Dr. Mohammed Husen
Background: Although equines contributed vital role in human livelihoods through direct and indirect contributions to financial, human and social capital, emphasis has not been given to study the welfare issue which include health problems and management requirement. A retrospective study and questionnaire survey was conducted to assess the health and the welfare problem of equines coming to the Gaba Arbii Veterinary clinic for treatment at the Hawa Gelan district, Geba robi Veterinary clinic, Oromia, Ethiopia. Data on 448 Equines from 2018 to 2020 were analyzed from the data record sheet kept by the clinic.
Results: The most common case for wound occurrence were back sore 135(30.0%), chest wound 37(8.0%), bite 27(6.0%) and combined wound of both back and bite 14(3.0%). The finding indicated that the occurrence of wound in Equines having poor 170 (64.0%), medium 41(34.0%) and good 7(12.0%) body condition and this was found to be statistically significantly associated (p=0.000). Among the common health problems and abnormalities encountered in Equines back sore wound 135(30.0%), lameness 92(20.0%), parasitic infestation 60(14.0%), chest wound 37(8.0%) and signs of colic 34 (.0%) were the major problems encountered in Equines coming to clinic for treatment with there was no a statistically significant difference among different years. In addition to body condition, the occurrence of wounds was found to be statistically significantly associated with age category and work type. In addition, pack Equines experienced higher lameness occurrences as compared to cart Equines and it was statistically significant (p>0.05). In addition to health related problems, the questionnaire survey conducted also revealed welfare problems such as management condition, overloading, working hour, housing problems, and wounds due to harnessing were the major welfare problems of Equines in the study area.
Conclusion: This retrospective study and questionnaire survey revealed the significant health and welfare problems of Equines that need to be addressed in order to improve welfare status, their health and working efficiency. Therefore, there should be immediate awareness creation for community, government, community, local service providers and policy makers on welfare issue of Equine and health management in the study area in particular and in the country in general.
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