Ujumqin horse

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Ujumqin horse
Horserider in the east of the Ujumqin banner
Country of originChina
UseSaddle horse and mare milk
Traits
Height
  • From 1.25 m to 1.35 m

The Ujumqin (simplified Chinese: 乌珠穆沁马; traditional Chinese: 烏珠穆沁馬; pinyin: Wū zhū mù qìn mǎ) is a type of Chinese Mongolian horse. Larger and reputedly better conformed than other horses of this breed, it is mainly ridden, the mares being milked for their milk.

History[edit]

Also known as Wuchumutsin[1] and Wuzhumuqin.[2][3] The CAB International encyclopedia (2016) calls it "improved white Ujumqin".[3] It is the result of selective breeding under human control, which has increased its size.[4]

A technical communication from Commonwealth Agricultural Bureaux in 1969,[5] followed by an official Chinese report in 1978,[6] indicated the existence of these horses as a distinct breed or type. In 1982, around 100,000 Ujumqin-type horses were recorded in China, with a downward trend in numbers.[1]

Description[edit]

The Ujumqin is a light,[1] steppe-type horse.[2] It is considered an "improved", more elegant version of the classic Chinese Mongolian horse.[2][4]

Different size data are available. In his 1984 study, Piliu Zheng mentions an average height of 1.35 m for males and 1.29 m for females.[7] Caroline Puel (1989) cites an overall average of 1.35 m.[4] CAB International (2016) indicates more than 1.30 m.[3] The data are 1.27 m for females and 1.30 m for males according to the DAD-IS database, managed by the FAO.[1] The University of Oklahoma study (2007) gives a lower overall average of around 1.25 m.[2]

The Ujumqin is reputed to be better conformed than other strains of Chinese Mongolian, thanks to the quality of the grass in its native territory.[3][4]

The breed has great endurance, and is faster than other Mongolian horses.[8] Among the various types of Chinese Mongolian horse, the Ujumqin is the closest genetically to the Wushen,[9] which is surprising given the great geographical distance between the two breeding areas. It is possible that this genetic proximity is the result of exchanges of breeding stock between breeders.[10]

Usage[edit]

The Ujumqin has a remarkable aptitude for work.[1] The breed is mainly used as a saddle horse and transport horse.[4] Ujumqin mares are milked for their milk: lactation lasts an average of 125 days, with an average yield of 350 kg per lactation.[1]

Breeding distribution[edit]

DAD-IS registers it as a local Chinese breed.[1] It is mainly found in the Xilingol League in eastern Inner Mongolia,[8] but has also spread to neighboring agricultural regions in northern China.[4] No threat level is given.[1] In 2007 the FAO listed it as 'not at risk'.[11]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h "Mongolian - Ujumqin / China (Horse)". Domestic Animal Diversity Information System of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (DAD-IS).
  2. ^ a b c d Hendricks (2007, p. 128)
  3. ^ a b c d Porter et al. (2015, p. 453)
  4. ^ a b c d e f Puel (1989, p. 31)
  5. ^ Commonwealth Bureau of Animal Breeding and Genetics (1969). Technical Communication. Commonwealth Agricultural Bureaux. pp. 100, 105.
  6. ^ Zheng (1984, p. 15)
  7. ^ Zheng, 1984 & 9
  8. ^ a b Li et al. (2008, p. 1697)
  9. ^ Li et al. (2008, p. 1696)
  10. ^ Li et al. (2008, p. 1702)
  11. ^ "Breeds Currently Recorded In The Global Databank For Animal Genetic Resources" (PDF). Organisation des Nations unies pour l'alimentation et l'agriculture. 2007.

Bibliography[edit]

  • Hendricks, Bonnie Lou (2007). "Chinese Mongolian". International Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds. University of Oklahoma Press. ISBN 978-0806138848.
  • Li, Jinlian; Shi, Youfei; Fan, Caiyun; Manglai, Dugarjaviin (2008). mtDNA diversity and origin of Chinese Mongolian horses (PDF). Vol. 21. Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci.
  • Mang, L. (2005). Wuzhumuqin horse-outstanding species on Xilingoluo grasslands. Vol. 1. China-Collection Industry.
  • Porter, Valerie; Alderson, Lawrence; Hall, Stephen; Sponenberg, Dan (2016). "Chinese Mongolian". Mason's World Encyclopedia of Livestock Breeds and Breeding (6th ed.). CAB International. ISBN 978-1-84593-466-8.
  • Puel, Caroline (1989). "Où sont donc passés les chevaux chinois ?". Le petit livre du cheval en Chine. Caracole (in French). Favre. ISBN 978-2828903312.
  • Zheng, Piliu (1984). "Horses". Livestock Breeds of China. Food and Agriculture Organization. ISBN 9251021856.
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