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Acta veterinaria Scandinavica2005; 46(1-2); 19-22; doi: 10.1186/1751-0147-46-19

Is snow a sufficient source of water for horses kept outdoors in winter? A case report.

Abstract: Due to extreme weather conditions, a flock of outwintered Icelandic horses had to manage for several days on snow as the source of free water. They were fed grass silage ad lib, and any change in feed consumption was not observed. After nine days, blood samples were taken and analysed for plasma osmolality, they were subjected to a simple clinical examination, and offered drinking water. Osmolality levels were within normal limits and mean value did not differ significantly from samples which previously were taken of the same individuals. The general condition of the horses was normal, with no signs of clinical dehydration or disease. The horses showed very little interest for the offered drinking water. This suggests that in cold winter weather, horses being fed grass silage and adjusted to eat snow, can manage for several days with snow substituting liquid water without their physiology and welfare being challenged.
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Publication Date: 2005-08-20 PubMed ID: 16108209PubMed Central: PMC2202781DOI: 10.1186/1751-0147-46-19Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

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 article explores whether horses kept outdoors during winter can rely on snow as a sufficient source of water and maintain their physiological and overall well-being. It was discovered that these horses, when fed grass silage and accustomed to eating snow, can survive several days on snow as a water substitute without any observable negative impacts to their health.

Research Methodology and Conditions

  • The study was conducted due to extreme weather conditions that resulted in a group of Icelandic horses, which are kept in their natural environment throughout the winter, to rely on snow as their primary source of free water for several days.
  • During this period, the horses were provided with grass silage as feed ad libitum (freely or according to their desire).
  • No noticeable changes in the horses’ feed consumption was observed, indicating normal feeding patterns despite the harsh weather conditions.

Research Observations and Findings

  • After nine days, blood samples were taken from the horses and analyzed for plasma osmolality, which is a measure of the body’s electrolyte-water balance. This extends to the ability to properly hydrate and maintain optimal body temperature.
  • Researchers found that the horses’ osmolality levels were within normal limits. Moreover, the mean osmolality value did not differ significantly from samples that were taken from the same horses prior to their snow-reliant period.
  • The horses also underwent a simple clinical examination, in which they displayed no signs of clinical dehydration or disease, suggesting that their overall physical well-being remained unaffected.
  • When the horses were subsequently offered drinking water, they showed little interest, implying a likely adaptation to using snow as water.

Conclusions

  • This research suggests that horses, particularly those who are accustomed to cold winter weather and are fed grass silage, can manage for several days using snow as a substitute for liquid water. This does not impact their physiology or welfare negatively, supporting the idea of snow as a viable source of hydration for such outdoor animals subjected to freezing conditions.

Cite This Article

APA
Mejdell CM, Simensen E, Bøe KE. (2005). Is snow a sufficient source of water for horses kept outdoors in winter? A case report. Acta Vet Scand, 46(1-2), 19-22. https://doi.org/10.1186/1751-0147-46-19

Publication

Acta veterinaria Scandinavica
ISSN: 0044-605X
NlmUniqueID: 0370400
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 46
Issue: 1-2
Pages: 19-22

Researcher Affiliations

Mejdell, C M
  • National Centre for Veterinary Contract Research and Commercial Services, Ltd.
Simensen, E
    Bøe, K E

      MeSH Terms

      • Animals
      • Drinking Behavior
      • Horses
      • Norway
      • Osmolar Concentration
      • Snow
      • Thirst
      • Water Supply

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      Citations

      This article has been cited 1 times.
      1. Harvey AM, Ramp D, Mellor DJ. Review of the Foundational Knowledge Required for Assessing Horse Welfare. Animals (Basel) 2022 Dec 1;12(23).
        doi: 10.3390/ani12233385pubmed: 36496906google scholar: lookup
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