ASPECTS OF EQUINE FEEDING BEHAVIOR AND FOOD CONSUMPTION

E. Köntés, I.M. Pop

Abstract
   In the process of researching the feeding behavior and food consumption reflexes of equines, a series of measurements have been executed regarding the quantity of food that has reached the oral cavity of the observed specimens with one bite, and also the speed of consumption for a given quantity of food.
   The data has been collected at three farms, from 20 specimens, all of them over three years of age.
   Repeated measurements have been performed regarding the quantities of oat consumed with one bite, and also the time necessary for the consumption of one kilogram of oat.
   Regarding the bite, the distinctions observed between the specimens varied individually, but significant variations have been observed regarding the time necessary for the consumption of the food.
   During the research a strong correlation has been noticed between the speed of the food consumption and the frequency of colic in the observed specimens.
   For the specimens with colic, the time necessary for the consumption of 1 kg of oat was approximately 30-40% shorter than the average of the observed group.
   A few causes have been identified for the acceleration of food consumption, which can implicitly contribute to the development of equine colic.
   The data obtained can be beneficial for the understanding and exploitation of certain behavioral patterns and the eventual prevention of some of the problems caused by equine feeding behavior.

Key words: Equines, Colic, Behavior