CHARACTERIZATION OF THE NUTRITIONAL AND SANITARY MANAGEMENT OF EQUINE ATHLETES IN SOUSA–PB, BRAZIL

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25110/arqvet.v28i2.2025-12719

Keywords:

Horse, Feeding, Rodeo, Health

Abstract

The objective of this study was to describe the nutritional and sanitary management of equine athletes participating in rodeo events during Exposousa 2025 in Sousa, Paraíba, Brazil. The study was conducted through the application of 30 questionnaires to owners of equine athletes, with their authorization. The animals' profile, nutritional management, and sanitary practices were defined. Regarding nutritional management, 93.10% of owners provided commercial feed, supplemented by hay (90%), chopped grass (20%), pasture grazing (16.7%), and other sources (3.3%). Concentrates were provided more than three times daily by 83.3% of owners; 96.66% provided mineral salt, and 86.66% provided vitamin supplements. However, only 46.66% of owners received guidance on feeding practices. Regarding health management, 96.6% of the animals had experienced episodes of colic, 50.0% had suffered from laminitis, and 26.66% had experienced unexplained weight loss. As for deworming, 93.3% of the animals were treated, with the majority (53.33%) receiving treatment at intervals of 2 to 3 months. Regarding vaccination, 100% of the animals were vaccinated. Concerning ectoparasite control, it was observed that 80% of the animals received effective control measures against ticks and flies. It is concluded that the horses participating in the vaquejada at Exposousa 2025 have nutritional and sanitary management compatible with the sporting activity, in addition to adopting basic health practices.

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Author Biographies

Thalyta Gomes Alves, Instituto Federal de Educação Ciência e Tecnologia da Paraíba

Student in the Veterinary Medicine program. Federal Institute of Education of Paraíba, PB, Brazil.

Alessandra Furtado Fernandes, Instituto Federal de Educação Ciência e Tecnologia da Paraíba

Student in the Veterinary Medicine program. Federal Institute of Education of Paraíba, PB, Brazil.

Ana Beatriz Machado Costa Eugenio, Instituto Federal de Educação Ciência e Tecnologia da Paraíba

Student in the Veterinary Medicine program. Federal Institute of Education of Paraíba, PB, Brazil

Augusto Vinícius Pinheiro Rolim, Instituto Federal de Educação da Paraíba

Student in the Veterinary Medicine program. Federal Institute of Education of Paraíba, PB, Brazil.

Gabriel Félix Albuquerque Souza, Instituto Federal de Educação Ciência e Tecnologia da Paraíba

Student in the Veterinary Medicine program. Federal Institute of Education of Paraíba, PB, Brazil.

Leandro Teles Nunes, Instituto Federal de Educação Ciência e Tecnologia da Paraíba

Student in the Veterinary Medicine program. Federal Institute of Education of Paraíba, PB, Brazil

Mateus de Andrade da Silva, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados

Ph.D. candidate in the Graduate Program in Animal Science. Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados, MS, Brazil.

Lívia Batista Campos, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido

Ph.D. in Animal Science from the Federal Rural University of the Semi-Arid Region. Federal Institute of Education of Paraíba, PB, Brazil.

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Published

2026-08-31

How to Cite

ALVES, Thalyta Gomes; FERNANDES, Alessandra Furtado; EUGENIO, Ana Beatriz Machado Costa; ROLIM, Augusto Vinícius Pinheiro; SOUZA, Gabriel Félix Albuquerque; NUNES, Leandro Teles; SILVA, Mateus de Andrade da; CAMPOS, Lívia Batista. CHARACTERIZATION OF THE NUTRITIONAL AND SANITARY MANAGEMENT OF EQUINE ATHLETES IN SOUSA–PB, BRAZIL. Arquivos de Ciências Veterinárias e Zoologia da UNIPAR, [S. l.], v. 28, n. 2, p. 262–276, 2026. DOI: 10.25110/arqvet.v28i2.2025-12719. Disponível em: https://www.revistas.unipar.br/index.php/veterinaria/article/view/12719. Acesso em: 5 sep. 2026.

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