@article {3672,
	title = {Defecation behaviour reduces horse{\textquoteright}s utilisation of pasture},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {81},
	year = {2021},
	month = {01/2022},
	pages = {74-80},
	address = {Online},
	abstract = {Horses kept at pasture create focal areas with high-density of faeces (latrines), which under commercial conditions can account for 30\% of total pasture area. This New Zealand study observed the utilisation of pasture, and establishment of lawns and roughs within one paddock, intensively grazed (semi-set-stocked) alternately by three herds of mixed-age (mature), predominately Standardbred, horses. The paddock was grazed by horses 480 of 730 days, with mean stocking density of four horses per ha (2148 kg live weight/ha). Median grazing duration was 44 days (IQR 37-47 days). The median overall pasture cover for the study period was 1114 kg DM/ha (range 496-2191 kg DM/ha), lawns was 683 kg DM/ha (range 389-1822 kg DM/ha), and roughs was 2058 (range 753-3971 kg DM/ha). There was a trend for greater post-grazing estimated pasture growth rates in roughs relative to the lawns (P=0.054). Latrine areas constituted a median 31\% (IQR 24-33\%) of available pasture area, with up to two faecal-piles/m2. The results of the current study suggest that intensive semi-set-stocked management promotes the establishment of easily identified latrine areas of moderate faecal-pile concentration. These data can contribute to modelling the nitrogen-holding capacity of the soil, nitrogen leaching and the efficient utilisation of pasture of grazing horses.

Keywords: equine; faeces; nitrogen; pasture},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Adams BR and Gee EK and Back PJ and Rogers CW}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {Seasonal variation in pasture mass offered was not associated with changes in live weight, or body condition score, in three cohorts of horses},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {81},
	year = {2021},
	month = {01/2022},
	pages = {16-21},
	address = {Online},
	abstract = {Many New Zealand equine owners/stud managers rely on body condition to adjust feed supply for weight management, rather than objective weigh scales. This cohort observational study examined the inter-relationship of pasture supply with monthly BCS and live weight (LW) in three groups (n = 7, 8, 9) of grazing-horses of median 6/9 BCS (range 4-8). Dry-matter (DM) intake was estimated from weekly pasture mass (using rising-plate meter), monthly pasture cuts, and fortnightly LW records. Total pasture DM at the start of grazing ranged from 559 to 3511 kg DM/ha, and grazed lawns (nutritive areas) ranged from 364 to 2601 kg DM/ha. Total estimated DM offered (including hay when offered) ranged from 1.46 to 26.37 kg DM/horse/day (0.3\% to 5.3\% of horses LW). Within-horse maximum monthly gains and losses were 8\% LW and -13\% LW respectively. Median monthly BCS change was 0/9 (range -2/9 to 1/9). There was no significant association between monthly changes in LW and BCS, indicating BCS may lack the sensitivity to manage weight. During periods of reduced DMI (below estimated maintenance) there were no significant decreases in LW or BCS. These data implied that the horses may have altered transit time to improve the relative digestibility of the limited feed on offer.

Keywords: horse; weight; body condition score; pasture; intake},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Adams BR and Gee EK and Back PJ and Rogers CW}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {The management of Standardbred breeding stock on commercial properties},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {80},
	year = {2020},
	month = {09/2020},
	pages = {84-89},
	address = {Online},
	abstract = {This paper describes the on-farm pasture management of Standardbred broodmares on commercial breeding farms in New Zealand
using data collected from three studies. The pasture on offer was typically ryegrass (70\% (IQR 50-70), clover (15\% (IQR 15-22),
and fescue (12\% IQR 6-22). Other species present included cocksfoot and plantain (10\% on one farm). Weed content was low at
5\% (IQR 4-8). During winter, on two farms mares were break-fed on crops of kale, standing oats and Italian ryegrass. Through the
year there was limited variation in the nutritive composition of the pasture with a DM of 17{\textpm}0.3\%, ME of 11{\textpm}0.1 MJ/kg DM and
crude protein of 23{\textpm}0.5\%. Horses were managed using a semi-set-stocked pattern (1.7 mares/ha; 2.6 weanlings/ha). Pasture DM
on offer for mares ranged from 1700-2500 kg DM/ha and 2500-3000 kg DM/ha for weanlings, which were also offered ~1.5 kg/
day (as fed) of pre-mixed concentrates. To manage pasture quality and minimise the establishment of lawns and roughs, paddocks
on all farms were harrowed and cross-grazed with sheep or cattle. The management system described, while similar to that of
Thoroughbreds, differs with the offering of crops to mares during winter and a higher BCS of mares.

Keywords: horse; pasture; Standardbred; management; mare},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Rogers CW and Herbst A and Langhans K and Stone R and Hirst R and Gee EK and Back PJ}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {Miniature horses in New Zealand: demographics and feeding management},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {80},
	year = {2020},
	month = {09/2020},
	pages = {1-7},
	type = {1-7},
	address = {Online},
	abstract = {An online survey on demographics and feeding management of Miniature horses in New Zealand was conducted using the
Qualtrics Survey Software. There were 232 valid responses from respondents who kept 1183 Miniature horses, representing ~  1/3rd
of the New Zealand Miniature horse population. Miniature horses were kept for leisure and companionship (56\%), competition
(35\%) and for breeding (7\%). The majority (79\%) of Miniature horses were kept at pasture on low (< 1000 kg DM/ha) to moderate
(~ 2000 kg DM/ha) pasture masses across seasons. Pasture access was more commonly restricted by respondents during spring
(60\%), summer (60\%), and autumn (55\%) than in winter (43\%). Most respondents (87\%) practiced pasture-restriction strategies
such as strip grazing, use of a paddock with little grass, and stabling/yarding. Respondents indicated the mode daily number of
hours of stabling was 7-12 hours (n=57/195, 29\%). The median stocking density was 10 horses/ha, (~1100 kg live weight/ha).
The stocking density appeared high, however, on a live weight basis, it was comparable to the reported values in other classes of
equine livestock.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Goh SY and Gee EK and Thomas DG and Back PJ and Rogers CW}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {Deterministic modelling of nitrogen utilisation by horses managed under pasture-based, intensive and semi-intensive systems with different levels of pasture intake.},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {79},
	year = {2019},
	month = {07/2019},
	pages = {1-7},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {There are limited data on the average nitrogen (N) intake and N loss for the different classes of equine livestock, and the different equine production systems within New Zealand.  Using a deterministic model, the total nitrogen excreted, and nitrogen partitioned into animal requirements, urine and faeces were estimated based on the crude protein requirement, digestible crude protein intake, and crude protein excreted in urine and faeces.  Separate models were generated for five different livestock classes managed within three different production systems (commercial breeding farm, sport horse and racehorse). Overall, the N in diet (\%), the modelled daily N intake and N losses varied with the percentage of pasture in the diet.  The faecal N loss remained consistent (20-25\%) across diets and horse classes whereas urinary N loss increased with daily N intake and percentage of pasture in the diet. Total N loss per day was estimated to be 0.18, 0.28, and 0.48 g N/kg body weight in racehorse, sport horse and Thoroughbred mares respectively.  The N excretion per unit weight from young horses, racehorses and sport horses were substantially lower than that reported for ruminants. Therefore, horse-specific data should be used when modelling farm-level nitrogen excretion.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Chin YY and Back PJ and Gee EK and Rogers CW}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {Livestock and pasture management on commercial Thoroughbred breeding farms: implications for estimating nitrogen loss},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {79},
	year = {2019},
	month = {07/2019},
	pages = {65-70},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {Published data on livestock and pasture management on Thoroughbred breeding stud farms were collated to model and estimate farm-level variables required to estimate nitrogen leaching. On commercial farms, stocking density doubled during the breeding season (August {\textendash} December). The effective stocking density increased with farm scale (number of resident mares) but decreased with farm size (total effective area). Therefore, farm nitrogen output may fluctuate seasonally and will be influenced by farm size and scale. Farm size and scale independently affected the stocking and grazing management (i.e., paddock rotation interval) for the different equine stock classes (empty, pregnant, mares with foals). Stocking and grazing management influenced the pasture available and subsequently, the grazing behaviour as determined by the difference between pasture mass of lawns and roughs. The difference between pasture mass of lawns and roughs was reduced with increasing stocking density and decreasing pasture availability, and increased under conditions of high stocking density (>2 mares/ha) and low pasture availability (<400 kg DM/ha/horse). Modification of grazing behaviour could affect the nitrogen-leaching potential by modifying the size of manure-deposition area and the N-loading rate on urine and dung patches. The complex relationship between farm, horse and management factors needs to be included when estimating nitrogen leached from equine properties.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Chin YY and Back PJ and Gee EK and Rogers CW}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {Characteristics of the grazing and farm management of broodmares on commercial Thoroughbred stud farms during spring},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {78},
	year = {2018},
	month = {07/2018},
	pages = {88-91},
	address = {Lincoln},
	abstract = {Thoroughbred broodmares in New Zealand are at greater odds of exposure to Leptospira than racehorses, possibly as a result
of aspects of the on-farm pasture-based management. To identify biologically plausible risk factors cohorts of broodmares were
prospectively followed on four Thoroughbred stud farms for a five-week period during the 2017-2018 season. Up to three cohorts
of mares within each group of mares identified at the start of the study as empty (not in foal), in-foal, or mares having just foaled
(with foal at foot) were followed on each farm and measurements made of pasture dry matter (DM) on offer, paddock location,
mare cohort structure and farm management. The farm with stallions had a greater number of changes in mare cohort membership
(2 (1-2) vs. 0 (0-1), P=0.001). The total pasture DM on offer was least for empty mares compared to in-foal mares, and mares with
foals at foot (1483 (1157-2380) vs. 2070 (1499-2534) vs. 2299 (1390-3196) kg DM/ha, P=0.009). Pregnant mares had the greatest
stocking density 4 (2 -6) mares/ha, due to use of small foaling paddocks. The low pasture DM on offer and high stocking rate for
empty mares may provide a mechanism for exposure to environmental sources of Leptospira.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Bengtsson J and Rogers CW and Back PJ and Emanuelson U and Roca J and Gee EK and Bolwell CF}
}
@article {3672,
	title = {Pasture use and management in commercial equine production systems},
	journal = {New Zealand Journal of Animal Science and Production},
	volume = {78},
	year = {2018},
	month = {07/2018},
	pages = {40-44},
	address = {Lincoln},
	abstract = {Despite a perceived reliance of horses on pasture there are limited data on efficiency of pasture utilisation in equine production
systems. The unique equine behaviour characteristics of highly selective browsing, combined with faecal avoidance, provide
distinct grazing management challenges compared to those of ruminants. Data reported here show that faecal avoidance results in
the establishment of lawns and roughs (overgrazed and poorly grazed areas, respectively) with it estimated that only 70\% of the
total pasture DM/ha on offer is utilised by horses. During spring, lawns contained more grass (74\% vs 53\%) and clover (5\% vs 3\%)
and less weeds (2\% vs. 11\%) and dead matter (19\% vs. 33\%) than did roughs. Weanlings will start to graze roughs once the lawns
are <1500 kg DM/ha. Roughs, however, will not be grazed within 1 m of a faecal pile. This translates to a lower pasture utilisation
rate in weanlings and the biased grazing pattern means estimates of total pasture DM over-estimate the true available pasture DM.
The relative proportion of pasture in lawns and roughs changes during grazing and prevents the application of a simple correction
factor to estimate available DM. Broodmares had greater rates of pasture utilisation and less bias for consumption of pasture in
areas of roughs than did weanlings.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Rogers CW and Gee EK and Back PJ and van Zon S and Hirst RL and Pomroy WE}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {Reproductive production constraints within the New Zealand racing industry},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {76},
	year = {2016},
	month = {07/2016},
	pages = {146-150},
	address = {Adelaide},
	abstract = {The New Zealand Thoroughbred industry has seen
rationalisation in response to changes in the domestic
market and more recently the Global Financial Crisis
(GFC). To quantify changes in production, end-of-season
reproductive data for active Thoroughbred sires were
extracted for the 1989/90 to 2011/12 breeding seasons.
There were reductions in the numbers of mares bred and
foals produced (10,176 mares \& 5,882 foals vs. 5,826
mares \& 3,927 foals, respectively in 1989/90 and 2011/12
seasons) resulting in a greater relative proportion of foals
registrations (57\% vs. 67\%). During this period, the
number of active sires decreased (265 vs. 94) and number
of mares per sire increased (33 IQR 18-53 vs. 49 29-91).
The 2007/08 season (GFC) was associated with an acute
reduction in the number of shuttle stallions imported for
breeding (from 23\% in 2006/07 to 11\% of active sires in
2007/08), and a temporary increase in number of mares bred
(13\%), in response to the 2007 Equine Influenza outbreak
in Australia. The proportion of sires covering >100 mares
per season increased from 6\% (1989/90) to 25\% (2011/12).
Despite the reduction in active broodmares during the same
period (43\%), there has not been a proportional decrease
in export numbers (24\%) or domestic numbers of horses
racing (6.5\%).},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Rogers CW and Gee EK and Bolwell CF}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {Body condition and morphometric measures of adiposity in a cohort of Pony Club horses and ponies in New Zealand},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {75},
	year = {2015},
	month = {07/2015},
	pages = {195-199},
	address = {Dunedin},
	abstract = { A cross-sectional study was conducted to describe and compare the body condition and morphometrics of Pony Club (PC) horses
and ponies at two points in the year. Data were collected from a cohort of PC riders in spring (n=158) and autumn (n=155), with
73 repeat measurements across the two seasons. There were more ponies (68\%, 164/240, wither-height <=148 cm) than horses in the
study population. Most (76\%, 183/240) animals were kept on ad libitum pasture throughout the year and were fed small quantities
of supplementary feed. The median body condition score (BCS) of the animals was 6 (interquartile range 5-7). Forty-seven per
cent (112/240) of the animals were scored {\textquoteleft}fat{\textquoteright} (BCS >=7) and 25\% (61/240) presented with a cresty-neck score >=3. There was poor
inter-rater agreement between the study personnel and owners for BCS of horses (Kappa=0.26) and ponies (Kappa=0.11). The
study personnel identified 54\% (88/162) of ponies as {\textquoteleft}fat{\textquoteright}, whereas owners underestimated the BCS of ponies, and identified only
40\% (65/162) as {\textquoteleft}fat{\textquoteright} (P<0.001). The measurements of body weight did not differ between seasons, and only some morphologybased
assessments of adiposity differed between seasons. Overall, 17\% (15/88) of {\textquoteleft}fat{\textquoteright} ponies and 21\% (11/53) of those with
{\textquoteleft}cresty-necks{\textquoteright} were reported to have had a previous history of laminitis. Laminar rings were observed in 98\% (234/240) of the
PC horses and ponies. The study highlighted that horses and ponies kept on pasture maintain body weight and condition from
spring to autumn, but this finding may be biased by the high percentage of {\textquoteleft}fat{\textquoteright} ponies in the study population. The poor inter-rater
agreement for BCS, particularly with ponies, and similar morphological measurements between seasons, highlights the challenges
with using these measurements of adiposity in ponies},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Fernandes KA and Rogers CW and Gee EK and Bolwell CF and Thomas DG}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {Flexural limb deformities in a cohort of Thoroughbred foals on commercial stud farms},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {75},
	year = {2015},
	month = {07/2015},
	pages = {188-190},
	address = {Dunedin},
	abstract = { },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Shotton AK and Bolwell CF and Rogers CW and Gee EK and Sells PD and Connell J and McIlwraith CW}
}
@conference {3672,
	title = {A cross-sectional survey of rider and horse demographics, and the feeding, health and management of Pony Club horses in New Zealand},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {74},
	year = {2014},
	month = {06/2014},
	pages = {11-16},
	address = {Napier},
	abstract = {A cross-sectional survey was conducted to describe rider and horse demographics, and the feeding, health, and management of horses and ponies involved with Pony Clubs in New Zealand. An online survey collected information from members of the New Zealand Pony Clubs Association between 1st November 2012 and 31st January 2013. A total of 502 respondents completed the survey. Most riders were female (95\%; 455/481) and were <=16 years of age (74\%; 357/481). Decisions on feeding and management of horses were rarely made by the rider alone (26\%; 124/476). The rider{\textquoteright}s parent or person responsible for the horse were often included in the decision-making, which occurred consistently across all age-groups <=16 years (P<0.001). Over half (53\%; 252/475) of the respondents{\textquoteright} families had more than 20 years of equine experience. On a scale of 1-9, the median body condition score (BCS) of the nominated Pony Club horses was six (interquartile range 5-6), and only 22\% (98/446) of respondents indicated that their horse was overweight (BCS >=7/9). More than 80\% of horses were managed on pasture throughout the year, with 24-hour access to grazing each day. In addition to pasture, 82\% (409/502) of respondents fed their horses a combination of commercially available equine feeds, including premixed feeds, cereals, and conserved forages. Overall, owners of Pony Club horses reported few health issues associated with their horse.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Fernandes KA and Rogers CW and Gee EK and Bolwell CF and Thomas DG}
}
@conference {89272,
	title = {A cross-sectional survey of New Zealand sport horse stud farms},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {73},
	year = {2013},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {71-75},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Hamilton},
	abstract = {<p>An online survey was sent to 74 sport horse owners. With a response rate of 45\% (33/74) data were available from 33 owners of 74 sport horse stallions. Most stallion owners were female (29/33; 88\%), aged between 35 and54 years (25/33; 76\%), and had equine occupations (17/33; 52\%). Most sport horse stud farms were not operated as the primary income source for the owner (27/33; 82\%). Farms had a median of 2 (Interquartile range (IQR) 1{\textendash}3) stallions and a median of5 (IQR 2{\textendash}9) mares. There were four larger farms standing stallions that also provided frozen semen from stallions resident outside of New Zealand. Most stallions were privately owned (69/75; 92\%) and 47\% (35/74) of stallions originated from overseas. Half the stallions had their own performance record (36/75; 49\%). Natural service was offered for 64\% (47/74) of the stallions, 81\% (60/74) of stallions were available via artifical insemination with fresh or cooled semen, and 37\% (27/74) were available via artifical insemination with frozen semen. The number of mares covered by the stallions per season was heavily left skewed with a median of 5 (IQR 1{\textendash}8). There were a small group of active sires (n = 7) that covered larger books of mares with a median of 42 (IQR 22{\textendash}50).</p>
},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {George HEA and Bolwell CF and Rogers CW and Gee EK}
}
@conference {79013,
	title = {Preliminary examination of wastage in Thoroughbred and Standardbred horses in New Zealand using training milestones},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {72},
	year = {2012},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {172-174},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Christchurch},
	abstract = {<p>The production of Thoroughbred and Standardbred horses to race is a multi-million dollar industry in New Zealand. However, wastage studies have shown that as many as 50\% of foals born fail to race (Wilsher et al. 2006; Jeffcott et al. 1982; Perkins et al. 2004a; Perkins et al. 2004b). Wastage, defined as losses that occur during the production of horses to race, is a major cause for concern in the racing industry and has both animal welfare and economic implications. Wastage may be caused by several factors including lack of ability, physical injury or financial decision by owners and can occur at any stage from conception through to competing at the races. ... continued</p>
},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Tanner JV and Rogers CW and Bolwell CF and Gee EK}
}
@conference {75881,
	title = {Production variables influencing the auction sales price of New Zealand Thoroughbred yearlings},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {71},
	year = {2011},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {92-95},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Invercargill},
	abstract = {Data were obtained from the New Zealand Thoroughbred studbook and the online sales results for the 2004 National Yearling Sales Series. Across the three sales categories, 477, 523, and 354 yearlings were offered at the Premier, Select and Festival sales, respectively. There were significant differences in the representation of yearlings across the three sales categories based on: sire service fee, vendor category, purchaser country of origin, and dam age. There were fewer fillies catalogued in the Festival sale compared to Select or Premier sales (P <0.05). Within the general linear model, auction price (log10) was significantly influenced by sales category: Premier ($71,285, 95\% Confidence interval (CI), $61,801-$82,224), Select ($24,831, 95\% CI, $22,233-$27,733) and Festival ($9,462, 95\% CI, $8,072-$11,091, P <0.001). Sales price (log10) was also significantly influences by sire service fee, vendor category, purchaser country of origin, and mare age. Colts sold for more than fillies ($29,040, 95\% CI, $26,668-$31,695 vs. $22,542, 95\% CI, $20,370-$24,945, P <0.001) across all sales categories with an interaction of sales category and gender (P = 0.003). These results indicate that in order to optimize gross returns, vendors require colts that are marketed through the Premier sale, from older established broodmares, with a pedigree that appeals to Australian buyers.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Waldron K and Rogers CW and Gee EK and Bolwell CF}
}
@conference {75887,
	title = {Selection decisions in Thoroughbred broodmares},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {71},
	year = {2011},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {122-125},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Invercargill},
	abstract = {Using retrospective racing and breeding records the hypothesis was tested that in the last two generations there has been a significant increase in the proportion of race tested fillies entering breeding. During the 1998/99 breeding season there were 146 sires at stud, 92 had a Low cost service fee (<$5,000), 28 had a Medium cost service fee ($5,001-$10,000), 9 had an Expensive cost service fee (>$10,000) and 17 were Shuttle stallions. Of the 6,768 mares covered 46\% were covered by Low cost, 22\% by Medium cost, 12\% by Expensive cost and 19\% by Shuttle stallions. Three stallions from each of these four service fee categories were randomly selected and the opportunity for the female progeny sired by these stallions to enter yearling sales, race and enter the broodmare herd were examined. Significantly more 1999 born female progeny by Expensive (37\%) and Shuttle stallions (34\%) were presented for sale than those by Medium (1\%) and Low cost sires (0\%), and were more likely to race (85\% and 82\%) than those by Medium or Low cost sires (64\% and 50\%). Female progeny born in 1999 by Expensive sires were more likely to enter breeding (80\%) than those by Shuttle (49\%), Medium (43\%) or Low cost sires (25\%). The proportion of broodmares with race records decreased with each retrospective generation.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Rogers CW and Gee EK}
}
@conference {69492,
	title = {Factors influencing gestation length and interval from foaling to conception in mares managed on a commercial Thoroughbred studfarm},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {70},
	year = {2010},
	month = {Jun},
	pages = {146-148},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Palmerston North},
	abstract = {The gestation length of mares is typically accepted as 335 to 342 days, but may range from 300 to 400 days. Most studies examining factors that may affect gestation length have been conducted in the Northern Hemisphere where foaling management may be markedly different from routine management in Australasia, where foaling takes place outdoors at pasture, and mares are kept at pasture year-round.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {van Rijssen JD and Gee EK and Rogers CW and O{\textquoteright}Brien JR}
}
@conference {60959,
	title = {Retrospective examination of the breeding efficiency of the New Zealand Thoroughbred and Standardbred},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {69},
	year = {2009},
	month = {Jun},
	pages = {126-131},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Christchurch},
	abstract = {To describe the industry structure and breeding efficiency of the Thoroughbred and Standardbred populations in New Zealand retrospective reproductive data for the 1989/90 to 2004/05 breeding seasons were obtained from online industry databases and collated for analysis. Data were examined using descriptive statistics, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. From 1989/90 to 2004/05 breeding season there was a 36\% and 37\% reduction in the national broodmare herd and 45\% and 40\% reduction in foal crop for the Standardbred and Thoroughbred populations, respectively. During this period the number of sires decreased but there was an associated increase in the mean number of mares served by a sire. The mean end of season fertility was 77.9 {\textpm} 0.3 \% for Thoroughbreds and 86 {\textpm} 0.2 \% for Standardbreds. The commercial life of a stallion was estimated to be 3 and 4 years for Thoroughbred and Standardbred sires, respectively. Shuttle sires were younger, and covered larger books of younger mares than other sire categories. Expensive and shuttle sires cover larger books of younger mares and therefore may have an advantage compared to low or medium priced sires in producing larger numbers of potentially successful progeny.},
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Rogers CW and Gee EK and Vermeij E}
}
@conference {41657,
	title = {Preliminary survey of congenital and reproductive disorders in the New Zealand miniature horse population},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {66},
	year = {2006},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {274-278},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Napier},
	abstract = {The Miniature horse population is a rapidly expanding sector of the New Zealand (NZ) equine population. It is estimated that there have been 6,052 Miniature horses registered in NZ, with 677 new registrations in 2004. The lay literature implies that the Miniature horse breed has a high level of reproductive and congenital defects. To obtain reference data on the reproductive and congenital disorders of the NZ Miniature horse breed a face-to-face survey was conducted with 22 breeders located in the lower North Island of NZ. The 22 breeders were the owners of 421 horses (246 mares, 52 stallions, 88 foals and 35 geldings). The mean number of Miniature horses on the property was 19 horses (range 4-60), 11 broodmares (range 2-30) and 2 stallions (range 0 {\textasciidieresis}C 8). Most horses (75\%) were registered with the NZ Miniature horse Association or the American Miniature Horse Society (23\%). Most Miniature horses were type A, being <=86cm in height at the withers (72\%). The average foal crop per breeder was 7 foals, which were conceived with hand serving (61.4\%) or a combination of hand serving and having the stallion run with the mare (31.8\%).Confirmation of pregnancy was by blood test (49.2\%), ultrasound verification (19\%), combination of blood test and ultrasound (6\%), or non return to oestrus (23.4\%). Seventeen breeders had mares that were covered by the stallion during the season but did not return a positive pregnancy (23.4\% of mares covered in the season). There was a lower percentage of apparent fetal loss on farms that used blood tests or ultrasound to verify pregnancy compared to farm relying on non return to oestrus(10.38\% {\textpm} 2.49\% vs. 20.79\% {\textpm} 4.59\%, p=0.06).The incidence of fetal abortion (<300 days gestation) was 1.75\% (CI 0.5-3.03), and 5.2\% (CI 2.6 -7.8\%) of mares suffered from dystocia. The incidence for premature placental separation was 0.82\% (CI 0.26-1.39\%) and the incidence of retained placenta was 1.4\% (CI 0 -3.6\%). The incidence of dwarfism was 0.7\% (CI 0.11-1.28\%), with 11 breeders reporting foals that had excluded from the studbook due to dwarfism. The incidence of parrot and sow mouth was 1.22\% (CI 0 -2.43\%) and 0.45\% (CI 0- 0.84\%), respectively. The incidence of respiratory disorders (including signs indicative of collapsed trachea and cleft palate) was 2.2\% (CI 0.7 -3.7\%). The data collected indicate that the incidence of reproductive and congenital disorders in the New Zealand Miniature horse population is lower than expected. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Rogers CW and Gee EK and Hangoor E and Firth EC}
}
@conference {41658,
	title = {The use of alternative therapies in racing thoroughbreds},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {66},
	year = {2006},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {279-283},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Napier},
	abstract = {The use of alternative therapies (physiotherapy, chiropractic, etc) in the New Zealand (NZ) Thoroughbred appears to be common practice, despite the lack of scientific evidence to support their use in the species. It is unknown what treatments are being offered to these athletes, the types of problems alternative therapies are used for, if the {\textquoteleft}therapists{\textquoteright} providing the treatments are qualified, and if the horses seen by therapists are also under veterinary care. To obtain preliminary data on the use of alternative therapies in the NZ Thoroughbred horse a face to face survey was conducted with 23 trainers located in the Auckland and Manawatu regions of the North Island of NZ. The data collected represented 906 racehorses in training during the 2004/2005 racing season. Stables were categorized as small (less than 10 horses, n=8), medium (11-25 horses, n=8) and large (greater than 26 horses in training, n=7). The proportion of horses injured within each stable category was 21\%, 28\% and 33\% respectively. Nineteen trainers out of the 23 surveyed used at least one type of alternative therapy during the racing season, and 296 horses (33\%) had at least one exposure to alternative therapy. On average trainers spent $25,026 per year on veterinary treatments and $43,112 on alternative therapies. Eleven different types of alternative therapy were identified by trainers, with physiotherapy being the most commonly used (10 trainers), particularly by large (71\%) and small (63\%) stables. Eight stables used some form of alternative therapy on a monthly basis to treat 33\% of their horses in training, 4 on a weekly basis to treat 47\% of their horses and 3 on a daily basis to treat 44\% of their horses. Sixteen different alternative therapists were identified in this study, 7 had formal qualifications. The data collected indicated that the use of alternative therapies in the NZ Thoroughbred industry was widespread. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Coleman HJ and Rogers CW and Gee EK}
}
@conference {41497,
	title = {The effect of grain supplementation on the faecal pH of horses maintained on pasture},
	booktitle = {Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	volume = {64},
	year = {2004},
	month = {Jan},
	pages = {165-170},
	publisher = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	organization = {New Zealand Society of Animal Production},
	address = {Hamilton},
	abstract = {The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of grain supplementation on the faecal pH of horses maintained at pasture. Data were obtained from twelve mixed age horses kept at pasture, six controls 530 {\textpm}9.4 kg and six carbohydrate supplemented 513 {\textpm}10.2 kg. The supplemented horses were each feed up to 6.15kg of crushed oats in two feeds (am and pm) per day over a 38 day period. The supplementation was divided into seven treatment periods; a four day period with no grain (block 1), six days with the addition of grain to the diet at a rate of +0.5kg per day (block 2), six days with 3.4kg per day (block 3), four days with the addition of 0.5kg oats per day (block 4), six days fed 6.16kg per day (block 5), six days decreasing grain fed (block 6) followed by a five day observation period with no grain fed (block 7). Faecal material was collected daily for analysis immediately after defecation during the am feeding time. Throughout the supplementation trial there were no significant differences between the supplemented and control groups. There was a significant effect of period on faecal pH (P<0.05). There was no interaction of treatment and period. There was a trend for faecal pH to decrease during the trial. Block 7 was significantly different to all other blocks. Block 5 was significantly different to Block 1 (P<0.01). Within the model horse was a significant effect (P<0.05). There was a strong correlation between the control and treatment groups for faecal pH throughout the trial (r2=0.86). There was a trend for increased rainfall in the 2nd half of the supplementation trial which was associated with increasing soil temperature (P<0.01).
The lack of significant change in faecal pH with increased grain supplementation indicates that for pasture kept horses factors such as pasture intake and greater activity may have a role in buffering the negative effects of a high grain diet. },
	issn = {1176-5283},
	author = {Rogers CW and Eastwood B and Gee EK and Firth EC}
}
