Evaluation of live weight and height in draft horses (Equus caballus) and their relation with animal welfare
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Abstract
A total of 120 horse- drawn cart were randomly selected in San José de las Lajas municipality, Mayabeque, Cuba, to evaluate height and live weight, as well as the relation of these indicators with animal welfare. A tape measure was used to measure the height, chest circumference and length from the ischial tuberosity to the tip of the horses shoulder. The data from these last two indicators were used to calculate the thoracic circumference of each animal. The results obtained from the height and live weight were subjected to statistical analysis and compared with the parameters recommended for carrying out heavy work such as horse-drawn vehicles. Of the sampled horses, 33.33 % showed heights below the required 140 cm. More than 55 % of the animals did not fulfill with the established 500 kg body weight. The questionnaires performed to the owners revealed that of the 37 horses in the development stage, aged between one and five years, six were below the three years required for working tasks, and there is no control over the kilograms of load they can drawn, according to their biometric parameters. It was concluded that the biometric parameters in the horses-drawn evaluated were not fulfill by a significant amount, which is detrimental to their welfare.
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