Volume: 1, 2022
1st International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: A016
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL1.A016
Published online: 26 April 2022
ICDSUPL, 1, A016 (2022)
Grazing behaviour of Polish Konik horses after introduction to a new environment
Wiktoria Janicka1*, Kamila Janicka2
1Department of Horse Breeding and Use, University of Life Sciences in Lublin; Akademicka 13, 20-950, Lublin, Poland
2Institute of Biological Basis of Animal Production, University of Life Sciences in Lublin; Akademicka 13, 20-950, Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: wiktoria.janicka@up.lublin.pl
Abstract
Primitive Polish Konik horses have an exceptional ability to adapt to difficult environmental conditions. They are commonly used in conservation programmes, when introduced into forest or grassland environments, they maintain biodiversity. Living in year-round free-roaming semi-feral conditions give them opportunity to satisfy natural grazing, locomotor and social behaviour. The aim of the study was to analyse the grazing activity of Polish Konik horses after their introduction to a new habitat. 13 Polish Konik horses (1 stallion, 7 mares and 5 foals), previously kept in semi-natural conditions, were introduced to a new habitat (13 ha) in order to restore biodiversity of the valuable natural areas of Ponidzie. During 4 consecutive days in August 2021, the locomotor activity of 4 mares that showed the greatest willingness to interact with humans was recorded. Garmin DM50 GPS collars were put on the mares’ necks twice a day: once in the morning and then in the evening. Recordings were made continuously between 8 a.m.-7 p. m. and 8 p. m.-7 a. m., resulting in a total of 159 h and 28 min of recordings. After removing artefacts, tracks from the following time segments were used for analysis: 8 a.m.-12 a.m., 2 p.m.-6 p.m., 8 p.m.-12 p.m. and 2 a.m.-6 a.m. Using the Garmin BaseCamp software, the average walking time [min], standing time [min] and average distance [km/h] covered by one horse in the designated time intervals were determined. In addition, the average speed of movement at walk, trot and canter was determined. The analysis of the area covered by horses on consecutive days of the study was performed using Google Earth Pro software. The horses showed the greatest locomotor activity between 2 p.m.-6 p.m. At this time they covered an average of 3.45 km during 83 min. The lowest activity was observed between 8 a. m.-12 (1.8 km) and between 2 a. m.-6 a. m. Horses moved with an average speed of 4.00 km/h at the walk, 8.00 km/h at the trot and 15.28 km/h at the canter. Standing (resting, feeding) occupied 65 – 85% of the analysed sections of the day. In the following days of observation the horses explored new pasture areas. Horses kept in semi-natural conditions have a possibility to display innate species behaviours, among others free grazing and locomotion. Polish Konik horses quickly adapt to new habitat exploring all available space. GPS technology is a good solution for monitoring the spatial distribution of animals and controlling grazing on vast areas.
How to cite
W. Janicka, K. Janicka, 2022. Grazing behaviour of Polish Konik horses after introduction to a new environment. 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/A016