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Author (up) Rapin, V.; Poncet, P.A.; Burger, D.; Mermod, C.; Richard, M.A. doi  openurl
  Title [Measurement of the attention time in the horse] Type Journal Article
  Year 2007 Publication Schweizer Archiv fur Tierheilkunde Abbreviated Journal Schweiz Arch Tierheilkd  
  Volume 149 Issue 2 Pages 77-83  
  Keywords Age Factors; Animals; *Attention/physiology; Conditioning, Operant; Cross-Over Studies; Female; Horses/*physiology; Learning/*physiology; Male; Memory/*physiology; Time Factors  
  Abstract A study carried out on 49 horses showed that it is possible to measure the attention time by operant conditioning. After teaching horses an instrumental task using a signal, we were then able to test their attention time by asking them to prolong it increasingly while setting success and failure criteria. Two tests were performed 3 weeks apart. The 2nd test was feasible without relearning, a proof of memory, and was repeatable, a proof of consistency in the attention time. A significant difference was observed between the 3 age groups. Young horses often performed very well during the 1st test but their attention dropped in the 2nd test while older horses were more stable with respect to attention and even increased it slightly. The study shows that there are individual differences but it was not possible to prove a significant influence of breed, gender and paternal influence. Consequently, learning appears to be one of the most interesting approaches for evaluating the attention of horses and for observing their behaviour.  
  Address Laboratoire d'Ecoethologie, Universite de Neuchatel, Suisse. veronique.rapin@unine.ch  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language French Summary Language Original Title Mesure de la duree d'attention chez le cheval  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0036-7281 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:17343134 Approved no  
  Call Number Serial 1770  
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