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The transportation conditions of slaughter horses for human consumption have become a public and regulatory issue in the United States in the last two decades. Federal regulations were developed partially using the results of funded... more
The transportation conditions of slaughter horses for human consumption have become a public and regulatory issue in the United States in the last two decades. Federal regulations were developed partially using the results of funded research projects that examined the types of vehicles, characteristics of slaughter horse candidates, types of injuries during transport, duration of transit, stocking densities and other behavioural and physiological indices during long-distance road transport. Additionally, the physiological responses of horses travelling long distances in vans while cross-tied by their halters in individual stalls were also studied. Both engineering- and performance-based standards were developed from the scientific studies and implemented in the federal regulations to ensure the humane movement of equines to slaughter facilities via commercial road transportation.
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To examine metabolic responses of chronically starved horses to refeeding with 3 isoenergetic diets. Uncontrolled clinical trial. 22 mature mixed-breed horses that were emaciated but otherwise clinically normal. Horses were fed 1 of 3... more
To examine metabolic responses of chronically starved horses to refeeding with 3 isoenergetic diets. Uncontrolled clinical trial. 22 mature mixed-breed horses that were emaciated but otherwise clinically normal. Horses were fed 1 of 3 diets: alfalfa hay, oat hay, or a combination diet of half oat hay and half commercially prepared ration. Digestible energy of diets was gradually increased throughout the refeeding period. One pre- and 4 postprandial blood samples were obtained daily, and analyses included RBC count, Hct, and determination of hemoglobin, glucose, insulin, free fatty acid, total bilirubin, 2,3-diphosphoglyceric acid, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, sodium, and potassium concentrations. Body weight, fecal output, and feed and water consumption were measured and recorded daily. Repeated-measures ANOVA was used to examine dietary and temporal (day) effects of the 3 dietary regimens during 10-day trials. 19 Horses survived. Three horses (2 fed alfalfa diet, 1 fed combinati...
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Observations were made on development of diarrhea in special-fed calves (n = 460) on 8 commercial facilities during 2 successive 16-week production cycles at weeks 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 16. A total of 23% were affected, with peak number of... more
Observations were made on development of diarrhea in special-fed calves (n = 460) on 8 commercial facilities during 2 successive 16-week production cycles at weeks 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 16. A total of 23% were affected, with peak number of calves with diarrhea observed at week 0. Suspected enteropathogens were identified in 86% of these calves, most commonly cryptosporidia, coronavirus, and rotavirus. Identified potential zoonotic pathogens included Giardia and Salmonella spp and verotoxigenic Escherichia coli. Noncytopathic bovine viral diarrhea virus was isolated from 6 calves that had repeated bouts of illness. Only 22% of calves entering the veal facilities had adequate transfer of passive immunity. At week 0, serum IgG concentration in calves that subsequently died or had diarrhea was lower (P < 0.001) than that in healthy calves. All calves that died (n = 6) during the first 4 weeks of production had complete failure of transfer of passive immunity.
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Transportation stress has been implicated as a predisposing factor to respiratory disease in horses. Cross-tying horses individually in stalls is common practice for transporting show and racehorses, but horses also travel in small groups... more
Transportation stress has been implicated as a predisposing factor to respiratory disease in horses. Cross-tying horses individually in stalls is common practice for transporting show and racehorses, but horses also travel in small groups or individually without being restricted by tying. The objective of this study was to compare physiological responses of horses travelling cross-tied or loose during 24 h of road transport. Ten horses were used in a cross-over design consisting of two 4 day trials. In the first trial, 6 horses were cross-tied, while 2 pairs of horses were loose in enclosed compartments. Treatments were reversed in the second trial. Baseline samples were collected on Day 1, horses transported on Day 2, and recovery data collected on Days 3 and 4. Blood samples were collected daily at 0800, 1100 and 2000 h. The mean responses in all horses of serum cortisol, lactate, glucose, alpha1-acid glycoprotein, and total protein concentrations, packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cell (WBC) counts and aminotransferase and creatine kinase were was elevated significantly from baseline during the 4 day study. The response of white blood cell counts, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratios and glucose and cortisol concentrations was significantly elevated in the cross-tied compared to the loose group during transport and recovery. This study supports the recommendation of allowing horses during long-term transportation to travel loose in small compartments, without elevating their head by cross-tying.
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ABSTRACT Few college-level curricula in equine management classes address the topics of death and euthanasia, even though every horse eventually will experience the process. A comprehensive educational approach includes topics on... more
ABSTRACT Few college-level curricula in equine management classes address the topics of death and euthanasia, even though every horse eventually will experience the process. A comprehensive educational approach includes topics on assessing the need for euthanasia, decision making techniques, acceptable euthanasia methods, physiology of dying, and appropriate carcass disposal options, as well as addressing the emotional context of the human-horse bond and the grief process. Suggested projects for students include the development of an equine euthanasia plan or a quality of life assessment. Since death and euthanasia are integral components in the U.S. societal issues concerning the number of unwanted horses, the slaughtering of horses for human consumption, and the development of minimum welfare standards and regulations, education and research in these subjects will help to effectively resolve these situations and enhance the welfare of horses.
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Every state in the United States has regulations prohibiting acts of neglect and cruelty against animals. Local law enforcement and animal control agencies are responsible in many communities to enforce these statutes. As... more
Every state in the United States has regulations prohibiting acts of neglect and cruelty against animals. Local law enforcement and animal control agencies are responsible in many communities to enforce these statutes. As society&#39;s perception of horses has changed from their origin as livestock to companion animals in modern times, owners have transitioned their care and management. The goal of this study was to identify the role and capacities of local animal control services in the United States that investigate equine neglect, cruelty, and abandonment investigations and to identify challenges and outcomes of the investigations. A 128-question online survey was accessible for animal agencies to complete. Comprehensive questions included their capacity for investigating equine cases, funding, housing for horses, and causes and outcomes of investigations. Respondents also were asked to select a single case and provide detailed information on the condition of horses, seizure and custody procedures, costs, and prosecution proceedings. A total of 165 respondents from 26 states completed all or the majority of the questions. A total of 6,864 equine investigations were initiated between 2007 and 2009 by 90 agencies, which extrapolates to 38 investigations annually per agency. A typical agency has an average annual budget of $740,000, employs 7 animal control officers, and spends about $10,000 annually on equine cases. Neglect was ranked as the most common reason for investigation. Owner ignorance, economic hardship, and lack of responsibility were the highest ranked causes of neglect and cruelty. Individual cases were provided by 91 agencies concerning 749 equines. The physical condition of the horse was the primary factor of investigation, and low body condition, parasite infestation, and compromised dental condition were present in most seized horses. Over half of the equine owners previously had been investigated or charged with neglect or cruelty of animals or were identified with cruelty or abuse offenses to people. Less than 3% of the cases advanced to adjudication, and these were likely to be decided by a judge rather than a jury. Judgments of guilty verdicts and pleas were 9 times more common than acquittal. Challenges for equine investigations cases included lack of funding, limited availability of facilities for horses, and providing educational materials for horse owners to aid in prevention and resolution of neglect cases.
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Public concerns, animal activists, and pending legislation have prompted several of the studies investigating veal calf welfare. Concerns include tethering practices, housing conditions, liquid diets and social deprivation of individually... more
Public concerns, animal activists, and pending legislation have prompted several of the studies investigating veal calf welfare. Concerns include tethering practices, housing conditions, liquid diets and social deprivation of individually stalled calves (Miller, 1990; Schwartz, 1990). ...
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Horsemeat consumption became popu- lar in many European countries after World War II, and horsemeat continues today to be a delicacy product. The United States is a major source country for these markets. Although the number of horses... more
Horsemeat consumption became popu- lar in many European countries after World War II, and horsemeat continues today to be a delicacy product. The United States is a major source country for these markets. Although the number of horses slaughtered in the United States has been decreasing since the 1980s, the animal protection organizations and the pub- lic have focused their
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Abstract Transportation conditions of slaughter horses for human consumption have become a visible issue in the media during the last decade. Animal protection groups successfully lobbied Congress during the 1996 Farm Bill to establish... more
Abstract Transportation conditions of slaughter horses for human consumption have become a visible issue in the media during the last decade. Animal protection groups successfully lobbied Congress during the 1996 Farm Bill to establish regulations governing the care of slaughter horses during transport. These regulations were based partially on funded research projects initiated in 1997 examining types of transport vehicles, fitness of horses for travel, types of injuries, length of transit, dehydration and water management, and stocking density. Using the results of these independent research studies along with public input, a comprehensive set of regulations was drafted and published for public comment in 1999. In the proposed regulations, conveyances with two or more stacked levels will be prohibited from transporting equines 5 yr after the publication of the final rule. Additionally, the maximum transit length will be 28 h, and no electrical prods can be used on equines in commercial transport for any purpose, including loading and unloading. Each horse must have a completed owner-shipper certificate with a statement of fitness to travel as defined by the ability to bear weight on all four limbs, the ability to walk unassisted, and not being blind in both eyes. The shipper must present the owner-shipper certificates to a USDA representative and not leave the slaughter facility until equines have been examined by a USDA representative. Civil penalties of up to $5000 US may be assessed for any violation of the final rule.
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The effects of solar or UV radiation on livestock are often evaluated in research focused on heat stress, dermatological conditions, and other topics, with radiation measurements recorded by instrumentation at a field or local weather... more
The effects of solar or UV radiation on livestock are often evaluated in research focused on heat stress, dermatological conditions, and other topics, with radiation measurements recorded by instrumentation at a field or local weather station for a general geographical location. Individual sensors would be valuable for quantifying an individual animal's exposure, especially as they move about in a heterogeneous environment. Individual commercially available UV dosimeters were evaluated for specificity and sensitivity and found to be potentially valuable research tools for assessing and comparing the UV radiation exposure of individual animals.
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Assessment of Bacteria and Mycotoxins in Feed and Coliforms in Water Offered to High and Low Performing Commercial Growing Hogs in California11Partially supported by research funds from the CA Pork Producers Assoc. and the Ctr. for Food Anim. Health administered by the School of Vet. Med., Univ. ...more
Little information exists on the immunological effects of transport or the use of supplements to minimise transport stress. To establish baseline ranges and evaluate immunophenotypic and functional changes associated with transport and a... more
Little information exists on the immunological effects of transport or the use of supplements to minimise transport stress. To establish baseline ranges and evaluate immunophenotypic and functional changes associated with transport and a nutritional &#39;adaptogen&#39; supplement. Horses received either supplement (n = 10) or placebos (n = 9) during the 30 day study. After 28 days in stalls, 12 horses (6 supplement; 6 placebo) were transported for 24 h, then unloaded and recovered. Venous blood samples were collected on Days 1, 14 and 28 to establish baselines, and on Days 28, 29 and 30 to examine changes during transport and recovery. Transport prompted elevations (P&lt;0.05) in cortisol concentration, neutrophil count and white blood cell counts, while lymphocyte subpopulation counts (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD21+) decreased (P&lt;0.05). Normal phenotypic lymphocyte profiles returned within 24 h of recovery. Supplement effects on immunophenotype (CD21+ and CD8+) were observed in stabled horses (P&lt;0.05), but not in transported horses. These results provide insights into the immunological mechanisms associated with long-term transport. The existence of a small window of immunological uncertainty follows long-term transportation, enhancing the potential risk of infectious disease in susceptible individuals.
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To assess changes in body weight, carcass quality, and fecal pathogen shedding in cull dairy cows fed a high-energy ration for 28 or 56 days prior to slaughter. Randomized clinical trial. 31 adult Holstein dairy cows. Cows were randomly... more
To assess changes in body weight, carcass quality, and fecal pathogen shedding in cull dairy cows fed a high-energy ration for 28 or 56 days prior to slaughter. Randomized clinical trial. 31 adult Holstein dairy cows. Cows were randomly assigned to a control (immediate slaughter) group or a 28-day or 56-day feeding group. Cows in the feeding groups received a high-energy feed and were weighed every 7 days. Carcasses were evaluated by USDA employees. Fecal and blood samples were collected at the start and end of the feeding periods. Body condition score and adjusted preliminary yield grade were significantly increased in both feeding groups, compared with values for the control group; body weight, hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, and ribeye area were significantly increased after 56 days, but not after 28 days, compared with values for the control group. Average daily gain and marbling score were significantly lower after feeding for 28 days versus after 56 days. Prevalence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 shedding in feces decreased from 14% to 5.6%, but this difference was not significant. Cows seropositive for antibodies against bovine leukemia virus that had signs of lymphoma and lame cows had a low average daily gain. Net loss was $71.32/cow and $112.80/cow for the 28-day and 56-day feeding groups, respectively. Feeding market dairy cows improved body condition and carcass quality. Cows seropositive for antibodies against bovine leukemia virus that have signs of lymphoma and lame cows might be poor candidates for reconditioning.
Research Interests: Diet, Animal Husbandry, Lymphoma, Animal Feed, Female, and 9 moreAnimals, Body Composition, The, Cattle, Feces, Thinness, Veterinary Sciences, Weight Gain, and Dairying
... 1998). Anecdotal reports suggest that abrupt refeeding of horses may cause death within 3 d (Kronfeld, 1993). Limited reports have evaluated practical diets for refeeding chroni-cally starved horses (Kronfeld, 1993; Finocchio, 1994).... more
... 1998). Anecdotal reports suggest that abrupt refeeding of horses may cause death within 3 d (Kronfeld, 1993). Limited reports have evaluated practical diets for refeeding chroni-cally starved horses (Kronfeld, 1993; Finocchio, 1994). ...
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More than one million horses reside in California, which is approximately 15 to 20% of the nation's horses. A grass-roots organization, "Save the Horses," developed Proposition 6 for the November 1998 California ballot.... more
More than one million horses reside in California, which is approximately 15 to 20% of the nation's horses. A grass-roots organization, "Save the Horses," developed Proposition 6 for the November 1998 California ballot. Proposition 6 was entitled "Prohibition of Horse Slaughter and Sale of Horsemeat for Human Consumption Act of 1998," and made it a felony to possess, transfer, receive
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The objectives of the study were to evaluate age and teat order on a performance trait, average daily gain, and on physiological stress indica- tors, a1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), neutrophil-to-lym- phocyte ratio (N:L), and cortisol in... more
The objectives of the study were to evaluate age and teat order on a performance trait, average daily gain, and on physiological stress indica- tors, a1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), neutrophil-to-lym- phocyte ratio (N:L), and cortisol in commercial growing pigs from weaning to market age. Pigs (n = 129) from five commercial California farms were weighed and blood-sampled at 28-d intervals from
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Fifteen mature horses (mares, n = 6); geldings, n = 9) were used to assess the physiological responses of 24 h of transport in a commercial van under California summer conditions. The study was conducted on four consecutive days, and data... more
Fifteen mature horses (mares, n = 6); geldings, n = 9) were used to assess the physiological responses of 24 h of transport in a commercial van under California summer conditions. The study was conducted on four consecutive days, and data were collected on d 1 and d 2 to obtain baseline values and to determine any diurnal variation in the individual measurements. Travel commenced on d 3 at 0800 for 24 h, with a total of 1,622 km traveled. Blood samples were collected at 0800, 1100, 1400, 2000, and 0200 each day. Horses were weighed and rectal temperatures recorded at 0800 each day and at 2000 each day except d 3. Body weight, rectal temperature, serum cortisol, serum lactate, and white blood cell (WBC) counts exhibited diurnal variation (P = .0001) on d 1 and d 2. Body weight immediately after unloading showed a 6% loss. At 24 h following transit, a 3% deficiency in body weight loss remained. The WBC counts showed a progressive increase with duration of travel and peaked at the term...
Research Interests: Animal Science, Biological Sciences, California, Cortisol, Blood Glucose, and 15 moreCircadian Rhythm, Female, Animals, Blood sampling, Male, Horses, Creatine Kinase, Body Temperature, Diurnal Variation, Body Weight, Lactic Acid, Aspartate Aminotransferases, Alanine Transaminase, hydrocortisone, and leukocyte Count
The objectives of this study were to determine effects of housing design (calves tethered in open stalls vs untethered in individual pens) and widths of 56, 66, and 76 cm (2 x 3 factorial arrangement of treatments) on indicators of stress... more
The objectives of this study were to determine effects of housing design (calves tethered in open stalls vs untethered in individual pens) and widths of 56, 66, and 76 cm (2 x 3 factorial arrangement of treatments) on indicators of stress and behavior in special-fed veal calves. Three production cycles (groups) were used, each with 36 Holstein bull calves. Calves (n = 108) were randomly allotted to treatments upon arrival at the facility. Blood samples were collected four times (wk 4, 9, 13, and 18) during the 18-wk production cycle. Blood serum values for cortisol and alpha1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) exhibited few treatment differences. Blood leukocyte differential counts at 4 and 18 wk (segmented neutrophils [N], banded neutrophils, lymphocytes [L], basophils, and the N:L ratio) were not different (P > .05) among housing designs or widths. However, there were differences (P < .05) in monocytes and eosinophils during the 28-d period after arrival; calves in stalls 76 cm wide ha...
Research Interests: Animal Science, Animal Husbandry, Biological Sciences, Cortisol, Animal, and 15 moreFemale, Animals, Blood sampling, Male, Growth performance, Posture, Cattle, Age Factors, Biological markers, Condition number, Treatment Effect, hydrocortisone, cattle diseases, Stress Physiological, and leukocyte Count
Due to pending legislation and public concerns, a multidisciplinary approach was designed to investigate the welfare of special-fed veal calves in commercial veal facilities. Concerns included housing conditions, dietary regimens,... more
Due to pending legislation and public concerns, a multidisciplinary approach was designed to investigate the welfare of special-fed veal calves in commercial veal facilities. Concerns included housing conditions, dietary regimens, management practices, and behavioral aspects imposed on special-fed calves. Four categories of parameters including environment and housing, nutrition, health and stress, and behavior provided a broad base of evaluating veal systems. Observations and samples were collected on 550 Holstein bull calves located in 10 commercial veal facilities. Each facility was visited to collect data during wk 0 (week of arrival of the calves), 2, 4, 8, 12, and 16. Nine facilities used individual stalls 48 to 55 cm in width with tethers attached to the front of the stalls. One facility housed 30 calves in group pens after obtaining calves at 8 wk of age. Ammonia, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide gas did not exceed the permissible limit for humans in any facility. All f...
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The percentages of three muscle fiber types in the biceps femoris and triceps brachii were determined in five breeds of horses: Belgians, Standardbreds, Thoroughbreds, Quarter Horses and Welsh ponies. Biopsies were taken from the two... more
The percentages of three muscle fiber types in the biceps femoris and triceps brachii were determined in five breeds of horses: Belgians, Standardbreds, Thoroughbreds, Quarter Horses and Welsh ponies. Biopsies were taken from the two muscles from each of four 2-year-old untrained fillies of each breed. Percentages of red, white and intermediate fiber types were determined from tissues stained for succinic dehydrogenase activity. Intermediate fibers were the most numerous for all breeds. The difference between red and white fibers varied significantly with breed. Thoroughbreds had the highest percentage of red fibers and Belgians had the most white fibers.
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Two experiments were conducted to determine the response of blood glucose, insulin and cortisol levels to four common equine diets. Experiment 1 was designed to determine the diurnal variation of glucose and two glucoregulatory hormones,... more
Two experiments were conducted to determine the response of blood glucose, insulin and cortisol levels to four common equine diets. Experiment 1 was designed to determine the diurnal variation of glucose and two glucoregulatory hormones, insulin and cortisol, in four fasting geldings. No diurnal variation was observed in either glucose or insulin levels during the 24-h sampling period. However, cortisol levels did exhibit a circadian rhythm, with elevated values observed in the morning and low values in the evening. Experiment 2 investigated the response of glucose, insulin, cortisol and selected amino acids to four isoenergetic equine diets. Four 2-yr-old quarter horse geldings were used in a Latin square design. Pelleted isoenergetic diets were composed as follows on a digestible energy basis: 100% alfalfa (diet A), 50% alfalfa and 50% corn (diet AC), 100% corn (diet C) and 90% corn and 10% corn oil (diet CO). A single meal was fed after an overnight fast. Blood samples were taken...
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To assess changes in body weight, carcass quality, and fecal pathogen shedding in cull dairy cows fed a high-energy ration for 28 or 56 days prior to slaughter. Randomized clinical trial. 31 adult Holstein dairy cows. Cows were randomly... more
To assess changes in body weight, carcass quality, and fecal pathogen shedding in cull dairy cows fed a high-energy ration for 28 or 56 days prior to slaughter. Randomized clinical trial. 31 adult Holstein dairy cows. Cows were randomly assigned to a control (immediate slaughter) group or a 28-day or 56-day feeding group. Cows in the feeding groups received a high-energy feed and were weighed every 7 days. Carcasses were evaluated by USDA employees. Fecal and blood samples were collected at the start and end of the feeding periods. Body condition score and adjusted preliminary yield grade were significantly increased in both feeding groups, compared with values for the control group; body weight, hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, and ribeye area were significantly increased after 56 days, but not after 28 days, compared with values for the control group. Average daily gain and marbling score were significantly lower after feeding for 28 days versus after 56 days. Prevalence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 shedding in feces decreased from 14% to 5.6%, but this difference was not significant. Cows seropositive for antibodies against bovine leukemia virus that had signs of lymphoma and lame cows had a low average daily gain. Net loss was $71.32/cow and $112.80/cow for the 28-day and 56-day feeding groups, respectively. Feeding market dairy cows improved body condition and carcass quality. Cows seropositive for antibodies against bovine leukemia virus that have signs of lymphoma and lame cows might be poor candidates for reconditioning.