Cannibidiol (CBD) supplementation in horses: A pilot study

Cannibidiol (CBD) is sold for various uses in humans and animals. Thus far, CBD has not demonstrated effects similar to delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of marijuana. While some animal species have demonstrated responses to CBD supplementation, published literature on equines is absent. The lack of FDA approval and studies to support claimed benefits make regulating product quality and recommending dosages difficult. The objectives of this project were to: 1) determine dosages that allowed for CBD detection in equine blood; and 2) evaluate time required for the appearance of maximum concentration and half-life of CBD in equine blood. Two mature Quarter Horse geldings were used to address objective 1. Two products currently available for sale were evaluated, a pellet (PEL, 25 mg/serving) and an oil (OIL, 25 mg/ml), with one horse receiving each treatment. Manufacturer recommended doses were 25-50 mg/d. Each horse was provided one 50 mg dose. At 1 and 2 hr post administration, blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture. Samples were centrifuged before serum was collected and analyzed. There was no CBD reported in any sample. Unpublished data in horses and published data in canines have reported the presence of CBD after supplementation. It is possible that the time of appearance of CBD in equine serum is outside the sampled time frame. It is also possible that the concentration of CBD used was not sufficient to result in a positive test. Finally, improper handling of the samples may have resulted in degradation of CBD before analysis. Continuing studies are being conducted to address the objectives, and studies are scheduled to end December 2019. Results from these pilot projects can be used to design future studies of CBD supplementation in horses and other animals

A Survey of Horse Use and Management in Horse Clubs in China: a Pilot Study

Rapid development of the Chinese equine industry in the last two decades has resulted in an increased equine population without trained personnel to support industry growth. The purpose of this study was to understand the present profile of horse use in horse clubs in China from the perspective of horse welfare. The survey was distributed to specific personnel in selected Chinese horse clubs, and snowball sampling techniques were used to increase response rates. Of 20 respondents, the oldest club was established in 2002 and the newest in 2018. Fourteen clubs were membership-based, providing services for 40-1000 members and up to 10,000 visitors annually. A total of 1703 horses were reported. Most horses were under 15 yr of age (84.6%). Warmbloods made up the greatest number of imported breeds (30.8%), followed by Thoroughbreds (17.9%). Mongolian horses were the most common indigenous breed (29.4%). Major health problems included hoof-related issues (31.6%) and injuries (31.6%). Four clubs (20%) reported no turnout space, and only 5 clubs (25%) had access to turnout areas with grass. Hay constituted the majority of feed for horses. Most horses were used for recreation (20.45%), breeding (17.46%), or dressage (15.25%). Veterinary (23.8%), farrier (19.1%), and nutritionist (17.5%) skills were most needed. Although 38.8% of employees reportedly held a certificate or degree associated with equine science, foreign specialists were often employed to support club activities, including teaching general riding (42.9%) and dressage (21.4%). Horses were used between 4-7 d/wk, and about one-third of clubs (36.7%) reported having a single person in charge to prevent overuse of horses. Data from this study can serve as a platform for future surveys and begin development of education and training programs to improve horse management in China

Impact of Horse Experience Level on Assessment of Equine Personality

Understanding a horse’s personality is vital to appropriately utilizing an animal. People with more equine experience are generally considered more capable of accurately assessing equine behavior, which is linked to personality. However, participants\u27 experience level with horses has not been considered within several instruments used to assess equine personality. This includes the Equine Personality Assessment (EPT) repeatedly validated in peer-reviewed publications. This study was designed to evaluate whether the experience level of the individual responding to the EPT altered their assessment of equine personality. It was hypothesized that those with more horse experience would respond differently than those with limited experience. The EPT survey was sent to 49 North Dakota State University individuals who fit the inclusion criteria. These included Equine Faculty (FAC; n=3), Equine Center Workers (ECE; n=12), and Equine Team Members (TEAM; n=37). TEAM members were grouped into 3 levels based on experience using Intercollegiate Horse Show Association divisions. Respondents were asked to complete the EPT for 3 horses common to all groups. Data was analyzed using the general linear model procedure of SAS. The response rate was 71.4% (n=35/49; ECE, n=7/12; TEAM, n=29/37; and FAC, n=3/3). Four respondents fit into multiple groups (ECE and TEAM). No difference was noted between respondent groups (P ≥ 0.09) or between experience levels (P ≥ 0.19). It must be noted that the sample size of this study was small and leaned heavily towards one group (TEAM). Therefore, it should be repeated with a larger subject group before making generalized conclusions. This research will serve as the foundation for a follow-up research project at Murray State University, which will compare personality assessment results and hair cortisol concentrations to gain knowledge on equine program fitness

Characterization of Horse Use in Therapeutic Horseback Riding Programs in the United States: A Pilot Survey

With increasing public scrutiny on animal welfare, it behooves those involved in the equine industry to revisit best management practices to ensure these support healthy horses. There is little published research on how horses are used in the equine industry, particularly in therapeutic horseback riding (THR) programs. Although there is a large amount of information on the benefits of THR programs to the participants, there is little published information available about the horses. Therefore, the objective of this survey was to gather data regarding horse use and care in Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.)–affiliated THR programs in the United States to help establish a foundation for a standard of care. A 20-question survey sent to 659 PATH Intl.–affiliated THR programs returned a 40% response rate. Demographics demonstrated that the median number of horses in each program was 10; geldings outnumbered mares; most horses were between 16 and 20 years of age; and Quarter Horse or stock-type breeds predominated. Median session length was 8 weeks and median lesson length was 45 minutes. Horses were typically ridden by clients 4 days/week and 2 hours/day. Most horses were donated to the programs, participated for approximately 7 years, and left because of aging. Limb lameness and back soreness were the top health issues noted, with only a small percentage of colic and ulcers reported. More horses received nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for a lameness issue, chiropractic adjustment, and massage than any other supplemental care or complementary therapy. Based on data gathered in this survey, THR horses were not worked excessively. Horses were ridden less than PATH Intl.’s maximum recommendation of 6 hours/day and 6 days/week and less than those used in university programs. Horses in THR programs also appeared to have fewer reported health issues as compared with data in other national reports

Collaboration Between Extension and Industry: Coordination and Assessment of Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue Training

Rescuing large animals from emergency situations can be fraught with dangers not only to the animals but also to the rescuers. People involved at the scene of such an emergency are most likely to include first responders, horse owners, and veterinarians. These groups need to be aware of how they can best work together to effect a safe and efficient rescue as none typically has all the knowledge and skills that are necessary. Extension training programs that bring together such groups can be beneficial in supporting emergency and disaster preparedness in the local community

The effects of pelleted cannabidiol supplementation on heart rate and reaction scores in horses

The potential use of cannabidiol (CBD) as a nutraceutical to support improved health and welfare has been of increasing interest. In particular, CBD has been shown to decrease anxiety in humans and small animals. While there is little research published on the effects of CBD supplementation in horses, its use is increasing rapidly. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of feeding a pelleted CBD supplement on equine reactivity and heart rate (HR). Seventeen stock-type geldings were divided into control (CON) or treatment (TRT) groups. The TRT group received 100 mg of CBD once daily. Control horses were maintained on their standard diet without supplementation. A novel object test was used to evaluate changes in HR and reactivity before and after 6 weeks of supplementation. Heart rate was recorded before, at, and after exposure to the novel object. Reactivity when the horse was exposed to the novel object was scored live and through video review. There was no difference in starting, stimulus, or final HR, but TRT horses exhibited less reactivity after 6 weeks of supplementation. Results suggest that CBD supplementation may lower reactivity in horses

Pharmacokinetics of a Single Feeding of Pelleted Cannabidiol in Horses

Claims about cannabidiol (CBD) supplementation improving health and behavior are extensive, but research is lacking. Some studies have shown decreased anxiety behavior in rats, and increased activity in osteoarthritic dogs supplemented with CBD, but even less research exists on horses. This study monitored pharmacokinetics and short-term safety for 3 CBD dosages. Eighteen Quarter Horse geldings were randomly assigned to 3 treatment groups: 50 mg (TXT1), 100 mg (TXT2), and 250 mg (TXT3). Dosage was derived from manufacturer recommendations and existing literature on other species. Horses were fed a single dose of CBD pellets. Blood was collected pre- and post-treatment at 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 12 hr. Serum was analyzed for CBD and serum chemistry, and plasma was analyzed for a complete blood chemistry (CBC) evaluation. Statistics were completed on serum chemistry using PROC MIXED procedure of SAS. Serum chemistry and CBC results were within normal parameters; however, treatment differences were observed for BUN (TXT1=15.50, TXT2=16.52, TXT3=18.61; P≤0.03) and creatinine (TXT1=1.41, TXT2=1.22, TXT3=1.49; P≤0.01). In other species, peak CBD concentrations occur approximately 2 hr post treatment. Peak serum concentrations were detected in 1 of 6 TXT2 horses and 5 of 6 TXT3 horses at 2 hr post treatment. This data can be used to support further research to determine correct and safe doses of CBD in horses

Impacts of DigestaWell NRG Supplementation on Post Exercise Muscle Soreness in Unconditioned Horses, a Pilot Study

Exercising horses are commonly plagued by muscle fatigue and soreness, which can result in reduced performance ability. In the present study, ten unconditioned horses were fed 200g per day DigestaWell NRG, a commercial dietary supplement containing Yucca schidigera and Trigonella foenum-graecum, two herbs shown in other species to reduce post-exercise muscle pain and soreness. A control, unsupplemented group contained ten horses of similar age, breed, and gender. Horses completed a 50 minutes, ridden standardized exercise test of moderate intensity immediately prior to (Period1) and after 28 days of supplementation (Period2). Muscle soreness and tightness were evaluated 24 hours prior to and after each exercise test and used to determine the percent increase in post-exercise muscle soreness and tightness. Blood samples were collected before, and at 10 and 30 minutes, and 1, 4, and 24 hours post exercise. Plasma was analyzed for glucose, lactate, non-esterified fatty acid, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1β concentrations. Data were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA using SAS Enterprise Guide v. 7.1. No changes in plasma parameters were indicated between periods for unsupplemented horses (P \u3e 0.1) during Period2, excepting glucose, which was greater during Period2 (P = 0.018). Supplemented horses had lesser concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α (P = 0.016) and lactate (P = 0.058) during Period2 than during Period1. During Period2, supplemented horses experienced a smaller percent increase in post exercise muscle soreness (P = 0.031). DigestaWell NRG supplementation may benefit unconditioned horses undergoing moderate intensity exercise through reducing lactate production and inflammation

The bashful and the boastful : prestigious leaders and social change in Mesolithic Societies

The creation and maintenance of influential leaders and authorities is one of the key themes of archaeological and historical enquiry. However the social dynamics of authorities and leaders in the Mesolithic remains a largely unexplored area of study. The role and influence of authorities can be remarkably different in different situations yet they exist in all societies and in almost all social contexts from playgrounds to parliaments. Here we explore the literature on the dynamics of authority creation, maintenance and contestation in egalitarian societies, and discuss the implications for our interpretation and understanding of the formation of authorities and leaders and changing social relationships within the Mesolithic

Scaling up: material culture as scaffold for the social brain

Many other species besides Homo sapiens are tool-users and even tool-makers, but one aspect of material culture still sets modern humans apart: our emotional and social engagement with objects. Here I argue that this engagement acted as a crucial scaffold for the scaling-up of human social networks beyond those of our closest relatives the chimpanzees to the global ‘small world’ of modern humans. Material culture plays a crucial role in conveying social information about relationships between people, places and things that extend geographically and temporally beyond the here and now – a role which allowed our ancestors to off-load some of the cognitive demands of maintaining such extensive social networks, and thereby surpass the limits to sociality imposed by neurology alone. Broad-scale developments in the archaeological record of the Lower Palaeolithic through to the early Neolithic are used to trace the process by which hominins and humans slowly scaled up their social worlds