Clinical Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
Vet J. 2010 Dec;186(3):385-92. doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2009.09.016. Epub 2009 Nov 18.
Over 85% of equids live in developing countries, where they are usually used for work. We aimed to identify environmental factors associated with potential welfare problems in working equids, helping target welfare interventions towards the most vulnerable animals. Over 5 years, non-invasive behavioural and physical data were collected from 5481 donkeys, 4504 horses, and 858 mules across nine developing countries. Hoof and limb problems were over 90% prevalent, and 85% of equids were thin. Older, thinner animals had the most problems, and species differences in susceptibility were found. Equids used to transport people by cart, to carry goods by pack, or to work in bricks kilns had more problems than other equids. Rural equids had more problems than urban ones, but urban equids had more lesions, and were more aggressive towards observers. Equids were significantly thinner when climates were warmer. These results should aid the development and targeting of specific welfare interventions.
超过 85%的马科动物生活在发展中国家，它们通常用于工作。我们旨在确定与工作马科动物潜在福利问题相关的环境因素，以便针对最脆弱的动物进行福利干预。在五年多的时间里，从九个发展中国家的 5481 头驴、4504 匹马和 858 头骡子中收集了非侵入性的行为和身体数据。蹄和四肢问题的患病率超过 90%，85%的马科动物偏瘦。年龄较大、较瘦的动物问题最多，并且发现了物种易感性的差异。用于拉车载人、驮运货物或在砖窑中工作的马科动物比其他马科动物问题更多。农村地区的马科动物比城市地区的问题更多，但城市地区的马科动物的病变更多，对观察者的攻击性也更强。当气候较暖时，马科动物明显更瘦。这些结果应该有助于制定和针对特定的福利干预措施。
