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The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice1990; 6(2); 355-372; doi: 10.1016/s0749-0739(17)30546-1

Environmental effects on thermoregulation and nutrition of horses.

Abstract: Horses are reared in all types of weather. Temperatures as diverse as -40 degrees C to 40 degrees C are tolerated by horses. The nutrient requirement most influenced by cold weather is energy. In cold weather, feeding good quality hays free-choice is usually sufficient for mature horses in good body condition. Grain may have to be fed when poor quality hays are used. Hot weather (greater than 30 degrees C) necessitates heat loss to maintain body core temperature. Horses sweat to reduce body heat. Heat stress can be minimized by feeding diets that reduce the heat increment. Use of grain and fat in the diet, which have a lower heat increment than fibrous feeds such as hays, may benefit horses in hot climates. Wind or precipitation necessitate protection to minimize chilling in cold weather and discomfort in hot weather. However, it is a moot point whether horses will use shelters under these circumstances.
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Publication Date: 1990-08-01 PubMed ID: 2202497DOI: 10.1016/s0749-0739(17)30546-1Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article discusses the impact of environmental temperatures on the nutritional needs and thermoregulation (heat management) of horses. It concludes that extreme weather conditions affect horses’ energy requirements and heat stress management, and consequently, their diet must be adjusted accordingly.

Understanding the Context

The article begins by recognizing the wide range of temperatures that horses can tolerate, demonstrating the impressive adaptability of horses to environmental conditions. It emphasizes that the nutrient most affected by extremes of temperature is energy.

Cold Weather Conditions

  • In cold weather, horses require more energy to maintain body temperature. The study suggests that providing good quality hay free-choice is generally sufficient to meet this increased energy requirement for mature, healthy horses.
  • However, when the available hay is of poor quality, it may become necessary to supplement the horse’s diet with grain. This is because grain has a higher energy content than poor quality hay.

Hot Weather Conditions

  • In hot weather (above 30 degrees C), horses need to lose heat to regulate their body temperature. Sweating is a prime mechanism for horses to reduce body heat and to adapt to hot climates.
  • The study further suggests that heat stress in horses can be minimized by feeding them diet types that help reduce the heat increment. The heat increment refers to the metabolic heat produced during digestion.
  • The research recommends the use of grains and fats in the diet as they are associated with a lower heat increment in comparison to fibrous feeds like hay. Therefore, these could be more beneficial for horses in hot weather conditions.

Wind or Precipitation Effect

  • Under the influence of wind or precipitation, horses may require shelter to guard against chilling in cold weather and discomfort in hot weather.
  • However, the research emphasizes a debate over whether horses would naturally seek shelter under these circumstances.

The study thus provides valuable insights into adapting horse care and dietary planning to varying weather conditions, ensuring that horses can effectively manage their body temperatures and nutritional requirements.

Cite This Article

APA
Cymbaluk NF, Christison GI. (1990). Environmental effects on thermoregulation and nutrition of horses. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract, 6(2), 355-372. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0749-0739(17)30546-1

Publication

The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice
ISSN: 0749-0739
NlmUniqueID: 8511904
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 6
Issue: 2
Pages: 355-372

Researcher Affiliations

Cymbaluk, N F
  • University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada.
Christison, G I

    MeSH Terms

    • Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
    • Animals
    • Body Temperature Regulation
    • Climate
    • Cold Temperature
    • Horses / physiology
    • Hot Temperature
    • Microclimate

    References

    This article includes 72 references

    Citations

    This article has been cited 16 times.
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