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  Endoscopy of the upper respiratory tract at Australian thoroughbred yearling sales: can we do better? quantity

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The Australian thoroughbred breeding industry is a significant contributor to the national economy, generating more than $1.16 billion annually. As the second-largest industry of its kind globally, it plays a crucial role in the Australian yearling sale market, worth hundreds of millions of dollars each year. However, the interpretation of post-sale examination of yearlings’ upper airways (scoping) remains a challenge for the industry stakeholders.

This research addresses industry concerns surrounding the sales endoscopy process and the relationship between laryngeal function and future yearling performance. By understanding these concerns and the relationship between post-sale laryngeal function scores in yearlings and their performance on the racetrack, the study aims to validate the current yearling sales endoscopy process and develop clear guidelines for a more consistent and universally acceptable procedure.

As uncovered by the research, stakeholders’ main concerns relating to yearling endoscopy are the relationship between yearling laryngeal function and future performance, variability in the laryngeal function grade assigned by different veterinarians, and variability in the laryngeal function grade of individual horses when assessed at different times and under different conditions. A subsequent study determined that yearling laryngeal function does not impact future performance in the majority of horses – a finding that should make stakeholders more confident when interpreting yearling laryngeal function grades, and aid their decision-making when purchasing a thoroughbred for racing.

The key recommendation is that the globally recognised seven-point scale is more appropriate than the five-point scale for the assessment of laryngeal function in yearlings, and should be adopted in Australia. Additionally, industry should develop a training program for veterinarians to enhance consistency in laryngeal function grading.