Changes in Hair Coat Length and Diameter in Blanketed and Nonblanketed Adult Horses in the Winter.
Abstract: Horses are often blanketed during cold weather for numerous reasons including assisting thermoregulation, cleanliness, and anecdotally to decrease hair coat length. However, the impact of blanketing on the hair coat has yet to be evaluated. The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in hair coat length and diameter over time in blanketed and nonblanketed horses during winter. In October 2019, 16 mature adult horses were blocked by breed and BCS and randomly assigned to a blanketed (n = 8) or nonblanketed (n = 8) treatment; blankets were placed. Data was collected between October 2019 and March 2020 in River Falls, WI. During this time BW, BCS, and hair coat samples were taken monthly. Twenty hair coat samples were taken from the nonmane side of the neck and the hindquarters using a tweezers and measured for the length and diameter using a digital micrometer and caliper, respectively. The average measurement was used to analyze the data. Horse neck and hindquarter hair were the longest and had the greatest diameter in January and February and they were the shortest with the smallest diameter in October and March regardless of treatment (P ≤ .05). Blanketed horses had shorter neck hair length when compared to nonblanketed horses in January at 43 and 58 mm, respectively, and February at 35 and 47 mm, respectively (P ≤ .05). These results suggest blanketing a horse can alter hair coat length, however, hair coat growth over time follows a similar pattern regardless of blanketing practices.
Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2022-12-09 PubMed ID: 36509241DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2022.104191Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Randomized Controlled Trial
- Veterinary
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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This research investigated the impact of blanketing on the hair coat length and diameter of horses during winter, with the study finding that blanketing can indeed influence hair coat length.
Research Objectives and Methods
- The primary goal of this research was to examine how blanketing affects the hair coat length and diameter of horses during the winter months.
- In the study, 16 adult horses were randomly divided into two groups with one group being blanketed and the other non-blanketed.
- The study was conducted from October 2019 to March 2020 in River Falls, Wisconsin, with data collection occurring monthly. Each month, the researchers collected hair samples from the non-mane side of the neck and the hindquarters of the horses.
Data Collection and Measurement
- Twenty hair coat samples were taken from each horse per month and their length and diameter were measured using a digital micrometer and caliper respectively. The averages of these measurements were then used for data analysis.
- The study also recorded the Body Weight and Body Condition Score of each horse monthly.
Results and Findings
- The study found that the hair length and diameter of the horses were the greatest during January and February, irrespective of whether the horses were blanketed or not. Conversely, the shortest hair lengths and smallest diameters were recorded in October and March.
- Upon closer analysis, the study found that the hair length on the neck of blanketed horses was shorter compared to non-blanketed horses in January and February.
Conclusion
- The results of the study suggest that blanketing does have an effect on the hair coat length of horses. However, the overall growth pattern of the hair coat over time appears to be similar regardless of whether horses are blanketed.
Cite This Article
APA
DeBoer M, Konop A, Fisher B.
(2022).
Changes in Hair Coat Length and Diameter in Blanketed and Nonblanketed Adult Horses in the Winter.
J Equine Vet Sci, 120, 104191.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2022.104191 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Animal and Food Science, University of Wisconsin - River Falls, River Falls, WI. Electronic address: michelle.deboer@uwrf.edu.
- Department of Animal and Food Science, University of Wisconsin - River Falls, River Falls, WI.
- Department of Animal and Food Science, University of Wisconsin - River Falls, River Falls, WI.
MeSH Terms
- Horses
- Animals
- Seasons
- Body Temperature Regulation
- Cold Temperature
- Hair / physiology
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Parmantier S, Kyriazopoulou P, McClendon M, Adams A, Murphy BA. Influence of Extended Photoperiod Using Blue Light Masks on Hypertrichosis, Coat Condition and General Health Parameters in Horses with Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction. Animals (Basel) 2025 Oct 5;15(19).
- Gáspárdy A, Gallagher G, Bartha B, Haaland H, Fekete SG. The Effect of Supplemental Lighting during the Late Gestation Period on Post-Partum Mechanical Properties of Mare and Foal Guard Hair. Vet Sci 2024 Jan 22;11(1).
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