Effect of some factors on championship results and performance in Hucul horses

Topczewska, Jadwiga; Krupa, Wanda

doi:10.1515/aoas-2017-0031

Cited by 4 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…As specified in the current regulations, in addition to the evaluation of the breeding value, the assessment of the performance value should include a start in the Hucul path and endurance–condition tests [ 24 ]. Many owners of Hucul horses enroll their animals for multiple assessments of the performance value in consecutive years [ 41 ] and for several qualifications each year to score the best ranking results and the right to start in the Championships for Hucul Horses. These “tests” are not de facto related to sport competitions offering specific benefits; they only confirm the performance value of this breed.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Does Experience Make Hucul Horses More Resistant to Stress? A Pilot Study

Topczewska

Krupa

Sokołowicz

et al. 2021

Animals

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The aim of the study was to determine whether experience related to horse age and number of starts in championships influences stress level, measured by salivary cortisol concentration. The study involved 18 clinically healthy Hucul mares who participated in the Polish Championships for Hucul Horses. Evaluation of performance value was carried out in accordance with the guidelines specified in the breeding and genetic resources conservation program for this breed. The championship lasted two days, consisting of conformation evaluation, endurance, and Hucul path. Saliva was collected at baseline (T1), after arena assessment (T2), after endurance (T3), and on the second day after the Hucul path (T4). Cortisol levels increased from an average of 2.73 ± 1.18 ng/mL (T1) to 10.46 ± 8.03 ng/mL after T3. Significantly lower levels of free cortisol were detected in the saliva of the younger mares, up to 9 years old, and mares who participated in only one qualifying path after each element of the championship. The highest levels of cortisol (T3) were found in mares competing repeatedly on the qualifying path. No correlation was found between cortisol levels and the championship results. Participation of mares in the championship was associated with stress, which was reflected in the increase in cortisol levels in saliva.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Does Experience Make Hucul Horses More Resistant to Stress? A Pilot Study

Topczewska

Krupa

Sokołowicz

et al. 2021

Animals

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“…These primitive horses are characterized by remarkable resilience and strength, not being picky in terms of feed and feed use, high fertility, and longevity [17,18]. These features have made Hucul horses very popular, not only in mountain tourism, but also in hippotherapy, therapeutic riding, and recreation, which has significantly enhanced their maintenance in places dramatically different from their natural habitats [19,20]. Despite their increase in numbers, the population of Hucul horses is yet to attain the size considered safe for the preservation of genetic variety, this being the reason why the breed is covered by the Genetic Resources Conservation Program.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Forecasting the Utility Value of Hucul Horses by Means of Artificial Intelligence

Topczewska

Kwater

2020

Sustainability

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The paper suggests the application of artificial neural networks (ANN) for the analysis of variables that significantly impact on the results of Hucul horses that participate at the National Breeding and Utility Championships for Hucul horses. The study exploits the results obtained during 2009–2015. The research material collected enabled the creation of a set of input data (for the artificial neural network), out of which independent learning and testing sets were isolated. The neural classification system in form of a multi-layered artificial neural network suggested in this paper was implemented in the programming environment Matlab, the 8.1.0.604 version. Each horse was described using features in three models. Experimental simulations were carried out separately for each model, conducting the learning and testing simulation process 10 times. In accepting the division of the evaluated group of horses into 10 classes for the analysis of the issue both the expert and network designated the classes, not without reservations due to imprecision of demarcations. The increase in class numbers would result in increased accuracy of selection (allocation to varied classes) of individuals. The average for 10 network responses which was 77% suggest an identical or a very similar horse class when compared with the expert’s value. Preliminary results of the application of artificial neural networks in predicting the utility value of Hucul horses, relying on a specific set of features seem promising.

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