Bedding tests for horse-care facilities
High-quality bedding makes an important contribution to the health and wellbeing of horses, especially where the animals are kept in boxes and are therefore confined to a restricted area. The horses’ lying behaviour is another important factor in their physical and mental health. We showed how different bedding materials affect the quality of the stable climate in different ways – in particular with regard to the concentration of ammonia. There are many different bedding qualities on the market for horse owners to choose from. The findings of several research projects enable us to make an objective assessment of bedding properties that affect purchasers’ decisions, including absorption, dust production, ammonia release, feeding behaviour, dung quantity, costs and labour requirements.
Project management: Conny Herholz
Effectiveness of insect repellents and vector protection measures for horses
A new EU regulation stipulates that in future all insect repellents must in future be tested for their efficacy on animals. Together with the Federal Office of Public Health, the University of Zurich and the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, we are testing repellents that target horse flies, midges and other insects. By analysing videos and using midge suction trips, we investigate the efficacy of each product and check the stated duration of action. As well as insect repellents, fans or nets can also protect horses from insects. We investigated the effectiveness of these devices in an earlier project.
Project management: Conny Herholz
