Publication Date
1985
Location
Kyoto Japan
Description
Few informations have been found on the metabolic adaptation of domestic animals to their winter circumstances. The present study was conducted to make clear the behavioral and physiological characteristics of Misaki horses living under semi-wild condition as adapted to their winter habitats. Nine 24 hour consecutive observations were made from 1983 to 1984, and simultaneously heart rate (beatd per min.), rectal temperature and ambient temperature were recorded at the intervals of 30 min .. Horses were frequently found to graze and rest in the forests or on south-facing weedy grasslands in winter. Time budget of a day changed seasonally and time spent grazing decreased, inversely time spent resting increased, especially at night in winter. Mean traveling distance (meter/30 min.) as indicated intensity of daily activities declined gradually from the highest level in Aug. to the lowest level in Jan. Heart rate and rectal temperature were found to relate significantly positively to ambient temperature on a seasonal basis, and significant positive correlation was found between heart rate and rectal temperature. Heart rate and rectal temperature in winter were significantly lower than those in summer. It is suggested from the results of the present study that Misaki horses may adapt to their winter habitats not only by behavioral alternations to reduce energy expenditure for physical activities and also by lowering energy metabolism in winter as compared with that in summer.
Citation
Kaseda, Y and Yamaguchi, E, "Behavioral and Physiological Characteristics of Misaki Horses as Adapted to their Winter Habitats" (1985). IGC Proceedings (1985-2023). 38.
(URL: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1985/ses11/38)
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Behavioral and Physiological Characteristics of Misaki Horses as Adapted to their Winter Habitats
Kyoto Japan
Few informations have been found on the metabolic adaptation of domestic animals to their winter circumstances. The present study was conducted to make clear the behavioral and physiological characteristics of Misaki horses living under semi-wild condition as adapted to their winter habitats. Nine 24 hour consecutive observations were made from 1983 to 1984, and simultaneously heart rate (beatd per min.), rectal temperature and ambient temperature were recorded at the intervals of 30 min .. Horses were frequently found to graze and rest in the forests or on south-facing weedy grasslands in winter. Time budget of a day changed seasonally and time spent grazing decreased, inversely time spent resting increased, especially at night in winter. Mean traveling distance (meter/30 min.) as indicated intensity of daily activities declined gradually from the highest level in Aug. to the lowest level in Jan. Heart rate and rectal temperature were found to relate significantly positively to ambient temperature on a seasonal basis, and significant positive correlation was found between heart rate and rectal temperature. Heart rate and rectal temperature in winter were significantly lower than those in summer. It is suggested from the results of the present study that Misaki horses may adapt to their winter habitats not only by behavioral alternations to reduce energy expenditure for physical activities and also by lowering energy metabolism in winter as compared with that in summer.
