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Protective behaviour of Konik horses in response to insect harassment

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 January 2023

A Górecka  and
T Jezierski
A Górecka
Affiliation:
Polish Academy of Sciences, Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Department of Animal Behaviour, Jastrzebiec, 05-552 Wólka Kosowska, Poland
T Jezierski*
Affiliation:
Polish Academy of Sciences, Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Department of Animal Behaviour, Jastrzebiec, 05-552 Wólka Kosowska, Poland
*
* Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints: T.Jezierski@ighz.pl
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Abstract

The 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.

Keywords

animal welfareforest reservehorseinsect harassmentpastureprotective behaviour
Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Welfare , Volume 16 , Issue 2: Special Issue: Proceedings of the 3rd International Workshop on the Assessment of Animal Welfare at Farm and Group Level , May 2007 , pp. 281 - 283
Copyright
© 2007 Universities Federation for Animal Welfare

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