| Nutrition-associated problems facing elite level three-day eventing horses. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 21059032 Owner: NLM Status: In-Data-Review |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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Reasons for performing study: The main goal of feeding elite 3-day event horses is to deliver nutrients in optimal amounts to allow the horse to maximize its health and performance. However, improper nutritional management and/or physiological stressors related to intense training and competition may increase the risk of nutrition-associated disorders in these horses. An understanding of the nutrition-associated problems contributing to poor performance is critical to the health and welfare of the horse. Objectives: To characterize the nutrition-associated problems affecting top level 3-day event horses during 2008. Methods: Contact information for riders competing in the 2 highest levels of 3-day eventing in 2008 was obtained from the United States Eventing Association. A survey containing 10 questions pertaining to participant demographics and nutrition-associated problems experienced by their horses was mailed and e-mailed to the 81 individuals fitting our criteria of living in USA and Canada. Data was collected in April and May 2009. Results: Twenty-nine of 81 riders completed the survey (35.8%). Respondents rode a total of 45 horses in top level 3-day events in 2008. The top 5 nutrition-associated problems that horses faced at a significantly higher level than the other problems (P<0.0001) were gastric ulcers (42.2%), joint problems (37.7%), decreased appetite (31.1%), weight loss (31.1%) and hyperexcitability (22.2%). There was no significant difference in frequency of problems between home and competition (P = 0.22). Conclusions: Horses competing at a high level of 3-day eventing in 2008 were at risk of reduced performance given the significant rate of gastric ulcers, decreased appetite and weight loss. Research addressing specific causes of and/or feeding management changes that would reduce the incidence of these problems in these horses is needed to ensure optimal health and performance. |
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Authors:
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E R Leahy; A O Burk; E A Greene; C A Williams |
Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article |
Journal Detail:
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Title: Equine veterinary journal Volume: 42 Suppl 38 ISSN: 2042-3306 ISO Abbreviation: Equine Vet. J. Publication Date: 2010 Nov |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2010-11-09 Completed Date: - Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 0173320 Medline TA: Equine Vet J Country: England |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 370-4 Citation Subset: IM |
Copyright Information:
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© 2010 EVJ Ltd. |
Affiliation:
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Department of Animal Science, Rutgers, the State University, New Jersey, USA; ‡Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, USA; and §Department of Animal Science, University of Vermont, USA. |
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From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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