Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

During the lifetime of a horse, weaning is described as one of the most stressful events. Both foals and mares are strongly affected by time and method of weaning since it separates the physical, mental and nutritional bond between them either in a natural, gradual or in an abrupt way. Depending on the degree of stress the foals are exposed to, it can result in diseases, injuries, reduced growth and a compromised welfare. It is of great importance that a horse is healthy from young age, to be able to perform as a competition horse. The breeder’s practices around the time of weaning can lead to long lasting consequences for the future development of the foal, and the management is therefore essential. There is a need to study the long-term effect of weaning on showjumping horses and if there is a correlation between time and method of weaning and damaging effects on the horse which prevents them from being able to perform later in life.

Breeders of high performance showjumping horses in Sweden were able to participate in a survey, published on social media, with questions on weaning, housing and feeding practices and occurrence of health problems or stereotypic behaviors. The results did not indicate that age or method of weaning affected the horse’s performance, sustainability or welfare. However, a significant correlation was found between housing and feeding practices, and performance or damaging effects of the horse. Where the foal was housed at the time of weaning, including the time spent on box stall, affected the horse’s performance and sustainability. Similarly, what type of feed and the time of age the foals were offered concentrates for the first time, affected the horse later in life. Feeding foals with concentrates was correlated with the presence of stereotypic behaviors, which is of welfare concern.

Due to the limited number of horses in this study, the results should not be generalized. There is a great need for further research to truly investigate the impact different weaning practices have on competition horses.