Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 16th March 2012
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel
Study finds correlation between pony weight and behaviour
Fat and obese horses more likely to misbehave

A study conducted by Dr Petra Buckley from the Charles Sturt University of Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia has detected a correlation between the weight of a pony and misbehaviour. A prospective longitudinal study of 84 Pony Club horses saw families keeping diaries recording the behaviour of their ponies over one year. Veterinary examinations were undertaken once a month to track the animals' health and welfare over that time.

The study found that misbehaviour was noted on 3% of days on which the ponies were ridden, but animals that were fat or obese had a greater risk of misbehaviour than those that were at a more healthy weight. No significant associations between back pain and misbehaviour were found.

The data collected implies that a link exists between misbehaviour, body condition scores and nutrition. If this is proven, body condition scores could be used in future to assess adequacy of exercise regimen and diet, with higher scores being able to serve as a warning of the greater risk of misbehaviour.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.