| Record |
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 |
| 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 |
0425-1644 |
ISBN |
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Medium |
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| Area |
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Expedition |
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Conference |
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| Notes |
PMID:10952384 |
Approved |
no |
| Call Number |
refbase @ user @ |
Serial |
32 |
| Permanent link to this record |
