https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/6144 2026-04-26T23:49:47Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/142473 Title: How capable is that hoof of the domesticated barefoot-kept horse? Abstract: No equine studies exist that compare the before-and-after effects on the hoofs of barefoot-kept horses walking over man-made environments. The purpose of this study was to document hoof changes and capability in barefoot horses and ponies walking on gravel, asphalt and concrete screed during a period of 16 days, at a total distance of 50 kilometres. The hypothesis was that the hoofs would require trimming at the end of the study and that the soles would harden. Results showed that hoofs required trimming on day 9 of the study and again at the end of the study. The front hoofs of 2 horses had a more pronounced natural concavity that was visible on the last day of the study, confirming thicker sole depth. 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/138990 Title: A systematic review of equine infrared thermography : diagnostic applications for limbs and hoofs Abstract: Equine infrared thermography (IT) is a useful diagnostic tool for identifying changes in peripheral blood flow, and tracking the effectiveness of treatment or healing process. Despite its growing popularity, literature on this imaging modality remains fragmented with many studies lacking rigorous methodologies. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the existing evidence on the clinical efficacy and diagnostic accuracy of IT, with a specific focus on its application to the limbs and hoofs. Research papers published between 1 January, 2000, and 1 August, 2024 were sourced from Agris, CABI, Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science. One author screened the results, extracted and analysed the data using EndNote v21 and Covidence. PRISMA reporting guidelines were followed. Twenty-eight peer-reviewed studies published over the past 24 years, comprising 25 randomised control trials and 3 non-randomised control trials with a total study population of adult horses and ponies (n = 717), met the inclusion criteria. These studies were grouped into four categories: non-exercise, exercised, booted, and induced pathology. Statistically significant results were found in 32 of the 66 studies. The basic meta-analysis presented no statistical significance in the overall effect size for the non-exercise group, while the exercised, booted, and induced pathology groups demonstrated moderate statistical significance. The forest plots presented a wide confidence interval (CI) in one study from both the non-exercise [2.46, 6.80] and booted [2.94, 7.74] groups, indicating greater uncertainty in the study’s effect (Cohen’s d). The Galbraith plots pointed to publication bias and between-study heterogeneity across three of the groups, with the induced pathology group showing no such issues. The funnel plots implied moderate to considerable publication bias in the non-exercise and exercised groups. The Contour-enhanced funnel plots revealed varying degrees of publication bias and between-study heterogeneity in all four groups. Although this systematic review highlights the potential of equine IT, variations in study methodologies, small sample sizes, susceptibility to artefacts affecting image accuracy, and a lack of standardization in its application underscore the need for more rigorous and uniform research. Description: M.Sc 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/127615 Title: It-trobbija tan-naħal u l-produzzjoni ta' l-għasel fil-Qala Abstract: L-artiklu jitkellem fuq l-apikultura u tal-produzzjoni tal-għasel li nsibu fil-Qala. 2001-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/114017 Title: The potential for improving beekeeping in Malta : a feasibility study report Authors: Yeshayahu, Stern Abstract: Malta is an agri-tourism country in which about 65% of the population live in rural areas. The goal or the government is to industrialize the mainly agricultural economy of the country. Many parts of the country are very promising for developing modern beekeeping, to which most of them were never exposed. Favorable conditions were found for increasing the production and the profitability of honey and its by-products. The added benefits beekeeping can contribute to agricultural production are much greater than the income derived from honey and its by-products. Exchange of know-how and professional skills, as well as financial cooperation with foreign institutions, and countries should be considered. The local staff and experts in beekeeping should play an important role in promoting the industry. The implementation of these recommendations will enhance the development of the beekeeping industry, and at the same time help to· raise farmers' income. Within a short period of several years Maj ta should be able to produce large quantities of honey and its by-products, large quantities of fruits, vegetables and seeds and may become exporters of many agricultural products. 1994-01-01T00:00:00Z