Journal of Equine Veterinary Science最新文献

{"title":"Radiographic measurements of Miniature Horse and Miniature Pony Feet","authors":"J․M Olijnyk ,&nbsp;G. Hosgood ,&nbsp;J. Richardson ,&nbsp;C. Beggs ,&nbsp;E. McConnell","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105710","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105710","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Reliable assessment of foot conformation is essential for podiatric management in Miniature Horses and Ponies, yet reference ranges and the reliability of radiographic measurements remain poorly defined.</div></div><div><h3>Aims/objectives</h3><div>This study quantified radiographic measurements of foot conformation in sound, skeletally mature Miniature Horses and Ponies and evaluated their agreement, reliability, and precision.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Standardised lateromedial and dorsopalmar/plantarodorsal radiographs were obtained from 30 Miniature Horses and Ponies. Two observers took 60 measurements from 10 sets of projections on three occasions. Reliability and precision were quantified using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and within-subject coefficients of variation (CV), and agreement was assessed against ±5 % limits of agreement (LOA). These measurements were then obtained by a single observer from 30 horses. The median and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) of each measurement were calculated.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Most linear and angular measurements had moderate to excellent reliability (median ICC 0.86, interquartile range [IQR] 0.22) and precision (median CV 4 %, IQR 7 %) but exceeded ±5 % LOA. Hoof wall thickness ratios had good reliability (minimum ICC 0.69, 95 % CI 0.49–0.96), excellent precision (maximum CV 9 %, 95 % CI 2–11 %), and acceptable agreement (maximum LOA ±4.7 %, 95 % CI −0.11–0.09). Marginal means (95 %CIs) were: dorsal, forefeet 0.245 (0.237–0.253), hindfeet 0.240 (0.232–0.248); lateral, forefeet 0.186 (0.180–0.194), hindfeet 0.180 (0.173–0.186); medial, pre-trim 0.177 (0.171–0.183), post-trim 0.169 (0.163-0.175).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Hoof wall ratios provide consistent, repeatable radiographic measurements suitable for clinical use in skeletally mature Miniature Horses and Ponies, supporting objective laminitis screening and monitoring.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":"155 ","pages":"Article 105710"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145431859","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"L-Carnitine supplementation to the stallion semen extender attenuates the cryopreservation induced oxidative stress and ameliorates sperm functional attributes","authors":"Omprakash Solanki ,&nbsp;Thirumala Rao Talluri ,&nbsp;Dinesh Jhamb ,&nbsp;Sajjan Kumar ,&nbsp;Kalpesh Kumar Pargi ,&nbsp;Nilendu Paul ,&nbsp;M Kutty ,&nbsp;RK Dedar ,&nbsp;Madhu Meena ,&nbsp;Mitesh Gaur ,&nbsp;TK Bhattacharya","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105731","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105731","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The current study evaluated the effect of L-Carnitine supplementation to the stallion semen extender on pre-freeze and post-thaw semen quality and oxidative parameters in Marwari breed stallions.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and Methods</h3><div>For this purpose, thirty-six semen ejaculates (6 ejaculates from each stallion) were collected using an artificial vagina (AV) from six adult Marwari stallions. The gel free semen was extended with different concentrations of L-Carnitine (LC) i.e. 0 mM (control), 2.5 mM (T1), 5 mM (T2) and 10 mM (T3). Pre-freeze and post-thaw semen evaluations were conducted for various seminal attributes and oxidative parameters.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The results indicated that, all LC supplemented groups (2.5, 5 and 10 mM) exhibited improved progressive motility, acrosome integrity, plasma membrane integrity and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) at both pre-freeze and post -thaw stages (P &lt; 0.05) in comparison to the control group. Compared to that in the control, the addition of 5 mM LC induced an increase (P &lt; 0.01) in sperm motility (31.76 ± 2.08 vs 43.87 ± 1.95 %), acrosome integrity (58.56 ± 0.88 vs 66.86 ± 1.11) and MMP (55.66 ± 0.84 vs 65.55 ± 1.15). Antioxidant enzyme levels viz, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), levels were increased (P &lt; 0.01), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) levels also showed higher values (P &lt; 0.05), exclusively in 5 mM (T2) group and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels decreased (P &lt; 0.05) in the all the LC supplemented groups at post-thaw stage.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>In conclusion, L-Carnitine supplementation to the stallion semen extender enhanced the semen quality at pre- and post-thaw stages and at 5 mM LC, the oxidative parameters were ameliorated in post- thaw semen of Marwari breed stallions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":"155 ","pages":"Article 105731"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145488877","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"How prior racing performance influences competition level in off-the-track Thoroughbred horses’ post-racing eventing careers","authors":"Elouise K Bacon,&nbsp;Danica Parnell,&nbsp;Gary Muscatello,&nbsp;Jaimie McElroy,&nbsp;Brandon D Velie","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105679","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105679","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The ongoing discussion surrounding the well-being of retired racehorses underscores the importance of implementing effective rehoming strategies that prioritise animal welfare. A significant knowledge gap persists regarding whether a horse’s success in racing can be used to reliably predict its performance in different equestrian sports upon retirement from racing.</div></div><div><h3>Aims/Objectives</h3><div>To examine the association between racehorse performance metrics and eventing metrics in off-the-track Thoroughbreds that compete in eventing within Australia.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Racing metrics and eventing metrics for a sample of off-the-track Thoroughbreds (<em>n</em> = 6,828) registered with Equestrian Australia were collated. Summary statistics of racing metrics were estimated and assessed for differences between horses competing in eventing at level EvA95 and above versus horses competing at levels below EvA95. Generalised linear models were applied to assess the influence of racing performance metrics on eventing performance measures at levels EvA95 and above.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Horses that failed to reach an eventing level of EvA95 were shown to have had significantly (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.01) better racing performance and longer racing careers. Time elapsed since last race was shown to be favourably associated with most eventing parameters assessed and longer best race distances were shown to be significantly associated with higher levels of eventing achieved.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Riders seeking high-level eventing prospects may want to prioritize Thoroughbreds that excelled at longer race distances; however, racing performance alone does not appear to be a reliable predictor of success in eventing. Other factors, such as stride characteristics and the suitability of the rider-horse partnership, also warrant thoughtful consideration.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":"154 ","pages":"Article 105679"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144933791","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The tipping point: Exploring the influence of rider presence and posture on gait parameters in horses working in mounted equine-assisted services","authors":"B.H. Baxley ,&nbsp;A. Stellato ,&nbsp;N.C. Anderson","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105699","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105699","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Horses involved in equine-assisted services (EAS) support the psychological and physiological health of individuals through mounted activities; however, limited research exists on how these sessions affect the horse’s movement.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>This study aimed to investigate the influence of rider presence and posture on horses’ gait parameters in EAS settings.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Horses (<em>n</em> = 22) were observed during walk and trot, both with and without a mounted rider, in four EAS centers in the United States. Distal limb-mounted inertial measurement units collected peak ground reaction force (pGRF), stride duration, stride symmetry, stride length, and stationary proportion. Rider posture angular metrics were calculated using static images. Mixed linear regression models assessed effects of rider presence, posture, life stage, and horse-related factors (e.g., age, breed) on each gait parameter.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Rider presence increased pGRF (walk: +2.36 N, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.01; trot: +6.69 N, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001) increased and stride length (walk: +0.13 m, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001; trot: +0.23 m, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001). Stationary proportion increased during the walk (+2.2 %, <em>P</em> = 0.03). Rider left trunk lean increased forelimb pGRF (walk: +0.39, <em>P</em> = 0.03) and stationary proportion (trot: +0.68, <em>P</em> = 0.02). Draft cross breeds (vs. cobs) had increased pGRF (walk: +14.04, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.01; trot: +27.74, <em>P</em> = 0.02), and stride length (trot: +0.82, <em>P</em> = 0.02). Child (vs. adult) riders increased stationary proportion (trot: +4.47, <em>P</em> = 0.04) and reduced stride duration (trot:52.41, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.01).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Rider presence, posture, and rider life stage influenced horse gait in EAS contexts. These findings highlight the importance of considering rider-horse interactions in EAS when assessing horse welfare and longevity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":"154 ","pages":"Article 105699"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145054029","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of sand, asphalt, and a three degrees hind toe or heel elevation on equine cervical and thoracolumbosacral kinematics at walk and trot","authors":"S. Caure ,&nbsp;K. Miljak ,&nbsp;Ph. Dendaw ,&nbsp;L. Thesée ,&nbsp;E. Villedey ,&nbsp;A. Malinvaud ,&nbsp;M. Cousty ,&nbsp;V. Prié ,&nbsp;K. Horan ,&nbsp;R. Weller","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105697","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105697","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Effects of ground surface and hoof angles on equine cervical and thoracolumbosacral kinematics are poorly understood. However, the equine cervical and thoracolumbosacral areas present frequent lesions and he management of factors that might improve treatment and rehabilitation outcomes, such as ground surface and hoof angles, requires more investigation.</div></div><div><h3>Aims</h3><div>Our objectives were to determine the influence of ground surface (asphalt versus sand) and a 3 degrees hind toe or heel elevation on cervical and thoracolumbosacral kinematics during walking and trotting.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Six saddle horses were equipped with reflective markers and shod with reference shoes (REF), consisting of fore aluminium (REF F) and hind steel racehorse (REF H) shoes. Two-dimensional videos, performed with a camera placed perpendicularly to the horse, were used to compare kinematic parameters when walking and trotting in hand on asphalt and sand. On asphalt, REF was also compared with REF F and a modified REF H using additional three degrees hind toe or heel wedges.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>During walking or trotting, horses showed increased mid-cervical flexion (2±0.8°), cervicothoracic extension (5±1.5°) and thoracolumbar flexion (2.3±0.8°), and a reduction in lumbosacral range of motion (3±0.8°) on asphalt versus sand. Hind heel or toe elevation increased both adaptative cervicothoracic flexion (5±1.6°) and lumbosacral extension (3±0.9°) at walk, relative to REF. An increased plantar hoof angle induced more lumbosacral extension (3±1.3°) at walk. At trot, toe elevation reduced thoracothoracic flexion (2.7±1.1°) and heel elevation reduced thoracothoracic extension (2.9±1.1°).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These observations could be useful for clinical, rehabilitation, training, and performance assessments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":"154 ","pages":"Article 105697"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145008217","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Quantification of immune cells in full thickness and mucosal biopsies of the duodenum and rectum in a group of slaughter horses","authors":"M. Robel ,&nbsp;P. Grest ,&nbsp;B. Riond ,&nbsp;Y. Zablotski ,&nbsp;A. Schoster","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105701","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105701","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Limited data are available on immune cells in the intestinal wall of healthy horses, hampering interpretation of results in case of disease.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Characterize and quantify the immune cell populations and their distribution in duodenal and rectal biopsies of horses without gastrointestinal disease; compare immune cell counts (ICCTs) between full thickness- and mucosal biopsies.</div></div><div><h3>Animals</h3><div>Twenty horses fit for slaughter, slaughtered for meat production.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and Methods</h3><div>Full-thickness and endoscopic forceps obtained mucosal biopsies were taken within 30 min after slaughter from the duodenum and rectum. Samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and analyzed using immunohistochemistry (IHC). Immune cells were evaluated in epithelium, lamina propria and Brunner’s glands or submucosa. Differences between location and biopsy type were assessed using a generalized linear mixed effects model.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Significantly more intraepithelial lymphocytes were found in duodenal full thickness biopsies (DFTs, median 9.0 epithelial lymphocytes/100 cells) compared to duodenal mucosal biopsies (DMs, median 5.35/100 cells, <em>p</em> = 0.002). Lymphocyte counts were significantly higher in the lamina propria of DFTs (median 7/0.01mm² ) compared to DMs (median 5/0.01mm^2, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.001). Plasma cell counts were significantly higher in the lamina propria of DFTs (median 8.0/0.01mm²) compared to rectal full thickness and mucosal biopsies (median 4 and 3/0.01mm²). The combined number of B- and T-cells (IHC) in the duodenal lamina propria was higher than the number of lymphocytes (HE-stain, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.001).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>As ICCTs varied depending on location and biopsy type, separate reference values for both should be established. Immunohistochemistry facilitates identification of immune cells.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":"154 ","pages":"Article 105701"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145058530","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of mixed polyphenol supplementation on lower airway inflammation in horses with Equine Asthma Syndrome","authors":"K.M. Andrews,&nbsp;L.J. Berghaus,&nbsp;K.A. Hart","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105681","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105681","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Equine Asthma Syndrome (EAS) is a chronic inflammatory respiratory disease of adult horses. While dietary polyphenols have shown anti-inflammatory effects in human asthma, their use in equine asthma has not been studied.</div></div><div><h3>Aims</h3><div>To evaluate the effects of a mixed polyphenol supplement on systemic and pulmonary inflammation, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cytology, and clinical respiratory signs in healthy and asthmatic horses. We hypothesized that polyphenol supplementation would decrease systemic and pulmonary inflammation in both healthy and asthmatic horses and would improve BAL cytology and clinical respiratory signs in asthmatic horses.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In Part One, 18 horses (eight healthy, 10 asthmatic) received a daily mixed polyphenol supplement for 6–8 weeks. Physical examination, BAL cytology, and cytokine concentrations in serum and BAL fluid were assessed before and after supplementation. In Part Two, 10 asthmatic horses were randomized into supplemented and control groups (<em>n</em> = 5/group). After 4 weeks on a low-dust diet with or without supplementation, airway inflammation was exacerbated using dusty hay for 4 weeks. Clinical respiratory signs, rebreathing exam findings, and pulmonary inflammation were assessed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In asthmatic horses in Part One, BAL % neutrophils and BAL IL-6 concentrations significantly decreased post-supplementation (<em>P</em> = 0.02; 95 % CI = 93.86 to 913.2 pg/ml), and a greater decrease in BAL IL-10 was observed in asthmatic compared to healthy horses (<em>P</em> = 0.02; 95 % CI = -22.4 to -0.01). In Part Two, the proportion of horses with abnormal rebreathing exams differed significantly between groups (<em>P</em> = 0.002; 95 % CI = 0.11 to 0.41), and supplemented horses had significantly lower respiratory rates (<em>P</em> = 0.008; 95 % CI = -18.0 to -4.0).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Polyphenol supplementation may modulate pulmonary inflammation and improve clinical signs in mildly asthmatic horses when combined with environmental management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":"154 ","pages":"Article 105681"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144956609","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Time-activity budget in horses and ponies: A systematic review and meta-analysis on feeding dynamics and management implications","authors":"M. Lamanna ,&nbsp;G. Buonaiuto ,&nbsp;R. Colleluori ,&nbsp;F. Raspa ,&nbsp;E. Valle ,&nbsp;D. Cavallini","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105684","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105684","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The time-activity budget is a key indicator of animal welfare. This meta-analysis integrated 14 studies (1979-2020) with 364 horses under wild, natural-living, and stabled conditions to evaluate feeding, resting, standing, and locomotion.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>The study aimed to categorize daily behavioural patterns in equines, with emphasis on feeding behaviour.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Fixed and random effects models, forest plots, and ANOVA assessed the influence of management, sociality, sex, age, body size, and feeding type. <em>Results:</em> Feeding was greater in free-ranging (56 %) than stabled horses (38 %; <em>p</em> &lt; 0.0001), in grouped (54 %) vs. isolated (39 %; <em>p</em> = 0.0052), in females (64 %) vs. males (48 %; <em>p</em> = 0.0253), and in grazing (56 %) vs. hay-fed horses (39 %; <em>p</em> = 0.0003). Resting was higher in young, small, grouped, and grazing horses. Standing was commoner in stabled, isolated, adult, larger, and hay-fed animals. Locomotion increased in free-ranging, grouped, and grazing horses.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Management promoting foraging, social interaction, and locomotion enhances equine welfare.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":"154 ","pages":"Article 105684"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145006247","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Stable microclimates and autonomic modulation in horses housed in different stable architectures during monsoon in a tropical environment","authors":"Chanoknun Poochipakorn ,&nbsp;Kanokpan Sanigavatee ,&nbsp;Kansuda Leelehapongsathon ,&nbsp;Thita Wonghanchao ,&nbsp;Metha Chanda","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105685","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105685","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The impact of climate conditions and stable design on horses housed in individual stalls plays a significant role in their well-being, especially in tropical climates. Limited information exists regarding their conditions during the monsoon season.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study focused on the stable microclimate and autonomic regulation of horses kept in different stable architectures during the monsoon in a tropical setting.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Twenty-two horses were assigned to one of three stable designs, each offering unique microclimates, including relative humidity, air temperature, and various levels of noxious gases. Autonomic modulation was assessed by observing multiple heart rate variability (HRV) metrics at one-hour intervals for 24 consecutive hours.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The findings revealed significant variations in stable microclimates across the different designs, with notable differences between day and night. Horses housed in stables with solid external walls and a lower volume-to-horse ratio exhibited lower HRV (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05-0.0001), indicating more significant stress, compared to those in stables with solid walls and a higher volume-to-horse ratio or those without solid external walls. Furthermore, the study established a correlation between stable microclimates and HRV modulation based on stable design.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These results indicate that autonomic responses vary among horses in different stable designs, suggesting that stable architecture, microclimates, and the volume-to-horse ratio significantly influence horses’ stress responses. Overall, these findings offer important insights for improving housing management to enhance the welfare of horses during the monsoon season in tropical environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":"154 ","pages":"Article 105685"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144992739","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Preliminary insights on the daily rhythm of CRP and IL-6 in athletic horses","authors":"F. Aragona ,&nbsp;M. Rizzo ,&nbsp;F. Arfuso ,&nbsp;F. Arrigo ,&nbsp;F. Fazio ,&nbsp;E. Giudice ,&nbsp;C. Faggio ,&nbsp;G. Piccione ,&nbsp;C. Giannetto","doi":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105702","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jevs.2025.105702","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Homeostasis and inflammation are two opposing physiological processes that are driven by the circadian clock.</div></div><div><h3>Aims/objectives</h3><div>The study aim was to investigate the biological rhythm of the C-reactive protein (CRP) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) in horses.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Eight clinically healthy Italian saddle gelding horses, housed in individual boxes and subjected to a natural 12/12 L/D cycle, were enrolled. Blood samples were performed every 4 hours over a 48-hour period.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A positive correlation was found between CRP and IL-6 on both days of monitoring. Both parameters showed a daily rhythm; CRP acrophase was in the middle of the scotophase, IL-6 acrophase at the beginning of the light phase, and both parameters had a high percentage of robustness (&gt;75%).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This preliminary information improves the knowledge about the daily rhythm and possible correlation of some inflammatory biomarkers in horses. Further studies are necessary to investigate how different environmental conditions, management, and physical exercise might influence this rhythmicity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15798,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Equine Veterinary Science","volume":"154 ","pages":"Article 105702"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145054071","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}