Abstract. The study covered 11 376 horses registered in the six successive volumes of the Wielkopolski Herdbook. The level of variability in the body conformation indices and in the performance value indices was analysed. The genetic basis parameters for the body conformation and performance traits of the Wielkopolski horses were assessed. A high level of heritability was identified for the wither height (h2 = 0.566) and cannon circumference (h2 = 0.418), with an average heritability level of the other analysed characteristics (ranging from h2 = 0.205 – for the stallion performance test results to h2 = 0.350 – in the case of chest circumference). On the other hand, genetic correlation between the analysed indices produced the highest values for the relationship between wither height and cannon (rG = 0.636) and chest (rG = 0.551) circumference, as well as for the interrelation between the above dimensions and the following body structure indices: »boniness« (rG = 0.690) and »bulkiness« (rG = 0.541). Considering the extensive scope of the study – and the fact that the breed population was registered in the Wielkopolski Herdbook – the authors suggested the advisability of using the results of the present study for the modification of breeding programs with a view to improve the breed in question, both its principal population and the one included in the program of gene-pool protection.
The aim of the present study was to determine the frequency of different allergies in horses from central Poland. Allergic diseases are common in horses all over the world. Common conditions that have been associated with immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergy in horses include insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH), urticaria and recurrent airway obstruction (RAO). A variety of serological assays are available to measure serum levels of allergen-specific IgE antibodies. They can provide supportive evidence for a diagnosis of equine allergic dermatitis associated with environmental allergens. This study was performed on clinically healthy, Polish noble half-breed horses. In this study, four groups of allergens were identified as commonly inducing allergic reactions: American house dust mites (D. farinae), cultivated plants (rape), English plantain (Plantago lanceolata) and biting midges (Culicoides nubeculosus). More than 50% of horses showed positive reactions to these groups of allergens. The factor that contributed most to allergy occurrence among horses was American house dust mites (D. farinae). In recent years, efforts have been made to identify new allergens and to better understand the specific pathogenesis of allergic diseases in animals. The development of allergic disease diagnostics has been facilitated by the availability of diagnostic methods along with enhanced awareness of allergic diseases in veterinary practice. Allergic disorders in horses are ultimately gaining the attention they deserve thanks to the fact that veterinary allergology has become a dedicated veterinary discipline.
<b>A survey was conducted among users of horses from various parts of Poland to investigate their preferences regarding the basic behavioural characteristics of horses used in recreation and sport and to determine the importance of their main external and internal traits. The majority of respondents were women, and the largest age group was 21-25. The respondents most often chose geldings for use, due to their composure. The preferred age range was 6 to 10 years, with a height at the withers from 151 to 170 cm. The breed and external appearance of horses did not matter to most respondents, although they preferred Malopolski, Wielkopolski, and Polish Half-Bred horses. It was important to the survey participants for the horse to meet specific skill requirements and to have suitable traits for them, with no bad habits or stereotypic behaviours. Over 60% of respondents would like to buy their own horse. As many as 86% were very experienced riders who had been training and taking part in competitions for over 6 years, with 55% of the subjects training jumping and 40% dressage. Sixty-three per cent of respondents ride horses 3-4 days a week or every day.</b>
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