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| Author | Wehnert, C.; Schmidt, A.; Möstl, E.; Aurich, J.; Müller, J.; Aurich, C. | ||||
| Title | Heart rate and cortisol release in horses during road transport | Type | Conference Article | ||
| Year | 2008 | Publication | IESM 2008 | Abbreviated Journal | |
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| Abstract | In sport horses, equestrian competitions may lead to increased cortisol release. The competition itself but also a new environment or transport to the events can be considered as stressors. In this study, warmblood sport horses (4-16 years, 4 mares, 2 stallions, 18 geldings) were transported by road for one (t1), 3.5 (t3.5) and 8 hours (t8), (n=8 per group). Heart rate (HR) is an indicator of stress and correlates with cortisol release. Heart rate was recorded with a mobile recording system (f810i, Polar, Kempele, Finland), fixed to a girth around the thorax of the horse and was monitored the day before transport, during transport and 12 hours thereafter. In addition, cortisol metabolite concentrations in faeces were determined in order to analyse adrenocortical activation during transport. Faecal samples were collected three times per day. Cortisol metabolite concentrations in faeces are increased approximately 24 hours after an elevation in plasma cortisol concentrations. Basal HR before transport did not differ between groups (45±2 (SEM) beats/min). During the first 30 min of transport, HR increased significantly (84±6, p<0.001, Kruskal-Wallis-H-test) but did not differ between groups. During the remaining part of the transport, HR was 61±6 beats/min (p<0.001 vs. first 30 min). When HR was analysed for the last 30 min of transport, values for groups t1 and t8 were significantly (p<0.05) higher than in group t3.5. HR decreased to baseline values within less than 30 min after transport and did not differ between groups (30-60 min after transport: 44±3 beats/min). Faecal cortisol metabolite concentrations on the day after transport were elevated compared to pre-transport baseline values in all three groups of horses. Significant differences existed between groups (e.g. 18 hours after transport t1: 91±5, t3.5: 110±18, t8: 136±27 ng/g; p<0.05). Based on HR analysis, horses of group t3.5 had adapted to transport, while the prolonged transport in group t8 again was a stressor. In group t1, which was transported only for one hour, the higher heart during the last 3 min of transport was still part of the initial rise in HR. After an initial increase, heart decreases indicating adaptation of the horse to transport. Cortisol metabolite concentrations in faeces indicate that transport causes adrenocortical activation with the amount of cortisol released depending on the duration of transport. Transport over medium distances appears to no major stressor and a negative impact on the performance of the horse is unlikely. Transport over 8 hours caused the most pronounced cortisol release and HR increases again during the last hours of an 8-hour transport. Transports exceeding this time may temporarily affect the subsequent performance of the horse in equestrian sports. Supported by Stiftung Forschung für das Pferd |
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| Address | University of Veterinary Science, 1210 Vienna, Austria | ||||
| Corporate Author | Wehnert, C. | Thesis | |||
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| Area | Expedition | Conference | IESM 2008 | ||
| Notes | Talk 15 min IESM 2008 | Approved  |
yes | ||
| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 4484 | ||
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| Author | Burger, D.; Baumgartner, M.; Schauer, S. N.; Wägeli, S.; Aurich, C.; Gerber, V. | ||||
| Title | Influence of the recipient mare on character traits of adult offspring in a Warmblood embryo transfer program – preliminary results | Type | Conference Article | ||
| Year | 2008 | Publication | IESM 2008 | Abbreviated Journal | |
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| Abstract | The influence of recipient mares in commercial embryo transfer (ET) programs on behavior of the ET foals is a matter of great interest and controversial discussion. Presently, no interdisciplinary ethological and reproductive studies on this topic exist. However, empirical experience suggests that behavioral traits of the recipient mare do not influence those of the foal, thus implying a predominantly genetic origin of a horse“s basic character. Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of recipient mares on behavioural traits of their ET products. Materials and Methods: Based on records of the embryo transfer program in Warmblood horses since 1990 at the Swiss National Stud, questionnaires concerning behavior, stereotypies and mother-foal-relationship were designed and completed by telephone interview: 18 scientifically assessed questions provided the basis for a linear description (Equine Personality Assessment Questionnaire, Lloyd et al., 2007). They were grouped in a) emotivity, b) social motivation, c) general level of activity, d) stress behavior, e) learning capacity and f) reactions towards humans. Questionnaires were designed for the owners of the ET offspring (minimum of three years of age), the sires, donor mares and the recipient mares. Out of 200 questionnaires, 25 complete ET families have emerged so far and were analysed. All genetic parents were Warmblood horses, as were 23 of the recipient mares, the other two were Franches-Montagnes horses. Results: Comparing the mean values of the four groups (genetic dam and sire, recipient mare and ET product), significant differences were found for the parameters emotivity (sires lower, p<0.001), learning behaviour (recipient mares lower, p<0.05) and activity (recipient mares lower, p<0.05). With only one exception, the multiple variable regression analysis found no significant influence of the recipient mare on the ET product. The only significant effect observed, was that of the social motivation of the recipient mare on the learning capacity of the ET offspring (r2= -0.421, p<0.05). In contrast, numerous significant effects of behavioural traits of the genetic dams and sires on their ET offspring (10 and 8, respectively) were observed. Conclusions: These preliminary results confirm field observations that the influence of the recipient mare does not play an important role in character development of the ET offspring. However, the investigated parameters indicate that the behavioural traits of the genetic parents appear to have a strong influence on the offspring”s behaviour.. This study model promises new achievements in the evaluation of genetic and environmental effects on the behavior of a horse. References Lloyd, AS, Martin, JE, Bornett-Gauci, HLI, Wilkinson, RG (2007). Evaluation of a novel method of horse personality asses |
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| Corporate Author | Baumgartner, M. | Thesis | |||
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| Area | Expedition | Conference | IESM 2008 | ||
| Notes | Talk 15 min IESM 2008 | Approved |
yes | ||
| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 4485 | ||
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| Author | Jørgensen, G. H.M.; Borsheim, L.; Mejdell, C. M.; Bøe, K. E. | ||||
| Title | Social interactions and spacing in horses (Equus caballus) grouped according to gender | Type | Conference Article | ||
| Year | 2008 | Publication | IESM 2008 | Abbreviated Journal | |
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| Abstract | The aim of this study was to investigate the social behaviour and spacing between horses when grouped according to gender in homogeneous- or heterogeneous groups, and to see if the amount and severity of aggression differed in relation to gender composition. A total of 66 horses divided in six batches were used. In each batch, horses were allotted into one mare group, one gelding group and one mixed gender group, with most groups consisting of three or four animals. Three batches were performed on Icelandic horses and three batches on riding horses and -ponies. After 4-6 weeks of acclimatisation, a trained observer recorded all social interactions using direct, continuous observation one hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon for three consecutive days. In addition, the nearest neighbour of each horse was recorded using instantaneous sampling every 10 minutes. The horses were inspected for injuries before grouping, day one after grouping and after 4-6 weeks. Furthermore, a novel object test and a handling test (taking horse out of group) were conducted after the behavioural observations were completed. No significant effect of gender composition was found on social interactions, spacing or injuries. Most of the aggressive interactions recorded were threats, and not aggressive interactions involving physical contact. Aggression seemed to increase with decreased space per animal and more horses per feeding place. Very few injuries were found and most were superficial. Horses showed a low degree of fearfulness in the novel object test and most horses were easy to handle in the “horse out of group test”. In conclusion, gender composition does not seem to have any effect on aggression level, spacing or injuries in social groups of horses. |
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| Address | 2National Veterinary Institute, Department of Animal Health, P.O. Box 750 Sentrum, 0106 Oslo, Norway. | ||||
| Corporate Author | Jørgensen, G. H.M. | Thesis | |||
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| Area | Expedition | Conference | IESM 2008 | ||
| Notes | Talk 15 min IESM 2008 | Approved |
yes | ||
| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 4489 | ||
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| Author | Kaczensky, P.; Ganbaatar, O.; von Wehrden,H.; Walzer, C. | ||||
| Title | Przewalski`s horses (Equus ferus przewalskii) and Asiatic wild asses (Equus hemionus): Similar Species, Same Habitat – Same Use? | Type | Conference Article | ||
| Year | 2008 | Publication | IESM 2008 | Abbreviated Journal | |
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| Abstract | Historic overlap zones of wild equids were small in Africa but extensive for Przewalski`s horses and Asiatic wild asses in Asia. Currently the Great Gobi B Strictly Protected Area in SW Mongolia is the only place where sympatric, free-ranging populations of these equids occur. This provides an unique opportunity to examine the co-existence of these little studied species and test the hypothesis that Przewalski`s horses are primarily adapted to mesic steppe habitats, whereas Asiatic wild asses are adapted to arid desert steppes and semi-deserts. We monitored 9 Przewalski`s horses and 7 wild asses with satellite telemetry and superimposed the data on a habitat map derived from remote sensing (LANDSAT TM & ETM+-data) and ground sample plots. We tested for habitat preferences comparing use and availability with a logistic regression mixed model approach. Individuals were treated as random factors. Factor variables were tested for significant differences in subsequent Tukey post-hoc tests. Przewalski`s horses had non-exclusive home ranges of 152-826 km² and heavily selected for the most productive riparian plant communities. Asiatic wild asses also had non-exclusive home ranges, but with 4,449-6,835 km² they were 10 times larger than those of Przewalski`s horses. Asiatic wild asses seem to use plant communities more or less relative to their availability. Our results provide evidence for two parallel resource selection strategies. Our findings indicate that the Gobi areas provide an edge, rather than an optimal habitat for Przewalski`s horses. This leaves only small and isolated pockets of suitable habitat for future re-introductions. Asiatic wild asses, on the other hand, need access to large tracts of land to cope with the unpredictable resource distribution of the Gobi. Thus, Asiatic wild ass conservation requires a large scale approach. |
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| Corporate Author | Kaczensky, P. | Thesis | |||
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| Area | Expedition | Conference | IESM 2008 | ||
| Notes | Talk 15 min IESM 2008 | Approved |
yes | ||
| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 4490 | ||
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| Author | Wöhr, A.C.; Erhard, M. | ||||
| Title | Polysonographic studies, about sleeping behaviour of horses | Type | Conference Article | ||
| Year | 2008 | Publication | IESM 2008 | Abbreviated Journal | |
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| Abstract | Objective: In the context of the ongoing discussion about keeping horses in individual stable boxes vs. in herds the lack of relaxation of the horse as a flight animal is an argument often put forward against individual housing. The long-term objective of our investigations is to determine the sleep phases in various housing systems in order to find a substantiated answer to that issue. For that purpose, the sleep waves measured by EEG have to be defined beforehand and allocated to the individual stages of sleep. The experiments described here are intended to support this effort. The objective is to establish a method which by means of a portable polysomnograph allows to capture the sleeping behaviour of horses for the purpose of defining the individual stages of sleep. It was investigated which stages of sleep horses undergo, and to what extent they may be comparable to those of humans. Animals/materials/methods: Given the high technical effort involved, somnographic examination of large animals has so far been difficult and mostly required the animals to be sedated. Meanwhile, however, instruments such as the Somnoscreen by Somnomedics have become available. This is a completely portable polysomnograph with up to 28 channels and wireless online signal transmission and synchronous video transmission to a PC. Using this instrument, the sleep profile of 5 Icelandic ponies and 10 horses (different race) aged 5-10 years was recorded and evaluated for 4 or 5 nights per horse. The following parameters were assessed: EEG (electroencephalogram), EOG (electrooculogram), EMG (electromyogram), ECG (electrocardiogram), thoracic and abdominal breathing motions as well as identification of the body posture. Synchronous video recordings were made. EEG recordings were obtained through gold-coated disk electrodes with long flexible cables, applied and secured to the scalp. Results: As with humans, various stages of sleep can also be defined for horses using the above methods of recording. The waking condition is characterised by alpha waves, which just like in humans are within a range of 8-12 Hz. Typical REM phases as in humans were also detected, although not only when stretched completely on their side, as has hitherto always been described, but also when lying on their chest. Phases of deep sleep (stage 4) can also be measured, with the animals mostly in a standing position. The multi-stage human sleeping pattern, which is made up of 4-6 repeat phases of sleep (waking stage eyes open – waking stage eyes closed – REM phase – stage 1 – stage 2 – stage 3 – stage 4 – return to REM phase etc.) was found to be similar in horses in individual sequences. However, the sleep phases are shorter and more frequently interrupted by waking phases. Conclusions: Horses are flight animals, which is why they have to be “on eye” in every situation so as to be able to flee in the face of danger. In a natural herd lying positions are only assumed if one or more members watch over the herd. In some publications the REM phase is treated as equivalent to the deep sleep phase. Although the REM phase is a phase of total muscle relaxation it is at the same time the dream phase and due to the high frequencies and the low amplitudes in the EOG resembles Stage I. This means that the sleeping horse can be awakened very quickly from this REM phase so as to be able to react to any dangerous situation. It therefore makes sense for the horses to assume a lying position during REM phases as the muscles are relaxed, yet a waking condition can be reached very quickly. A standing position seems to be preferred during deep sleep phases, where waking takes rather long, so that at least the position will not have to be changed. Whether the sleeping behaviour changes depending on age and race has yet to be investigated. |
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| Address | Institute of Animal Welfare, Ethology and Animal Hygiene, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Schwere-Reiter-Str. 9, 80637 Munich/Germany, woehr@lmu.de | ||||
| Corporate Author | Wöhr, A.C. | Thesis | |||
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| Area | Expedition | Conference | IESM 2008 | ||
| Notes | Talk 15 min IESM 2008 | Approved |
yes | ||
| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 4498 | ||
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| Author | Schmidt, A.; Möstl, E.; Neuhauser, S.; Aurich, J.; Müller, J.; Aurich, C. | ||||
| Title | Changes in heart rate and cortisol release during initial training of three-year-old warmblood sport horse stallions | Type | Conference Article | ||
| Year | 2008 | Publication | IESM 2008 | Abbreviated Journal | |
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| Abstract | The first weeks of training in young sport horses have been suggested to represent a stressful period and training practises for horses have been questioned recently. So far, only limited data on the stress response of young horses to the initial training are available. Heart rate (HR) provides information on fitness of the horse but is also an indicator of stress or pain. Determination of cortisol metabolites in faeces is a non-invasive technique to determine a prolonged stress response. In our study, three-year-old warmblood sport horse stallions (n=8) were followed through a standardised 10-week classical training programme from lunging to first mounting of a rider and progressing to moderate work. Feed, housing and management were similar for all horses. HR was recorded with a mobile recording System (f810i, Polar, Kempele, Finland) fixed to a girth around the thorax of the horse and was monitored twice weekly from 30 min before to 30 min after training, i.e. including the training period. In addition, cortisol concentrations were determined in faecal samples collected three times daily. Overall basal HR before daily training was 39±2 (SEM) beats/min and mean values did not change significantly over the 10-week study period. Average HR during initial lunging (week 1) was 119±14 beats min and decreased to 95±5 beats/min in week 2. Due to individual variations this decrease did not reach statistical significance. Neither first mounting of a rider (89±10 beats/min) nor an increasing workload (e.g. week 8: 111±4 beats/min) were associated with prolonged increases in mean HR, but transient increases were recorded and the response to mounting of the rider differed markedly between stallions. After daily training, HR decreased rapidly but was slightly, although significantly (p<0.05, Friedman-test) higher than pre-work values (46±2 beats/min). Cortisol metabolite concentrations in faeces tended to decrease during the period of lunging, were not increased when the horses were first mounted by a rider but rose slightly with an increasing work load during the last 4 weeks of the 10-week training period. In conclusion, based on HR and faecal cortisol metabolite concentrations, the initial training of sport horse stallions in the classical German training system is not associated with major stress for the horse. The increase in HR during training is due to physical exercise itself and not associated with specific situations of the training programme. Supported by a fellowship from Stiftung Forschung für das Pferd to AS |
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| Address | Graf Lehndorff Institute, Brandenburg State Stud, 16845 Neustadt (Dosse), Germany; University of Veterinary Science, 1210 Vienna, Austria | ||||
| Corporate Author | Schmidt, A. | Thesis | |||
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| Area | Expedition | Conference | IESM 2008 | ||
| Notes | Talk 15 min IESM 2008 | Approved |
yes | ||
| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 4499 | ||
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| Author | Vidya, T.N.C.; Sukumar, R. | ||||
| Title | Social and reproductive behaviour in elephants | Type | Journal Article | ||
| Year | 2005 | Publication | Current Science (Bangalore) | Abbreviated Journal | Curr Sci |
| Volume | 89 | Issue | 7 | Pages | 1200-1207 |
| Keywords | Acoustic communication; dispersal; Elephas maximus; Loxodonta africana; musth; social organization | ||||
| Abstract | We present a review of studies on elephant social and reproductive behaviour. While the social organization of the African savannah elephant (Loxodonta africana africana) has been intensively studied,that of the African forest elephant (Loxodonta africana cyclotis) and the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) are poorly understood. Noninvasive molecular methods are useful in combination with behavioural data in understanding social organization and dispersal strategies. The ecological determinants of social organization, and the importance of matriarchal leadership to social groups, and relative importance of different forms of communication under various ecological conditions remain interesting topics that await investigation. Reproductive behaviour also has been examined in detail only in the African savannah elephant, although rigorous chemical analyses continue to be carried out using captive elephants of both species. Improved laboratory techniques may enable future work on reproductive signalling in free-ranging elephants, allowing for comprehensive studies of male-male interactions and mate choice by females. | ||||
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| Notes | Copyright for this article belongs to Indian Academy of Sciences. | Approved |
yes | ||
| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 4703 | ||
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| Author | Landaeta-Hernández, A. J.; Chenoweth, P. J.; Randles, R.; Littell, R.; Rae, O.; Chase, C. C. | ||||
| Title | Identifying the social dominance order in a mixed breed herd: a practical methodology | Type | Journal Article | ||
| Year | 2005 | Publication | Revista Científica | Abbreviated Journal | Revista Científica |
| Volume | 15 | Issue | 2 | Pages | 148-154 |
| Keywords | Cattle, behavior, social organization | ||||
| Abstract | The major objective of this study was to identify a simple and accurate method of assessing differences in female social status. Three methods of estimating dominance value (DV) were compared in beef cows of three breed-types; Angus (A; n=10), Brahman (B; n=10), and Senepol (S; n=10). Cows were equitably assigned to two groups of fifteen each, allocated into separate pastures and containing equal number of animals by breed. Agonistic interactions were recorded for 45 d of study, in two 1 h periods during concentrate feeding using the method of competitive orders winner/loser. Methods of estimating DV included: I) Ratio between individuals dominated and total encountered, II) Ratio between encounters won to total encounters, III) Proportion of individuals dominated to total herdmates. Due to the different level of interactivity evidenced among animals as well as between and within social orders, method III with subsequent arc-sin transformation was considered as the most practical and accurate method for estimating DV and subsequent allocation of cows into a social dominance order. In addition, a breed effect was found on social dominance. Senepol cows obtained greater DV`s (1.24 ± 0.08) than Angus (0.97 ± 0.08; P<0.03) and Brahman cows (0.76 ± 0.08; P<0.005). | ||||
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| ISSN | 0798-2259 | ISBN | Medium | ||
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| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 4753 | ||
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| Author | Bates, L.A.; Lee, P.C.; Njiraini, N.; Poole, J.H.; Sayialel, K.; Sayialel, S.; Moss, C.J.; Byrne, R. | ||||
| Title | Do Elephants Show Empathy? | Type | Journal Article | ||
| Year | 2008 | Publication | Journal of Consciousness Studies | Abbreviated Journal | J Conscious Stud |
| Volume | 15 | Issue | 10-11 | Pages | 204-225 |
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| Abstract | Elephants show a rich social organization and display a number of unusual traits. In this paper, we analyse reports collected over a thirty-five year period, describing behaviour that has the potential to reveal signs of empathic understanding. These include coalition formation, the offering of protection and comfort to others, retrieving and 'babysitting' calves, aiding individuals that would otherwise have difficulty in moving, and removing foreign objects attached to others. These records demonstrate that an elephant is capable of diagnosing animacy and goal directedness, and is able to understand the physical competence, emotional state and intentions of others, when they differ from its own. We argue that an empathic understanding of others is the simplest explanation of these abilities, and discuss reasons why elephants appear to show empathy more than other non-primate species. | ||||
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| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 5057 | ||
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| Author | Menke, C.; Waiblinger, S.; Fölsch, D.W.; Wiepkema, P.R. | ||||
| Title | Social Behaviour and Injuries of Horned Cows in Loose Housing Systems | Type | Journal Article | ||
| Year | 2008 | Publication | Animal Welfare | Abbreviated Journal | Anim Welfare |
| Volume | 8 | Issue | 3 | Pages | 243-258 |
| Keywords | ANIMAL WELFARE; HORNED DAIRY COWS; HUMAN-ANIMAL RELATIONSHIP; INJURIES; LOOSE HOUSING; MANAGEMENT; SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR | ||||
| Abstract | The relationship between social behaviour and skin injuries (caused by horns) of loose housed horned cows was investigated on 35 dairy farms. While the frequencies of two agonistic behaviour elements (push and chase away) were positively correlated with the occurrence of skin injuries, the frequencies of butting and homing were not. Butting appears to have an ambivalent motivation, in that its occurrence is correlated positively both with agonistic behaviour and with social licking. Horning showed a positive correlation with social licking only. Four groups of husbandry conditions that may be associated with the occurrence of social behaviour and of injuries were distinguished: i) herd management, with variables including problem solving management by the farmer, integration of new cows, and dealing with periparturient and oestrus cows; ii) human-animal relationship, with variables including ability to identify individual cows, frequency of brushing the cows, number of milkers, and frequency of personnel changes; iii) animal characteristics, with the variable of herd size; and iv) stable characteristics, with the variable of space per cow (m2). The relevance of the husbandry variables investigated here had been confirmed in a previous stepwise regression analysis (Menke 1996). The variables for herd management and human-animal relationship conditions correlated in a consistent way with the occurrence of agonistic behaviour and/or of injuries, while most of them also correlated in the opposite direction with the occurrence of social licking. Herd size correlated positively with agonistic behaviour, but negatively with social licking. Space per cow correlated negatively with agonistic behaviour and injuries. In more than 70 per cent of the herds investigated, the levels of agonistic behaviour and of skin injuries were low, implying that horned dairy cows can be kept with less risk than is often assumed. We argue that such risks strongly depend on management factors that can be improved. | ||||
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| Notes | Approved |
yes | |||
| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 5110 | ||
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