Radiographic examination of Thoroughbred racehorses at the time of the yearling sales is common practice in South Africa. Although it is generally accepted that yearlings will have some radiographic changes, there is only one study that estimated the prevalence of these changes in Thoroughbred racehorse yearlings in South Africa. Furniss et al reported on the occurrence of radiographic abnormalities over a one-year period (Furniss 2011). Furniss et al. study differs from other studies in that there was a higher prevalence of palmar metacarpophalangeal and plantar metatarsophalangeal osteochondral fragments and a lower prevalence of pedal osteitis, dorsal osteochondral fragmentation of the metatarsophalangeal joint, distal metacarpal saggital ridge changes, ulnar carpal bone lucencies, carpal osteophytes, distal intertarsal and tarsometatarsal joint changes, tarsal osteochondrosis lesions and stifle osteochondrosis lesions was found. This study will further assist practitioners to identify joints where the most prevalent changes are likely to occur. Our objective was to describe the prevalence and distribution of radiographic changes in the metacarpophalangeal joint, metatarsophalangeal joint, carpi, tarsi, stifle and fore digits of racing Thoroughbred yearlings in South Africa when examined as part of a pre-purchase examination during the Annual National Yearling Sales extending from 2008 through 2010. Thoroughbred racehorse yearlings were subjected to radiographic evaluation including the digit (n= 566 ), metacarpophalangeal joint (n=566 ), metatarsophalangeal joint (n= 566), carpi (n= 566), tarsi (n= 566) and stifle (n=566 ). The radiographic changes were categorised by location and type of change present for each series. The digit Where informal comparisons with previously published data can be made, similar changes of pedal osteitis were recorded in this study, with a total percentage of 6.7%. There was an 8.7% prevalence of inversion of the third pedal bone. Other studies describing radiographic changes in Thoroughbred racehorse yearlings did not investigate inversion of the third pedal bone, therefore results cannot be compared. The metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints with proximal The metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints with proximal sesamoid bones The prevalence of dorsoproximal phalanx one fragmentation (1.2%) of metacarpophalangeal joints were similar compared to other studies. Osteochondral fragmentation of proximal plantar phalanx one (6%) was 8.5 times more prevalent when compared to proximal palmar phalanx one (0.7%). The latter prevalence is in agreement with similar studies. There were low incidences of subchondral cyst-like lesions seen in distal third metacarpus (0.4%), distal third metatarsus (0.2%) and proximal first phalanx, similar to other studies. The most common change recorded on the dorsal aspect of distal third metacarpus and metatarsus was a well-defined semi-circular notch (dorsal aspect of distal third metacarpus 20.3%; dorsal aspect of distal third metatarsus 27%) similar to other studies. Our study showed a higher prevalence of lucencies present at dorsal aspect of distal third metacarpus (8.5%) and metatarsus (4.2%) compared to other studies. There was a marked lower prevalence in the current study of flat distal palmar third metacarpal condyles (6%). Prevalence of palmar and plantar third metacarpal and metatarsal supracondylar lysis were markedly higher in the present study. Slight palmar and plantar third metacarpus and metatarsus supracondylar lysis was seen in 19.3% of the horses. Moderate to extreme palmar and plantar third metacarpus and metatarsus supracondylar lysis were present in 10.2% of the horses. The carpi There was a higher prevalence of dorsomedial carpal disease in our study population (11.3%) and prevalence of carpal osseous cyst-like lesions such as a circular lucency in ulnar carpal bone was lower (14%). A markedly higher prevalence of 4.2% in carpal osteochondral fragmentation was found. The tarsi Osteochondrosis of the tarsocrural joint showed a similar prevalence (13.4 %). Degenerative joint disease of tarsometatarsal joint had a higher prevalence (36%) than the centrodistal (distal intertarsal) joint (20.3%). There was also a higher incidence of degenerative joint disease in tarsometatarsal joint (36%). The stifle In the current study, osteochondrosis of the stifle had a similar prevalence (3.6%) when compared to other studies. 6 Conclusion In South Africa Thoroughbred racehorse yearlings, radiographic changes most commonly involved the metacarpo- and metatarsophalangeal joints, carpi and tarsi. This study revealed markedly higher prevalence of palmar and plantar third metacarpal and metatarsal supracondylar lysis (slight 19.3% and moderate to extreme 10.2%), carpal osteochondral fragmentation (4.2%) and degenerative joint disease in tarsometatarsal joint (36%). Establishment of normal prevalence and distribution of radiographic changes in South Africa Thoroughbred yearlings will allow for comparison with populations of young horses worldwide. Knowledge of the normal prevalence will assist veterinarians to identify joints in which radiographic changes are most likely to occur. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / gm2014 / Companion Animal Clinical Studies / unrestricted

Horses have been domesticated for thousands of years. Through selection practices horses have been separated into groups that pass on desired traits. We have viewed what the breeders have done at the genotypic level to accomplish their breeds. By using a relatively new technique, DNA fingerprinting, Thoroughbred inbreeding and eight other breeds (Standardbreds, Quarter horses, American Saddlebreds, National Show Horses, Arabians, Morgans, Mustangs and Belgians) have been studied. The probes CAC5 and YNZ 132 gave the best probability (ranging from 1.9x10⁻¹⁰ to 4.8x10⁻¹⁵) that two unrelated individuals would not have the same DNA fingerprint out of the probes screened. The level of inbreeding in Thoroughbreds has been estimated by comparing the number of bands shared among these animals to a quasi-natural population (Mustang) and a theoretically known genetic relationship (a sire and his offspring). Using the probes CAC5 and YNZ 132 Thoroughbreds share 20% more bands than the Mustang and 30-50% less than the sire and offspring. To compare the nine breeds, blood from ten horses from nine different breeds was mixed and DNA fingerprinted. Each lane on the autoradiograph therefore represents one breed. The two probes produced data with a rank correlation of .75 (Kendall's tau) (Ostle,B., 1963). Selection practices have been divided into, narrow selection regimes (where one or two traits have been selected for) and broad selection regimes (where numerous traits have been selected for). The amount of bands shared between the breeds was calculated and applied to a computer program named Gendiv (Gentzbittel and Nicolas, 1989,1991). Three consensus trees were derived showing that the narrow selection regime breeds, Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds, were the most genetically distanced from broad selection regime breeds, Mustangs and Morgans. / Master of Science

Thirteen Thoroughbred farms in Virginia provided 260 horses for the study of growth patterns of horses from birth to July of the yearling year. Measurements included heart girth, wither and hip height, body length, chest width, knee to ground length, cannon bone circumference and body weight, as estimated by heart girth. Quadratic regression equations, adjusted for the effects of farm, sex and month were developed to describe the growth of foals. Foals born in January-February were smallest overall at birth, 30 and 90 d-of-age (P< .01) May-June foals were largest at birth. Differences in wither height, body length and body weight of foals born in May-June vs in January-February at 30 d-of-age, were 1.7, 3.8 cm and 21.6 kg, respectively; At 90 d-of-age, differences were 1.6, 4.9 cm and 13.3 kg, respectively. Differences in size due to birth month were apparent up to 270 d-of-age. May-June foals exhibited the fastest initial growth rate. Colts were intermittently larger than fillies subsequent to 150 d-of-age. In January of the yearling year, birth mouch influenced all measurements (P< .01). Foals born in January to March were larger than foals born in April to June. In July of the yearling year, differences were identified less often and actual differences in size were smaller than in January. Average differences in heart girth and wither height of foals born in January to March compared to foals born in April to June were 8.4 and 5.1 cm in January and 5.2 and 3.6 cm in July of the yearling year. Foals born in April to June displayed larger gains during the first 7 mo of their yearling year than did early-born foals. Correlation coefficients between measures of foals up to 400 d-of-age decreased or remained the same. Thus, growth in various proportions was asynchronous. Regression coefficients that described the resemblance between wither heights of parents and offspring increased with age and were highest in July of the yearling year. Offspring-midparent regression coefficients of 1982 foals increased from .50 ±.18 at 30 d-of-age to .78 ±.14 at 400 d-of-age. The regression coefficient in July was .84 ±.15. / Ph. D.

Thoroughbred racing is referred to as “the sport of Kings”, because historically it was a leisure activity of the upper-class. Thoroughbred breeding on the other hand has transformed from a hobby of the upper-class to a worldwide agricultural industry. With the deep involvement of the royal and rich in the Thoroughbred industry, the auction prices of horses are raised significantly at the top end of the market. Research in the biological sciences suggests there exits correlations between dam age, foal birthrank, and the racing performance of Thoroughbred horses. This study first investigates how the market values these biological factors and whether they are correlated with racehorses’ career earnings. We further test the impact of sire age as there is limited literature related to the subject. By using a Hedonic pricing model, results show that Thoroughbred buyers at Keeneland September Sale are willing to pay more for the yearlings at 1st, 2nd, and 3rd birthranks, yearlings out of younger mares age from 4 to 10, and yearlings by experienced sires age from 12 to 18. Results from multivariate regressions suggest negative correlations between foal birthrank, parent age and career earnings.

A capacidade aeróbica dos equinos atletas pode ser explica, em partes, pelo seu desenvolvimento cardíaco associado ao treinamento físico. O exame ecocardiográfico de equinos atletas permite a visualização destas alterações e da função cardíaca destes animais. Buscou-se avaliar ecocardiograficamente equinos de diferentes modalidades esportivas, para verificar se o tipo de atividade física desempenhada por cada grupo de animais promove diferenças estruturais ou funcionais cardíacas. 196 equinos foram submetidos à avaliação ecocardiográfica em repouso, sendo divididos em três grupos: grupo Polo, 44 equinos participantes de provas de Polo; grupo QM, 49 equinos da raça Quarto de Milha, participantes de provas de baliza e tambor, e grupo PSI, 103 equinos da raça Puro Sangue Inglês participantes de provas de corridas. Foram avaliados os seguintes índices cardíacos: SIV, DIVE e PLVE em sístole e diástole, AE em sístole, Ao em diástole, relação AE:Ao, FEj, VEj, VSFVE, VDFVE, FS%, E-S, TEVE, DC e FC. Os animais do grupo PSI apresentaram os maiores volumes de ventrículo esquerdo, tendo apresentado proporcionalmente menor eficiência quando analisado o VEj. Os animais do grupo Polo e QM apresentaram melhores valores quando analisadas as variáveis de função cardíaca. A atividade física mais intensa desempenhada pelos animais do grupo QM e Polo permitiu melhor desenvolvimento funcional do coração destes animais, tendo o grupo PSI, apresentado valores que sugerem que sua capacidade aeróbica ainda pode ser melhor explorada através de melhor orientação de seu treinamento físico. / The aerobic capacity of equine athletes may be explained, in part, by its cardiac development associated with physical training. Echocardiographic examination of equine athletes allows the visualization of these changes and cardiac function of these animals. We aimed to evaluate echocardiographically horses of different sports to see if the type of physical activity performed by each group of animals promotes structural or functional cardiac differences. 196 horses underwent echocardiography at rest were divided into three groups: Polo group, 44 horses participating in tests of Polo; QM group, 49 horses of Quarter Horse, participants of barrel and pole bending events and PSI group, 103 horses of the breed Thoroughbred racehorses. We evaluated the following heart rates: IVS, LVD and LVFW in systole and diastole, LA in systole, Ao in diastole, mean LA: Ao, EF, EV, LVFSV, LVFDV, FS%, E-S, LVET, CO and HR. The PSI group animals showed higher left ventricular volumes and provided proportionately less efficiency when we analyzed EV. Animals in group Polo and QM showed higher values when variables such as cardiac function. The more intense physical activity performed by the animals of group QM and Polo provided better functional development of the heart of these animals, and the PSI group, presented figures suggesting that aerobic capacity can still be better exploited through better targeting of their physical training.

This dissertation is the product of two behaviour studies and an in vitro fermentation trial. Both behaviour studies were conducted at the Ashburton Racehorse-Training Centre in Ashburton, near Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu- Natal. The first behaviour study evaluated differences in behaviours obtained through feeding either twice or four times daily. This trial showed (P<O.OO1) that horses fed twice a day spend a greater proportion of their day in stereotypic or vice-like behaviours. Horses eating four times a day ate less hay (P<O.OO1) and more concentrate (P<O.05) than horses being fed twice a day. Horses in both yards ate more hay (P<O.05) when exercise intensity was increased. Defecation frequency was higher on days when exercise intensity was high (P<O.05) and in the yard where horses were fed four times per day (P<O.O1). Faecal weight was greater (P<O.05), horses lay down more frequently (P<O.05), spent more time eating concentrate (P<O.OO1) and less time eating hay (P<O.OO1) when horses were fed four times per day. Fillies spent more time (P<O.05) eating hay than geldings. The second behaviour study was conducted within one yard only and considered the effects of changes in management strategies on the incidence of stereotypic behaviour. The results did not indicate that changes in management related to exercise intensity would have an effect on behaviours exhibited. However this trial did demonstrate that a reduction in feed intake on days when exercise is reduced will reduce the incidence of stereotypic behaviours. Horses reduced the time spent eating hay when exercise was reduced except that when feeding frequency was reduced in conjunction with reduced exercise, more time was then spent eating hay (P<O.OO1). It was found that fillies spent more time licking surfaces (P<O.OO1) and weaving (P<O.O1) than geldings, which were more aggressive (P<O.OO1) and ate more bedding (P<O.05) than the fillies. All the horses were more alert (P<O.OO1) on days of moderate exercise except when feed was reduced in conjunction with reduced exercise, so that horses were less alert (P<O.OO1) and more time resting (P<O.OO1). The in vitro study was conducted at the department of Animal and Poultry Science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg. This was a dilution trial, using different ratios of maize and Eragrostis curvula. It was shown that as the proportion of maize in the ration was increased so the digestibility and the degradability of the ration increased (P<O.OO1). It was also shown that the adapted two stage digestion techniques described by Tilley & Terry (1963) had lower supernatant pH levels than the samples that underwent microbial digestion only. This was accounted for by a problem with the methodology. The trial had hoped to show a dramatic decrease in pH and increased rates of gas production when the maize portion of the sample was increased. From the results established during this trial it is clear that application exists in the adoption of this method in in vitro feed analysis in the horse industry.· The behaviour studies significantly linked the incidence of stereotypic behaviour to feeding and nutritional management in racehorses. Some explanations of the noted behaviours can be elucidated through the development of in vitro protocols, where hindgut pH, degradability and fermentation of different ration mixtures elicit responses in physical terms. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2007.

Parasite control is important to horse health and horse owners should feel highly concerned about the proper treatment of parasites. In the past 30 years, veterinary science has made important advances in treating parasites and provided new products and strategies to optimize treatment and prevention. However, horse owners and managers have been slow to adopt these new recommendations. This study investigates why the transition has not occurred as expected. It examines issues related to the decision-making process of horse owners and managers as they relate to deworming strategies. In addition, it investigates current deworming approaches as well as attitudes towards alternative parasite control strategies, and tries to describe the financial considerations corresponding to each strategy. To this end, a questionnaire was distributed to Thoroughbred farms in Kentucky. The first part of the questionnaire examined the actual approaches of farm managers and characterized the Kentucky Thoroughbred farms. Most farm managers appear to be concerned about drug resistance in parasites and incorporated veterinarian advice in defining their deworming program; however, almost three-quarters of them were still following the traditional rotational deworming program. Based on a conjoint experiment, we were able to evaluate the willingness-to-pay of farm managers for different attributes of a deworming strategy – time and effort spent, decrease in health risks, drug resistance in parasites, and price. The study showed that farm managers were willing to pay a premium for a strategy that is guaranteed “non-resistant” and that decreased health risk by 5%, while they expected a discount for a strategy that requires much time and effort.

A hemorragia pulmonar induzida por exercício (HPIE) ocorre com freqüência em cavalos atletas acarretando prejuízo econômico. O presente estudo foi compreendido em duas etapas, tendo como objetivo na primeira, avaliar a performance dos cavalos levando em consideração a colocação nos páreos e administração da furosemida, no período de setembro de 2005 a julho de 2006, sendo analisados os resultados de 824 eqüinos no Jockey Clube de Porto Alegre. Dos eqüinos que participaram do primeiro estudo, 389 não foram medicados e 435 foram submetidos à medicação prévia com furosemida. Foi observado que nos animais tratados previamente o medicamento influencia positivamente o desempenho do animal, com uma redução de 2,9% no tempo final. A segunda etapa foi desenvolvida durante a campanha de 2007, onde foram examinados 146 eqüinos, 15 minutos após o final da prova. Os animais foram submetidos a um exame endoscópico em que foram observadas as possíveis alterações do trato respiratório anterior do animal, sendo a principal delas a hemorragia pulmonar induzida por exercício. Estes achados foram relacionados com sua performance e com a administração de furosemida. Foi observado que a furosemida não interfere no sangramento. Não se observou influência do sexo na incidência de HPIE, entretanto observou-se aumento de hemorragia com o aumento da idade. De um modo geral, não se observou correlação positiva entre a HPIE e as alterações das vias aéreas superiores e traquéia. Conclui-se que a aplicação de furosemide diminuiu o tempo final empregado em corrida, mas não preveniu a incidência e severidade da HPIE. A incidência de HPIE aumenta com a idade. / Exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) commonly occurs in athletic horses causing economic losses. The present study was set in two trials. The first of them aimed to evaluate the performance of horses taking into account their ranking and furosemide administration, in the period of September 2005 to July 2006, being analysed the results from 824 horses, were analysed at the Porto Alegre Jockey Club. From the equines these, 389 were not treated and 435 were submitted to previous furosemide treatment. On treated animals, it was observed that the medicine affects animal performance, and also a reduction of 2.9% at the final time. The second trial was developed during 2007, where 146 equines were examined, 15 minutes after the race. The animals were submitted to an endoscopic exam in which there were observed possible abnormalities of the upper respiratory tract, being the main one the exerciseinduced pulmonary hemorrhage. These findings were related to their performance and furosemide administration. It was observed that the furosemide does not interfere on EIPH incidence. Gender did not influence the HPIE incidence; however it was observed an increase in the pulmonary bleeding with the increase of age. . Generally, it was not observed a positive correlation between EIPH and the upper respiratory tract and windpipe abnormalities, and only 15.25% of the cases related to the presence of EIPH with dorsal dislocation of the soft palate, being not statistically significant. I was concluded that the use of Furosemide enhancest the performance time, but did not prevent the incidence and the degree from EIPH. The incidence of EIPH increases with age.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:31:09Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2005Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T18:41:49Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 angeli_al_dr_botfmvz.pdf: 862748 bytes, checksum: f1d2f5c79f3766ee78b1a8522d2b67e8 (MD5) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / O objetivo deste estudo foi mensurar o efeito positivo da acupuntura nos parâmetros de performance atlética e verificar o uso do teste de velocidade escalonada a campo em cavalos da raça puro-sangue-inglês. Foram utilizados 24 indivíduos, machos e fêmeas, atletas em campanha e hígidos. Os animais foram divididos em três grupos, sendo o GI o controle, o GII, os animais tratados com acupuntura falsa e o GIII, os animais tratados com acupuntura verdadeira. A performance foi avaliada a campo em dois testes de esforço crescente, submáximos, num intervalo de três semanas entre eles e compostos pelas seguintes avaliações: lactato basal, VLa4, lactato de recuperação, V200, cortisol, enzimas musculares, temperatura retal, eritrograma e leucograma. As vitórias obtidas por cada animal num período máximo de dois meses antes e depois dos tratamentos foram computadas para análise posterior... / The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of acupuncture on performance variables and the efficacy of the field velocity test on thoroughbred racehorses. Twenty four individuals, males and females, on actual race activity, all sound were used. All animals were divided into three groups: GI was the control one, GII the sham acupuncture group and GIII the real acupuncture treated animals. The performance was evaluated on field conditions, by two submaximal incremental tests, separated by a three week period each. The tests included the following measurements: rest lactate values, VLa4, active recovery lactate values, V200, cortisol, muscle enzymes, rectal temperature and red and white blood cell analysis. During two months before and after treatments, the victories of each animal were observed to late examination... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

A hemorragia pulmonar induzida por exercício (HPIE) ocorre com freqüência em cavalos atletas acarretando prejuízo econômico. O presente estudo foi compreendido em duas etapas, tendo como objetivo na primeira, avaliar a performance dos cavalos levando em consideração a colocação nos páreos e administração da furosemida, no período de setembro de 2005 a julho de 2006, sendo analisados os resultados de 824 eqüinos no Jockey Clube de Porto Alegre. Dos eqüinos que participaram do primeiro estudo, 389 não foram medicados e 435 foram submetidos à medicação prévia com furosemida. Foi observado que nos animais tratados previamente o medicamento influencia positivamente o desempenho do animal, com uma redução de 2,9% no tempo final. A segunda etapa foi desenvolvida durante a campanha de 2007, onde foram examinados 146 eqüinos, 15 minutos após o final da prova. Os animais foram submetidos a um exame endoscópico em que foram observadas as possíveis alterações do trato respiratório anterior do animal, sendo a principal delas a hemorragia pulmonar induzida por exercício. Estes achados foram relacionados com sua performance e com a administração de furosemida. Foi observado que a furosemida não interfere no sangramento. Não se observou influência do sexo na incidência de HPIE, entretanto observou-se aumento de hemorragia com o aumento da idade. De um modo geral, não se observou correlação positiva entre a HPIE e as alterações das vias aéreas superiores e traquéia. Conclui-se que a aplicação de furosemide diminuiu o tempo final empregado em corrida, mas não preveniu a incidência e severidade da HPIE. A incidência de HPIE aumenta com a idade. / Exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) commonly occurs in athletic horses causing economic losses. The present study was set in two trials. The first of them aimed to evaluate the performance of horses taking into account their ranking and furosemide administration, in the period of September 2005 to July 2006, being analysed the results from 824 horses, were analysed at the Porto Alegre Jockey Club. From the equines these, 389 were not treated and 435 were submitted to previous furosemide treatment. On treated animals, it was observed that the medicine affects animal performance, and also a reduction of 2.9% at the final time. The second trial was developed during 2007, where 146 equines were examined, 15 minutes after the race. The animals were submitted to an endoscopic exam in which there were observed possible abnormalities of the upper respiratory tract, being the main one the exerciseinduced pulmonary hemorrhage. These findings were related to their performance and furosemide administration. It was observed that the furosemide does not interfere on EIPH incidence. Gender did not influence the HPIE incidence; however it was observed an increase in the pulmonary bleeding with the increase of age. . Generally, it was not observed a positive correlation between EIPH and the upper respiratory tract and windpipe abnormalities, and only 15.25% of the cases related to the presence of EIPH with dorsal dislocation of the soft palate, being not statistically significant. I was concluded that the use of Furosemide enhancest the performance time, but did not prevent the incidence and the degree from EIPH. The incidence of EIPH increases with age.