Water consumption and watering behavior of Przewalski horses (Equus ferus przewalskii) in a semireserve

Abstract

Water consumption by 12 female Przewalski horses was automatically measured in a semireserve for 17 months. Average daily consumption on a yearly basis was between 2.4 and 8.3 liters, but significant individual variation in water consumption and drinking frequency was recorded throughout the observation period. Individual differences were more clearly detectable during periods of hot and dry weather. Individuals with high water demands initiated herd movements toward watering places independent of their social rank. Discussed as possible reasons for individual differences in water demand are: acquired preferences, distinct food selection, and genetically determined physiological differences. Watering behavior should not be regarded as an important factor only in re‐introduction projects, but also with respect to animal welfare in general. Zoo Biol 17:181–192, 1998. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

The ecological influence of large herbivores – behavior and habitat utilization of cattle and horses

“…The animals spent little time drinking and were drinking irregularly and infrequently. Several authors refer this to the availability of fresh food (Scheibe et al 1998a, Zeitler-Feicht 2001. Lying during the resting time is an important behavior especially for the cattle (Metz 1985), while horses are able to rest standing with nearly no energy consumption (Budras and Röck 1997).…”

A comparative study of the application of two horse welfare assessment protocols

“…Current legislation requires that horses are given free access to water at least twice daily (Statens Jordbruksverk, 2007) but such limited access is risky (Reeves et al, 1996;Hudson et al, 2001) as horses can voluntarily drink more than twice daily (Houpt, 1991;Scheibe et al, 1998). Clearly, legislative changes are required so that natural drinking needs of horses are met.…”

Distances travelled by feral horses in ‘outback’ Australia

“…In contrast, domestic horses travel very small distances compared to their feral relatives (Hampson et al . 2010), generally have free access to water and have been documented to drink several times daily (Scheibe et al . 1998).…”