The present project represents the first scientific attempt to increase the knowledge and to safeguard the welfare of horses reared specifically for production. Due to the lack of scientific literature and specific guidelines and/or regulations, the welfare of these animals is poorly understood and protected. These animals are reared in intensive farming systems where overcrowding and intensive feeding regimes (i.e. high amount of concentrated feed), represent main concerns. The purpose of this research project is to use an integrated approach aimed at assessing the welfare of horses reared for meat production and at improving breeding management practices. This approach aims to assess the welfare of horses reared for meat production through the development of a specific checklist and through the study of their behaviors. In addition, it aims to study the impact of intensive feeding regimes on gut health, oxidative status, behavior.

• Raspa F., Cavallarin L., McLean Amy K., Bergero D., Valle E. - A Review of the Appropriate Nutrition Welfare Criteria of Dairy Donkeys: Nutritional Requirements, Farm Management Requirements and Animal-Based Indicators - pp.1-16. In ANIMALS - ISSN:2076-2615 vol. 9
• Valle E., Giusto G., Penazzi L., Giribaldi M., Bergero D., Fradinho M.J., Lamas L.R.G.P., Gandini M. - Preliminary results on the association with feeding and recovery length in equine colic patients after laparotomy - DOI:10.1111/jpn.13102. pp.1-9. In Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition - ISSN:0931-2439
• Valle E., Zanatta R., Odetti P., Traverso N., Furfaro A., Bergero D., Badino P., Girardi C., Odore R. - Effects of competition on acute phase proteins and lymphocyte subpopulations – oxidative stress markers in eventing horses - 2015. pp.856-863. In Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition - vol. 99 (5)
• Vergnano D., Bergero D., Valle E. - Clinical nutrition counselling service in the veterinary hospital: retrospective analysis of equine patients and nutritional considerations - pp.59-68. In Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition - 101
• Valle E., Pozzo L., Giribaldi M., Bergero D., Gennero MS., Dezzutto - Effect of farming system on donkey milk composition - 2018 pp.2801-2808. In Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition - ISSN:0022-5142 vol. 98 (7)

• Institute of Animal Nutrition, Nutrition Diseases and Dietetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Germany
• ISPA-CNR, Grugliasco
• Dipartimento Medicina Veterinaria Università degli Studi di Bari

• Dr. Ermenegildo Valvassori – ASL TO5
• Prof. Ingrid Vervuert - aculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Germany
• Dr.Laura Cavallarin – ISPA-CNR
• Prof. Pasquale De Palo – Professore Associato Università degli Studi di Bari