Do coats improve sleep and alter activity rhythms in New Zealand farm dogs? : an accelerometer-based study : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Animal Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Abstract

New Zealand farm dogs are integral to the nation's agricultural industry, facing high workloads and overnight outdoor kenneling that may expose them to significant thermal stress, potentially compromising restorative sleep. While sleep is critical for the health, performance, and welfare of these working animals, the efficacy of simple management interventions to improve their rest have not been investigated. This study aimed to determine if a practical intervention, wearing a coat, could improve the sleep quality, daily activity rhythms, and nutrient digestibility of colony dogs in spring. Using a crossover design, eight healthy dogs housed in outdoor kennels were monitored over 10 days, alternating between periods of wearing and not wearing a coat at night. Sleep and activity patterns were measured using triaxial accelerometers and analysed with a machine-learning model. Apparent nutrient digestibility was assessed in parallel using a standard AAFCO protocol. The results showed that wearing a coat significantly increased the proportion of time spent sleep during the night particularly during the coldest hours of the night. Dogs wearing coats also exhibited a more balanced 24-hour activity rhythm, with significantly reduced nocturnal activity and increased activity during the following day (0900 to 1500 h), which may result in improved recovery and readiness for work. There was no effect (P>0.05) on apparent nutrient digestibility observed in the study. This study demonstrated that providing working dogs coats is a simple, non-invasive, and effective management strategy to mitigate the disruptive effects of low ambient temperatures on sleep. By promoting longer and more stable restorative rest, this practice can directly enhance the welfare, health, and functional capacity of New Zealand's vital farm working dogs.