Epidemiology Department, Centre for Preventive Medicine, Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk, UK.
Res Vet Sci. 2013 Oct;95(2):410-7. doi: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2013.05.004. Epub 2013 Jun 2.
The objectives of this study were to describe the demographic characteristics and management practices undertaken by owners of horses/ponies within GB and assess seasonal and geographical variations in management practices. A cross-sectional study was conducted, surveying a random sample of veterinary-registered owners in GB, using a self-administered postal questionnaire. A total of 797 useable responses were received. Only 4.0% of animals were stabled 24h/day, this proportion being greater in winter compared to other seasons (p<0.001). Shavings (45.7%) and straw (35.3%) were the most frequently used bedding. Ninety-two percent of animals had access to pasture (median 91 h/week). The majority of animals received forage (82.6%) and concentrate/supplementary feeding (86.1%). Retired/companion animals and ponies received supplementary feed less frequently and most animals were used for pleasure riding (60.6%). Seasonal and regional differences in management practices were identified, of relevance to practitioners and researchers in the investigation and management of disease conditions.
本研究的目的是描述英国马/小型马主的人口统计学特征和管理实践，并评估管理实践中的季节性和地理差异。采用横断面研究，对英国兽医注册的马主进行了随机抽样调查，使用自我管理的邮寄问卷。共收到 797 份可用的回复。只有 4.0%的动物 24 小时/天被关在厩中，与其他季节相比，冬季的比例更高（p<0.001）。刨花（45.7%）和稻草（35.3%）是最常用的垫料。92%的动物可以接触到牧场（每周中位数 91 小时）。大多数动物接受草料（82.6%）和浓缩饲料/补充饲料（86.1%）。退休/伴侣动物和小型马较少接受补充饲料，大多数动物用于娱乐骑行（60.6%）。本研究确定了管理实践中的季节性和地区差异，这与疾病调查和管理的从业者和研究人员有关。
