Feeding Ecology of Feral Horses in Western Alberta

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Abstract
Foraging behavior and diets of feral horses were studied throughout 1 annual cycle in western Alberta [Canada]. The availability of preferred forage plants appeared to be a primary determinant of habitat utilization during all seasons. Horses spent about 75% of daylight hours foraging during winter and spring with an apparent decrease in feeding time in summer. They were adept at obtaining forage from beneath snow. Fecal fragments analysis showed that gramineous plants were the major dietary constituents, never falling below a level of 83% in monthly diets. Sedges (Carex spp.), hairy wild rye (Elymus innovatus) and fescues (Festuca spp.) were the most important food plants. A fecal index technique suggested strong seasonal variation in diet quality.

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