Volume: 1, 2022
1st International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: A015
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL1.A015
Published online: 26 April 2022
ICDSUPL, 1, A015 (2022)
The interactions between season, stable conditions and physiological parameters of horses
Wiktoria Janicka1*, Katarzyna Cikacz1, Ewelina Tkaczyk1, Anna Wiśniewska1
1Department of Horse Breeding and Use, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950, Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: wiktoria.janicka@up.lublin.pl
Abstract
Currently, horses spend most of the day in the stable. Thus, it is important to provide them with the best possible living conditions, including appropriate care and stable conditions. The aim of the study was analyze the interactions between selected parameters of stable microclimate and physiological parameters of horses in different seasons of the year. The study comprised 12 adult warmbloods, aged 7 – 15 years (4 mares, 8 geldings). The horses were kept in a brick stable with insulation made of polystyrene foam with a layer of covering plaster. The building was closed on both sides with double doors and consisted of 12 boxes. Each box (3×3 m) was provided with sunlight through a tiltable PVC framed window (160×100 cm). There was a gravity ventilation system in the stable. The stable microclimate conditions: temperature and humidity in the corridor measured at the height of 150 cm and temperature and humidity in the box at the height of 50 and 150 cm (by LB-518 – BLE-LOGGER wireless battery thermohygrometer) were determined on the first day of the calendar summer, autumn, winter and spring. The measurements were carried out at 12.00 at five points of the stable 300 cm apart. Measurements of physiological parameters of horses: internal body temperature (by veterinary thermometer Veterinär-Thermometer SC 12; measurement time: 60 s), heart rate (HR) (by Polar ELECTRO OY – RS800CX; measurement time: 60 s) and respiratory rate were carried out at 6.00 and 18.00 on each day of the study. Statistical analyses were based on the model of multivariate analysis of variance (ANOVA GLM), multiple T-Tukey’s test and Pearson’s correlation. It was shown that the season of the year had an influence on the formation of the stable microclimate. The lowest temperature values were recorded in winter, followed by spring, autumn and summer, with summer and autumn being the most similar. The highest humidity values were found in the autumn and winter seasons. Stable conditions, shaped to some extent by seasons, had an impact on physiological parameters of horses. The lowest internal body temperature was found in winter. HR was lower in the winter-spring season. The number of respirations fluctuated mainly in the spring period. Seasons and stable conditions are important factors influencing horses’ physiological parameters. In order to ensure appropriate microclimate conditions, stables should be aired regularly, with appropriate control during the colder seasons.
How to cite
W. Janicka, K. Cikacz, E. Tkaczyk, A. Wiśniewska, 2022. The interactions between season, stable conditions and physiological parameters of horses. In: 1st International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL1/A015