The environmental ecology of oxen used for draught power

Wilson, R.T.

doi:10.1016/s0167-8809(03)00118-x

Cited by 38 publications

(61 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…Over 95 per cent of the world's donkey population and 60 per cent of the world's horse population is to be found in the developing world (Croxton and others 1991). The US Congress Office of Technology has estimated that working animals are responsible for 75 per cent of traction energy in the developing world, while 50 per cent of the world's population depends on animal power as its main energy source (Wilson 2003). The threats to the welfare and productivity of working animals are substantial and the economic effects of health challenges can be catastrophic to individual family units.…”

Section: The Global Situation For Working Equidsmentioning

confidence: 99%

On a mission: caring for working equids abroad

Kay¹

2007

In Practice

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Section: The Global Situation For Working Equidsmentioning

confidence: 99%

On a mission: caring for working equids abroad

Kay¹

2007

In Practice

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“…According to recent estimates there are over 100 million equids working in developing countries (Anon 2005). Even in the 21st century an estimated 50% of the world's population depends on animal power as its main source of energy (Wilson 2003). In the developing world, threats to the welfare and productivity of working equids are substantial, and the economic effects of health problems to these equids can be catastrophic to individual families (Kay 2007).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Pack wounds of donkeys and mules in the Northern High Atlas and lowlands of Morocco

Sells

Pinchbeck

Mezzane

et al. 2010

Equine Veterinary Journal

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SummaryReasons for performing study: Wounds are one of the primary welfare concerns of working equids and are often related to harness or load-bearing packs. Objectives: To identify and quantify factors associated with the presence of pack wounds in donkeys and mules working in the wood trade in the Midelt (Northern High Atlas) region of Morocco, and to compare wounds of these donkeys and mules to those working in other trades. Methods: The study population comprised equids working in the Midelt region involved in the wood trade. Comparison populations were comprised of equids working in other trades, in the same region and in Khemmiset region (lowlands of Central Morocco). Wounds were numbered and scored according to their severity. Questionnaires were used to gather data from owners, and objective data regarding the animal, berdaa (back-pack) and load were collected. Data were analysed using multilevel uniand multivariable regression models to allow for clustering of wound sites within an equid. Results: Analysis showed an overall pack wound prevalence of 54% (n = 80/147). The most common site was the withers. Equids working in the wood trade were at increased risk of suffering pack wounds. Equids in the lowland study population were at increased risk of developing pack wounds, and donkeys were at increased risk of suffering pack wounds compared to mules both overall and within the wood trade. Other factors affecting the prevalence of wounds included the cleanliness of the berdaa and the frequency and distances of work imposed on the equid. Conclusion: Pack wounds in donkeys and mules are common in the 2 study regions of Morocco and appear to be associated with work factors including the trade the equids work in, the frequency and distances of work imposed and cleanliness of the pack. Donkeys are more susceptible than mules to developing pack wounds. Potential relevance: These results allow recommendations to be made to owners of equids that may decrease the prevalence of wounds and, therefore, improve welfare and working capability of these equids. Research is required to identify reasons for regional difference in prevalence of pack wounds in equids not working in the wood trade.

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“…There are over 42 million horses in developing countries (Anon 2006), most of which provide essential traction power and employment opportunities in the world's poorest communities (Pritchard et al 2005). Over half the world's population depends on animal traction for its energy supply and, despite decreasing number of working equids in developed countries over the past century, numbers in many developing countries continue to grow (Wilson 2003). The number of working equids in Pakistan has increased from approximately 2.6 million to over 4.9 million during the past 30 years (Anon 2006).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The range and prevalence of pathological abnormalities associated with lameness in working horses from developing countries

Broster

Burn

Barr

et al. 2009

Equine Veterinary Journal

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SummaryReasons for performing study: Lameness is highly prevalent in working horses, but published reports on the associated pathological abnormalities are lacking. With over 42 million horses in developing countries and the majority used for work, lameness has major welfare implications. Objectives: To describe the range and prevalence of pathological abnormalities associated with lameness in working horses. Methods: A standard lameness assessment was adapted for field use in working equids. Data on pathological abnormalities and pain responses in the feet, limbs and spine were collected through observation, palpation, manipulations and gait assessment in working horses from India (n = 110) and Pakistan (n = 117). Lameness at the walk was scored on a scale of 0-4 (sound-nonweightbearing). Results: All horses examined were lame. Overall, 98% showed a gait abnormality in all 4 limbs and 87% had at least one limb scoring 3 or 4 on the lameness scale. Multiple pathological abnormalities within each limb were associated with lameness, with similar results in both countries. Chronic foot pathology was seen in every horse; 94% horses showed signs of chronic joint disease; 83% had digital flexor tendonitis in at least one limb. Lameness and pathological abnormalities were associated with specific pain responses in the feet, limbs and spine. Conclusions: The extremely high prevalence of multilimb lameness and its association with pain is of great concern. The multiple pathological abnormalities present in working horses makes lameness complex to address. Potential relevance: The results of this detailed study of lameness should facilitate the identification of risk factors and the implementation of interventions to reduce the prevalence of lameness in working equids.

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The environmental ecology of oxen used for draught power

Cited by 38 publications

References 16 publications

On a mission: caring for working equids abroad

On a mission: caring for working equids abroad

Pack wounds of donkeys and mules in the Northern High Atlas and lowlands of Morocco

The range and prevalence of pathological abnormalities associated with lameness in working horses from developing countries

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