RIRDC Completed Projects in 2003-2004 & Research in Progress as at June 2004

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To Horses Completed Projects
 

3.5 HORSES - RESEARCH IN PROGRESS
PROJECT No	PROJECT TITLE	RESEARCHER	PHONE	ORGANISATION
1. Information Technology for the Horse Industry
AUV-2A	Development of a secure web-based race-day injury reporting system	Dr Angus Cameron	(02) 4757 2770	AusVet Animal Health Services P/L
AUV-3A	Development of a web-based racing industry human injury reporting system	Dr Angus Cameron	(02) 4757 2770	AusVet Animal Health Services P/L
US-124A	Communications and information programs for the horse industry	Ms Shirley Ray	(02) 9352 6932	University of Sydney
UM-66A	A prospective study of pre sale radiographs of thoroughbred yearlings	Prof Andrew Clarke	(03) 9731 2314	University of Melbourne
2.1 To Improve the efficiency and effective ness of the Australian equine industry by enhancing the human capital of industry participants
UM-69A	Investigations of the use of Autologous cartilage grafting for repair of cartilage defects in horses	Dr Simon Pearce	(03) 9731 2314	University of Melbourne
2.4 To improve the overall health and welfare of the horse
OFF-1A	The Production of a poster and booklet on poisonous weeds for horses	Ms Mellisa Offord	(02) 8901 0622
3. Respiratory Diseases-Improving the Respiratory Health of Horses
UM-67A	Management strategies for reducing risk of rhodococcal pneumonia on studs	Dr Glenn Browing	(03) 8344 742	University of Melbourne
US-118A	Development of improved treatment and prevention strategies for inflammatory airway disease of horses	Dr Jennifer Hodgson	(02) 4655 0760	University of Melbourne
4. Nutrition Research-Development better ways to feed horses
UNE-87A	Understanding and managing variable starch digestion in the horse	Dr Geoff Hinch	(02) 6773 2202	University of New England
5. Lameness and Limb Injury-Developing More Effective Methods for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment
UM-58A	Epidemiology and risk factor analysis of racetrack fatalities	Prof. Andrew Clarke	(03) 9731 2314	The University of Melbourne
UQ-100A	Pasture fructan concentration as a cause of equine laminitis	Dr. Christopher Pollitt	(07) 3365 2063	The University of Queensland
6. Exercise and Metabolic Disease-Optimising Fitness and Reducing Training Related Disease
UM-59A	Exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage in Thoroughbred racehorses	Prof. Andrew Clarke	(03) 9731 2314	The University of Melbourne
9. Other
EPS-1A	Prototype Environmental Management System (EMS) for the horse keeping community - implementation, auditing and monitoring	Ms Jacqueline Frizenschaf	(08) 8139 9919	Environment Protection Authority SA
UQ-111A	Epaxial musculature and its relationship with back pain in the horse	Dr Catherine McGowan	(07) 5460 1521	University of Queensland

1. Information Technology for the Horse Industry
 

Project Title	Development of a secure web-based race-day injury reporting system
RIRDC Project No.:	AUV-2A
Start Date:	01-Aug-03
Finish Date:	30-Apr-05
Researcher:	Dr Angus Cameron
Organisation:	AusVet Animal Health Services Pty Ltd 140 Falls Road WENTWORTH FALLS NSW 2782
Phone:	(02) 4757 2770
Fax:	(02) 4757 2770
Email:	angus@ausvet.com.au
Objectives	· To develop a secure, web-based database that will allow data relating to race day injuries and incidents to be recorded and analysed electronically.
Current Progress	Extensive consultation has resulted in the development of a standard reporting form that is acceptable to all states. The form and system have been designed to enable the capture of all relevant data from track veterinarians, while minimizing the data recording and processing burden. To this end, the form uses a combination of check-box and graphical systems to capture information, and avoids the need to enter data which will ultimately be available from existing sources (linked databases). A prototype web-based system has been developed, which is capable of:  ·1 accepting faxed forms via a fax modem and dedicated line, ·2 processing the fax image to automatically capturing the recorded information, ·3 load the data into the on-line database The web-system has capacity for: ·1 manual data entry (instead of automated, fax-based data entry) ·2 review and editing of submitted data to insure data integrity ·3 analysis of data using expandable analysis systems, capable of growing with the developing user needs.  The system is being expanded to integrate jockey injuries, through project AUV-3A, and is intended to be able to be integrated into developing national data recording systems.


 

Project Title	Development of a web-based racing industry human injury reporting system
RIRDC Project No.:	AUV-3A
Start Date:	11-Feb-04
Finish Date:	30-May-05
Researcher:	Dr Angus Cameron
Organisation:	AusVet Animal Health Services Pty Ltd 140 Falls Road WENTWORTH FALLS NSW 2782
Phone:	(02) 4757 2770
Fax:	(02) 4757 2770
Email:	angus@ausvet.com.au
Objectives	· Detailed technical specifications for a web-based database to manage information relating to human injuries and incidents during race meetings which can be integrated into a national system, along with standard data collection forms. · Objectives · A set of procedures · For the use of a standardised report form for jockey (and possibly other human) race-day injuries · For assigning responsibility for completing and submitting injury report forms · Data processing software · To accept faxed forms and store them in digital format, to recognise form design and orientation · To automatically extract form data (optical mark recognition and optical character recognition), to transmit the digital image and the extracted data to a web-based database · A database that will: · Integrate with the racing injury database currently being developed under RIRDC project AUV-2A;  · Allow data relating to human race day injuries and incidents to be recorded electronically; · Include retrieval systems to track data relating to individuals; · Provide basic statistical reports on indices that reflect injury rates; · Be amenable to entering and retrieving data via the Internet with a high level of security; · Be accessible and be able to be utilised by other Australian racing jurisdictions.
Current Progress	Consultations with medical staff and stewards are continuing to develop a standard reporting form. The form is being developed under the same principles as those used in project AUV-2A, aiming to flexibly capture all available information without placing unnecessary extra burdens on those providing the data. The criteria being used to identify those injuries to be recorded include: ·1 race-related injuries commonly suffered by jockies ·2 severe injuries of any sort ·3 other injuries of particular current or likely future interest. For example, injuries that may be related to the use of protective vests. Data processing systems have been developed for the capture of faxed forms and processing the resulting images to extract the relevant data. Data processing procedures are being integrated into the horse injury reporting system to increase efficiency. A data structure has been developed to allow the efficient storage, manipulation, reporting and analysis of relevant data. Finalisation of the data structure depends on the final outcome of the consultation process.


 

Project Title	Communications and information programs for the horse industry
RIRDC Project No.:	US-124A
Start Date:	01-Jul-03
Finish Date:	30-May-06
Researcher:	Ms Shirley Ray
Organisation:	The University of Sydney Faculty of Veterinary Science J D Stewart Building SYDNEY NSW 2006
Phone:	(02) 9352 6932
Fax:	(02) 9351 3056
Email:	shirleyr@camden.usyd.edu.au
Objectives	· To continue to ensure widespread industry support for the RIRDC Equine R&D Program and to enable the results of the R&D to be used by the industry, a strong communication program is necessary to ensure results get to end users. · A database of equine organisations. A database for communication with the industry. · RIRDC Equine Research News. This newsletter of 8 pages, published quarterly, will provide the industry with information on topical research from around the world as well as updates on current RIRDC funded projects, interviews with research workers, workshops and invited reviews. · RIRDC Internet Web Site. An Internet web site for the RIRDC Horse Program which will include links for online purchase of RIRDC publications, download of the RIRDC equine Research News, search facility for past issues and a subscription facility to receive the RIRDC Equine Research News via the Internet.
Current Progress	Each newsletter published in 2003/2004 had a print run of approximately 9,500 copies, all of which were distributed to the various sectors of the horse industry. The newsletter contained summaries of articles of local and international interest, announcements of new RIRDC funded projects and updates of all currently funded projects, and items of general interest to the horse industry including RIRDC events and new publications. Articles from the newsletter have been reprinted in many local and international publications including: The Horse (USA); Sport Horse Journal; Breeding and Racing; Race Calendars and Hoofbeats. The RIRDC Equine Research Program Web site contains articles that have been printed in the RIRDC Equine Research News, these articles are accessible through an index of subject areas. A local search engine allows the user to search the site for a keyword. The site has links to relevant pages of the RIRDC web site, including the Five Year Plan, Objectives and Strategies of the Equine Research Program and RIRDC’s e-shop. A links page includes links to local and international research institutions and other sites of interests. At least 50 websites contain a link to the RIRDC Equine Program website and these include: Cyberhorse, Australian Racing Board; Australian Horse Resources and Australian Horse Net Service. All past issues of the newsletter are available for download in PDF format which can be viewed using Adobe Acrobat. This means that anyone with Internet access can view the newsletter in its colour print format.  The mailing list for the RIRDC Equine Research Program is updated regularly and contains contact details of Australian Horse Associations, Research Institutions and Personnel, Horse Publications and other media and individuals with an interest in the horse industry.  The mailing list now contains over 2,000 entries


 
 

Project Title	A prospective study of pre sale radiographs of thoroughbred yearlings
RIRDC Project No.:	UM-66A
Start Date:	01-Aug-03
Finish Date:	30-Apr-06
Researcher:	Prof Andrew Clarke
Organisation:	The University of Melbourne Equine Centre Faculty of Veterinary Science 250 Princes Highway WERRIBEE VIC 3030
Phone:	(03) 9731 2314
Fax:	(03) 9731 2377
Email:	afclarke@unimelb.edu.au
Objectives	· To identify the incidence of radiographic lesions in yearling thoroughbred horses presented for sale in Australia. · To provide an objective assessment of the impact these findings have on the racing careers, (eg number of starts, earning capacity, age of first start) on the horses involved.
Current Progress	2413 sets of radiographs have been catalogued, equalling 88.3% of all radiographs sets submitted to the repositories at Magic Millions: Conrad Jupiters, Perth Premier and Adelaide yearling sales and William Inglis: Melbourne Premier, Sydney Classic, Sydney Easter and Scone yearling sales, in 2003. Radiographs catalogued have been taken by a total of 66 veterinary clinics. Approximately one quarter of the radiograph sets have been reviewed, and processes are underway to ensure that completion of this task will occur before the end of the year. Yearling and sale data (eg age at sale, sex, sale price etc), for the 3905 (radiographed and non-radiographed) yearlings entered in the 8 sales listed above, has been compiled. This data will allow comparison of the two groups of yearlings. Construction of a database for entry of radiograph findings is currently underway and completion is expected by mid-June, to allow for compilation and examination of radiograph findings by April 2005. On examination of the Australian and New Zealand Stud Book records approximately 70% of yearlings have been named. All yearlings will have been checked for naming by the end of July 2004 to allow for downloading of the 2 year-old race performance data starting in August 2004.

2.1 To improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Australian equine industry by enhancing the human capital of industry participants
 

Project Title	Investigations of the use of Autologous cartilage grafting for repair of cartilage defects in horses
RIRDC Project No.:	UM-69A
Start Date:	19-Dec-03
Finish Date:	30-May-04
Researcher:	Dr Simon Pearce
Organisation:	The University of Melbourne Veterinary Clinic and Hospital 250 Princess Highway Werribee VIC 3030
Phone:	(03) 9731 2314
Fax:	(03) 9731 2246
Email:	pearces@unimelb.edu.au
Objectives	Develop techniques for: ·1 cartilage harvesting ·2 tissue engineering (growing cartilage tissue on bone substitutes appropriate for impanation) ·3 re-implantation of engineered cartilage into equine joints ·4 molecular and histochemical techniques for evaluation of transplanted autologous cartilage
Current Progress	The researchers for this study have met in New Zealand and arranged a protocol to carry out this study. This has involved the collaboration of three universities and a private consultancy firm. The laboratory performing the tissue engineering has been set up (at the University of Otago) and the first tissue is scheduled to be harvested in June 2004 with the analysis occurring 30 to 40 days following harvesting. The intention is to have data from this pilot study that will be sufficient to produce a persuasive argument for future funding in the next round of RIRDC funding. The researchers have agreed that the aims of this study will be twofold. 1. To demonstrate that cartilage from mature horse cadavers can be engineered to form neocartilage pearls 2. That the biochemical and histological structure of the engineered tissue when harvested from a weight bearing and non-weight bearing site is identical. This information will be crucial in planning a study to determine the feasibility of performing autologous cartilage implantation of engineered cartilage in horses.


 

2.4 To improve the overall health and welfare of the horse
 

Project Title	The Production of a poster and booklet on poisonous weeds for horses
RIRDC Project No.:	OFF-1A
Start Date:	13-Feb-04
Finish Date:	30-Jun-04
Researcher:	Ms Mellisa Offord 9 Carlow Crescent KILLARNEY HEIGHTS NSW 2087
Phone:	(02) 8901 0622
Fax:	(02) 9451 3286
Email:	mofford@optusnet.com.au
Objectives	To produce a poster and booklet showing plants and trees that are poisonous to horses
Current Progress	A search of journal databases (CAB Abstracts, Agricola, Medline and others) has been conducted to source research papers relevant to the toxic effects of plants and trees on horses. The information search also includes the sourcing of information on the growth habit, distribution, description of plants and trees identified as poisonous to horses. The information search has been extended to include books and other relevant sources, such as the Department of Agriculture. A list of all known plants and trees poisonous to horses is being compiled as a result of the literature search. Information is currently being written on such things as distribution, toxic effects on horses, plant description. Design of the booklet has commenced and this includes book size and construction, layout, colour scheme. Additional photos are being sourced for use in the booklet and on the poster. Contacts in the industry have been made to discuss the current status of particular poisonous plants such as Paterson’s Curse.

3. Respiratory Diseases-Improving the Respiratory Health of Horses
 

Project Title	Management strategies for reducing risk of rhodococcal pneumonia on studs
RIRDC Project No.:	UM-67A
Start Date:	01-Aug-03
Finish Date:	30-May-06
Researcher:	Dr Glenn Browning
Organisation:	The University of Melbourne Veterinary Preclinical Centre PARKVILLE VIC 3052
Phone:	(03) 8344 7342
Fax:	(03) 8344 7372
Email:	glenfb@unimelb.edu.au
Objectives	To develop management strategies to control significant risk factors for rhodococcal pneumonia
Current Progress	A postgraduate student with extensive experience on breeding farms has been recruited to this project and has commenced studies aimed at improving early diagnosis and prophylaxis. Faecal, serum and air samples have been collected from a number of foals at 3 and 6 weeks of age to examine both their excretion of virulent Rhodococcus equi at crucial stages in the first few months or life and their development of antibodies against virulent R. equi. Samples have also been obtained from different regions of the gut of 20 foals for analysis to determine where replication of virulent R. equi occurs in the foal¹s gut. This may enable focused prophylactic measures to reduce the excretion of virulent R. equi by foals, which are thought to be the major source of these organisms on farms.  Two farms have been recruited that will trial different management approaches when handling foals and these will be assessed in the coming foaling season to determine whether these measures reduce the amount of virulent R. equi inhaled by foals.


 

Project Title	Development of improved treatment and prevention strategies for inflammatory airway disease of horses
RIRDC Project No.:	US-118A
Start Date:	01-Jan-03
Finish Date:	31-Dec-05
Researcher:	Dr Jennifer Hodgson
Organisation:	The University of Sydney University Veterinary Centre Camden Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences PMB 4, Narellan Delivery Centre NARELLAN NSW 2567
Phone:	(02) 4655 0760
Fax:	(02) 4655 6942
Email:	jennih@camden.usyd.edu.au
Objectives	The outcome of this project will be the development of specific recommendations regarding treatment and management strategies for control of inflammatory airway disease in young performance horses. These will be designed to target specific aetiological agents or predisposing factors commonly present in the stable environment. These guidelines will be of value to owners, trainers and veterinarians and will have positive welfare implications.
Current Progress	The RIRDC project US-118A "Strategies for the control and prevention of Inflammatory Airway Disease in Horses" has commenced and is progressing in accordance with the predicted schedule. The pertinent literature has been systematically and thoroughly reviewed, and a substantial reference material resource base compiled. Our previous studies have shown that endotoxin, present in the environment of horses, is a significant cause of lower airway inflammation. The initial research for this project will focus on assessment of endotoxin concentrations within various feed and bedding materials that are commonly used under Australian conditions in thoroughbred racing stables. We will determine total and respirable endotoxin concentrations within these feeds and bedding, and therefore the respiratory load for the horse. This information will allow us to develop recommendations for stable management to decrease the likelihood for development of respiratory disease and will have great practical application to the racing industry, and for equine industries at large.  Following the completion of this experiment, the proceeding segment of the study, which is focussed on assessing the efficacy of current pharmaceutical treatment protocols, shall commence. Contact with equine veterinarians and thoroughbred trainers has recently been established, with recruitment for participation having a high success rate thus far. The industry response has been enthusiastic, and achieving a high level of industry participation, and therefore stronger and more statistically significant case-based evidence is anticipated.


 

4. Nutrition Research-Development Better Ways to Feed Horses
 

Project Title	Understanding and managing variable starch digestion in the horse
RIRDC Project No.:	UNE-87A
Start Date:	30-Jul-03
Finish Date:	30-Jun-06
Researcher:	Dr Geoff Hinch
Organisation:	Associate Professor University of New England School of Rural Science and Agriculture ARMIDALE NSW 2351
Phone:	(02) 6773 2202
Fax:	(02) 6773 3275
Email:	jrowe@metz.une.edu.au
Objectives	· To demonstrate that under commercial training conditions, those horse fed diets likely to produce extensive fermentation of starch in the hindgut have more problems with respect to health, adverse behaviour and poor performance than similar animals fed diets likely to produce little or no fermentable starch for hindgut fermentation. · The research will focus on identifying simple measurements that can be made on individual horses to determine their ability to digest starch efficiently so that diets can be objectively tailored for the requirements and ability of each horse. · To investigate combinations of exogenous enzymes (amylase and amylogucosidase) to ensure that starch is completely digested in the small intestine prior to the hindgut. · The major outcome will be to have clear evidence that hindgut starch fermentation is highly undesirable and to have practical, cost effective methods of overcoming the problem.
Current Progress	In the first year of this project faecal samples have been taken from throughbred horses from a series of commercial training establishments at Grafton NSW. These measurements have been taken to evaluate the variability of faecal pH within days and across days as well as between training establishments. Considerable variation exists between establishments but also between horses within establishments suggesting that it is not only diet that contributes to the variability of pH. Faecal and grain samples have been stored for analysis of starch and VFA and digestibility to determine of the pH measurements correlate well with other indicators of hindgut fermentation.  Presently methodologies are being developed to assess behavioural characteristics that can be monitored and correlated to gut parameters to determine if starch digestion is correlated in this selection of throughbreds.

5. Lameness and Limb Injury-Developing More Effective Methods for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment
 

Project Title	Epidemiology and risk factor analysis of racetrack fatalities
RIRDC Project No.:	UM-58A
Start Date:	01-Aug-02
Finish Date:	30-May-05
Researcher:	Prof Andrew Clarke
Organisation:	The University of Melbourne Equine Centre Faculty of Veterinary Science 250 Princes Highway WERRIBEE VIC 3030
Phone:	(03) 9731 2314
Fax:	(03) 9731 2377
Email:	afclarke@unimelb.edu.au
Objectives	This project will deliver an improved understanding of the causes of and risk factors associated with racetrack fatalities. This will translate into strategies to address this complex multifactorial problem. This in turn will result in reduced wastage within the industry and have positive welfare implications.
Current Progress	1. Post mortem survey: Over three years, 59 post mortems were performed. Death or catastrophic injury warranting euthanasia was sustained in 28 flat, 9 hurdle and 8 steeple races and in 8 trials; the remaining 6 mortalities occurred during track work. The incidences of mortality on metropolitan racecourses were 1 in 1039 flat starts, 1 in 81 hurdle starts and 1 in 61 steeple starts. Catastrophic musculoskeletal injury was identified as the major cause of Thoroughbred mortalities on Victorian racecourses. Severe EIPH was present in 22% (13/59) of the cases but was suspected by racecourse veterinarians in only 3% (2/59). Acute pulmonary oedema of undetermined cause was the most significant finding in 12% (7/59) of horses.  2. Epidemiological study: 572 horses fulfill criteria for inclusion in the study. At present, the performance information from this database is being cross-referenced against another national database to validate the data. Video patrol footage from metropolitan racecourses is also being used to examine events within races that may predispose to catastrophic injury or death.


 

Project Title	Pasture fructan concentration as a cause of equine laminitis
RIRDC Project No.:	UQ-100A
Start Date:	01-Dec-01
Finish Date:	30-Nov-04
Researcher:	Dr Christopher Pollitt
Organisation:	The University of Queensland School of Veterinary Science ST LUCIA QLD 4072
Phone:	(07) 3365 2063
Fax:	(07) 3365 1899
Email:	c.pollitt@mailbox.uq.edu.au
Objectives	· The cause of grass founder will be understood and a strategy for diagnosis, prevention and treatment will be available · A strategy for pasture and grazing management will be available so that horses and ponies do not consume sufficient fructan to develop laminitis
Current Progress	Oligofructose (OF), which closely resembles the non-structural pasture carbohydrate fructan, causes laminitis in horses, thus linking pasture consumption to the development of the disease. Laminin5 (L5) is the key attachment filament bridging the interface between hoof dermal and epidermal lamellae. However activation of constituent lamellar MMPs during laminitis induction cleaves L5 and continued production of L5 cleavage products entrains further lamellar separation. L5 cleavage products may be released into the bloodstream from the hindgut, during the epithelial remodelling that follows the colitis induced by OF dosing thus closing the laminitis pathogenesis circle. S. bovis, the hindgut micro-organism responsible for OF fermentation, produces a protease that in nature is used by the microbe to penetrate the protein capsule of starch grains. Large quantities of S bovis protease (Sbase) is likely responsible for the colitis follows OF dosing. The emphasis on laminitis trigger factors being bacterial in origin has shifted since hindgut L5 cleavage products may circulate in sufficient quantities to trigger laminitis. Cold water (2-3oC) applied to the limbs of horses prevents laminitis by inducing vasoconstriction and hypometabolism and is well tolerated by horses. Cryotherapy is an effective prophylactic strategy in horses with conditions placing them at risk of developing acute laminitis.


 

6. Exercise and Metabolic Disease-Optimising Fitness and Reducing Training Related Disease
 

Project Title	Exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage in Thoroughbred racehorses
RIRDC Project No.:	UM-59A
Start Date:	01-Nov-02
Finish Date:	01-Nov-04
Researcher:	Prof Andrew Clarke
Organisation:	The University of Melbourne Equine Centre Faculty of Veterinary Science 250 Princes Highway WERRIBEE VIC 3030
Phone:	(03) 9731 2314
Fax:	(03) 9731 2377
Email:	afclarke@unimelb.edu.au
Objectives	· The overall objective is to determine whether exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) is detrimental to athletic performance of Thoroughbred racehorses. To this end, we will use both short term (performance in a race) and long term (duration of the racing career and career earnings) indicators of athletic performance to determine if EIPH adversely affects athletic potential of Thoroughbred racehorses. Specifically, the objectives are: · To determine id exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage is associated with reduced race performance of Australian Thoroughbred racehorses. · To determine if exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage is associated with diminished quality of the racing career as indicated by shorter racing career longevity and smaller career earnings in Australian thoroughbred racehorses.
Current Progress	The relationship between EIPH and racing performance was examined using a prospective, cross sectional study of Thoroughbred horses competing in flat races in Victoria, Australia between March 1 and June 18, 2003. Horses for study were enrolled before racing to avoid a post-race selection bias. Tracheobronchoscopic examinations and blood collection were performed within 2 hours after racing. The examinations were recorded, and presence of EIPH and its severity (grade 0-4) was assessed subsequently by 3 experienced observers. Race performance was obtained from IRIS, an electronic database maintained by Racing Victoria, Ltd. Relationships between EIPH and measures of race performance were determined by discriminant factor analysis, analysis of variance, and logistic regression. Endoscopic examinations were performed on 744 horses, representing 52.1% of those eligible horses starting during the study period. Prevalence of EIPH, defined as blood in the trachea or bronchi detected by at least one observer, was 68.4%. Severity scores were identical for all 3 observers for 68.9% of examinations. Scores of 2 of the 3 observers agreed, and that of the third observer differed by 1 grade, in 30.6% of examinations. Scores of 2 of 3 observers agreed and that of the third observer differed by 2 grades in 0.3% of observations. All 3 observers disagreed in 0.2 % of examinations. Therefore, all observers agreed or 2 of 3 agreed with the third differing by 1 grade in 99.4% of observations. Kappa statistics for concordance between pairs of observers were 0.76, 0.80, and 0.75. Both presence of EIPH and its severity were significantly (P < 0.05) associated with race performance. Horses with EIPH, defined as grade 2 or higher, were 4.0 times less likely to win, 1.8 times less likely to finish in the top 3 places, and finished 1.8 meters farther behind the winner than did unaffected horses. The severity of EIPH (grade 0-4) was significantly associated with reduced probability of winning, slower race time normalized to race length of 1200 meters, lower horse speed, and greater length behind the winner. Horses with grade 4 EIPH finished an average of 3.4 meters farther behind the winner than did horses of grade 0. Furthermore, analysis of a large number of horse, track and environmental factors for association with EIPH revealed that age, sex and distance raced were not associated with either the risk of EIPH or its severity.  These results demonstrate a previously suspected but unproved relationship between EIPH and racing performance. Whether the presence or  severity of EIPH is related to lifetime performance is the focus of the next part of the study. The results of this study will be presented to veterinarians at the 2004 Bain-Fallon conference and to trainers, owners and veterinarians at an evening seminar at Flemington Race Course in July

9. Other
 

Project Title	Prototype Environmental Management System (EMS) for the horse keeping community - implementation, auditing and monitoring
RIRDC Project No.:	EPS-1A
Start Date:	01-Aug-03
Finish Date:	30-May-06
Researcher:	Ms Jacqueline Frizenschaf
Organisation:	Environment Protection Authority (SA) Environment Protection Authority - Watershed Protection Office Suite 2, 85 Mt Barker Road STIRLING SA 5152
Phone:	(08) 8139 9919
Fax:	(08) 8139 9901
Email:	frizenschaf.jacqueline@saugov.sa.gov.au
Objectives	· Produce a practical prototype EMS framework for the horse keeping community as a prerequisite and a point of reference for performance-based auditing and development approval. · Develop and test a self audit kit for horse keepers through close collaboration between the EPA and the horse keeping communities in different states. · Develop an awareness raising and EMS adoption program to reach out to the greater horse keeping community, in the Mt. Lofty Ranges watershed (incl. and interstate component).
Current Progress	This project aims to develop a framework and a practical self audit kit on how to best manage horse health and the environment through an Environmental Management System’s (EMS) approach. The focus of the project is to make the link between good management of the natural resources on the horse property (especially pasture health, soil and water) and the rewards for the environment and the horses’ health. The 3-year project is in its first phase (year 1). The tools to be developed aim to assist the landholders in assessing the potential environmental risks of their horse keeping activities, prioritising them, and acting upon them by improving their land management practice.  The approach of an environmental partnership between the South Australian EPA and Horse SA (the state peak body) has already been successful in several ways: · Increased Knowledge Base. Project participants (ranging from businesses to private small landholders) have increased their awareness and knowledge of key natural resources. This was achieved through workshops (theories), field days (practical examples) and property visits (application of learned concepts). · Ownership of Process and Products. All activities or products are being developed in partnership with Horse SA, who represents the key link to the horse community, and the project participants. Adaptive management principles are used to accommodate slight changes in direction, when benefits to the overall objective and outcome are expected. Hence, the sequence and content of some workshops and field days have been modified if the need arose.  · Interim Outputs. With input and review from the project participants, a Step-by-Step guide has been developed on how to conduct a land capability assessment on your property. In addition, a Draft Environmental Management Framework has been compiled. · Endorsement of Products and Outreach. The outreach phase (year 3) has already commenced by establishing an (inter-) state expert reference (review) group, whose members can be approached for targeted review and testing of different products.  Recognition. Weatherproof project signs have been created and are currently being displayed at each participating property (see attached).


 

Project Title	Epaxial musculature and its relationship with back pain in the horse
RIRDC Project No.:	UQ-111A
Start Date:	01-Jan-04
Finish Date:	31-Dec-06
Researcher:	Dr Catherine McGowan
Organisation:	The University of Queensland School of Animal Studies GATTON QLD 4343
Phone:	(07) 5460 1521
Fax:	()7) 5460 1444
Email:	hossas@uqg.uq.edu.au
Objectives	· To objectively measure the equine epaxial muscles · To objectively measure the response of equine epaxial muscles to back pain syndromes · To correlate clinical signs, ultrasonography, algometry and EMG analysis in affected horses · To develop ultrasonography as a non-invasive tool for diagnosis of muscular dysfunction associated with back pain and for monitoring response to therapy of back pain in horses
Current Progress	We have been fortunate to recruit Australia’s leading animal physiotherapist, Ms Narelle Stubbs who since 1998 is the official Australian Equestrian team Physiotherapist for both the equine and human athlete. Narelle commenced her PhD this year in the above titled project. Research equipment including ultrasonography has been purchased from School and Faculty funds and preliminary data collection commenced. Narelle has established good communication links with her supervisors Dr Catherine McGowan (supervisor) and Professor Paul Hodges (assistant supervisor, Physiotherapy Dept.) and when lecturing in London, met with Professor Leo Jeffcott (assistant supervisor) to discuss the present findings, current and future research. Investigative research thus far has included an extensive literature review of the current research and findings in both equine and human comparative functional spinal anatomy and back pain. From this review it is apparent that a number of inherent anatomical differences exist in the equine epaxial musculature and skeletal system. To establish what is "normal" cadaver dissections have been performed so far to determine the normal anatomical structure of the horse epaxial muscles these will be combined with Magnetic Resonance Imagery (MRI) studies to enable anatomical confirmation. This data will be compared to ultrasonography data to determine the validation of ultrasonography as a measurement tool of equine epaxial muscles.  Ultrasonography studies are about to commence - pilot study data will be collected using ultrasonography to measure epaxial muscle cross-sectional area. Intrarater reliabilities will be analysed over the next month(s) to validate ultrasound as an accurate non-invasive measurement tool.






Last updated: September 2004
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