Length of winter coat in horses depending on husbandry conditions

Abstract

This paper analyzes changes in the length of coat on selected body areas in horses and ponies kept under different husbandry (stable) conditions during the winter-spring period. The study included 12 Małpolski geldings and 12 geldings of Felin ponies aged 10-15 years. Horses were kept in two stables (six horses and six ponies in each stable). The type of performance, husbandry conditions and feeding of the studied animals were comparable. As of December 1, samples of hair coat from the scapula, sternum, back and abdomen areas of both body sides were collected seven times. The lengths of 20 randomly selected hair fibers were measured. Daily measurements of air temperature in the stables were also taken. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed using the following factors: the body part from where the coat was sampled, the subsequent examination and the stable as well as the interaction between these factors. The significance of differences between means was determined with a t-Tukey test. The relations between air temperature in the stable and hair length were calculated using Pearson's correlation. It was found that air temperature in the stable impacts the length of winter coat in horses and ponies. The effect of this factor is more pronounced in ponies; as in the stables with lower temperatures it produces a longer hair coat which is more evenly distributed over the body in comparison with horses. Keeping horses and ponies in stables with a low air temperature accelerates coat shedding by approximately 25 days. Coat shedding begins from the scapula area.

Effects of hair coat characteristics on radiant surface temperature in horses

“…The mean hair length was found to be 2.4 cm, regardless of horse breed type or sampling month. This correspond well to the findings of Bocian et al (2017). The mean hair length and length of the longest hairs in the present study were significantly longer in CB than in WB breed types.…”

“…The length of hair in healthy horses is influenced by season (number of daylight hours) and temperature. Also, genotype, quality and quantity of feed and human management system (blanketing, stabling) will affect the hair coat properties of individual horses (Cymbaluk and Christison, 1989;Bocian, et al, 2017).…”

Temporary Relocation during Rest Periods: Relocation Stress and Other Factors Influence Hair Cortisol Concentrations in Horses

“…This process aims to adjust the body temperature to the environmental conditions. A complete change of the summer coat to a winter coat should take place during late autumn [39]. From August until January, the hair growth rate increased, indicating a greater overall length during late autumn and early winter.…”

“…Our study showed a hair growth rate of 0.66 ± 0.11 cm/month on average in the ventral abdominal area. Different factors affect the seasonal coat shedding, including the season, genetic background, type of feeding, and housing systems [37][38][39]. This process aims to adjust the body temperature to the environmental conditions.…”