Ultrasound or Infrasound - directed at a horse

[Alex1000]

Hello,

I am researching an article on the past uses of sound on animals whether it be for medical research (e.g. development of ultrasound imaging) or other uses.

I remember there being a case of a sound wave directed at a race horse in the UK some years ago. This disrupted the horse and put it off from the race. I am trying to locate a reference to it. I recall it being a hand-held device aimed at the horse.

I would imagine that it was ultrasound that was directed at the horse such that Hz were above that of humans and that the beam of sound was quite focussed. Anyone have any memories of this - or of any similar events?

 

[LightHero]

I am also interested in any other uses of sound on animals - especially if it is for medical research. Any help or references would be great.Thanks!

 

[charng]

I can provide some information on the use of ultrasound or infrasound on horses. Ultrasound is a type of sound wave with frequencies higher than what humans can hear, typically above 20,000 Hz. It is commonly used in medical imaging to visualize internal structures, as you mentioned. In the veterinary field, ultrasound is also used for reproductive purposes, such as detecting pregnancy in mares.

Infrasound, on the other hand, refers to sound waves with frequencies lower than 20 Hz, which are also inaudible to humans. Infrasound is often associated with natural phenomena, like earthquakes and wind, but it can also be produced by man-made sources, such as industrial machinery.

In regards to the incident you mentioned with the race horse, it is possible that ultrasound was used to disrupt the horse and affect its performance. However, there is limited scientific research on the effects of ultrasound on horses. One study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior found that exposure to 28 kHz ultrasound for 5 minutes did not have a significant effect on the behavior or heart rate of horses. More research is needed to fully understand the potential impacts of ultrasound on horses.

Infrasound, on the other hand, has been studied more extensively in horses. A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior found that exposure to infrasound at 5 Hz for 30 minutes caused an increase in heart rate and restlessness in horses. This suggests that infrasound may have a physiological and behavioral impact on horses, and it should be used with caution.

In conclusion, while there is limited research on the effects of ultrasound on horses, it is important to consider the potential impacts of sound waves on animals. As with any scientific tool, it should be used ethically and with proper understanding of its effects. I hope this information is helpful in your research.