Welfare considerations for management of horses on prolonged periods of box rest

Peeters et al. (2024) describe the presentation, diagnosis and successful management of an unusual fracture, of the femoral greater trochanter, in an 8-year-old Warmblood mare. Internal fixation was not considered feasible due to the high likelihood of implant failure at this location and financial constraints. However, based on successful outcomes with similar proximal limb bony protuberances, conservative management was undertaken with an excellent out-come—the horse returned to its previous level of exercise. The authors should be commended in this case report for considering the welfare implications of horses on prolonged box rest and reflecting on what further steps could have been taken to improve this mare's welfare. This clinical commentary will discuss the welfare implications of confinement in horses before expanding on further options for optimising the management of horses undergoing box rest

Zuclopenthixol decanoate toxicity

A psychopharmaceutical describes a drug that has an impact on the mental state of the user. These medications are often used preventively to modify the behavioural response to stress in ungulate prey species, for example, to facilitate transportation and/or introduction into a new area, group or herd. Zuclopenthixol is a long-acting neuroleptic (LAN) or antipsychotic agent that has been used to facilitate wildlife translocation in conservation projects. In human medicine, this drug is used to treat psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia and psychosis. It is a long-acting dopamine D1 and D2 receptor antagonist, with a duration of action of 3–4 days (acetate ester) up to 2–3 weeks (decanoate) in wild ungulates, depending on the pharmaceutical formulation (Swan, 1993; Read, 2002).Our understanding of equine behaviour and in particular learning theory, has deepened over the past few years. We now recognise that most problematic behaviours can quickly be resolved with appropriate training (McLean &amp; Christensen, 2017; Pearson, 2019) and this knowedge should markedly reduce the need for psychopharmaceutical use during the routine management of horses. Yet, as this knowledge is still not embedded into mainstream equestrianism, and considering we know most people overestimate their understanding of horse behaviour (Warren-Smith &amp; McGreevy, 2008; Wentworth-Stanley, 2013; Pearson et al., 2020), psychopharmaceuticals remain an attractive option to many. Moreover, some problematic behaviours coincide with marked levels of emotions such as fear, which impairs a horse's ability to learn. By directly reducing fear, judicious psychopharmaceutical use may optimise retraining, improve welfare and maximise safety.<br/

Stress in equids undergoing veterinary care and the development of interventions that positively influence the horses' experience

Veterinary care can be essential for maintaining the physical health of horses and yet the impact of veterinary care on a horse’s emotional state and how that influences their behavioural responses has not been investigated previously. The term horses is used to describe both horses and ponies. Adverse behavioural responses are unwanted, not only for equine welfare but because veterinarians are frequently injured by the horses they are working with, each sustaining on average around 7-8 significant injuries over the courses of their careers. This study evaluated which aspects of veterinary care horses find stressful, their common behavioural responses in this context and potential ways of improving how they perceive veterinary care. In the context of a veterinary examination, horses are limited in which behavioural responses they can express as they will be restrained to a greater or lesser degree. To determine the range of behavioural responses that may occur and their usefulness in assessing emotional state in the veterinary clinic, a two round Delphi process was undertaken. In the first-round participants from the field of Equitation Science (n=16), Equine Veterinarians (n=10) and Animal Behaviour and Welfare Scientists (n=7) evaluated 11 videos of horse’s behavioural responses to veterinary care. They assigned a score to the degree of stress they perceived each horse to be experiencing and described any behavioural indicators of stress as free text. There was poor agreement on the perceived degree of stress the horses were experiencing and different behavioural indicators were reported by different individuals. The behavioural indicators (41) identified in round one were then re-presented to the participants in a second round where 34/41 indicators were considered useful measures of the horse’s stress response in this context. A feasibility study was then undertaken to determine the best measures of arousal and valence in the context of a veterinary clinic. Horses presenting for veterinary care at an equine hospital (n=30) were filmed during various veterinary interactions (Events) with the horses and the footage was evaluated using a detailed inventory of behavioural responses. Principle component analyses were performed, results of which suggested that the most common behavioural responses to veterinary care were characterised by freeze or flight. Evaluation of the feasibility of different measures of arousal (salivary cortisol, surface eye temperature and heart rate variability) were undertaken on the same cohort of horses. Salivary cortisol concentrations highlighted that horses were in a state of elevated arousal, likely as a consequence of transportation, even before veterinary care commenced. Elevated cortisol concentrations were maintained, most likely due to exposure to veterinary Events, but the lag between an individual Event and concentration peaks / return to baseline meant this was not feasible measure in this context. Surface eye temperature provided data that varied in real time and showed variation between horses and between individual Events. The main limitation of using this measure was the practical challenges trying to capture usable, in focus, and therefore accurate, thermal images of the eye as many horses did not remain still during Events. Heart rate variability parameters (HRV) provided data that varied in real time and showed variation between horses and between individual Events. Moreover, it could be collected remotely and regardless of any behavioural response. In the feasibility study HRV data were collected using a Polar heart rate monitor. However, validation against an ECG showed the Polar to be inaccurate, even following artefact correction. Even when an ECG was used subsequently, manual R peak detection and documentation of arrhythmias was essential to ensure accurate data for HRV analyses were generated. The methodology developed in the feasibility study was used to evaluate the responses of 60 horses undergoing veterinary care in the same equine hospital. The proportion of time a horse was ‘stressed’ was calculated based on the sum total of time in any negative affective state over total time. This study found marked variation regarding which veterinary Events horses appeared to find stressful, both within and between individuals. For example, 13/15 veterinary Events resulted in a range of time an individual horse was scored as ‘stressed’. Negative behavioural responses were characterised by freeze or flight but also fidgeting behaviours, which are well described in other species but poorly documented in horses. Aggressive ‘fight’ responses occurred very infrequently. Further research is required to determine whether training of equine veterinarians to recognise subtle behavioural indicators, across the range of responses (freeze, flight, fidget or fight), can be used to improve equine welfare and reduce the likelihood of occupational injuries. With regard to evaluation of individual Events: • One of the most arousing stimuli, based on behavioural response and elevated heart rate, in the veterinary environment was the sound or sight of another horse walking past and so minimising this stimulus where possible is recommended. • Horses are frequently walked onto a weigh bridge upon entering the equine hospital and this commonly evoked a behavioural response characterised by freeze or flight and elevated heart rate. It is less than ideal that their first experience in a novel environment and first interaction with staff may be a negative one. Weighing a horse after other veterinary Events have been completed or development of a low stress technique would likely be of benefit. • The use of feed during diagnostic local anaesthesia appeared to minimise the proportion of time an equid was scored as ‘Stressed’ compared to when it was not used and so is recommended. • Horses were scored as more ‘Stressed’ when an I.V. injection was administered by a student or nurse in comparison to a veterinarian. Investigation of training to try to mitigate this response should be undertaken. The final study in this thesis evaluated the way in which learning theory could be applied in veterinary practice. Classical counter conditioning was used prior to diagnostic local analgesia (nerve blocks) and the impact on the horse’s stress response was investigated. Twenty-seven cases presenting for lameness evaluation were recruited and randomly assigned to a control or treatment group. In the treatment group the provision of feed (unconditioned stimulus) was paired with someone approaching (conditioned stimulus) the limb. In the control group 14 horses received 24 nerve blocks, in the treatment group 13 horses received 35 nerve blocks. Restraint during the nerve block was at the discretion of the veterinarian performing the procedure. Video footage of horses during the nerve block was evaluated using a fixed list method Qualitative Behaviour Assessment by 5 observers blinded to treatment group. They scored the treatment group as being in a more positive affective state (at ease, relaxed and confident) than the control group (nervous, tense and fearful). However, the difference between groups was only statistically significant once other significant contributing factors such as the type of block were included in the multivariable model. This highlights that many different factors are contributing to how a horse perceives veterinary Events such as nerve blocks but that classical counter conditioning can be used to help horses perceive them more positively. In summary, a horse’s perception of veterinary care will vary markedly between individual animals but also within an individual. Constant evaluation of the horse’s emotional state, based on an understanding of subtle indicators of negative affect, will allow the veterinary team to modify their approach and optimise care of the individual. In addition, it is possible to promote a positive affective state even during aversive procedures such as nerve blocks. This can be achieved in a real-life scenario using classical counter conditioning

Used like Pawns or Treated like Kings? How Narratives around Racehorse Welfare in the 2023 Grand National May Affect Public Acceptance: An Informed Commentary

The 2023 Grand National steeplechase race was delayed when protesters from the animal rights group, 'Animal Rising', gained access to the course just prior to the race. The international media spotlight was focused on what is already a high-profile event and the social licence of both this race and racing in general was scrutinised. Both at the time and for several days afterwards, the general public was exposed to two different narratives from pro- and anti-racing communities. This paper discusses these perspectives and the potential impact on the general public's relationship with racing. Whilst well-meaning and aiming to promote racing, much of the racing industry's commentary inadvertently risked damaging its reputation due to a poor understanding of social licence principles. We explore the reasons for these two groups' alternative perspectives on welfare and suggest considerations for change. Ultimately, if 'the people's race' is to maintain its social licence, the racing community needs to both understand and embrace the concept. Welcoming independent opinions, engaging with different viewpoints, accepting that change is inevitable and, most importantly, being proactive in making changes to prioritise equine welfare will all help racing to move towards greater public acceptance

Assistive Autonomous Ground Vehicles in Smart Grid

AbstractAutonomous Ground Vehicles (AGVs) are nominated for a wide range of applications in smart cities. This paper studies and simulates the potential field algorithm used for path planning of such AGVs to extend there application for automation and control of smart grids. Different sensors are studied and implemented in the algorithm to help the AGV navigate from an initial position to a goal by avoiding any obstacles in its path. A solution is analyzed and simulated for the problem of AGVs getting trapped in local minima. A new application for the AGVs as assistance in smart grid is also discussed. A real implementation of the project has also been done at the KTH Smart Mobility Lab, Sweden using the Nexus robots and the algorithm was implemented successfully

Developmental pathways in netball match officiating:Examining the potential role of technology

Research aim: This research sought to explore the role of technology within development pathways in netball match officiating.Research methods: A qualitative methodology was employed to gain insight into technology within development pathways. 28 participants were sampled across the five global netball regions, fulfilling single and mixed umpiring (N = 21), assessing (N = 7), coaching (N = 5), tutoring (N = 5), mentoring (N = 3), administration (N = 3), and bench officiating (N = 1) roles, with thematic analysis using inductive coding adopted to investigate perspectives specifically towards technology use.Results and findings: Video within assessment processes and its implementation in analysis practices was highlighted as important for providing effective feedback. The effect might not be due to the technology alone and interactions between the individuals providing and receiving feedback should also be considered. Creating learning provision, enabling the sharing of resources and greater access to development opportunities were discussed as crucial, especially in developing world regions. However, socio-cultural differences might impact upon personal preferences in using technology or its perceived need, and regular monitoring of provision is crucial to ensure impact is occurring. Adopting processes to share knowledge across regions and creating greater assessment and mentoring opportunities were also seen to enhance development and learning. Implementation of technology should be considered in relation to different stages of development that are apparent across nations, with factors such as cost, required skills, and the compatibility being crucial to ensuring needs are met appropriately.Implications: The findings identify how technology could act to benefit match officiating pathways. The crucial factor is ensuring that equity is sought in providing mechanisms of this manner, adopting policies that are aimed at effecting the global development landscape. This might, however, be impacted by cost and availability, and as such considerations need to be made towards accessible opportunities, irrespective of geographical location.Research contribution: This research provides detail on the role of technology within development processes of sport officials and in a previously under researched sport

Inhibitory control of positive and negative information and adolescent depressive symptoms:a population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND: Large population-based cohort studies of neuropsychological factors that characterise or precede depressive symptoms are rare. Most studies use small case-control or cross-sectional designs, which may cause selection bias and cannot test temporality. In a large UK population-based cohort, we investigated cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between inhibitory control of positive and negative information and adolescent depressive symptoms.METHODS: Cohort study of 2328 UK adolescents who completed an affective go/no-go task at age 18. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the Clinical Interview Schedule Revised (CIS-R) and short Mood and Feeling Questionnaire (sMFQ) at age 18, and with the sMFQ 1 year later (age 19). Analyses were multilevel and traditional linear regressions, before and after adjusting for confounders.RESULTS: Cross-sectionally, we found little evidence that adolescents with more depressive symptoms made more inhibitory control errors [after adjustments, errors increased by 0.04% per 1 s.d. increase in sMFQ score (95% confidence interval 0.02-0.06)], but this association was not observed for the CIS-R. There was no evidence for an influence of valence. Longitudinally, there was no evidence that reduced inhibitory control was associated with future depressive symptoms.CONCLUSIONS: Inhibitory control of positive and negative information does not appear to be a marker of current or future depressive symptoms in adolescents and would not be a useful target in interventions to prevent adolescent depression. Our lack of convincing evidence for associations with depressive symptoms suggests that the affective go/no-go task is not a promising candidate for future neuroimaging studies of adolescent depression.</p