Welfare of Horses in Inner West Anatolia

Abstract

This study was carried out to evaluate the feeding, management and health practices in horse farms in Inner West Anatolia with the aspects of animal welfare. The study was carried out in 53 horse farms in Afyonkarahisar, Eskişehir, Kütahya, and Uşak provinces. The measurements, observations and declarations of breeders were recorded on the questioner forms. Furthermore, a fecal parasitic examination was carried out. The breeds of horse were Arab, Thoroughbred, local and crosses. The percentages of boxed and tied barns were 60.4 and 39.6%. The average temperature and humidity in the shelters were 20.7°C and 38.6%, the mean values for carbondioxide, oxygen, and ammonia were measured as 848.0, 20.9, and 5.0 ppm respectively. Although antiparasitic applications were reported in the visited farms, 61.7% of the horses were found to have parasites in the parasitic examination. 90.6% of the interviewed personnel claimed that they were experienced in horse breeding but only 3.8% had knowledge about animal health and welfare. In conclusion, horse breeding in Inner West Anatolia is insufficient in terms of windows and chimney openings in shelters, shelter enrichment, paddock areas and exercise, dental care, antiparasitic applications, and trained personnel for animal health and welfare; while box dimensions, feeding standards, grooming, hoof care, tail docking, foal care and transport applications were in accordance with ideal standards.