Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

The purpose of this study were to investigate whether the pressure sensitivity in the lumbar region of the Standardbred trotter were affected by exercise or housing. Eight Standardbred trotter geldings in training at Wången were included in the study. The study was performed in a cross-over design with 21 days on each of two treatments, consisted of housing in active group housing and housing in box stalls. On two occasions per treatment, the horses were transported to Östersund race track where they performed an exercise test designed as a race. An algometer were used to measure pressure sensitivity in the lumbar region before and after exercise. The hypothesis was that horses show more tenderness in the lumbar region after exercise and that the horses who are stabled in active group housing indicates less tenderness in the lumbar region compared to when they were kept in a box housing system.
The MNT (mechanical nociceptive threshold) were higher in the front of lumbar back compared to the rear lumbar back. There was no difference of MNT between right and left side, which also has been shown in a previous study. The type of housing system for the horses had no effect on the pressure sensitivity in the lumbar region. There was a difference in MNT if the measurements was in the morning compared to the afternoon. MNT was lower in the afternoon compared to the morning values. The assessor also affected the MNT measurements. For a more reliable result the assessors should have more training before the measurements.
Algometric measurements could not detect any difference in lumbar pressure sensitivity after exercise test or due to housing.