Horses are one of the most well-travelled species in the world, frequently transported by road and air. Colic after transportation is a common health issue for horses. This condition is believed to be related to changes in pre-travel management and/or travel stress, which culminate in decreased gastrointestinal motility, leading to abdominal pain and blockage. Working with a commercial transportation company, researchers will collect gastrointestinal motility data, travel history, veterinary and observational findings as well as other factors on 30 horses completing a similar 8- to 10-hour journey. The team will collect data pre-travel, immediately after transport and two hours following arrival. As recommendations for the welfare of horses during transportation currently are being reviewed internationally, study findings will inform decisions regarding the care of transported horses in hopes of reducing the incidence of colic post-travel.
Study ID
D22EQ-025
Study Status
Active
Start Date
04/01/2022
Grant amount awarded
$28,100
Grant recipient
Charles Sturt University
Study country
Australia
Investigator
Sharanne L. Raidal, BVSc, MVSt, PhD, FANZCVS, GradDipEd
Study category
Gastroenterology (Liver, Stomach, Intestinal Tract)