What are the impacts of different farming systems on the health and welfare of farmed horses?
Context and Relevance:
The welfare of farmed horses can vary significantly depending on the farming system they are raised in, including pasture-based systems, intensive stable systems, and semi-intensive systems. Understanding these impacts is essential for optimizing horse welfare and informing management practices in different farming contexts. This research aims to investigate how different farming systems affect the health and welfare of farmed horses.
Potential Research Approach:
Literature Review: Review existing literature on the effects of various farming systems (e.g., pasture-based, intensive stable) on horse health and welfare, focusing on parameters such as behavior, stress levels, physical health, and reproductive performance.
Field Studies: Conduct field studies in different horse farming systems to assess welfare indicators such as behavior observations, veterinary health assessments, and owner/farmer interviews.
Comparative Analysis: Compare welfare outcomes between different farming systems using quantitative measures (e.g., prevalence of lameness, stress hormone levels) and qualitative assessments (e.g., quality of life indicators, social interactions).
Longitudinal Studies: Implement longitudinal studies to evaluate the long-term effects of farming systems on horse welfare, including growth rates, longevity, and behavioral development.
Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with horse owners, veterinarians, and equine welfare organizations to understand perceptions, challenges, and opportunities related to farming system choices and their impacts on horse welfare.
Additional Questions:
How do different farming systems influence specific health issues in horses, such as lameness, respiratory problems, and gastrointestinal disorders?
What are the environmental impacts associated with different farming systems for horses, including land use and resource management?
How can management practices within different farming systems be optimized to enhance horse welfare while maintaining sustainable production goals?