Equine Science Article Highlight: Shelter-Seeking Behaviour in Domestic Donkeys and Horses in a Temperate Climate

By Britta Osthaus, Leanne Proops, Sarah Long, Nikki Bell, Kristin Hayday and Faith Burden
Journal of Veterinary Behaviour, July-August, 2019

We came across this research on equid shelter behaviour and were very intrigued by the apparent difference between horses and donkeys when it comes to their shelter usage. The study suggests that the variations in behaviour between these species is partly due to the different climatic regions from where the animals evolved from: the donkey from warmer, semi-arid conditions of Africa and Arabia whilst the horse is generally accepted to be from the more temperate regions of Eurasia. Their differences in physiology and behaviour could also be associated to these origins.

The research involved both constructed and natural shelter types and recorded the horses and donkeys’ different usage patterns under different weather conditions and insect challenges. The behaviour of the two species was generally consistent towards both natural and constructed shelters.

The results generally showed that donkeys were more effected by precipitation, cold and moderate wind speeds, whereas horses tended to be more affected by heat, seeking out shade in temperatures above 20 degrees Celcius. Horses also moved ‘inside’ more, apparently to escape insect ‘harassment’.

In relation to shelter design (both in the pasture or a stabling complex), we can re-consider the form, materials and the solar orientation of shelters on the basis of this study, in addition to our much-advocated key design principles concerning safety.

We can optimise the welfare of the horse and donkey by considering the primary needs of the animals and the land and climatic context in which the structure is being built. Specific to this research, this includes:

• Horse shelters need to prioritise the provision of shade. As designers we consider the sun’s position in the sky and relative shadow angles for any proposed natural and/or constructed shelter. Accommodating groups of horses in the one paddock may require offering a larger extent of shade options to provide refuge for both the dominating and submissive equines.

• The insulation value of the materials and their ability to reflect, absorb and transmit solar heat loads to internal spaces. For instance, specifying construction materials that reflect heat may be a better option for horses in sunny, temperate conditions. This is important when we accommodate these different species’ Thermal Neutral Zones. A horse’s TNZ is reportedly to be 0-25º whereas no estimations of donkeys were reported. This study states that it a donkey’s TNZ is indicated to be higher than horses.

• The placement of artificial or natural shelter belts to screen prevailing winds on cool days for donkeys and warm winds on sunny, warmer days for horses.

• Design of the shelter’s openings for access and usage promotion and ventilation. Capturing cooling winds on warmer days, as well as remove heated, stale air is particularly important for horses. Positioning ventilation openings above the height of the donkeys to minimise cold prevailing winds blowing directly onto them.

As equine facility design specialists, we are very interested in the findings of the study specifically in relation to the horses, but it is often through a comparative study with another species, such as donkeys, that these equine needs are emphasised.

It is apparent from this study that we cannot assume all equid’s requirements for shelter are the same and it is important that this information is shared.

It was just yesterday that we saw some horses and donkeys sharing same shelters in a field, side-by side, potentially neither of them having their true needs accommodated. The research would suggest that it is not a matter of a ‘one type of shelter fits all’ equids (or all animals for that matter, humans included)!

As their caretakers we need to consider the size and shape of the shelter and its intended usage pattern. If a shelter is to be used predominantly for wind, rain protection or shade, it is always advantageous to provide to some extent for all of these, prioritising the species-specific needs of the equid. The critical individual species implications could be beneficial for both equids depending on the breed, context, (climate, prevailing weather condition, topography), management, etc.

Further thought is also warranted where horses and donkeys are kept in the same paddock. Providing rain protection for donkeys is particularly important given that their coats are not waterproof, and they can suffer from extreme cold once wet. This is not so much of a concern for the horses where it’s the hot sun is a greater welfare issue. This approach may also provide for the combination needs of the mule – but that would be another research topic!

It is a matter of responding to site specific criteria that effects the appropriateness and effectiveness of the shelter design.

The overarching objective is to optimise the positive experience of the animals and advocate for welfare specific to their needs. It’s not just a matter of any type of shelter will do – particularly when many common shelters may be more appropriate for storage of hay and tractors let alone our specific equids!