title: Welfare in horse breeding.
abstract: Welfare problems related to the way horses are bred, whether by coitus or by the application of artificial reproduction techniques (ARTs), have been given no discrete consideration within the academic literature. This paper reviews the existing knowledge base about welfare issues in horse breeding and identifies areas in which data is lacking. We suggest that all methods of horse breeding are associated with potential welfare problems, but also that the judicious use of ARTs can sometimes help to address those problems. We discuss how negative welfare effects could be identified and limited and how positive welfare effects associated with breeding might be maximised. Further studies are needed to establish an evidence base about how stressful or painful various breeding procedures are for the animals involved, and what the lifetime welfare implications of ARTs are for future animal generations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Production and Population Health, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, South Mymms, Herefordshire AL9 7TA, UK.
authors.forename: M L H
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Campbell
authors.affiliation: Department of Large Animal Sciences and Department of Food and Resource Economics, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 25, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sandøe
mesh_terms: D000827:Animal Welfare; D000818:Animals; D001947:Breeding / Q000379:methods; D006736:Horses; D006113:United Kingdom