Traceability for a grazing equine system in inner areas of Centre-South Italy

The marginalization and depopulation phenomena which afflict inner areas of Centre-South Italy represent a significant issue for the socio-economic and environmental sustainability of those areas increasingly threatened by soil degradation, hydrogeological risks, and biodiversity loss. The study aims to evaluate the introduction of Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) as valid tools both for monitoring grazing equines and, consequently, for a better characterization of the nutritional value of resilient grazed areas. The study was conducted on the Apennine pastures of Capracotta municipalities (41°50′N 14°16′E, Isernia province), a Special Area of Conservation (SAC, IT7218215) located between 1150-1500 m of altitude, characterized by the widespread presence of rock outcrops. A total of twelve heavy horses, reared in extensive conditions from July to December, were fitted with GPS collars (Digitanimal®, Spain) which detect horse temperature and position every 30-min. The temporary alarm system was triggered when either the animals get across the predetermined fences or exhibit rapid behavioral changes. The GPS tracking showed that horses remained within the virtual fences, so that the study assessed the variation in land use according to the season. During summer and autumn, the animals were observed to extensively explore the entire pasture area. However, in summer equines came down to the valley at night for drinking, while they spent the hottest hours of the day at the top or on the edge of the woods. During winter, horses spent less time grazing and gathered between the woods and drinking area. Data from the GPS tracking system will be combined with data on pasture productivity and quality to optimize animal nutrition and welfare. This integration is expected to improve animal management in extensive farming systems of marginal inner areas. The study has been approved by the Bioethics Committee of the University of Molise. The research was supported by project PRIN 20224L4WSR, funded by Next Generation EU (CUP: H53D23005120).