Phenotypic characterization of captive ponies in delft island, Sri Lanka

he objective of the study was to phenotypically characterize the captive ponies that are present in Delft Island, Sri Lanka. Four qualitative traits and sixteen quantitative traits were measured in 10 ponies (9 males and 1 female). Collected data were statistically analyzed. The body weight of each pony was estimated, and information was collected regarding their management. Mean and Standard Deviation for each quantitative trait in centimeters were: face length 39.70 ± 4.22, face width 16.00 ± 1.67, ear length (left) 14.90 ± 0.92, ear length (right) 14.95 ± 0.79, muzzle circumference 39.55 ± 3.26, neck length 43.90 ± 2.39, neck circumference (at throat latch) 58.70 ± 5.46, neck circumference (at base) 78.85 ± 7.93, neck circumference (at midpoint) 65.75 ± 13.92, withers height 112.40 ± 5.44, rump height 109.60 ± 5.39, body length 67.45 ± 8.63, heart girth 119.30 ± 11.41, barrel girth 138.90 ± 12.27, cannon bone circumference (front) 18.90 ± 1.70, and cannon bone circumference (rear) 23.65 ± 1.55. Average weight was 85.66 ± 17.41 kg. Nine out of the 10 ponies were more than 7 years old. All the ponies had brown color coats with no markings on their bodies. The feral ponies present in the island are captured at a young age using ropes for taming. The expected lifespan is 20 years. The captive ponies are allowed free grazing and are not fed with concentrates or supplements. No regular deworming, vaccination or grooming is done. The captured ponies are not allowed to breed. Starvation and death during dry seasons are the most common issues.