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Water consumption and watering behavior of Przewalski horses ( Equus ferus przewalskii ) in a semireserve
Author(s) -
Scheibe K. M.,
Eichhorn K.,
Kalz B.,
Streich W. J.,
Scheibe A.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
zoo biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.5
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1098-2361
pISSN - 0733-3188
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1098-2361(1998)17:3<181::aid-zoo3>3.0.co;2-5
Subject(s) - biology , equus , consumption (sociology) , herd , water consumption , zoology , ecology , animal welfare , sociology , engineering , waste management , social science
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.