Frequency and nature of health issues among horses housed in an active open barn compared to single boxes-A field study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Keeping horses in open barns has positive effects on social interaction and free movement, which may improve horse welfare. However, many horse owners fear that housing in open barns leads to more injuries.

Objective

To compare health events among horses housed in an active open barn (AOB) or in single boxes (BOX).

Study design

A prospective study during 9 months and a 2-year retrospective study.

Methods

Two housing systems in one farm were investigated: AOB and BOX in pairs or alone in paddock (2-4 h/day) using 66 and 69 horses in the prospective respectively retrospective study. Lameness, wounds, colic and days lost from training were recorded.

Results

There were lower prevalences of lameness and colic in AOB than in BOX (18% vs. 26% and 0%

SUBMITTER: Kjellberg L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11616948 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature