 / Chapter 6.4.3 --- Problems with newly constructed profile --- p.130

'Betting by the Book' details the steps taken in, and results obtained from, an examination of the processes followed, especially in Australia, of those persons who bet on thoroughbred horseracing. The work briefly describes the evolution of the practice of this form of gambling and details the extent of the activity in the Australian nation. Note is made of the obvious limited amount of attention previously given to the topic by academia. Using illustrations of the extent of the complexity and resulting uncertainty of outcome in selecting winning horses the study finds that the consequential behaviour of almost all those who bet is the adoption of a co-ordinated process of selection commonly referred to as a system. As hypothesised the study found three major categories,viz., logical, naive and superstitious. Sub-types of the three categories, devised as a part of the study, are listed and defined. Unexpectedly the work brought to attention the finding that most bettors, even those following logical systems, will, at times, adopt superstitious practices. Examples are provided of logical, yet simple, selection systems that could be beneficially adopted by those persons who would otherwise follow naive and superstitious systems of selection. Finally the study notes the considerable opportunities that exist for the education of bettors. / Master of Arts (Hons) (Gambling Studies)

This thesis identifies the equine-related topics that are important to Texas college-age horse owners and enthusiasts and the channels/sources they use to get equine-related information. Little research has focused on this group to determine their information needs. Therefore, two focus groups were conducted in 2008 in Texas with college-age horse owners and enthusiasts to conduct a needs assessment. Participants were separated into competitive and recreational groups depending on their level of participation in the industry. They were asked what topics they consider important and what channels/sources they use to gain desired information. Training was the most mentioned topic overall, and the most mentioned by recreational participants. Alternative medical treatments was the most mentioned topic by competitive participants. Competitive participants reported a smaller number of topics as important, indicating that they have specialized information needs. Recreational participants emphasized broader, less specialized topics. Participants showed an interest in relevant and controversial topics affecting the equine industry. Participants also used a combination of channels/sources and competitive and recreational participants often placed importance on different channels/sources. Face-to-face communication was important to both groups. Magazines were important to competitive participants, while the Internet was important to recreational participants. Competitive participants doubted the trustworthiness of sources available through the Internet, but wanted more reliable sources to be made available in the future. Participants preferred to get information from industry specialist sources, such as trainers, veterinarians, other owners and enthusiasts, breed associations, and equine magazines. Participants’ perceptions of trustworthiness were affected by the source’s ability to demonstrate equine-specific knowledge and the source’s reputation and success among equine industry members. The results suggests that the influence of the Internet has altered the traditional models of communication in which source selection determines channel use. In this study, the participants’ Internet channel selection often determined their source use. The results also suggests that communicators wanting to reach this audience should target specific topics to competitive and recreational audiences, use a multi-channel approach, establish trustworthiness, and explore the changing role of the Internet in agricultural communication.

No description available.

No description available.

Thesis (M.A.Hons.) -- University of Western Sydney, [2002]. / "A thesis submitted to the University of Western Sydney to fulfil the requirements for the award of the degree of Master of Arts (Honours) Gambling Studies " Bibliography: leaves 277-290.