| Records |
| Author |
Thiel, D.; Jenni-Eiermann, S.; Palme, R. |
| Title |
Measuring corticosterone metabolites in droppings of capercaillies (Tetrao urogallus) |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2005 |
Publication |
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences |
Abbreviated Journal |
Ann N Y Acad Sci |
| Volume |
1046 |
Issue |
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Pages |
96-108 |
| Keywords |
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone/administration & dosage/analysis/metabolism; Animals; Circadian Rhythm; Corticosterone/administration & dosage/*analysis/*metabolism; Feces/*chemistry; Female; Freezing; Galliformes/*metabolism; Male; Reproducibility of Results; Sex Factors; Temperature; Time Factors; Tritium/diagnostic use |
Abstract  |
The capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus), the largest grouse species in the world, is decreasing in numbers in major parts of its distribution range. Disturbances by human outdoor activities are discussed as a possible reason for this population decline. An indicator for disturbances is the increase of the glucocorticoid corticosterone, a stress hormone, which helps to cope with life-threatening situations. However, repeated disturbances might result in a long-term increase of the basal corticosterone concentration, which can result in detrimental effects like reduced fitness and survival of an animal. To measure corticosterone metabolites (CMs) noninvasively in the droppings of free-living capercaillies, first an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) in captive birds had to be selected and validated. Therefore, the excretion pattern of intravenously injected radiolabeled corticosterone was determined and 3H metabolites were characterized. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separations of the samples containing peak concentrations revealed that corticosterone was extensively metabolized. The HPLC fractions were tested in several EIAs for glucocorticoid metabolites. The physiological relevance of this method was proved after pharmacological stimulation of the adrenocortical activity. Only the recently established cortisone assay, measuring CMs with a 3,11-dione structure, detected an expressed increase of concentrations following ACTH stimulation. To set up a sampling protocol suited for the field, we examined the influence of various storage conditions and time of day on concentrations of CMs. |
| Address |
Swiss Ornithological Institute, 6204 Sempach, Switzerland. dominik.thiel@vogelwarte.ch |
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English |
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0077-8923 |
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| Notes |
PMID:16055846 |
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no |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
4079 |
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| Author |
Schultz, W.; Dayan, P.; Montague, P.R. |
| Title |
A Neural Substrate of Prediction and Reward |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
1997 |
Publication |
Science |
Abbreviated Journal |
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| Volume |
275 |
Issue |
5306 |
Pages |
1593-1599 |
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| Abstract |
The capacity to predict future events permits a creature to detect, model, and manipulate the causal structure of its interactions with its environment. Behavioral experiments suggest that learning is driven by changes in the expectations about future salient events such as rewards and punishments. Physiological work has recently complemented these studies by identifying dopaminergic neurons in the primate whose fluctuating output apparently signals changes or errors in the predictions of future salient and rewarding events. Taken together, these findings can be understood through quantitative theories of adaptive optimizing control. |
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no |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
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5749 |
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| Author |
Merkies, K.; McKechnie, M.J.; Zakrajsek, E. |
| Title |
Behavioural and physiological responses of therapy horses to mentally traumatized humans |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2018 |
Publication |
Applied Animal Behaviour Science |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Issue |
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Pages |
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| Keywords |
Equine-assisted therapy; Ptsd; Horse; Behaviour; Cortisol; Heart rate |
| Abstract |
The benefits to humans of equine-assisted therapy (EAT) have been well-researched, however few studies have analyzed the effects on the horse. Understanding how differing mental states of humans affect the behaviour and response of the horse can assist in providing optimal outcomes for both horse and human. Four humans clinically diagnosed and under care of a psychotherapist for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) were matched physically to four neurotypical control humans and individually subjected to each of 17 therapy horses loose in a round pen. A professional acting coach instructed the control humans in replicating the physical movements of their paired PTSD individual. Both horses and humans were equipped with a heart rate (HR) monitor recording HR every 5secs. Saliva samples were collected from each horse 30 min before and 30 min after each trial to analyze cortisol concentrations. Each trial consisted of 5 min of baseline observation of the horse alone in the round pen after which the human entered the round pen for 2 min, followed by an additional 5 min of the horse alone. Behavioural observations indicative of stress in the horse (gait, head height, ear orientation, body orientation, distance from the human, latency of approach to the human, vocalizations, and chewing) were retrospectively collected from video recordings of each trial and analyzed using a repeated measures GLIMMIX with Tukey's multiple comparisons for differences between treatments and time periods. Horses moved slower (p < 0.0001), carried their head lower (p < 0.0001), vocalized less (p < 0.0001), and chewed less (p < 0.0001) when any human was present with them in the round pen. Horse HR increased in the presence of the PTSD humans, even after the PTSD human left the pen (p < 0.0001). Since two of the PTSD/control human pairs were experienced with horses and two were not, a post-hoc analysis showed that horses approached quicker (p < 0.016) and stood closer (p < 0.0082) to humans who were experienced with horses. Horse HR was lower when with inexperienced humans (p < 0.0001) whereas inexperienced human HR was higher (p < 0.0001). Horse salivary cortisol did not differ between exposure to PTSD and control humans (p > 0.32). Overall, behavioural and physiological responses of horses to humans are more pronounced based on human experience with horses than whether the human is diagnosed with a mental disorder. This may be a reflection of a directness of movement associated with humans who are experienced with horses that makes the horse more attentive. It appears that horses respond more to physical cues from the human rather than emotional cues. This knowledge is important in tailoring therapy programs and justifying horse responses when interacting with a patient in a therapy setting. |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
0168-1591 |
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Approved |
no |
| Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
6385 |
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| Author |
Birke, L.; Hockenhull, J.; Creighton, E.; Pinno, L.; Mee, J.; Mills, D. |
| Title |
Horses' responses to variation in human approach |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
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Publication |
Applied Animal Behaviour Science |
Abbreviated Journal |
Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. |
| Volume |
In Press, Corrected Proof |
Issue |
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Pages |
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| Keywords |
Horse; Flight response; Human approach; Body posture; Approach speed; Natural horsemanship |
| Abstract |
The behaviour of humans around horses is thought to have a substantial impact on how people are perceived in subsequent interactions and many horse trainers give detailed advice on how handlers should behave when initially approaching a loose horse. Here we report on three studies designed to explore the effect of different human approach styles on the behaviour of naïve and experienced horses. In the first study, the change in flight distance (distance at which horses started to avoid an approaching human) of twelve semi-feral Dartmoor ponies, undergoing training to allow handling, was assessed. Over the 10 handling sessions median flight distance decreased significantly (p < 0.001) from 2.38 m to 0.00 m and there was a significant positive shift in the ponies' behaviour following the appearance of the researcher (p = 0.002). In a second study the effect of a direct (vigorous, swinging a lead rope and with eye contact) versus indirect (relaxed, no rope swinging and without eye contact) approach style was assessed on six adult experienced riding horses. The mean flight distance during a direct approach style (6.87 m) was significantly greater than that which occurred during an indirect approach style (2.32 m). Direction of approach was not found to significantly affect flight distance. In a third study, the effect of the rope was removed and a similar method to the second study applied to a group of naïve, feral ponies. The effect of different components of approach style, speed of approach, handler body posture and direction of gaze, which might contribute to observed differences in behavioural responses, were then examined systematically in this population. This revealed no significant difference in mean flight distance between the two approach styles (2.28 m indirect versus 2.37 m direct approach), but ponies were significantly more likely to move off in trot (p = 0.025) and to travel further (p = 0.001) when a direct approach was used. Speed of approach was the most salient factor, with a fast approach increasing both the tendency to move off in trot (p < 0.001) and distance travelled (p < 0.001). Body posture (relaxed or tense) had no effect, while flight distance was significantly greater when the person was looking away (p = 0.045). These results suggest horses may have an important egocentric spatial barrier, which perhaps relates to personal space and triggering of the flight response. Contrary to popular belief, body posture did not appear to be very important in the contexts examined unless accompanied by extraneous aids, while the speed of approach is particularly significant. These results are of important practical relevance in reducing the risk of injury, and the effective management of horses with minimal stress. |
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0168-1591 |
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no |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
5401 |
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| Author |
Nuñez, C.M.V.; Adelman, J.S.; Mason, C.; Rubenstein, D.I. |
| Title |
Immunocontraception decreases group fidelity in a feral horse population during the non-breeding season |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2009 |
Publication |
Applied Animal Behaviour Science |
Abbreviated Journal |
Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. |
| Volume |
117 |
Issue |
1-2 |
Pages |
74-83 |
| Keywords |
Equus caballus; Horse; Harem; Stability; Immunocontraception; Porcine zona pellucidae (PZP); Behavior |
| Abstract |
The behavioral effects of the immunocontraceptive agent porcine zona pellucida (PZP) have not been adequately studied. Important managerial decisions for several species, including the wild horse (Equus caballus), have been based on this limited research. We studied 30 horses on Shackleford Banks, North Carolina, USA to determine the effects of PZP contraception on female fidelity to the harem male. We examined two classes of females: contracepts, recipients of the PZP vaccine (n = 22); and controls, females that have never received PZP (n = 8). We conducted the study during the non-breeding season from December 2005 to February 2006, totaling 102.2 h of observation. Contracepted mares changed groups more often than control mares (P = 0.04). Contracepts also visited more harem groups than did control mares (P = 0.02) and exhibited more reproductive interest (P = 0.05). For both contracepted and control females, the number of group changes (P = 0.01) and number of groups visited (P = 0.003) decreased with the proportion of years mares were pregnant. Our study shows that the application of PZP has significant consequences for the social behavior of Shackleford Banks horses. In gregarious species such as the horse, PZP application may disrupt social ties among individuals and inhibit normal social functioning at the population level. |
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0168-1591 |
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no |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
5095 |
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Hoff, M.P.; Powell, D.M.; Lukas, K.E.; Maple, T.L. |
| Title |
Individual and social behavior of lowland gorillas in outdoor exhibits compared with indoor holding areas |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
1997 |
Publication |
Applied Animal Behaviour Science |
Abbreviated Journal |
Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. |
| Volume |
54 |
Issue |
4 |
Pages |
359-370 |
| Keywords |
Behavior; Agonistic behavior; Spatial distribution; Primates; Social behavior; Housing; Zoo animals; Gorilla |
| Abstract |
The behavior of nine lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) living in three social groups at Zoo Atlanta was compared in an indoor holding area versus an outdoor exhibit. Focal animal data were collected for each animal during 15 min observation sessions, alternating between indoors and outdoors. A variety of solitary and social behaviors differed in the two conditions. All individual and social behaviors that showed a difference, except eating, occurred more indoors than outdoors. These included aggressive displays, reclining, self manipulation, and social examination of others. Additionally, the gorillas spent more time closer together in the indoor condition. A variety of other behaviors measured did not change between the two environments. There was a clear effect on behavior of the different housing conditions in which the gorillas were kept. It is suggested that the differences in aggressive behavior may be related to environmental complexity. It is further suggested that zoos should be aware that differences in behavior reported by caretaking staff, researchers and visitors may be a reflection of the differing environmental circumstances in which the animals are observed. |
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no |
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Serial |
2143 |
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| Author |
Houpt, K.A. |
| Title |
Formation and dissolution of the mare-foal bond |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2002 |
Publication |
Applied Animal Behaviour Science |
Abbreviated Journal |
Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. |
| Volume |
78 |
Issue |
2-4 |
Pages |
319-328 |
| Keywords |
Maternal; Horse; Foal; Separation; Ontogeny |
| Abstract |
The behavior of mares at foaling and their behavior during subsequent weekly brief separations from their foals was quantified. Thirteen multiparous pony mares were observed for the first 30 min after foaling. Activities directed toward the foal and toward the fetal membranes were recorded. There were 16+/-8 contacts with the fetal membranes, most in the first 10 min post-partum. There were 81+/-12 activities directed toward the foal. There was a downward trend in foal contacts over the first 30 min. Eight of the 13 mares were observed for the 30-60 min post-partum during which licking and touching the foal continued. Only one of the foals suckled in the first 30 min, but half had suckled by 60 min. Ten mares and foals were separated for 5 min each week for 9 weeks. Although mare responses (neighs and steps) decreased with age of the foal, the foals' responses increased from weeks 1 to 2 and then decreased with foal age. This indicates that foal attachment to the mare is not complete until it is 2 weeks old. |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
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3624 |
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| Author |
Moehlman, P.D. |
| Title |
Behavioral patterns and communication in feral asses (Equus africanus) |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
1998 |
Publication |
Applied Animal Behaviour Science |
Abbreviated Journal |
Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. |
| Volume |
60 |
Issue |
2-3 |
Pages |
125-169 |
| Keywords |
Equids; Feral asses; Behavior patterns; Facial expressions; Postures; Locomotion |
| Abstract |
The behavior of feral populations of the African wild ass (Equus africanus) were studied in the Northern Panamint Range of Death Valley National Monument for 20 months from 1970 to 1973 [Moehlman, P.D., 1974. Behavior and ecology of feral asses (Equus asinus). PhD dissertation, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 251 pp.; Moehlman, P.D., 1979. Behavior and ecology of feral asses (Equus asinus). Natl. Geogr. Soc. Res. Reports, 1970: 405-411]. Maintenance behavior is described and behavior sequences that were used in social interactions are quantified by sex and age class. Agonistic, sexual, and greeting behavior patterns are described and analyzed in conjunction with the responses they elicited. Mutual grooming mainly occurred between adult males, and between females and their offspring. Five types of vocalizations were distinguished: brays, grunts, growls, snorts, and whuffles. A second population was studied for 1 month on Ossabaw Island, GA (Moehlman, 1979). This population had more permanent social groups and had a higher rate of mutual grooming and foal social play. |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
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2381 |
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| Author |
Hunter, L.; Houpt, K..A. |
| Title |
Bedding material preferences of ponies. |
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Journal Article |
| Year |
1989 |
Publication |
Journal of American Society of Animal Science |
Abbreviated Journal |
J Anim Sci |
| Volume |
67 |
Issue |
8 |
Pages |
1986-1991 |
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| Abstract |
The bedding preferences of ponies were determined using video recordings of nighttime (1900 to 0700) behavior of individually housed ponies. The ponies' behavior each minute was recorded to determine time budgets. In Exp. I, preference for bedding was determined using three mares, three stallions and two geldings given access to bedded and unbedded areas in a box stall. The ponies spent more time (66%) on the bedded area and were never observed lying on the unbedded areas. In Exp. II, three mares and six stallions were given access to a box stall, one side of which was bedded with wood shavings and the other with straw. Although some individual animals preferred one bedding over the other, neither form of bedding was preferred consistently. Time budgets in Exp. II were similar on both bedding materials. The ponies spent 12% of their nighttime lying, 2% walking, 35% eating and 50% standing inactively. Some ponies had a relatively strong preference for bedding, but the type of bedding preferred varied with the individual animal. Some individual ponies had no clear preference, but instead had a side or position preference |
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| Notes |
from Professor Hans Klingels Equine Reference List |
Approved |
yes |
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1211 |
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Álvarez, I.; Royo, L.J.; Pérez-Pardal, L.; Fernández, I.; Lorenzo, L.; Goyache, F. |
| Title |
Assessing diversity losses due to selection for coat colour in the endangered bay-Asturcón pony using microsatellites |
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Journal Article |
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Livestock Science |
Abbreviated Journal |
Livest Sci |
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In Press, Corrected Proof |
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Conservation; MC1r; Asip; Gene diversity; Allelic richness |
| Abstract |
The bay-Asturcón pony (A21) population recovery started recently. A total of 297 samples (180 from founder individuals) belonging to the A21 population were genotyped for: a) a set of 15 microsatellites; and b) the presence of the two recessive chestnut alleles reported in the literature (e and ea) on the MC1r gene (locus Extension) and the deletion on the ASIP gene (locus Agouti) associated with recessive black coat in horses. The extent to which the genetic variability of the A21 population could be affected by selection strategies aimed at decreasing the frequency of the chestnut allele was quantified in terms of gene diversity and allelic richness. The possible genetic impact of a controlled introgression of A21 offspring into the black-coated Asturcón (A20) population was also assessed using 261 available A20 genotypes. The wild alleles for the Extension and Agouti loci (E and A, respectively) were the most frequent (77.8% and 59.4%) in the A21 population. Both the e and ea recessive chestnut alleles were identified with frequencies of 21.2% and 1.0%. As expected, the contribution to overall diversity of the founder subpopulation was always higher than that of the A21 offspring subpopulation. Total contribution of the offspring subpopulation to overall allelic richness was negative (- 1.84%), showing that all their alleles were present in the founder subpopulation. Although favourable, the chestnut carrier individuals had poor contributions to overall gene diversity and tended to have negative contributions to allelic richness. The elimination of the chestnut carrier A21 individuals would not affect genetic variability to a significant extent. Therefore, efforts for preserving the genetic variability in the A21 population could focus on a careful planning of matings between individuals free of the recessive chestnut alleles. The expected influence of a controlled introgression of A21 offspring on the genetic variability of the A20 population was always favourable. The gene diversity of the introgressed population was higher than that of the original A20 population for both gene diversity (GDT = -1.2% ± 0.04%) and, particularly, allelic richness (CT = 4.9% ± 0.27%). Very limited gene flow may increase the number of alleles of the A20 population but also would yield a balance of the allelic frequencies at a population level. Therefore, a common breeding policy for the two Asturcón pony populations may ensure the viability of this prominent genetic resource. |
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1871-1413 |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
5174 |
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