Abstract

Data on the feeding and management of racehorses and the practices perceived to benefit horses displaying signs of recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis (RER) were collected via a cross-sectional face-to-face survey of 100 registered Thoroughbred and Standardbred trainers in New Zealand (n=1,771 horses). In addition to quantitative data on feeding practices, qualitative data on trainers’ perceptions and motivations for the different feeding and management practices were also collected. Few trainers recognised that starch in the diet was associated with increased clinical signs of RER (26% of Standardbred and 13% of Thoroughbred trainers). One third of trainers (39% of SB and 34% of TB) stated that oats contributed to RER. Most trainers with RER horses (96% TB and 84% SB) provided a day off (day with no training) to these horses. Half of the trainers with RER horses (SB and TB) decreased concentrate feeds on days off for all horses and few trainers (12.5% SB and 8% TB) only decreased concentrate on days off if the horse displayed signs of RER. Most trainers had sought advice about RER management from a veterinarian or feed representative (63% SB and 78% TB). However, despite this, many of the responses indicated a lack of clarity on the feed and management factors that contribute to the risk of clinical signs of RER.

LJ, Wood, BE Lancaster, MR Breheny, and Rogers CW

New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production, Volume 80, Online, 90-94, 2020