Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

This essay aims to review scientific literature to evaluate how housing and air quality can be improved for a better welfare for horses. The main focus of this essay was to show how horseboxes should be made safe, but also how stable flooring, other interior and air quality affects the horses housed there. Results from the review show that the infill planks need to be able to withstand a horse kick with an impact energy of at least 350 J to be regarded as kick resistant and that not all materials are suited as infill planks. Plastic infill planks are more resistant than Norway spruce and might be more suitable as a material in horseboxes. Using standing grids as a divider in the upper part of the box wall risks injury as a horse may get caught with its lower mandibular and in addition isn’t kick resistant. A steel mesh grid might be more suitable instead as it’s able to withstand a horse kick without breaking.
A horse may also injure itself on stall fixtures like hooks and cribs, and it’s advisable to apply design solutions that minimizes the risk of injury. Stall flooring may also be a potential danger to the horse if not designed to be slip-free. The air quality in the stable should be free from a high concentration of ammonia, carbon dioxide, moisture and organic dust to minimize the risk of horses suffering from inflammation in the airways. Carbon dioxide is used as a measure of how well ventilated the stable is and high levels are an indicator of poor ventilation. Poor ventilation can cause moisture to build up and may result in mold growing in the stable interior. In addition to this, organic dust can accumulate when dusty hay and straw are used as food and bedding. However, organic dust can be reduced by switching to silage with a higher water content and using wood shavings as bedding material.
It is important to take measures to ensure the safety of the horses housed in stables by designing stable interior with the intent to minimize the risk of injury. However, it is equally important to assess other parameters in horse housing, like herd-dynamics and feeding routines. Reducing situations where a horse may show aggression or fear caused by food-related frustration or from not being housed next to an affiliate may also reduce the risk of an injury.