A decision making model for horse transportation

Abstract

This study developed a mathematical model to select the most appropriate mode of equestrian horse transportation, which balanced between the costs of transportation and horse welfare. The study was divided into two stages. The first stage compared the stress level of transported horses using cortisol as well as heart rate, while the second stage developed a mathematical model that balanced horse health and transportation cost. This research used six horses that were transported by different types of vehicles, i.e., air-conditioned or non-air-conditioned, with or without space, trucks, and trailers with or without space. The horses were transported for 5 hours, covering about 250 kilometers. Horses were transported twice a week for three weeks. The cortisol level and heart rate were collected. The results showed that different modes of transportation resulted in different levels of stress in horses. A mathematical model was constructed to minimize transportation costs as well as penalty costs associated with poor horse welfare. The decision variables included the type of transportation vehicle and the number of horses transported in the transportation vehicle. The model was easily implemented and well received by horse owners, who were able to select the most appropriate mode of transportation for their horses.