Adaptation strategies of Shetland ponies (Equus ferus caballus) to seasonal changes in climatic conditions and food availability

作者：Brinkmann Lea^*; Gerken Martina; Riek A

来源：Zuchtungskunde, 2013, 85(1): 58-73.

• Shetland pony
• climatic conditions
• feed restriction
• water turnover
• hypometabolism
• locomotion

The aim of this study was to detect adaptation mechanisms of a domesticated horse breed to seasonal changes in climatic conditions and food availability. Therefore 10 female Shetland ponies were held under semi-extensive outdoor conditions for one year. During the second winter period the animals were allocated into one control and one treatment group, whose amount of feed was reduced from 100% to 70% of the recommended maintenance requirements. %26lt;br%26gt;Throughout the study period, ambient temperature, body mass, body condition score, resting heart rate, locomotor activity, subcutaneous temperature (Ts), rectal temperature and total water intake were recorded individually on a biweekly or monthly basis. %26lt;br%26gt;The Shetland ponies adapted to seasonal climatic changes and reduced feed availability by lowering their body mass, body condition score, locomotor activity; resting heart rate, Ts and total water intake. The reduced locomotor activity; resting heart rates and Ts indicate a reduced metabolic rate in winter. Additionally the diurnal rhythm of locomotor activity and Ts suggest a daily reduction in metabolism. %26lt;br%26gt;Our Shetland ponies showed an effective adaptation to changes in environmental conditions by changes in behaviour, physiological parameters and metabolism. We therefore conclude that domestication had little effect on the Shetland ponies%26apos; adjustment mechanisms in relation to environmental conditions, as our data show clear signs of a hypometabolism.

• 出版日期2013-2