Horse Pastures Research Articles

58 Awardee Talk: A decade of discovery in horse pasture utilization

58 Awardee Talk: A decade of discovery in horse pasture utilization

Black soldier fly (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) larvae reduce cyathostomin (Nematoda: Strongylidae) eggs but develop poorly on horse manure.

Cyathostomins are common digestive tract parasites of grazing horses that spread through contact with horse feces. Horse feces are colonized by a variety of organisms, some of which could serve to reduce parasite loads in horse pastures. Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.; Diptera: Stratiomyidae) larvae (BSFL) could be an ideal candidate for biological control of cyathostomins, due to their near-global distribution, low risk of pathogen transmission, ability to develop on a variety of nutrient-poor substrates (including horse manure), and dramatic effect on microbial communities that cyathostomins depend on. Here, using controlled feeding bioassays, we evaluated the effect of BSFL on cyathostomin egg densities in horse manure while also tracking BSFL performance on manure relative to standard grain-based diets. We found that BSFL consumed less substrate, were slower to reach the prepupal stage, and ultimately yielded less biomass when reared on horse manure compared to grain-based diets. However, BSFL reduced average cyathostomin egg densities in horse manure by over 3-fold. Overall, our results suggest that despite horse manure being a poor substrate for BSFL growth, BSFL effectively reduce cyathostomin egg loads in infected horse manure, though the mechanisms by which they do this are uncertain. While BSFL are known to transform the microbial communities within a diversity of rearing substrates, their effect on larger, parasitic organisms in animal manures may be underappreciated. Promoting the decomposition of infected horse manure with BSFL might be a promising approach to managing parasite populations among grazing horses.

Long-term changes in vegetation and land use in mountainous areas with heavy snowfalls in northern Japan: an 80-year comparison of vegetation maps

Comparison of old and new vegetation maps is an effective way to detect vegetation dynamics. Recent developments in computer technology have made it possible to accurately compare old paper vegetation maps with current digitized vegetation maps to reveal long-term vegetation dynamics. Recently, a 1:50,000 scale vegetation map of the Hakkoda Mountains in northern Japan, located in the ecotone of cool temperate and subalpine forests in northern Japan under an East Asian monsoon climate, from 1930 was discovered. We compared the 1930s vegetation map with the most recent 2010 vegetation map to test the following hypotheses: 1) the occurrence of upward expansion of the upper limit of cool-temperate deciduous forests, and 2) whether designation as a national park in 1936 would have reduced forestry and land use, expanded beech forests, and cool-temperate deciduous forests. To compare vegetation changes, 67 types of vegetation legends for the 1930 and 2010 maps were unified to 21 based on plant species composition. Consequently, vegetation has changed substantially over the past 80 years. 1) In the subalpine zone above 1,000 m, the coniferous forest area decreased by half. In the cool temperate zone below 1,000 m, the area of beech forests increased 1.48 times, and some of them could be shifted upwards, replacing subalpine fir forests in the lower part of the subalpine zone. 2) In areas below 700 m, deciduous oak forests once used as thickets were almost halved. Instead, climax and beech forests expanded. However, we also found that even after the area was declared a national park, oak forests were cleared and converted to commercial forests such as cedar plantations, cattle ranches, and horse pastures in some areas. These results will be useful for future ecosystem and biodiversity research/conservation and will provide baseline information for climate change adaptation policies.

Lólegelők és kaszálók természetvédelmi értékelése Sukoró melletti lovasközpontban

The test was carried out in Sukoró, on the lawns of the Sukoró Equestrian Center in May 2023. The purpose of the survey was to present the natural state and economic value of grasslands with different uses. The ceenological surveys were carried out using the Braun-Blanquet method, during which we recorded the data using 2x2 meter squares and gave the cover values in %. The squares were placed randomly in the given areas. During the survey, we analyzed five sample areas in three units. Our sample area I. is degraded fresh grassland, which was a horse pasture that was overgrazed in 2023, II. the sample area was a meadow dominated by sedge, which is utilized by mowing. The III. the sample area is Siki lawn dominated by Festuca pseudovina, which was also mowed. The IV. the deepest part of the mowing area, marsh meadow-fen, which is also used as a mowing area. Sample area V is silicate rock grassland, which is also grazed by horses, but was left alone in 2023. With the exception of sample area I, which was intensively grazed in 2023, and therefore overgrazed by trampling, based on the tests, the natural state of the lawns remained valuable even after treatments, mowing and grazing. In the lawns, the largest proportion of elements of the native flora can be found. In the deeper spot on the mowing field, bog elements and the protected species Anacampts pyramidalis also appeared. A protected species, Allium sphaerocephalon, also occurred in the silicate rock lawn. The lawn management methods carried out by the riding center are suitable for maintaining the area's vegetation in a close-to-nature and long-term manner.

ЛАНДШАФТНО-ТИПОЛОГИЧЕСКАЯ КЛАССИФИКАЦИЯ ПАСТБИЩНЫХ ЛАНДШАФТОВ ЗАПАДНО-КАЗАХСТАНСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ РЕСПУБЛИКИ КАЗАХСТАН

Studying the floristic composition and dynamics of vegetation in pasture landscapes is of great importance. Pasture landscapes serve as a resource for livestock development, where processes of overgrazing and undergrazing, depletion of their flora, and reduced productivity of phytocenoses are currently observed. Studying the plant communities of pasture landscapes is relevant because assessing the condition of pasture landscapes and developing land management and ameliorative measures for them contribute to increasing their productivity and preserving landscapes as a whole. The natural fodder lands of the western part of the territory of the Zhanibek and Kaztal districts of the West Kazakhstan region served as the object of the study. The current state of natural pastures and hayfields has been studied, and a landscape-typological classification of pasture landscapes of the research objects has been compiled. Materials from geobotanical surveys have been analyzed. A modern landscape-typological classification of pasture landscapes has been developed, which combines 2 classes of pastures (semi-desert-steppe pastures on light-chestnut and saline soils and steppe pastures on chestnut soils), 4 subclasses of pastures (plain-flat, slightly inclined plane, slightly inclined plane with slightly dissected gully networks, gully-flat), and 14 groups of pasture landscapes, each with a brief description. Within the research objects, 14 groups of pasture landscapes have been identified with descriptions of characteristic plant communities and predominant soils. Natural pasture landscapes have been studied using field and satellite methods. It is recommended to use them as summer-autumn-spring pastures for coarse-haired and fine-haired sheep breeds, large horned cattle, horses, and saigas, and as winter pastures for horses and saigas.

Changes in the nutrient profile and the load of mycotoxins, phytoestrogens, and pesticides in horse pastures during spring and summer in Austria

Pastures are used for grazing and the production of conserved roughage in horses. Yet, the nutritional profile of the forage varies from spring to late summer, affecting equine nutrient supply and health. In addition, environmental factors may also favor plant contaminants such as mycotoxins. This study aimed to determine the nutritional profile and contaminant load of selected horse pastures from early spring till late summer. The nutrient composition (main macronutrients, macro elements and trace elements), as well as mycotoxins, metabolites, pesticides, and plant-derived compounds of seven horse pastures were analyzed. Each pasture was sampled three times and the samples were categorized according to the status of the pasture plants: ear emergence, early- till full bloom, and drought-damaged vegetation. Drought-damaged pastures demonstrated a rise in the acid to neutral detergent fiber ratio, calcium, iron, and magnesium but lower potassium contents. Mycotoxins and other contaminants were found in the pastures including 64 fungal compounds (ergot alkaloids (13) and metabolites from Fusarium (21), Aspergillus (2), Penicillium (8), Alternaria (8) and other fungal species (12), one bacterial metabolite (cereulide), twelve plant metabolites (including eight phytoestrogens and three cyanogenic glycosides (linamarin, lotaustralin and prunasin)), 11 nonspecific metabolites and six pesticides. Fusarium metabolites showed the highest concentrations among the fungal metabolites and drought-induced stress increased the contamination levels (range: 123-3873 µg/kg DM). In conclusion, there was a dominant effect of the developmental stages of the plants, botanical composition of the pastures and weather conditions on the nutritional composition and presence of contaminants on pastures.

Wolf contact in horses at permanent pasture in Germany.

Wolves returned to Germany in 2000, leading to fear in German horse owners that their horses could be in danger of wolf attacks or panic-like escapes from pastures when sighting wolves. However, reports from southern European countries indicate that wolf predation on horses diminishes with increasing presence of wildlife. Therefore, we conducted a long-term, filed observation between January 2015 and July 2022 on 13 non breeding riding horses, mares and geldings, kept permanently on two pastures within the range of wildlife and a stable wolf pack with annual offspring. Wildlife cameras at the fences of the pastures made 984 times recordings of wolves and 3151 times recordings of wildlife in and around the pastures. Between 1 January 2022 and 23 March 2022 we observed two stable horse groups. Pasture 1 was grazed by five horses of mixed breed, four mares and one gelding, with the median age of 8 years (min. = 6y, max. = 29y). Pasture 2 was grazed by eight heavy warmbloods and draught horses, three mares and five geldings, with the median age of 16 years (min. = 13y, max. = 22y). During this period no wolf was recorded at pasture 2, but wild boar several times, whereas at pasture 1, wolves were recorded 89 times, and for the wildlife mostly hare. Wolves may have avoided pasture 2 because of the presence of wild boar or because the large group of older, heavy breed horses may have formed a stable, protective group. The latter needs to be confirmed in a follow-up field observation, which records anti-predator behavior and welfare indicators in horses. In conclusion, wolves did not attack the mature horses on pastures with plenty of wildlife and the horses did not respond to the presence of wolves with visible signs of reduced welfare or panic. This indicates that wolves may prefer to prey on easily accessible wildlife around and at horse pastures and that Central European horses become accustom to the presence of non-hunting wolves.

105 Botanical composition, yield, horse preference, and forage and soil nutrient values of grass pastures treated with different soil amendments

Forage is the foundation of a horse's diet, therefore, pasture management is critical to improve horse health and pasture productivity. The objective of this study was to evaluate botanical composition, horse preference, yield, and forage and soil nutrient values of pasture treated with horse manure, horse compost, commercial urea fertilizer, and a no amendment control. Researchers hypothesized soil amendments would increase soil nutrients and yield with minimal effects on botanical composition, preference and forage nutrient value. Replicated (n = 3) plots of established cool-season mixed grass pasture were 3 × 6 m and located in St. Paul, Minnesota. The soil was a Waukegan silt loam with a pH of 6.4 and 47 g kg–1 organic matter. Urea was applied based on initial soil test recommendations, 0.64 cm of compost was applied based on common recommendations, and manure was applied at a rate to represent horse manure deposition in May 2022. Sample collection and grazing periods occurred in May, June, July, August, and October 2022, each over a 2-d period. Botanical composition, average forage height and maturity, soil samples, forage samples, and forage yield were taken immediately before grazing. Horses were allowed to graze all plots for 4 h with preference visuallyassessed at 2- and 4 h post-grazing based on percent removal. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design using PROC MIXED in SAS with significance set at P ≤ 0.05. Season-long yield ranged from 2,690 to 3,363 kg DM ha-1 and did not differ across treatments (P > 0.05). Botanical composition differed across treatments with the control having the most weeds (32%) and the least amount of grass (62%) while manure treatments resulted in the most bare ground (11%; P ≤ 0.05). The soil nutrients magnesium and phosphate were highest in compost-treated plots and nitrate-nitrogen and sodium were highest in manure-treated plots (P ≤ 0.05). Forage nutrient content did not differ across treatments (P > 0.05). Horses did not prefer pasture treated with manure and only 15 and 33% of forage was consumed after 2 and 4 h, respectively (P ≤ 0.001). All other treatments averaged 53 and 78% removal after 2 and 4 h, respectively. Based on differences observed in botanical composition and horse preference, commercial fertilizer and compost appear to be the most beneficial soil amendments for horse pastures.

Veterinary and sanitary examination of deer and horse meat obtained with the traditional slaughter method in Yakutia.

One of the pressing issues in the Far North region is the problem of traditional slaughter of herding horses at horse farms and domestic reindeer in coral in sub-zero temperatures. To preserve meat of high sanitary quality, we have developed methodological guidelines "Rules for killing deer in corals and horses at horse farms, in the traditional way in relation to the territory of Yakutia." Yakutia has vast areas that are most often used only as agricultural land or pastures for horses, and in the tundra part as pastures for deer. At the same time, the transport and communication scheme in these territories is completely absent. Which, of course, makes it impossible or resource-costly to create a slaughter shop in the tundra or at a remote conebase. The natural-climatic and regional features of horse breeding and reindeer husbandry in the Far North create certain difficulties in organizing slaughter shops for herd horses at horse farms and domestic reindeer in corals. The technology of slaughtering animals at slaughtering sites includes: stunning, slaughter and exsanguination of livestock, skin shooting, separation of the head, lower parts of the limbs, removal of internal organs, separation (sawing) of carcasses into half-ears or quarters, cleaning and weighing. Traditional slaughter of deer in corals and horses in conebases in Yakutia is carried out with the onset of cold weather, when a stable snow cover is formed and the ambient temperature reaches -18?S- 20?S. The purpose of our scientific research was to prove the safety of meat and slaughter products obtained by the traditional method in slaughter sites in the open air. To do this, we set the tasks of conducting a complete veterinary and sanitary study of meat obtained in the traditional way, including environmental indicators.

Using On-Farm Monitoring of Ergovaline and Tall Fescue Composition for Horse Pasture Management.

Central Kentucky horse pastures contain significant populations of tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinacea (Schreb.) Dumort) infected with an endophyte (Epichloë coenophialum (Morgan-Jones and Gams) Bacon and Schardl) known to produce several ergot alkaloids, with ergovaline in the highest concentration. While most classes of horses are not adversely affected by average levels of ergovaline in pastures, late term pregnant mares have a low tolerance to ergovaline and the related ergot alkaloids. Endophyte-infected tall fescue has been known to cause prolonged gestation, thickened placenta, dystocia, agalactia, and foal and mare mortality. The University of Kentucky Horse Pasture Evaluation Program utilizes ergovaline and endophyte testing, as well as pasture species composition, to calculate ergovaline in the total diet in broodmare pastures. This data is used to develop detailed management recommendations for individual pastures. Application of these recommendations has led to reduced tall fescue toxicity symptoms on these farms, as well as improved pasture management and improved forage quality and quantity.

Phosphorus Non-Point Pollution from Equestrian Wastes and the Need for Recycling

South Florida and much of the rest of the World suffers from harmful algal blooms (HABs) and controls of both nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) pollution are required to curtail the onset, spread and/or expansion of these blooms.
 
 This report covers our studies on several aspects of equestrian waste (viz. horse manure) aimed at yielding an overview of phosphorus and its pollution stemming from non-point horse manure sources in portions of Palm Beach County Florida. Methods included a modified Hedley extraction sequence, emphasizing ‘easily extractable phosphorus’ (EEP), and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic identification of organic phosphorus (Po) species.
 
 Samples included fresh and aged horse manure, pasture soils, horse feed and pasture grasses, and canal waters adjacent to equestrian or agricultural fields.
 
 Easily extractable Phosphorus (EEP) averaged about 54-77% of the total horse manure phosphorus. Total phosphorus ranged from 13,020 – 22,300 mg per kilogram dry weight. (≈60-100 lbs. P2O5 / ton and on a wet weight basis, this equates to 4,000 to 14,818 grams-P/ U.S. ton or 8.8 to 32.6 pounds of phosphorus (≈ 20-75 lb. P2O5) per wet weight ton of horse manure. Considering the values of EEP in fresh samples from a single horse, we found a range of 8,000 – 17,000 mg-P/kg (8-17 g-P/kg) dry weight horse manure.
 
 Soil samples yielded the highest P in the NaOH extract of the Hedley sequence. This equates to the Al, Fe and ester forms. 
 
 Phosphorus (viz. EEP) runoff is viewed here as a non-point P pollution source.

Forage Characteristics and Grazing Preference of Cover Crops in Equine Pasture Systems

Cover crops are commonly used to provide environmental benefits and can extend the grazing season, but have not been explored in horse pastures. The objectives of this research were to evaluate forage mass, forage nutrient composition, and preference of annual ryegrass, winter rye, berseem clover, purple top turnip, and daikon radish under horse grazing. Cover crops were seeded in monoculture and mixtures in August 2018 and 2019 as a randomized complete block with four replicates and grazed by four adult horses. Prior to grazing, forages were sampled to determine herbage and root mass and nutrient composition. After grazing, forages were visually assessed for the percentage of removal on a scale of 0 to 100% to estimate preference. Data was analyzed using an analysis of variance and linear regression; significance was set at P ≤ .05. Berseem clover was the lowest producing forage (590 to 1,869 kg ha−1 dry matter; P ≤.001), while minimal differences in herbage mass were observed among the other cover crops. All forages met digestible energy (>2.17 Mcal kg−1) and crude protein (>19%) requirements for idle, adult horses. Berseem clover was most preferred (>73% removal) while turnip and radish were the least preferred (<19% removal; P ≤.001). Winter rye and annual ryegrass in monoculture and when seeded with berseem clover were moderately preferred (20%–68% removal). Placing a priority on preference, berseem clover, annual ryegrass, and winter rye appear to be suitable cover crops to extend the grazing season in horse pastures.

85 Utilizing cover crops in an equine grazing system

Cover crops are commonly used to provide soil cover and can extend the grazing season, but have not been explored in horse pastures. The objectives of this research were to evaluate yield, forage nutritive value, and horse preference of annual ryegrass ( Lolium multiflorum L.), winter rye ( Secale cereale L.), berseem clover ( Trifolium alexandrinum L.), purple top turnip ( Brassica rapa ssp. rapa L.), and daikon radish ( Raphanus sativus ssp. longipinnatus L.) under horse grazing in the fall. We hypothesized that grasses and clover would be more suitable cover crops for horse pastures compared with turnip and radish. Cover crops were seeded in monoculture and mixtures in August 2018 and 2019 as a randomized complete block with 4 replicates and grazed by 4 adult horses. Horses grazed 2 replicates per day for 4 h. Grazing occurred in October 2018 and in both September and October 2019. Before grazing, forages were sampled and weighed to determine herbage and root yield and nutritive value was evaluated using wet chemistry. After grazing, forages were visually assessed for preference based on percentage of removal on a scale of 0 to 100%. Data were analyzed using an ANOVA and linear regression; significance was set at P < 0.05. Berseem clover was the lowest yielding forage ( P < 0.0001). Yield of annual ryegrass, winter rye, berseem clover, turnip and radish averaged 2,293, 2,287, 763, 4,252, and 4,095 kg ha −1 , respectively. All forages met digestible energy (>2.17 Mcal kg −1 ) and crude protein (>19%) requirements for adult horses at maintenance. Berseem clover was most preferred (>73% removal) while turnip and radish were the least preferred (<19% removal; P < 0.0001). No adverse health effects were observed while grazing cover crops during this short grazing period. Placing a priority on preference, berseem clover, annual ryegrass, and winter rye appear to be suitable cover crops to extend the grazing season in horse pastures.

84 Pasture production in integrated warm- and cool-season grass equine rotational pasture systems

Incorporating warm-season grasses (WSG) into traditional cool-season (CSG) rotational pastures has been utilized to increase summer forage available for grazing cattle. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of this practice on yield and nutritive value of horse pastures. We hypothesized WSG incorporation would increase summer pasture yield, while being lower in non-structural carbohydrates (NSC). Two 1.5 ha rotational systems (6–0.25 ha sections/system) were utilized: a control system (CON) with all sections containing an established CSG mix (Kentucky bluegrass, orchardgrass, and tall fescue), and an integrated system (IRS) [3 CSG sections (CSG-IRS) and 3 Quick-N-Big crabgrass (CRB-IRS)]. Three horses per system grazed across 3 periods: EARLY (mid-May to mid-Jul), SLUMP (mid-Jul to mid-Sep), and LATE (mid-Sep to mid-Nov). Horses were confined to dry lots if sufficient pasture forage was not available. Before each rotation, herbage mass (HM) was measured and forage samples collected (0800–1000) with nutrients analyzed by wet chemistry. Grazing days were tracked to calculate carrying capacity (CC). Data were analyzed by ANOVA and means separated by Tukey's method in R. Over the full grazing season, IRS provided pasture access for 123 d, while CON supported grazing for 104 d (69% and 59% of total). Total HM per section did not differ during EARLY grazing when CRB was not available (CSG-IRS: 2537 ± 605; CSG-CON: 3783 ± 856 kg/ha), but CC was greater in CSG-IRS (220 ± 37 horse d/ha) than in CSG-CON (92 ± 26 horse d/ha; P = 0.03). In SLUMP grazing, both HM and CC were greater in CRB-IRS (HM: 4758 ± 698 kg/ha; CC: 196 ± 31 horse d/ha) than either CSG-IRS (HM: 1086 ± 698 kg/ha; CC: 32 ± 31 horse d/ha) or CON (HM: 970 ± 493 kg/ha; CC: 46 ± 22 horse d/ha; P < 0.02). While HM did not differ by section type in LATE grazing (1284 ± 158 kg/ha), CC was greater in CON (84 ± 9 horse d/ha) vs CRB-IRS (32 ± 13 horse d/ha; P = 0.03) and CSG-IRS (40 ± 13 horse d/ha; P = 0.06). During the SLUMP, water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) were lower in CRB-IRS (4.46 ± 0.80%) than CSG-CON (7.92 ± 0.90%; P < 0.04), but not CSG-IRS (5.93 ± 1.04%); however, non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) did not differ (7.05 ± 0.62%). There were no differences in either WSC (6.46 ± 0.54%) or NSC (7.65 ± 0.54%) by section type in LATE grazing. These results demonstrated increased summer horse pasture yield through integrated grazing, but further research is needed to improve late-season production. Additionally, integrated grazing provided lower WSC to grazing horses, but NSC remained below 10% for all pasture sections.

76 Amino acid and fatty acid profiles of rapidly growing pasture from six states in the USA

Pasture is a natural forage source for horses, but nutritional data is limited in terms of the fatty acid and amino acid profiles of fresh grasses. More information about the nutrient content of pasture can help to inform the formulation of supplemental feedstuffs for horses; especially for those without access to pasture. The objective of this study was to determine the nutrient profile, including fatty acid and amino acid content, of a variety of both cool season and warm season grasses, in their rapid phase of growth in the United States. Grass samples (n = 6) were collected from New York (NY), Colorado (CO), Tennessee (TN), Texas (TX), South Carolina (SC) and Missouri (MO) from May 10th – 25th 2018 from horse pastures following the directives of Dairy One Forage Laboratory for identifying, collecting (12–20 samples from each pasture), freezing and shipping fresh pasture. All pastures had vegetation >10 cm and were actively grazed by horses. Samples were analyzed for nutrient content, amino acid profile, and fatty acid profile by Cumberland Valley Analytical Services (Waynesboro, PA). The basic nutrient content of the pasture grasses was as expected for rapidly growing pasture, and the amino acid and fatty acid profiles were enlightening given the lack of published data in this area (Table 1, limited data shown). The top 3 amino acids found across all the pasture samples were glutamic acid, aspartic acid and leucine. The top 3 fatty acids found across all pasture samples were linolenic acid, palmitic acid and linoleic acid. Given that pasture is a major source of calories and nutrients for many horses, it is valuable to understand its nutrient content and how it is contributing to the health of horses. In addition, once these nutrient values are known, they can inform the creation of supplemental feedstuffs for horses, to mimic the nutritional content of fresh pasture.

The climate adaptation potential of the rural-urban fringe

As global warming continues, cities need to adapt to the changing climate including aggravating floods and increased heat stress. Urban and landscape planners build such climate-proof city through the development ofgreen open spaces, who serve as climate buffers. At the rural-urban fringe (RUF) the green open spaces, and farmland in particular, are changing rapidly: reallocation to built-up land uses and creation of private open spaces such as gardens and horse pastures. This paper studies how these developments at the RUF affect the floods and heat stress in the nearby city. Moreover, it explores the potential of green open spaces at the RUF to alleviate climate impacts at the local as well as the metropolitan scale. The research employs research by design (RbD) on a case study: the Brussels’ RUF, and the watershed of the Vogelzang in particular. Via maps, sections and other design instruments, this paper unravels the complexity of climate adaptation in Brussels and highlights the interlinkage between the city center and the south-western RUF. Due to its’ geographical location, the watershed of the Vogelzang is of climate-strategic importance to manage floods, droughts and heat stress in the urban conglomeration. Following that analysis the paper explores how the watershed of the Vogelzang water can be climate-proofed. The RbD builds on a new master-plan for the area that proposes to develop an alternative food network in the area. The paper provides insights into the Brussels’ situation but equally feeds back into the debate about sustainable planning at the RUF. Firstly, it highlights the potential of the RUF’s green open spaces to contribute to climate adaption at the local as well as the metropolitan scale. Hence, the challenge of planning for urban climate adaptation exceeds the limitations of the urban conglomeration and planners must incorporate the RUF within the vision on local climate adaptation. Secondly, this paper illustrates how the farmland at the RUF has great potential to sustainably develop the area, including the creation of climate buffers.

Field study on Hypochaeris radicata L. in horse pastures in Germany – Australian stringhalt as a climatic and ecological phenomenon

Field study on Hypochaeris radicata L. in horse pastures in Germany – Australian stringhalt as a climatic and ecological phenomenon

To the Found of New North Ossetia’s Population of Greek Clouded Yellow (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Colias aurorina&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Herrich-Schäffer, 1850)

Greek Clouded Yellow is a rare and endangered species of butterflies, previously listed and now proposed for listing in the Red Book of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania. The species is also listed in IUCN Red List and Red Books of the Russian Federation, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Dagestan, Chechnya, Ingushetia, Kabardino-Balkaria. Earlier in the republic there were two populations of Greek Clouded Yellow reliably established. During field research in May-July 2021 in the vicinity of the village of Ksurta on the territory of the Sadono-Unalskaya semiarid intermountain depression, a previously unknown habitat of Greek Clouded Yellow was found. It is used the reference practical standard of entomological material’s collecting and registration, of visual observations and images taken with digital cameras. Geographical coordinates and absolute heights were measured by means of the GPS navigator. Determination of butterflies was carried out on external diagnostic signs. The method of relative accounting of butterflies based on records on the route per unit of time was applied. In the period 30.05-03.07.2021, occurrence indicates the multiplicity of the specimens in this habitat. The identified habitat is 2.3 km northwest of the previously known Unal habitat. These lands are used by the local population as pastures for cattle and horses and the slopes were intensively trampled and covered with a dense network of paths. The discovered population gives hope for the preservation of this species in the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania.

Optimised method for determination hypoglycine A in maple plant material by multidimensional gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

In 2018, more than 50 cases of horse death by equine atypical myopathy (AM) were reported in the Czech Republic. This disease is often associated with the toxin hypoglycine A (HGA), which is found in several maple plant materials. To monitor this toxin in products of these trees that grow in or around horse pastures, a rapid and inexpensive analytical method that can provide the required accuracy is needed.Until now, maple samples have been prepared for gas chromatography using time-consuming methods, with preparation processes taking longer than 1 h. In this work, a shorter method (25 min) with an accuracy of 90–94 %, reproducibility of 2–5%, precision of 3–9%, and linearity, with an R2 of 0.999, is presented. This sample preparation consists of a procedure without an SPE extraction step and consumes a lower volume of solvent during the extraction. The limit of quantitation for HGA in plant material was improved from 0.5 μg/g of plant material in previous studies to 0.2 μg/g. The method was validated according to the guideline CD 2002/657/EC and ISO 17025, and was found to have good performance characteristics.This simple and rapid method was tested for the monitoring of hypoglycine A level in maple sycamore plant material (seeds, seedlings, and leaves) during the entire growth of the trees.

Herbage mass, botanical composition, forage nutritive value, and preference of grass–legume pastures under horse grazing

AbstractCool‐season perennial grasses are the foundation of productive horse pastures in the north‐central United States. The addition of legumes in pastures can increase forage mass and digestible energy content, yet little research has investigated grass–legume pastures under horse grazing. The objectives of this research were to evaluate herbage mass, botanical composition, forage nutritive value, and preference of grass–legume pastures under horse grazing. Plots consisting of orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.), and meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis Huds.) were planted in monoculture and in binary mixtures with alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) or white clover (Trifolium repens L.) and grazed by horses in Minnesota during the 2013, 2014, and 2015 grazing seasons. Herbage mass, weed mass, and forage nutritive values were determined prior to grazing, and horse preference was evaluated following grazing. When evaluating herbage mass, the inclusion of alfalfa resulted in a consistently higher mass than grass monoculture. Kentucky bluegrass mixtures resulted in a decreased mass of non‐sown (weed) species and an increase in horse preference. Improved forage nutritive values were also observed with the inclusion of legumes regardless of grass species, including higher crude protein and neutral detergent fiber digestibility at 48 h and lower neutral detergent fiber. As a result, using grass–legume mixtures in pastures can provide benefits for grazing horses and pasture productivity.