The Equine Studies Program in the University of Maryland’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) has been awarded a $2,500 grant from the Maryland Horse Industry Board. Grant funding was awarded to purchase collection harness bags that allow for more accurate collection of feces and urine from horses participating in nutritional studies.

Faculty at the University of Maryland conduct applied research aimed at improving the health and management of horses. The equine research unit located at AGNR’s Central Maryland Research and Education Center in Clarksville, Md., currently houses 16 Thoroughbred geldings used in the research. The unit also supports training of students pursuing Master’s and PhD degrees in equine nutrition. Since the equine research unit’s establishment in 2003, undergraduate and graduate students have assisted Drs. Amy Burk and Tom Hartsock of the Animal and Avian Sciences Department on studies including the palatability of new types of hay species, how obesity affects the health of horses, and whether probiotics improve how the horse utilizes their diets.

Additional information about the Equine Studies Program can be found at www.equinestudies.umd.edu. Additional information on the Maryland Horse Industry Board can be found at www.marylandhorseindustry.org