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TOP NEWS ITEM
The NZERF has recently conducted a survey of over 200 selected industry participants to identify research needs. This survey was part of the regular 5 year review process of the research needs s of the New Zealand equine industry.
02/04/2010
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NEWS ITEM
Massey and Equine Industry in Research-Led Partnership for Excellence
18/08/2005
A partnership between Massey University and New Zealand 's equine industry has been awarded Government funding under the Partnerships for Excellence (PfE) scheme.
Established by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), the PfE scheme will match equine industry investment in university teaching and research. The capital sum of $5 million will be drip-fed, by the TEC, over a period of five years into an equine trust held by the Massey Foundation. This sum is to be invested, and the investment income made available by the trustees for educational and research projects of benefit to the industry.
The University's leading equine researcher, Professor Elwyn Firth, says by working in partnership with industry-good organisations, companies, veterinary practices, and an alliance of leading universities, Massey hopes to assist the equine industry to achieve its economic potential. PfE's are larger scale investment projects designed to enhance innovation, to encourage greater private sector investment in tertiary education, and to foster relationships between tertiary institutions, business and industry.
Professor Firth says the learning part of the equine industry PfE is centred on increasing the number of people with in-depth knowledge of equine science and business, maximising the skill and ability of persons to raise and train winners and reduce wastage, and improving equine skills and knowledge amongst veterinary and postgraduate students. This will be achieved through educational opportunities including high quality practical training (through the ITO), tertiary education (through the University's equine major in the BApplSc degree), and continuing professional development.
The learning will be led by research which aims to assist the economic development of the equine industry through application of knowledge of equine health, husbandry and performance. This will enhance sustainable production of well-grown horses that perform better and for longer, thereby improving revenues and reducing losses through lower injury and retirement wastage rates. The work will be conducted in collaboration with a variety of partners, both here and overseas.
NEWS ITEM
New Strangles Booklet Available
28/07/2004
The new Strangles booklet written by Drs Andrea Britton and Tony Mogg is now available. This booklet contains the most recent and up-to-date information for New Zealand horse owners on strangles. These booklets are available from the New Zealand Equine Research Foundation.
NEWS ITEM
New Zealand Research Findings
22/11/2004
Many racehorses have gastric ulcers. In a survey of racehorses in training Massey University researchers have found up to 90% of horses had gastric ulcers. This high level is similar to that seen with racehorses in the United States.
NEWS ITEM
Equine Development at Massey University
10/04/2003
The Equine Science major, in it's second year, is already one of the largest majors offered in the Bachelor of Applied Science at Massey. In 2002 there were 29 fulltime students enrolled in the degree, and most of these students are now taking 3 papers offered at the 200 level: Structure of the Equine Athlete, Equine Production, and Equine Reproduction and Breeding. In 2003 Janene Kingston will lead a 300 level paper on Responses to Training in the Equine Athlete.
Of the students enrolled in the degree, just over half came directly from high school. The remainder came from the workforce, mostly in equine or agriculture-based jobs. As expected, interest in the degree is continuing to increase, especially since the opening of the riding arena in March. The arena is available for use by Massey staff and students, with preference given to those enrolled in the Equine Studies major. It has also proved popular with the Pony Club and other local community groups. There is grazing available on campus for only 17 horses, which means that there is always a long waiting list. Future development plans include a stable, seminar complex, and viewing area.
FEATURE ARTICLE
Effect of Training Location and Time Period on Racehorse Performance in New Zealand
Researchers from Massey University's EpiCentre have recently finished one of a series of reports investigating aspects of racehorse performance in New Zealand. The study was funded by the New Zealand Equine Research Foundation with additional support from New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing, and was designed to provide information on the performance of the new track surface installed at the Matamata Racing Club in early 1998.