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Management methods to improve the welfare of horses used in research

Lab Animal volume 44, pages 350–358 (2015)Cite this article

Abstract

Horses and ponies are used for experimental research in a variety of fields, but there is little published scientific literature that describes current or evidence-based recommendations for keeping and managing these species for research purposes. Equine species require particular environmental conditions and allowances to accommodate their behavior and physiology. Here the authors review studies and common practices for ambient facility conditions; provision of bedding, food and water; opportunities for exercise and environmental enrichment; allocation of facility spaces and resources; and design and management of different stabling systems for horses and ponies in research. Careful consideration of these factors can help to improve the welfare of equine subjects in research and to ensure high-quality experimental data.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Frank van Eerdenburg (Department of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht Unversity, The Netherlands) for providing expert opinion on lighting and air quality.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Animalytics, Bussum, The Netherlands

    Valerie S. M. Jonckheer-Sheehy

  2. Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY

    Katherine A. Houpt

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  1. Valerie S. M. Jonckheer-Sheehy
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Correspondence to Valerie S. M. Jonckheer-Sheehy.

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Jonckheer-Sheehy, V., Houpt, K. Management methods to improve the welfare of horses used in research. Lab Anim 44, 350–358 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1038/laban.741

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