| Records |
| Author |
Mejdell, C.M.; Simensen, E.; Boe, K.E. |
| Title |
Is snow a sufficient source of water for horses kept outdoors in winter? A case report |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2005 |
Publication |
Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica |
Abbreviated Journal |
Acta Vet Scand |
| Volume |
46 |
Issue |
1-2 |
Pages |
19-22 |
| Keywords |
Animals; *Drinking Behavior; *Horses; Norway; Osmolar Concentration; Snow; *Thirst; *Water Supply |
| Abstract |
Due to extreme weather conditions, a flock of outwintered Icelandic horses had to manage for several days on snow as the source of free water. They were fed grass silage ad lib, and any change in feed consumption was not observed. After nine days, blood samples were taken and analysed for plasma osmolality, they were subjected to a simple clinical examination, and offered drinking water. Osmolality levels were within normal limits and mean value did not differ significantly from samples which previously were taken of the same individuals. The general condition of the horses was normal, with no signs of clinical dehydration or disease. The horses showed very little interest for the offered drinking water. This suggests that in cold winter weather, horses being fed grass silage and adjusted to eat snow, can manage for several days with snow substituting liquid water without their physiology and welfare being challenged. |
| Address |
National Centre for Veterinary Contract Research and Commercial Services, Ltd |
| Corporate Author |
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Thesis |
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| Publisher |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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| Language |
English |
Summary Language |
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Original Title |
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| Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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| Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
0044-605X |
ISBN |
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Medium |
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Expedition |
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Notes  |
PMID:16108209 |
Approved |
no |
| Call Number |
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Serial |
1886 |
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| Author |
Houpt, K.A.; Eggleston, A.; Kunkle, K.; Houpt, T.R. |
| Title |
Effect of water restriction on equine behaviour and physiology |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2000 |
Publication |
Equine veterinary journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
Equine Vet J |
| Volume |
32 |
Issue |
4 |
Pages |
341-344 |
| Keywords |
Animals; *Behavior, Animal; Blood Proteins/analysis; Energy Intake; Female; Horse Diseases/physiopathology; Horses/*physiology; Osmolar Concentration; Pregnancy; Stress/veterinary; Video Recording; Water Deprivation/*physiology |
| Abstract |
Six pregnant mares were used to determine what level of water restriction causes physiological and/or behavioural changes indicative of stress. Nonlegume hay was fed ad libitum. During the first week of restriction, 5 l water/100 kg bwt was available, during the second week 4 l/100 kg bwt and, during the third week, 3 l/100 kg bwt. Ad libitum water intake was 6.9 l/100 kg bwt; at 3 l/100 kg bwt water intake was 42% of this. Daily hay intake fell significantly with increasing water restriction from 12.9 +/- 0.75 kg to 8.3 +/- 0.54 kg; bodyweight fell significantly for a total loss of 48.5 +/- 8.3 kg in 3 weeks. Daily blood samples were analysed; osmolality rose significantly with increasing water restriction from 282 +/- 0.7 mosmols/kg to 293.3 +/- 0.8 mosmols/kg bwt, but plasma protein and PCV did not change significantly. Cortisol concentrations fell from 8.1 ng/ml to 6.4 ng/ml over the 3 week period. Aldosterone fell from 211.3 +/- 74.2 pg/ml to 92.5 +/- 27.5 pg/ml at the end of the first week. The behaviour of 4 of the 6 mares was recorded 24 h/day for the duration of the study. The only significant difference was in time spent eating, which decreased with increasing water restriction from 46 +/- 3% to 30 +/- 3%. It is concluded that water restriction to 4 l/100 kg bwt dehydrates pregnant mares and may diminish their welfare, but is not life- or pregnancy-threatening. |
| Address |
Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853-6401, USA |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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| Language |
English |
Summary Language |
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Original Title |
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| Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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| Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
0425-1644 |
ISBN |
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Medium |
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Expedition |
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| Notes |
PMID:10952384 |
Approved |
no |
| Call Number |
refbase @ user @ |
Serial |
32 |
| Permanent link to this record |
