THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN SOUTHERN UKRAINE ON THE FEEDING STANDARDS FOR DOGS KEPT OUTDOORS IN WINTER

Abstract

The rational feeding of dogs kept outdoors during the winter period has not been sufficiently studied, given that there are many different climatic regions in the world with their own specific environmental conditions and climate variations, which have been increasingly subject to change in the recent years. This fact alone accounts for the relevance of research in this area, which requires additional attention. According to the latest recommendations on the feeding standards for dogs kept outdoors during the winter period, it is suggested that their diet should be increased by 15% in terms of its energy content. 
The carried out investigation has disclosed the outcomes of various dog feeding practices, taking into account the climate of southern Ukraine and its recent changes. The data obtained provide grounds for revising the recommendations given in the scientific literature, since those do not specify the region of our country and its climatic features.
The findings of the study indicate that dogs of the first control group and the second experimental group had significant changes in their live weight and were 4.1 % higher when their daily diet was increased by 15 % and 20 %, respectively in its energy content. The height of the third experimental group grew by 6.9 %, which is not a desirable factor for the animals after finishing their physiological development. In contrast, the first experimental group, which consumed a diet with a 10% rise in its energy content in winter, had no changes in their live weight.
These results indicate that irrational feeding of dogs without taking into account the climatic conditions of the environment causes a possible increase in their live weight and can provoke animals' obesity, later on deteriorating their general health.