Do horses grieve the loss of a companion?

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Horses are highly social animals that form close bonds with other members of their group.
Because of this, it is reasonable to expect that the loss of a companion may affect their behaviour and emotional wellbeing. 

However, until recently, there has been surprisingly little scientific research into how hoes respond to the death of another horse. A study led by Claire Ricci-Bonot and Daniel Mills at the University of Lincoln, with MSc student Emily Wilson, alongside Stefania Uccheddu of the San Marco Veterinary Clinic and Laboratory, Padua, Italy aimed to address this gap. 

The researchers used an online survey of horse carers in the UK, collecting data on 325 horses that had experienced the loss of a companion. Information was gathered on management, the relationship between the horses, and the behavioural responses of the surviving horse both immediately after the death and over the following months. 

The results showed that most horses displayed noticeable behavioural changes within 24 hours of losing a companion. These changes were often linked to increased arousal, such as restlessness or agitation, which was reported in nearly 89% of cases. Many horses also showed altered behaviour towards other horses and humans (around 77%), increased alertness to their surroundings (73%), and more frequent vocalisation (69%). In addition, over two-thirds of horses increased their movement, while more than half reduced their feeding time and contact-seeking behaviour with humans. 

These responses suggest that horses may experience something like grief-related behaviours. In Equus ferus caballus, such changes could reflect stress, confusion, or the disruption of a social bond. Importantly, the type of relationship between the two horses influenced the severity of the response. Horses that had formed close or affectionate bonds, rather than simply coexisting, were more likely to show stronger behavioural changes. For example, they were more likely to alter their enthusiasm for social interaction or feeding, and their behaviour towards humans. 

Another key finding was the impact of witnessing the death. Horses that had seen their companion die were more likely to show immediate changes in feeding and sleeping behaviour, as well as increased vigilance and altered social responses. This suggests that awareness of the death event itself may influence how horses process the loss. Interestingly, whether the surviving horse was allowed to spend time with the body did not appear to affect behaviour in the first 24 hours. 

However, over the longer term (up to six months), differences became clear. Horses that were given the opportunity to investigate or remain with the body were less likely to show ongoing changes in vocalisation and social behaviour. In contrast, those that were not allowed this contact were more likely to remain in a heightened state of arousal and vigilance. 

This finding has important implications for horse management and welfare. Although many behavioural changes began to decrease over time, some persisted for up to six months, indicating that the effects of losing a companion can be long-lasting. The degree of impact varied between individuals, suggesting that factors such as personality, environment, and previous experiences may also play a role. 

Overall, this study provides evidence that horses may exhibit behaviours consistent with grief, although further research is needed to fully understand the emotional processes involved. These findings highlight the importance of considering the social and emotional needs of horses, particularly during times of loss. Allowing horses appropriate time and space to adjust, and recognising signs of stress or behavioural change, can help support their welfare during what may be a challenging period 

 For more details, see: 

Claire Ricci-Bonot, Emily Wilson, Stefania Uccheddu, Daniel Simon Mills, 

Grief-like distress responses in horses after the death of a conspecific. 

Applied Animal Behaviour Science (2025) Vol 292,106799, 

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106799

New use for hoof trimmings?

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Horse owners are very familiar with hoof trimmings: they are a routine by-product of farriery visits and are usually
swept up and discarded without much thought,  if not eaten by the dog first. However, recent scientific research suggests that these small clippings may have much greater value than previously realised. A growing body of work in materials chemistry and biopolymer engineering is exploring how horse hoof trimmings could become a sustainable and useful natural resource.

 

At the centre of this research is keratin, a tough structural protein that gives strength and resilience to materials such as hair, wool, feathers, and hooves. Keratin is well known for its excellent mechanical properties (it is strong and durable) and biochemical stability (it resists breakdown). Because of these qualities, keratin has potential uses in a wide range of applications, from biodegradable plastics to medical materials.

 

Currently, most keratin-rich waste, such as poultry feathers, sheep wool, and animal hooves, is either burned (incinerated) or sent to landfill. This creates environmental problems, including greenhouse gas emissions and the loss of potentially valuable biological resources. In contrast, horse hoof trimmings represent an underused and more sustainable alternative.

 

One of the key advantages of hoof trimmings is that they are produced regularly as part of routine horse care. Every time a farrier trims a horse’s hooves, keratin-rich material is removed to maintain hoof health and balance. This means hoof trimmings are a renewable resource that does not require additional harvesting or harm to the animal. Unlike keratin sources obtained from slaughtered animals, hoof trimmings are also considered cruelty-free, which may be important for ethical and consumer reasons.

 

From a scientific perspective, hoof keratin is a high-quality material. Studies have shown that its chemical composition and structure are similar to other keratin sources, but with some unique features. The properties of hoof keratin can vary depending on factors such as the horse’s nutrition, living environment, and management practices. For example, diet influences the availability of amino acids needed for keratin production, while environmental conditions such as moisture can affect hoof quality. This means that hoof trimmings could even provide indirect information about horse health and management.

 

Researchers are now investigating how to extract keratin from hoof trimmings using more environmentally friendly (“green”) methods. Traditional extraction techniques often involve harsh chemicals or high energy use, which reduces sustainability. Newer approaches aim to minimise environmental impact while still producing high-quality keratin. These include using mild chemical treatments, enzymes, or recyclable solvents.

 

Once extracted, keratin can be upcycled, that is, transformed into higher-value products. Potential applications include:

• Biodegradable packaging materials
• Fertilisers or soil conditioners
• Medical products such as wound dressings
• Fibres for textiles or composites 

These innovations are closely linked to the idea of circular economy, where waste materials are reused and repurposed instead of discarded. By turning hoof trimmings into useful products, researchers hope to reduce waste and make better use of natural resources.

 

However, there are still challenges to overcome. Collecting and processing hoof trimmings on a large scale may be difficult, as they are currently dispersed across many small yards and farriers. In addition, more research is needed to optimise extraction methods and ensure that keratin-based products are safe, cost-effective, and competitive with existing materials.

 

In summary, horse hoof trimmings are no longer just waste, they are an emerging example of how everyday equine practices can connect to wider issues such as sustainability, innovation, and environmental responsibility.

 

For more details, see:

 

Esther Trigueros, Sara Mattiello, Lisa Rita Magnaghi, Carlo Santulli, Raffaela Biesuz,

Horse Hoof Trimmings as an Untapped Resource for Sustainable Keratin Utilization

ChemistryOpen2026, 15, e202500575.

 https://doi.org/10.1002/open.202500575

Evidence for Iron Age horse use from skeletal pathology and dental wear

Photographs of the preserved upper (premolar (p 2–4) 

and molar (m 1–2) teeth) and lower premolar tooth 

showing wear patterns. Red arrows indicate 

areas of extensive tooth wear. © Karastoyanova et al 2026

      The study of ancient horse remains provides valuable insight into how humans first used and managed horses.

Archaeological discoveries, particularly well-preserved skeletons, can reveal signs of riding, traction, or other forms of domestication.

 

Researchers in Bulgaria, led by Nadezhda Karastoyanova, examined an ancient horse skeleton recovered during excavations at an early settlement site in Chirpan, located in the Thracian Valley. The site contained numerous animal remains found in close association with human activity, suggesting an integrated human-animal environment. The full findings of this study have been published in the International Journal of Paleopathology.

 

Radiocarbon dating places the skeleton in the Early Iron Age, about the 8th century BCE. This makes it one of the few well-documented equine skeletons from this period in Bulgaria, providing valuable insight into early horse use in the region. The relatively complete condition of the specimen allowed researchers to carry out a detailed examination of both the skull and axial skeleton. Such a high level of preservation is essential for identifying subtle indicators of human-horse interaction, including evidence of management, workload, and possible domestication practices.

One of the most significant findings was unusual wear on the horse’s teeth. Patterns of wear on the premolars were consistent with what is often described as “bit wear,” caused by repeated contact with a bridle and bit placed in the horse’s mouth. This type of wear typically appears as smoothing or bevelling on the anterior edges of the teeth and is widely regarded as evidence of human control, particularly in ridden or driven horses.

 

The presence of dental wear suggests that this horse may have been accustomed to carrying a rider or being directed through reins. While alternative explanations such as natural abrasion must always be considered, the pattern and location of the wear strongly support the interpretation of deliberate bit use. This provides important evidence for early horsemanship practices.

Examination of the vertebral column revealed several notable pathological changes. These included periosteal bone proliferation, spondylopathic alterations, and partial fusion between adjacent vertebrae. Together, these features indicate a chronic condition rather than an acute injury.

 

Periosteal bone proliferation reflects the body’s response to repeated stress, leading to new bone formation along the vertebrae. Spondylopathic changes suggest degeneration of the spinal joints, often associated with long-term mechanical loading. Partial vertebral fusion represents a more advanced stage, where the spine becomes less flexible due to the joining of vertebrae.

 

These changes are consistent with prolonged biomechanical strain acting on the horse’s back. Rather than resulting from a single traumatic event, the lesions point to repeated loading over an extended period. In modern contexts, similar patterns are often associated with ridden horses, pack animals, or those used for draught work.

When considered together, the dental and skeletal evidence provides a compelling picture of how this horse may have been used. The presence of bit wear suggests active human control, while the spinal changes indicate sustained physical demands placed on the animal.

 

It is therefore plausible that this horse was used for riding, carrying loads, or possibly pulling light vehicles or equipment. The chronic nature of the vertebral lesions implies that such activities were performed regularly over the animal’s lifetime. This supports the idea that horses were not only domesticated but also integrated into daily human activities requiring endurance and strength.

 

The combination of dental wear and vertebral pathology in this ancient horse skeleton offers valuable evidence for early human–horse relationships. Bit-related dental wear indicates controlled handling, while spinal lesions reveal the physical impact of sustained work. Together, these findings contribute to our understanding of how horses were used in the past, highlighting their important role in transport, labour, and possibly riding. Such studies continue to deepen our knowledge of domestication and the long-standing partnership between humans and horses.

 

 

For more details, see:

 

Nadezhda Karastoyanova, Petar Stamberov, Stella Nikolova, Petar Leshtakov,

Early Iron Age horse exploitation in Thrace (Bulgaria) inferred from dental attrition and vertebral pathology,

International Journal of Paleopathology,(2026) Vol 52, Pp 119-127,

 

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpp.2026.01.007

Using simple ECG screening to identify racehorses at risk of exercise-induced arrhythmias

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A simple heart test carried out during a horse’s warm-up may help identify racehorses at risk of
developing dangerous heart rhythm problems during exercise. This new research, led by the University of Surrey, highlights how short electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings could be used as a practical screening tool in everyday training.

 

Cardiac arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) are very common in athletic horses. In many cases they are harmless, but some can reduce performance or, in rare cases, lead to collapse or sudden death during exercise. One of the biggest challenges for veterinarians is identifying which horses are at risk before serious problems occur.

 

Traditionally, detecting these issues requires ECG monitoring during high-intensity exercise. However, this can be time-consuming, expensive, and not always practical. The new study suggests that useful information can instead be obtained from short ECG recordings taken at rest or during light exercise, such as a warm-up trot.

 

The research team analysed ECG data from 110 Thoroughbred and Standardbred racehorses in the United States during routine training. These recordings were collected using portable (ambulatory) ECG devices, allowing horses to be monitored while moving freely. From these data, the researchers selected 60-second segments where the signal quality was good and the heart rate was stable, typically between 60 and 100 beats per minute.

 

Rather than simply looking for obvious irregular beats, the researchers used advanced mathematical techniques to assess the “disorderliness” of the ECG signal. This is known as non-linear analysis and includes methods such as entropy and complexity measurements (for example, Lempel–Ziv complexity and Shannon entropy). These techniques examine how predictable or irregular the heart’s electrical activity is, even when the rhythm appears normal (sinus rhythm).

 

The idea behind this approach is that subtle changes in the ECG signal may indicate an underlying tendency to develop arrhythmias later, especially during intense exercise. In other words, the heart may show early warning signs before any abnormal beats are visible.

 

To test this, the team applied six different algorithms to the ECG data and compared their ability to distinguish between horses that did and did not develop arrhythmias during exercise. The best-performing method achieved an “area under the curve” (AUC) of 0.86. For context, an AUC of 0.5 indicates no better than chance, while 1.0 represents perfect accuracy. Therefore, a value of 0.86 suggests good diagnostic performance.

 

An important finding was that the test was particularly effective at ruling out horses that are unlikely to be at risk. This means it could be used as a first-line screening tool: horses with a negative result could continue normal training, while those that test positive could be referred for more detailed testing, such as a full exercising ECG.

 

This approach builds on earlier work showing that similar ECG analysis methods can detect atrial fibrillation, another common arrhythmia in horses. Because these methods work at different heart rate ranges, it may be possible in the future to screen for multiple heart conditions during a single, low-intensity session.

 

Overall, this study demonstrates that short, simple ECG recordings—combined with advanced data analysis—could help identify at-risk horses earlier. This has important implications for improving both performance monitoring and the safety and welfare of racehorses.

 

 

For more details, see:

 

Vadim Alexeenko, Hamid Tavanaeimanesh, Freya Stein, Jenifer Gold, Lauren Hughes, Molly McCue, Celia Marr, Sian Durward-Akhurst & Kamalan Jeevaratnam 

Detection of exercising ectopic atrial and ventricular beats using non-linear analysis of clinically normal racehorse electrocardiograms at rest or low-intensity exercise. 

Sci Rep (2026). 

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-41281-0

Vets with Horsepower 2026 tour

            

A unique group of equine vets is once again combining education, adventure, and fundraising to make a difference
- both within the horse world and far beyond it.

 

Known as Vets with Horsepower, this UK-registered charity is made up of experienced equine veterinarians and lecturers who share not only a passion for improving horse health, but also a love of motorbikes. Over the years, they’ve turned that shared enthusiasm into something impactful: travelling long distances by motorcycle to deliver continuing professional development (CPD) lectures, raising money for charitable causes along the way.

 

Their approach may sound unconventional, but it has proven highly effective. By bringing high-quality veterinary education directly to audiences across different countries, and streaming it online globally, they’ve built a strong following while supporting important initiatives worldwide.

 

In June 2026, the team will take on another ambitious journey, travelling through Germany, Poland, Latvia, and Estonia. Along the route, they will deliver a series of expert-led equine lectures, available both in person and via an online platform in exchange for a modest donation.

 

For horse owners, vets and students, the lecture programme offers a valuable opportunity to learn from leading specialists on topics that directly impact equine health and welfare. Sessions will cover a wide range of practical subjects, including early warning signs of cancer, heart conditions in horses, laminitis diagnosis and treatment, broodmare and foal care, headshaking, limb deformities in foals, neurological conditions, hoof health, and even horse welfare in sport.

 

While the content is rooted in veterinary science, much of it is highly relevant to everyday horse ownership: helping owners better recognise early signs of illness, understand common conditions, and make more informed decisions about their horse’s care.

 

At the heart of the initiative is a strong charitable mission. Funds raised from the lectures will support several causes, including projects helping children in Ukraine recover from trauma, supporting veterinary care for horses in conflict zones, protecting wildlife affected by poaching in Africa, and improving the welfare of working horses and donkeys in countries such as The Gambia. Additional efforts focus on creating better opportunities for children in Malawi.

 

Importantly, the group is also committed to accessibility. Free webinar access is available for horse owners, vets, and students in Ukraine and developing countries, ensuring that knowledge can be shared where it is needed most.

 

For more details, see

 

https://www.vetswithhorsepower.com/2026.html

Florida study into identifying joint pain

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Horse owners in Central Florida are being invited to take part in a University of Florida study
aimed at improving how joint pain is identified and managed in horses; research that could also have important implications for human medicine.

The project is a collaboration between the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), College of Veterinary Medicine, College of Dentistry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, and the Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence. Funded by the National Institutes of Health, the study focuses on developing better ways to detect pain associated with equine osteoarthritis (OA), one of the leading causes of lameness and reduced performance.

Osteoarthritis is a common condition in horses, particularly those involved in athletic activities such as racing, jumping, or regular trail riding. Repetitive stress on joints, especially the fetlocks, can lead to gradual degeneration. However, by the time a horse shows obvious signs of discomfort, such as lameness, significant joint damage may already have occurred.

Dr. Samantha Brooks, associate professor of equine physiology and genetics at UF/IFAS, says the goal is to shift detection much earlier. Rather than relying solely on visible clinical signs, the research team is testing non-invasive tools to identify subtle indicators of pain.

“We tend to treat symptomatically when horses show obvious clinical signs of pain, but if we can detect subtle joint pain sooner, we might be able to start treatment earlier and better preserve joint function,” Brooks explained. “Horses experience many of the same joint diseases as people, so improving how we measure their pain can also help us better understand arthritis in humans.”

Because horses cannot communicate where or when they feel discomfort, the study aims to develop more objective ways of assessing pain. Researchers will monitor movement patterns and behaviour using new technologies designed to pick up small changes that may otherwise go unnoticed.

The team is currently recruiting horses in Central Florida, particularly those already diagnosed with osteoarthritis in the fetlock joint. Owners of sound horses are also encouraged to participate, as these animals can serve as valuable comparison cases.

Participation is designed to be straightforward and minimally disruptive. Each enrolled horse will receive a free initial screening, including a basic lameness exam, radiographs (X-rays) of the fetlocks, and a blood sample. Researchers will then visit participating farms several times a year over a two-year period to observe horses in their normal environment, without requiring changes to their routine or management.

Owners are asked to complete a short survey, taking around 15 minutes, to determine eligibility. If a horse qualifies, the research team will coordinate directly with the owner to schedule farm visits and assessments.

Ultimately, the research aims to identify early markers of joint pain, enabling earlier intervention and more tailored treatments. For horse owners, that could mean better long-term soundness, improved comfort, and a higher quality of life for their animals.

For more details, see:

https://redcap.ctsi.ufl.edu/redcap/surveys/?s=CEYRXYRJFJ7AHNAR

Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation project funding announced

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 The Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation has approved $1,835,879 to support 13 new
research projects, 13 continuing projects at 16 universities, and three career development awards. This brings Grayson’s total investment since 1940 to more than $45.8 million, funding over 466 projects at 50 universities.

“Grayson remains deeply committed to research that supports every horse, no matter the breed or discipline,” said president Jamie Haydon. “We’re also pleased to expand our career development awards to $30,000, thanks to the generosity of Lucy Hamilton and the Klein Family, and to honor the late Edward Bowen with a dedicated award.”

The 2026 research portfolio spans infectious disease, diagnostics, performance, reproduction, and injury prevention.

Several projects target infectious disease, including Rhodococcus equi, a leading cause of pneumonia in foals. Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine will study how equine lung cells respond to infection to aid vaccine development, while Iowa State University will evaluate hyperimmune plasma as a preventive strategy to reduce disease and antibiotic resistance.

Improved diagnostics are another priority. Louisiana State University is advancing a more sensitive test for nocardioform placentitis, and Texas Tech University is developing rapid field and laboratory tests for contagious equine metritis. At the University of California, Davis, researchers aim to create definitive diagnostic tools for equine neurodegenerative diseases.

Novel therapies are also under investigation. Michigan State University is exploring IFNL3 mRNA as a treatment and vaccine booster for equine herpesvirus-1, while Oregon State University is developing phage therapy for chronic wound infections.

Performance and welfare-focused studies include research at Texas A&M AgriLife on tendon biology to better understand overuse injuries, and at the University of Minnesota on ECG screening to detect cardiac-related poor performance and reduce sudden death in racehorses. The University of Bern will assess a new surgical approach for trigeminal-mediated headshaking.

Metabolic and reproductive health are also addressed, with Cornell University examining the role of bile acids in infertility linked to equine metabolic syndrome.

Finally, two projects at the University of Queensland will investigate gastric health, including acid rebound and the effects of feeding strategies during exercise, with the aim of improving management and reducing gastric disease risk.

Together, the funded projects highlight Grayson’s ongoing commitment to advancing equine health through impactful research.

Details on the new projects are available at the following link:

 grayson-jockeyclub.org/default.asp?section=2&area=Research&menu=2

IVF progress

  

Researchers from the University of Florida Department of Animal Sciences have reported
progress in equine reproduction, demonstrating that frozen-thawed stallion sperm may be more effective for in vitro fertilisation (IVF) than fresh or chilled semen. The findings, published in the journal Reproductive Biology, could have significant implications for the performance horse industry.

In horse breeding, IVF has historically lagged behind its success in other species such as cattle. One major challenge has been the difficulty of achieving proper sperm function outside the body. In particular, stallion sperm require a process known as capacitation before they can penetrate and fertilise an egg. This involves a series of physical and biochemical changes that are highly sensitive to environmental conditions such as temperature and time.

The need for improved IVF techniques is especially relevant in the performance horse sector. Highly valuable mares are often selected for breeding, but not all are able to safely conceive or carry a pregnancy. Certain conditions, including uterine disease, prior foaling injuries, or lameness, may increase the risk associated with pregnancy. Additionally, some mares may be performing at their optimal level and cannot be withdrawn from competition for breeding purposes.

In such cases, producing an embryo via IVF and transferring it into a surrogate mare offers a safer alternative, protecting both the donor mare and the developing foal.

To better understand how to achieve successful fertilisation, the research team investigated how different types of semen - fresh, chilled, and frozen-thawed - respond under capacitating conditions. They also compared various sperm selection methods, including Percoll gradients, Swim-Up techniques, and microfluidic systems*. These approaches were assessed based on key indicators such as sperm motility, acrosome integrity, and biochemical markers like tyrosine phosphorylation.

The results revealed that temperature played a critical role. Incubating sperm at body temperature (38°C) reduced motility, whereas maintaining sperm at ambient temperature allowed optimal capacitation within approximately four hours. At this time point, sperm also showed the highest level of acrosome integrity, an important factor for successful fertilisation.

The research team found that frozen-thawed sperm performed better than fresh or chilled samples in the IVF setting. Although freezing and thawing can place mild stress on sperm cells, this stress appears to trigger changes that promote capacitation. As a result, frozen sperm were able to function effectively with fewer preparatory steps.

Further experiments confirmed fertilisation success through the observation of pro-nuclear formation and early embryo development. Notably, microfluidic sperm selection produced superior results compared to traditional Swim-Up methods, improving sperm quality and fertilisation potential.

Beyond the biological findings, the use of frozen sperm offers practical advantages. Unlike chilled semen, which must be used within a short timeframe, frozen semen can be stored indefinitely and thawed when needed. This flexibility allows veterinarians and breeders to better coordinate the timing of egg collection and fertilisation, making the IVF process more efficient and accessible.

This research represents a significant step forward after more than three decades of limited progress in equine IVF. By identifying conditions that support effective capacitation and demonstrating the advantages of frozen sperm, the study provides a foundation for improving embryo production in horses. For the equine industry, these advances could expand breeding options while prioritising the health and welfare of valuable mares.

 

For more details, see:

Joao D. de Agostini Losano, Jillian E. Guertin, Maura S. McGraw, Lana Katz, Vilceu Bordignon, Justin W. Callaham, Jose H.F. Pontes, Perla Fleury, Marc Maserati, Carly Turner, Bradford W. Daigneault,

Temporal characterization of conditions that promote functional capacitation of stallion sperm,

Reproductive Biology (2026) Vol 26, 2,101201,

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.repbio.2026.101201

 

 

*Percoll gradient centrifugation is a method that separates sperm based on their density. A liquid medium is layered in tubes at different concentrations, and the semen sample is placed on top. When the tube is spun in a centrifuge, sperm cells move through the layers depending on their density and quality. The most viable sperm - those that are motile and structurally normal - tend to settle into a specific layer, while debris, dead sperm, and less functional cells remain elsewhere. This method is widely used because it produces a relatively clean and concentrated sample of high-quality sperm.

Swim-Up technique relies on sperm motility rather than density. In this approach, a semen sample is placed at the bottom of a tube with a layer of culture medium above it. Over time, the most motile sperm actively swim upward into the medium. These sperm are then collected from the top layer. This technique mimics a natural selection process, as only the strongest swimmers are chosen. However, it can result in lower sperm numbers and may not always select for the best overall sperm quality, especially if motility is reduced.

Microfluidic sperm selection systems represent a more modern and precise approach. These systems, such as microfluidic sperm selection, use tiny channels that mimic aspects of the female reproductive tract. Sperm are introduced into a device where they must navigate through narrow pathways and fluid flows. Only sperm with good motility, proper morphology, and functional membranes can successfully pass through the system. This method reduces mechanical stress on the sperm compared to centrifugation and may better preserve their physiological state.

Feeding strategies for horses with severe asthma: effects on behaviour and welfare

    

Equine asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that can be triggered or worsened by inhaling
dust, mould, or other airborne particles commonly found in conventional dry hay. Managing the diet is an essential part of treatment, as feed type can influence not only respiratory health but also time budgets and welfare-related behaviours.

Recent research has compared the effects of feeding steamed hay and alfalfa pellets on horses suffering from severe asthma, shedding light on how different low-dust diets affect feeding behaviour, lung health, and overall well-being.

In a controlled study involving nine severely asthmatic horses, Antoine Symoens  and colleagues at the University of Montreal, Canada evaluated the effects of two low-dust feeding regimes - alfalfa pellets and steamed hay - on feeding duration, activity patterns, and gastric health.

The horses were housed indoors and first fed dry hay to induce a clinical flare-up of asthma. They were then placed on either steamed hay or alfalfa pellets for four weeks, using a crossover design so that each horse experienced both diets. Their behaviour was recorded for 18–22 hours at multiple stages during the trial, and gastroscopies were performed before and after each feeding period to assess gastric ulcers.

Results showed clear differences in eating patterns between the two diets. When fed steamed hay, horses spent a consistent proportion of their day eating - about 48% - both during the first and fourth weeks of feeding. In contrast, when horses were switched to pellets, the time they spent eating dropped significantly by roughly one-third in the first week. Interestingly, horses on the pelleted diet appeared to adapt by breaking up their feeding into shorter, more frequent meals, a pattern described as “fragmented eating.” This adjustment might help maintain some degree of natural foraging behaviour despite the rapid consumption time associated with pellets.

From a welfare perspective, steamed hay appears to preserve a more natural feeding time budget. Horses in the wild spend most of their day grazing, and maintaining this prolonged eating activity is associated with better digestive health and lower risk of behavioural issues such as boredom or stereotypies. Short feeding times, as seen with pelleted diets, can disrupt this pattern, potentially leading to frustration or undesirable behaviours.

However, feeding choices must also consider respiratory benefits. Earlier findings have shown that while steamed hay is much less dusty than untreated hay, it may be less effective than alfalfa pellets at improving lung function in asthmatic horses. Therefore, while steamed hay supports more natural feeding behaviour, pellets may provide a stronger advantage for respiratory management. Importantly, the study found that neither diet had an influence on the occurrence of squamous gastric ulcers, an encouraging finding for owners concerned about ulcer risk.

In practical terms, managing an asthmatic horse’s diet involves balancing multiple factors. Replacing dusty or mouldy hay with low-dust alternatives, such as haylage, steamed hay, or suitably formulated pellets, can help reduce respiratory irritation. For overweight or laminitis-prone horses, haylage may not be ideal due to its higher energy content, making steamed hay a more moderate choice. Combining different low-dust feeds could offer the best compromise, supporting both lung health and natural feeding behaviour.

In conclusion, when feeding horses with severe asthma, steamed hay helps maintain normal feeding time and behaviour, contributing positively to welfare, whereas pelleted diets offer greater respiratory benefits but may shorten eating duration. Selecting or combining these diets thoughtfully allows owners to meet both the physiological and behavioural needs of asthmatic horses.

 

For more details, see:

Antoine Symoens, Mathilde Leclère, Valentine André, Marion Desmarchelier,

Behavioral effects of two diets used for the management of severe equine asthma,

Journal of Veterinary Behavior, (2026) Vol 84, pp34-40,

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2025.12.007

Response of horses and donkeys to fireworks in the UK

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Fireworks are widely used in the United Kingdom to mark celebrations such as Bonfire
Night and New Year's Eve. While these displays are enjoyable for many people, they can create significant challenges for animal welfare. Research has long shown that fireworks can cause stress and fear in companion animals such as dogs and cats, but comparatively little attention has been given to their effects on equids. 

A study by Stephanie Gerow and colleagues at the University of Lincoln aimed to address this gap by investigating how fireworks affect horses and donkeys in the UK.

The researchers conducted an anonymous online survey of equid owners aged 18 and over. In total, 1,234 horse owners and 232 donkey owners participated. The survey explored three main areas: how horses and donkeys respond to fireworks, what strategies owners use to reduce their impact, and owners’ opinions about firework use.

Horses are prey animals with a strong instinct for flight when faced with sudden or threatening stimuli. Loud, unpredictable noises such as fireworks can therefore trigger intense fear responses. Owners commonly reported behaviours such as running, kicking, bucking, and rearing. These reactions can be dangerous because frightened horses may attempt to escape from fields or stables, sometimes trying to jump fences or climb over stable doors. In severe cases, horses may injure themselves, other horses, or nearby people. Escaping horses can also pose a serious risk to road users if they enter nearby roads.

In the survey, eight percent of horse owners reported that their horse had suffered an injury associated with fireworks. Importantly, these injuries were usually indirect. They were caused by the horse’s reaction to the noise and lights rather than the fireworks themselves. Tragically, incidents involving fireworks have occasionally resulted in the death of horses after they panic and attempt to escape their environment.

Donkeys, in contrast, appeared to show fewer extreme responses according to owner reports. Only one donkey injury was reported in the survey. Researchers suggested that this difference may be related to the behavioural strategies used by the two species. Horses often respond to fear with a “flight or fight” reaction, which involves rapid movement and increases the risk of injury. Donkeys, however, may be more likely to adopt a “freeze” response when faced with a frightening stimulus. This behaviour may reduce the likelihood of injury, although it does not necessarily mean that donkeys experience less fear.

The survey also found that the type of horse may influence perceived reactions to fireworks. Horses used for hunting or competitive sport were generally reported to be less fearful than other horses. This may reflect differences in training, handling, or regular exposure to noisy environments.

Owners reported using a range of strategies to reduce the effects of fireworks on their animals. Common approaches included stabling horses during firework displays, remaining with the animal to provide reassurance, moving the animal to a different location away from fireworks, and playing music to mask sudden noises. Many owners also emphasised the importance of keeping animals in secure, well-lit environments with minimal hazards that could cause injury if the animal becomes frightened.

Although owners often considered these strategies effective, they are not always able to prevent stress or injury completely. Many of these measures also rely on advance warning of fireworks, which is not always available when displays are organised privately.

Most respondents (77%) supported tighter regulations on fireworks, particularly restrictions on when they can be used and reductions in their maximum noise levels. Overall, the findings highlight fireworks as a potential welfare concern for horses and, to a lesser extent, donkeys. Understanding how equids respond to loud and unpredictable stimuli is therefore an important part of equine management and welfare.

 

For more details, see:

 

Gerow SL, Clegg SR, Cooke AS.

Horse and donkey owners' perspectives on fireworks and their impact on equids in the UK.

Anim Welf. (2026) 35:e11.

https://doi.org/10.1017/awf.2026.10068