Animal Science 11/18

Lab Overview

  • Lab Activity
    • Focus on hands-on activities involving cows, appropriate attire is recommended due to the potential for animal waste exposure.
    • Today is the last lab session of the semester; no lab will occur the week after Thanksgiving.
    • Next lab: Optional review of final material, not a regular attendance requirement.
    • Focus: Help students narrow down key concepts for the final exam.

Horse Production in the United States

  • Horse Population Data

    • Approximately 6,600,000 horses in the U.S.
    • Top states for horse production: Texas, California, Florida, Oklahoma, Kentucky.
    • This population exceeds other livestock species, such as goats and sheep (approximately 2,000,000).

  • Global Context

    • The United States ranks as the number one country for horse production globally, driven by factors like disposable income.

  • State Rankings

    • Texas leads in horse production within the U.S.
    • Arkansas ranks 16th with approximately 160,000 horses and 60,000 households owning them.

Horse Ownership Dynamics

  • Average Horse Farms

    • Most farms own one or two horses; professional breeders are not the majority.
    • Majority of horse owners are not engaged in agriculture other than owning horses.

  • Sales Market

    • Horses constitute only about 1% of the total U.S. livestock market, highlighting their role as companion animals rather than livestock.

Breeding Characteristics

  • Mares: Mature female horses are seasonal long-day breeders; breeding usually occurs in late spring to early fall.

    • Breeding cycle can be extended artificially with light exposure.

  • Terminology:

    • Foal: Young horse.
    • Filly: Young immature female horse.
    • Colt: Young immature male horse (unique terminology in comparison with other species).
    • Stallion: Mature intact male horse.
    • Gelding: Castrated male horse.

  • Implications of Castration:

    • Reduces aggression, influences growth patterns, not primarily for food production like other livestock.

Horse Reproduction Timeline

  • Puberty: Horses can reach puberty at 10 to 12 months but breeding typically occurs later to ensure proper maturity.
  • Gestation: Lasts approximately 11 months, the longest among livestock discussed thus far.
  • Weaning Age: Commonly at four to six months; first foals born around three to four years of age.
  • Lifespan: Average life expectancy of horses ranges from 15 to 20 years, reflecting long-term commitments for owners.

Body Condition Scoring

  • Scoring System: Similar to cattle, from 1 to 9.
    • 1 = emaciated; 9 = obese; 6 = ideal condition.
  • Health Assessments: Includes considerations of age, disease, or neglect when evaluating condition.

Uses of Horses in the U.S.

  • Primary Uses
    • 1. Recreation (42% of horses)
      • Horses are often regarded as companion animals.
      • Emotional investment leads to high spending on care, akin to pet ownership models.
    • 2. Showing
      • Multiple events categorized under English and Western disciplines.
    • 3. Racing (9% of horses)
      • Engagement in urban settings, horse racing is a significant entertainment business.
    • 4. Other Uses (18% of horses)
      • Includes rodeo, ranch work, and specializing in breeding.

Horse Color Genetics

  • Primary Colors

    • The two primary colors of horses are black and chestnut (red).
    • White can also be categorized as a third primary color.

  • Epistasis: One gene effects expression of another gene affecting coat color.
    - Dominant black (E_) is to recessive red (ee).

  • Dilution and Modifiers:

    • Various colors (cremello, palomino, buckskin, dun, champagne) arise through specific gene interactions.

  • Common Color Patterns:

    • The Appaloosa, Paint, and Roan appear as modifier colors that result from underlying genetic principles.

Horse Breeds

  • Types of Horses: Light Horses vs. Draft Horses.

  • Light Horse Breeds:

    • Arabian (oldest breed): Known for stamina, intelligence.
    • Thoroughbred: Originated in England for speed and agility.
    • Morgan: Originated in the U.S., known for versatility.
    • Quarter Horse: Most popular breed in the U.S. (50% of horses).

  • Draft Horse Breeds:

    • Percheron (largest)
    • Belgian (a common breed)
    • Clydesdale (famous for advertising).
    • Shire (largest horse breed in the world).

  • Highlighted Breeds:

    • Arabian: Oldest horse breed, significant for history.
    • Quarter Horse: Dominance in the functional and recreational horse sector in the U.S.

Summary of Key Learning Objectives for the Test

  1. Solidify understanding of horse anatomy and physiology terms related to breeding.
  2. Recognize differences in horse breeds and colors.
  3. Understand factors affecting horse ownership and breeding.
  4. Be aware of the ethical considerations related to horse slaughter policies and care responsibilities.