Ujumqin horse

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]
Category:Horse breeds originating in China
Category:China