Equine Best Management Practices Survey
November 9, 2020 Comments Off on Equine Best Management Practices Survey
The Rutgers University Department of Animal Science and cooperating faculty members are working on a project to better understand how equine operations in New Jersey make decisions about things that affect the environment, such as managing animal waste and maintaining pastures.
Continue reading …Breeding Season Prep- Estrous Cycle Regulation
November 9, 2020 Comments Off on Breeding Season Prep- Estrous Cycle Regulation
Horses are known as “long-day breeders,” meaning that they will naturally go into heat for breeding when the days get longer in the spring and summer (at least, in the Northern hemisphere). They are also “seasonally polyestrous,” meaning that they will go through multiple estrous cycles during their breeding season. During the winter months or “short days,” the mare will not cycle. This period is known as anestrous. Changes in lighting as the days get longer induce hormonal changes which bring the mare into heat (estrus). As the mare periodically comes out of heat, this bout of reproductive inactivity during the breeding season is known as diestrus.
Continue reading …Research Study on Diagnostics For Equine Osteoarthritis of the Neck
November 7, 2020 Comments Off on Research Study on Diagnostics For Equine Osteoarthritis of the Neck
“Osteoarthritis is common in any athlete,” explains Koenig, “especially as they get older.” The development of bone spurs can cause the facets to become enlarged. Inflammation around the cervical facet joints can affect the soft tissues and nerve roots.
Continue reading …Defining Horse Jargon Terms- Movement
November 6, 2020 Comments Off on Defining Horse Jargon Terms- Movement
Similar to its meaning in music, cadence refers to the rhythm of a horse’s hoof beats. Each gait that a horse performs (walk, trot, canter, etc.) will have a specific footfall pattern. No matter the discipline or gait, you want a horse to have a consistent, even cadence. Not only will this be an indicator of athleticism and soundness, but also level of training and focus. A horse with a steady cadence will likely also maintain a more consistent pace and be more pleasurable to ride.
Continue reading …Free Fecal Water Syndrome in Horses
November 5, 2020 Comments Off on Free Fecal Water Syndrome in Horses
It’s as unappealing as it sounds. The horse has normally formed manure, but passes extra brown water along with it, staining the tail and hindquarters. This is different from diarrhea, where the frequency of passing manure is increased and/or the consistency of the manure itself is more liquid.
Continue reading …Ask the Equine Experts LIVE, Tonight
November 5, 2020 Comments Off on Ask the Equine Experts LIVE, Tonight
Join us for the first ever “Ask The Experts Live!” On November 5th, we will give everyone the chance to ask their equine related questions to a panel of five equine experts during this very special webinar.
Continue reading …UK Gluck Equine Research Center Launches National Survey on Horses Aged 15 Years and Older
November 4, 2020 Comments Off on UK Gluck Equine Research Center Launches National Survey on Horses Aged 15 Years and Older
By: Alisa Herbst While horses aged 15 years and over make up a significant portion of the U.S. equine population, surprisingly little is currently known about their management and health status. In response, the University of Kentucky Gluck Equine Research Center is launching a survey to better understand the special needs of this age group. […]
Continue reading …UC Davis Researchers Identify Genetic Variant for Equine Familial Isolated Hypoparathyroidism
October 31, 2020 Comments Off on UC Davis Researchers Identify Genetic Variant for Equine Familial Isolated Hypoparathyroidism
Foals affected with EFIH suffer from low blood calcium concentrations, resulting in involuntary muscle contractions, muscle stiffness that leads to a stiff gait and can progress to an inability to stand, seizures, fevers, and an abnormally fast pulse. Parathyroid hormone is typically produced to increase calcium levels in the body, but in these foals, concentrations are low or “inappropriately” normal (i.e. they should be high due to the low calcium). Affected foals die or are euthanized due to poor prognosis. Necropsy results reveal underdeveloped or absent parathyroid glands.
Continue reading …Making Halloween Safe (and Less Scary) for Your Pets
October 30, 2020 Comments Off on Making Halloween Safe (and Less Scary) for Your Pets
The other lurking danger during Halloween is a substance called Xylitol. This is a low-calorie sweetener found most commonly in gum and candy. It can be potentially lethal when consumed, even in small quantities. To reduce temptation, feed your pet before any guests arrive so they will be less likely to beg and steal food. Tell your guests of any house rules regarding your pet, such as not feeding them scraps from the table.
Continue reading …How Much Protein Does Your Horse Really Need?
October 26, 2020 Comments Off on How Much Protein Does Your Horse Really Need?
Mom needs plenty of protein too: a lactating mare is not only attempting to maintain her own body condition, but especially in early stages, she is providing all the protein to the foal through the milk as well. This is one of the reasons it can seem difficult to keep a mare in good body condition around foaling and as she begins lactating.
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