Seasonal and interbreed variation in the thermoregulatory capacity of equine pelage
The adaptation of horses ( Equus caballus ) to diverse environments throughout their range (e.g. Iceland and Arabia) has given rise to numerous phenotypically distinct breeds, many of which are currently maintained within the UK for sporting or leisure purposes. The welfare (energy balance) of outwi...
Published in: | Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Science |
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Main Authors: | , |
Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
Language: | English |
Published: |
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
2000
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Subjects: | |
Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1752756200001411 https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S1752756200001411 |
Summary: | The adaptation of horses ( Equus caballus ) to diverse environments throughout their range (e.g. Iceland and Arabia) has given rise to numerous phenotypically distinct breeds, many of which are currently maintained within the UK for sporting or leisure purposes. The welfare (energy balance) of outwintered horses has been associated with the ability to minimise heat loss by the growth of deep insulative pelage (Cymbaluk, 1994). Identification of breeds acclimated to UK conditions but retaining pelage adaptations appropriate to their environment of origin may facilitate management. |
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