Konik Horses Research Articles

Gastro-intestinal parasites in yearlings of wild Polish primitive horses from the Popielno Forest Reserve, Poland

Abstract To evaluate the gastro-intestinal parasite fauna of the wild Polish primitive horses (Equus caballus gmelini Ant., forma silvatica Vet.), 11 yearlings captured in the Reserve according to the control rules of population dynamics were diagnostically dewormed with abamectin+praziquantel. Expelled parasites were collected from the faeces 24, 36 and 48 hours after treatment. Among a total of 4456 specimens (a mean 405.1 per horse) 27 nematode species, one cestode and one species of botfly larvae were recovered. Strongylids were 100 % prevalent and represented by 24 species (2 large strongylid and 22 cyathostome species). Five cyathostome species (Cylicodontophorus bicoronatus, C. insigne, Poteriostomum imparidentatum, Parapoteriostomum mettami and Gyalocephalus capitatus) were recorded for the first time in Polish primitive horses, whereas two species (Cyathostomum montgomeryi and Cylicostephanus bidentatus) were found for the first time in the horse in Poland. Oxyuris equi was found in 100 % and Parascaris equorum in 63.6 % of yearlings surveyed. Tapeworms (Anoplocephala perfoliata) were revealed in 72.7 %, while Gasterophilus intestinalis instars in 90.9 % of horses. At least three parasite species were highly prevalent (i.e. S. vulgaris, A. perfoliata and G. intestinalis), which might be a reason of serious abdominal disorders in Polish horses living freely in the reserve.

Differentiation between fore and hind hoof dimensions in the horse (<i>Equus caballus</i>)

Abstract. The aim of the study was to define differences between front and hind hooves in dimensions and proportions of the measurements in horses of various breeds. 77 mares four to thirteen years old of four breeds belonging to different origin types were evaluated: Purebred Arabian horses, halfbred Anglo-Arabian horses, primitive Polish Konik horses and Polish Cold-Blooded horses. The dimensions were measured after trimming. Means in particular groups and differences between fore and hind hooves were estimated with the least square analysis of variance performed separately in each breed. In the four breeds studied, the fore and hind hoof dimensions from the lateral view of the hoof capsule have come out to be similar. The toe to heel length ratio approximates 2 : 1 in both hooves. Viewed from the solar surface, the hind hoof is wider at the heel buttress relative to the fore hoof. The greatest difference between the fore and rear hooves occurs in the capsule width, hence while recording this parameter, it should be defined which foot it concerns. The hoof width is the most highly correlated with other dimensions, as well as the correlations between the fore and hind hooves in this parameter are the highest. The hoof capsule width is the most characteristic parameter of the hoof.

Fat content and fatty acids profile of colostrum and milk of primitive Konik horses (Equus caballus gmeliniAnt.) during six months of lactation

The effect of the stage of lactation, the number of foals and age of the mare on changes in the fat content and fatty acid composition of colostrum and milk of primitive Konik horses was investigated. Colostrum and milk samples from 12 lactating mares were collected at the beginning of lactation, on the days 1 and 2 after foaling and then, starting from the first month of lactation, at 4-week intervals up to the sixth month of lactation. Significant differences were observed in fat content as well as the composition of some analysed fatty acids between colostrum and milk of mares of the Konik breed. The number of foalings and the age of mares did not have a statistically significant effect on the fat content in milk and had only a slight effect on the fatty acid composition. Milk produced by mares of the Konik breed is characterized by a considerable content of polyene fatty acids with 18 carbon atoms, a low ratio of n-6 fatty acids to n-3 fatty acids as well as low, highly advantageous values of atherogenic and thrombogenic indices.

Protective behaviour of Konik horses in response to insect harassment

AbstractThe natural protective behaviour displayed by Konik Polski horses against flies was investigated. The factors considered were age (adults versus foals), management system (forest reserve versus pasture), weather conditions and type of horse activity. Twenty-five Konik Polski adults and 18 foals were observed between 0800 and 2000h during two summer seasons (2000 and 2001). Individual protective behaviours (IB) eg tail swishing, head shaking, leg lifting, skin twitching and social protective behaviour (grouping for mutual protection) against insects were studied. Adult and forest-kept horses performed more IB than foals and pastured horses, respectively. Wet and windy weather conditions significantly reduced insect harassment and the frequency of responses to insects. Therefore, if it is not possible to apply chemical repellents against insects, then allowing horses to aggregate into groups or providing them with refuge, especially on hot and windless days, may have significant welfare benefits.

Heritability of hair whorl position on the forehead in Konik horses

There are studies on the relationship between the position and shape of hair whorls on bovine forehead and phenotypic traits. According to anecdotal beliefs by horse users and handlers, temperamental traits may be related to the position of hair whorls in horses. No previous research on the mechanisms of inheritance of hair whorls has been performed, so the aim of the present study was to determine the heritability of the position of the hair whorl on the forehead of Konik horses. The horses (n = 362) were classified into five groups based on the whorl position on forehead with respect to the top and bottom eye lines. The estimated heritability of hair whorl position was 0.753 (SE = 0.056). Heritability adjusted for the discontinuity of the trait was 0.836. The results show that hair whorl position in Konik Polski horses is highly heritable. The possible relationship between position of hair whorls on the forehead and other morphological traits needs further research and should be interpreted with caution.

A note on behaviour and heart rate in horses differing in facial hair whorl

The relationship between facial hair whorl position and reactivity, as assessed by behavioural measures (handling score = HS; startle reaction to a suddenly appearing novel object = SR; latency to touch a novel object = LNO) and heart rate measures (mean HR; increase in heart rate = IHR) were studied using 55 Konik horses reared either under conventional stable conditions or in the forest reserve. Horses were classified into four groups according to the whorl position and/or shape: (1) high, single whorl above the top eye line, n = 9; (2) medium, single whorl between the top and the bottom eye line, n = 30; (3) low, single whorl below the bottom eye line, n = 10; and (4) elongated or double whorl, n = 6. Horses with a high whorl position demonstrated a lesser degree of manageability as expressed by a lower HS compared to individuals with medium ( P = 0.002) or low whorl positions ( P = 0.016). Horses with different whorl positions did not differ significantly in their startle response to a suddenly appearing novel object ( P = 0.685). The horses with an elongated or double whorl, which appeared only in the forest group, took significantly longer to approach the novel object than horses with medium ( P = 0.006) or low ( P = 0.005) whorl positions. No significant differences in mean HR and IHR between groups (HR: P = 0.629 and IHR: P = 0.214) were found. In conclusion, this study supports the relationship between the position of the hair whorl on the horses’ head and their manageability during handling, as well as the latency to approach an unknown object.

The dynamics of hoof growth of the primitive Konik horses (Equus caballus gmelini Ant.) in an annual cycle

The annual growth rate of the horny wall of the hoof was investigated in 38 horses—31 mares and seven stallions. Experimental subjects were Konik horses kept in a conservative breeding herd. The horses hooves of both limbs: the right fore limb and the right hind limb were measured and next growth rate of the horny wall was analysed at five points of the hoof capsule. On the basis of Principal Component Analysis it was found that the subjects needed to be considered in three groups: three-year old mares, older mares and stallions. Next the growth increments were averaged in each investigated group and compared. The dynamics of hoof horn growth turned out to be the highest in the group of young mares, followed by the group of stallions and the group of adult mares. In the winter months the lowest growth increment of the hoof horn was observed in all the analysed groups. In the period of the elongating solar day, i.e. from May to July, the growth was rapid and reached the highest values. Starting from August the growth of the hoof horn decreased.

Eliminative behaviour of free-ranging horses: do they show latrine behaviour or do they defecate where they graze?

In contrast to horses in pastures, it is thought that free-ranging horses do not perform latrine behaviour, i.e. a behavioural pattern whereby the animals graze and defecate in separate areas. However, few studies deal with this particular subject, reporting contrasting conclusions. We hypothesize that horses free-ranging in large heterogeneous areas do not perform latrine behaviour. Thus, we believe that grazing and elimination behaviour are spatially related: where horses graze, they will also defecate. Behavioural data were collected from Konik horses, Haflinger horses, Shetland ponies and donkeys, grazing in different nature reserves (54–80 ha). Data for the different equids were analyzed separately, as well as data for mares and stallions (Konik and donkey stallions only). We investigated the proportion of the number of defecations/urinations while grazing on the total number of defecations/urinations; furthermore, we searched for the sequence of behaviours representing latrine behaviour in the strict sense. Additionally, we analyzed the correlation between grazing behaviour and eliminative behaviour on both vegetation type level and patch level. All the female equids often continued grazing while defecating. During urination, grazing ceases in the majority of instances. Cases where a mare terminated grazing in a certain vegetation type and sward height to eliminate in another vegetation type or in another sward height within the same vegetation type were rarely observed. On the vegetation type level as well as on the patch level, there was a highly significant ( P<0.001) positive correlation between grazing time and number of eliminations (or eliminating time). The high values of the correlation coefficients (in case of the defecation variables r ranges between 0.553 and 0.955; in case of the urination variables r ranges between 0.370 and 0.839) illustrate that the spatial distribution of the eliminative behaviour can be explained to a high degree by the spatial distribution of the grazing behaviour. Results in the case of the stallions are preliminary, but indicate the same pattern. Horses, free-ranging in large heterogeneous areas, do not perform latrine behaviour, but defecate where they graze. Possibly, animal density is of major importance to explain this behavioural difference with horses in pastures. We suggest that also spatial vegetation heterogeneity and plant productivity of the grazed area, as well as parasite status of the grazing animals could play a role.

Effects of handling on behaviour and heart rate in Konik horses: comparison of stable and forest reared youngstock

Thirty foals and young Konik horses born in 3 consecutive years and reared up to weaning either in a forest reserve (R) or conventional stable (S) were compared with respect to behavioural reactions and heart rate (HR) during handling manipulations. The foals were randomly allocated within sex and rearing group to one of two handling treatments. Intensively handled (IH) foals received a 10-min handling, 5 days/week, beginning at the age of 2 weeks (S foals) or 10 months (R foals), and lasting up to the age of 24 months. During handling IH foals were haltered, touched, rubbed and their feet were picked up; non-handled (NH) foals were not handled except for routine or emergency veterinary care. The horses were tested at the age of approximately 6 months (S only) and 12, 18 and 24 months of age. In a test comprising catching the horse on a paddock, leading away from and towards the stable, picking up feet and being approached by an unfamiliar person, the horses' behaviour was scored and the HR was recorded telemetrically. The IH horses scored better as far as manageability behaviour is concerned ( P<0.001) and demonstrated lower HR than the NH ones and the S horses scored better than R ones ( P<0.001). Fillies demonstrated higher HR than colts ( P=0.007). Youngstock of all groups tended to be less manageable at the age of 24 months than at 18 months. Differences between youngstock stemming from particular harems from the reserve seem to be related to differences in accidental contact with people visiting the forest reserve.

Plasma lysozyme activity of Polish primitive horses under physiological conditions and in experimental fever.

SummaryThe normal level of plasma lysozyme of 9 Tarpane‐like horses was 0.922 μg/ml. This was calculated from determinations performed 5 times in a period of 14 months. Observations on the normal plasma level of lysozyme in the horse revealed marked variations in individual animals, as well as in the whole group and in the mean values calculated for individual horses. The model for the subsequent studies was an experimental fever evoked by the administration of E. coli LPS in a dose of 0.1 μg/kg body weight. Blood samples from the jugular vein were taken just before LPS injection, and then for 8 h at 1 h intervals. Additional samples were collected at 24 and 48 h after LPS. Experiments were repeated three times in 3 seasons of the year. Rectal temperature, plasma lysozyme activity and leucocyte counts were recorded during fever. The following shifts of the measured parameters were statistically significant: decrease in leucocyte number with the lowest value at 2h (from 8,422 ± 1,773 to 4,440 ± 1,488 cells/mm3), increase in plasma lysozyme level with the peak at 3h (from 0.904 ± 0.401 to 1.440 ± 0.748 μg/ml) and a temperature rise which peaked at 4h (increase 1.01 °C) after LPS injection.ZusammenfassungPlasma‐Lysozym‐Aktivität bei polnischen primitiven Pferden unter physiologischen Bedingungen sowie während experimentell induziertem Fieber Der normale Plasma‐Lysozym‐Gehalt bei 9 Tarpan‐Pferden lag bei 0,922 μg/ml. Dieser Wert wurde aus im Zeitraum von 14 Monaten durchgeführten 5 Bestimmungen pro Pferd errechnet. Dabei ergaben sich beim einzelnen Pferd, bei der ganzen Gruppe und bei den Mittelwerten der einzelnen Pferde erhebliche Schwankungen in der Plasma‐Lysenzym‐Konzentration. In einer anschließenden Untersuchung wurde modellhaft Fieber mittels Injektion von E. coli‐LPS in einer Dosis von 0, 1 Hg/kg Körpergewicht ausgelöst. Blutproben wurden unmittelbar vor der LPS‐Injektion sowie anschließend in einstündigen Abständen bis 8 h nach der Injektion aus der Jugularvene entnommen. Weitere Blutproben wurden 24 und 48 h nach der LPS‐Injektion gewonnen. Die Experimente wurden dreimal im Verlauf eines Jahres wiederholt. Es wurde die Rektaltemperatur, die Plasma‐Lysozym‐Aktivität sowie die Leukozytenzahl des Blutes während des Fiebers ermittelt. Folgende Veränderungen waren statistisch signifikant: der Abfall der Leukozytenzahl mit einem Minimalwert nach 2 h (von 8422 ± 1773 auf 4400 ± 1488 Zellen/mm3), der Anstieg des Plasma‐Lysenzym‐Gehaltes mit einem Maximalwert nach 3 h (von 0, 904 ± 0, 401 auf 1440 ± 0, 748 μg/ml) sowie der Temperaturanstieg mit einem Maximalwert 4 h nach der LPS‐Injektion (Zunahme um 1, 01 °C).