Recording-2025-04-01T16:30:23.538Z

Schedule Update

• No classes on Thursday due to sheet shearer visit.

• Shearer arrives at 8 AM and will work all day until about 5 PM.

• Students are encouraged to observe the process if interested.

Quiz Grading Issues

• Mistakes in quiz grading where answers weren’t marked appropriately.

• All quizzes will need to be graded by hand due to this error.

Introduction to Equine Digestion

• Comparison of digestive systems across species:

  • Ruminants (e.g., cattle): Efficient breakdown of fibrous material like hay and grass using a rumen.

  • Monogastric (e.g., swine): Breaks down energy feeds such as molasses and carbohydrates.

  • Avian: Unique digestive tract with a crop and gizzard for food breakdown.

  • Equine (Pseudoruminate):

    • Digestive system is distinct.

    • Breaks down fibrous material but is not a true ruminant.

Equine Population Statistics

• Comparing horse population across countries:

  • United States: Approximately 10.7 million.

  • Other countries' populations:

    • Mexico: 6 million

    • Brazil: 5.9 million

    • Mongolia: 4.2 million

    • China: 3.7 million

• Discussion on contributing factors to horse population variance:

  • Economic factors and disposal income in the U.S. allow for recreational horse ownership.

  • Other countries may not have the same luxury due to multiple economic factors.

Economic Impact of Horse Industry

• No Salvage Value: Unlike cattle or pigs, horses cannot be sold for meat post-production, leading to abandonment in some cases.

  • Horse slaughter is prohibited in the U.S. since 2008.

  • Horses in poor condition often are left neglected.

• Salvage Alternatives:

  • Horses are often sold in ‘kill pens’ and shipped for slaughter to countries like Canada and Mexico.

Other Uses of Horses

• Horses are not only seen as livestock; they serve various purposes:

  • Recreational use (hobby riders).

  • Competitive use (horse racing, rodeos).

  • Therapeutic uses (for individuals with disabilities):

    • Riding can help strengthen core and improve motor skills.

    • Horses can help improve communication in non-verbal individuals, like children with autism.

Behavioral Traits of Different Types of Horses

• Geldings: Generally known for calm behavior, making them great for beginners.

• Mares: Can exhibit more attitude, sometimes perceived as sassy.

• Stallions: Noted for high energy and aggressive behavior but can be trained effectively.

Historical and Practical Uses of Horses

• Historically significant in military roles (cavalry) but now mostly replaced by mechanized means.

  • Horses still used for crowd control and patrol in urban settings.

• Horses are also used in various sports, including rodeo events and racing.

Selecting Horses for Different Uses

• Important factors in selection include:

  • Performance potential based on lineage.

  • Physical appearance and confirmation.

  • Temperament, ensuring it matches the rider or intended activity (e.g., competition vs. leisure riding).

Horse Movement and Physiology

• Differences in horse movement types and their physiological relevance.

• Understand different breeds excel in various physical characteristics lend to specific tasks (e.g., racing vs. ranch work).

Economic Contribution of the Horse Industry

• Supports approximately 700,000 jobs in diverse sectors such as veterinary service, sales of equipment, and nutrition.

• Potential career paths range from entry-level stall cleaning to high managerial positions in equine businesses.

Horse Breeds Classification

• Hot Bloods: Known for speed and agility (e.g., Thoroughbreds).

• Cold Bloods: More muscular, suited for heavy work (e.g., Clydesdales).

• Warm Bloods: Hybrid of hot and cold bloods, often used in sport (e.g., Hanoverians).

  • Crossbreeding aims to combine desirable traits from both types.

• Focus on the importance of pedigree and performance history in breeding decisions.