Housing conditions have a significant impact on the welfare of horses. Not all factors affecting welfare have animal-based metrics in stable operations, thus making data collection and analysis of the specific stable resources and practices necessary. Stable management can affect fundamental aspects of equine welfare. These can be freedom of movement, opportunities for social interactions, …
The most suitable nutrition for a horse’s digestive system is fibrous feed that is available continuously. Extended times without feed, especially if lasting more than four hours, negatively impact the horse’s digestive system by compromising its microbial population and increasing acidity levels. This effect can be worsened if grain-based, high-energy feeds are being used. A …
Horses are non-ruminant herbivores, who are naturally designed to move long distances on foot while foraging for food. In the wild, they spend about 16-18 hours a day searching for food and can cover distances of up to 20 kilometers. In contrast, domesticated horses typically walk an average of only 7.5 kilometers per day 1. …