Evaluating the Feeding Management and Housing Conditions of Horses in Lesotho
Horse Feeding and Housing in Lesotho
Keywords:
horse, evaluation, feeding, housingAbstract
Lesotho is proud of its horses, and there are many skilled riders in rural areas. A cross-sectional study was conducted from September to December 2020, involving 321 horse owners. The objective of the study was to assess the housing and feeding management of horses in Lesotho. The evaluation of feeding management focused on production systems, types of commercial feeds, and access to water. The housing conditions assessment was based on the horses' environment. The majority of horses were kept under a semi-enclosed framework. In rural, semi-urban, and urban areas, grazing alone failed to meet the nutritional needs of horses by 70.1%, 89.4%, and 85.1%, respectively. Regarding housing, the majority of horses were tied, while only a few were kept in clean stalls (8.2%, 3.1%, and 4.1%) with proper bedding. Based on the data obtained in this study, it can be concluded that the feeding and housing conditions for horses in Lesotho are inadequate. Therefore, horse owners should receive training on how to improve the feeding and housing practices for their horses.
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