The aim of this study was to evaluate temperature data collected from Thoroughbred foals between birth and shortly after weaning. It provides a valuable survey with epidemiological conclusions providing insight into the temperature trends and pyretic occurrences of Thoroughbred foals during this age period. Temperature data were collected using telemetry from temperature sensitive microchips implanted into newborn foals. The system of inputting and storing temperature data was completely electronic and this study evaluated this system. It was found that this system was stable and allowed the evaluation of large amounts of frequently acquired data with little human intervention. The data obtained resulted in the valuable evaluation of age associated body temperature trends within the foals as well as providing an indication of the extent and epidemiology of pyrexia within the study cohort. The system of evaluating temperatures based both on the individual day value as well as on each individual foals prior series of temperatures shows that the use of these two criteria can be utilised simultaneously. The study provides basic information which future researchers using similar systems can use to objectively set criteria for pyrexia. An outbreak of equine encephalosis also occurred during the study period and this provided much needed prospective epidemiological information for such an outbreak, something which has not previously been documented. Copyright / Dissertation (MSc (Veterinary Science))--University of Pretoria, 2009. / Production Animal Studies / unrestricted

Strategy is generally considered as one of the most important factors of organizations´ success. However, it can be supposed that this theory is applicable for all sectors. The diploma thesis focused on the perception of strategy, strategic planning cycle and its impact on the particular sports industry. This industry is Thoroughbred horse racing. The field of research was application of management theory in the particular horse racing club, its use and the impact on the clubs´ performance, which could lead to potential implementation of necessary changes. The research was conducted using qualitative approaches. Research was based on two pillar, in-depth interviews and participant observation. This approach increased the validity of the statements thanks the triangulation of sources. The findings discuss that the strategy seems to be unimportant for clubs´ managers, although they significantly work on some parts of the strategic planning cycle. However, this fact do not negatively affect the clubs´ performance. It is therefore desirable but not necessary, to make changes and create the strategy.