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Author |
Fleurance, G.; Duncan, P.; Fritz, H.; Cabaret, J.; Cortet, J.; Gordon, I.J. |
Title |
Selection of feeding sites by horses at pasture: Testing the anti-parasite theory |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2007 |
Publication |
Applied Animal Behaviour Science |
Abbreviated Journal |
Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. |
Volume |
108 |
Issue |
3-4 |
Pages |
228-301 |
Keywords |
Foraging strategies; Horses; Parasite risk; Patch choice |
Abstract |
Management of grazed grasslands for production and/or conservation objectives requires a thorough understanding of the choices of feeding sites by herbivores, and of the biological processes involved. Most models of the feeding strategies of herbivores are based on the principle that optimising the intake of energy (or some nutrient) is the primary goal of foragers but other selective forces, such as parasitism, could be important. Gastrointestinal parasites (including cyathostome nematodes) have powerful effects on the fitness of herbivores and may act as a major selection pressure favouring host behaviour that reduces the risk of encountering parasites. Among large herbivores, horses have perhaps the most marked tendency to select particular feeding sites within grasslands. We test here: (1) whether horses select feeding patches with relatively low parasite densities and (2) if their choice is affected by their parasite load. We used 10 two-year old saddle-horses and three periods. In the first period, the horses were under natural parasitism which varied strongly among individuals; in the second period they were all dewormed, and in the third, a sub-set of the horses was experimentally infected with cyathostome larvae. Ninety-eight percent of the infective larvae in the pasture were found <1 m from faeces. The main determinant of the choice of feeding patch by horses was the availability of patches of different parasite risk and grass height. Controlling for availability, the horses used tall grasses (>16 cm) less than expected, whether the grass was contaminated or not, and they selected for short patches >1 m from faeces, where the risk of encountering parasites was low. These results suggest that selection of feeding sites by horses is driven by an interaction between their nutritional and anti-parasite strategies: the horses avoid the patches of tall grass which are generally of low quality and areas contaminated by parasite larvae which leads them to prefer the patches of short grass far from faeces. The parasite status of the horses at the time of the experiment had no effect on their feeding choices. However, before concluding that the challenge by cyathostomes has no effect on the selection of feeding sites in horses, it will be necessary to test whether the history of parasitism of the individuals, rather than the current status, is important. |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
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4228 |
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Lloyd, A.S.; Martin, J.E.; Bornett-Gauci, H.L.I.; Wilkinson, R.G. |
Title |
Horse personality: Variation between breeds |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2008 |
Publication |
Applied Animal Behaviour Science |
Abbreviated Journal |
Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. |
Volume |
112 |
Issue |
3-4 |
Pages |
369-383 |
Keywords |
Horse personality; Breed; Assessment; Questionnaire survey; Animal |
Abstract |
Anecdotal evidence from horse owners and handlers suggests the existence of breed typical behaviour and personality in horses. This is further supported by current research on heritability of personality characteristics in a range of species. The Horse Personality Questionnaire (HPQ) is a 25-item rating method that has previously been shown to be reliable for the assessment of personality in horses. Principal component analysis on HPQ data has identified six underlying personality components in horses. These are Dominance, Anxiousness, Excitability, Protection, Sociability and Inquisitiveness. Using the HPQ a survey of 1223 horses of eight different breeds was completed. Data were analysed to explore any differences in personality between breeds across the six personality components. Breed differences in personality were identified, and it was noted that variability between breeds varied between personality components. Anxiousness and Excitability showed the most variation between breeds, whilst Dominance and Protection showed the least variance. The results identified breed typical personalities that were comparable to results from previous studies as well as anecdotal evidence provided by the popular equine literature. The results are discussed in terms of the potential selection pressures that may have resulted in these differences. |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
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4279 |
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van der Kolk, J.H.; Nachreiner, R.F.; Schott, H.C.; Refsal, K.R.; Zanella, A.J. |
Title |
Salivary and plasma concentration of cortisol in normal horses and horses with Cushing's disease |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2001 |
Publication |
Equine Veterinary Journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
Equine Vet J |
Volume |
33 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
211-213 |
Keywords |
Adrenal Cortex Function Tests/standards/veterinary; Animals; Cushing Syndrome/diagnosis/metabolism/*veterinary; Female; Horse Diseases/blood/*diagnosis/metabolism; Horses/blood/*metabolism; Hydrocortisone/blood/*metabolism; Male; Predictive Value of Tests; Reference Values; Saliva/*metabolism |
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Department of Large Animal Medicine and Nutrition, Veterinary Faculty, Utrecht University, The Netherlands |
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English |
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0425-1644 |
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PMID:11266074 |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
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4281 |
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König, H.E.; Wissdorf, H.; Probst, A.; Macher, R.; Voß, S.; Polsterer, E. |
Title |
Considerations about the function of the mimic muscles and the vomeronasal organ of horses during the Flehmen reaction |
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Journal Article |
Year |
2005 |
Publication |
Pferdeheilkunde |
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21 |
Issue |
4 |
Pages |
297-300 |
Keywords |
Anatomy; Behaviour; Flehmen reaction; Horse; Vomeronasal organ |
Abstract |
Additional to the olfactory epithelium, the equine vomeronasal organ serves to the perception of odorous substances and specially for pheromones. In a middle-size horse this organ has an extension in length from an imaginary transverse plane about 10 cm caudally the nostrils to a transverse plane through the middle of the second premolar tooth. During the Flehmen reaction the levator labii superior, nasolabial, caninus and lateralis nasi muscles contract. The upper lip and the tip of the nose are lifted. The opening of the nostrils is narrowed, caused by the convergence of the plate and horn of the alar cartilage. In this manner in case of Flehmen reaction air is directly conducted towards the opening of the vomeronasal organ into the nasal cavity during inspiration. During the “Flehmen” horses assume a characteristic posture. |
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Department für Pathobiologie (Institut für Anatomie), Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien, Veterinärplatz 1, A-1210 Wien, Austria |
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Export Date: 21 October 2008; Source: Scopus |
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yes |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
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4554 |
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Aerts, J.-M.; Gebruers, F.; Van Camp, E.; Berckmans, D. |
Title |
Controlling horse heart rate as a basis for training improvement |
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Journal Article |
Year |
2008 |
Publication |
Computers and Electronics in Agriculture |
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64 |
Issue |
1 |
Pages |
78-84 |
Keywords |
Heart rate; Horse; Model predictive control; Transfer function model |
Abstract |
Equine training methods, and consequently, performance times have improved little since the last decades. With advances in measuring signals on-line by means of several new technologies and analytical procedures, and processing these signals immediately with strong and compact processors, it may be possible to develop new training methods. In this research, the objective was to explore the possibilities of using modern model-based algorithms to control the heart rate of horses (bpm) on-line by means of the control input running speed (km/h). Forty-five experiments with five horses and four riders were carried out to generate measurements of physiological status during running. The dynamical characteristics of each horse were quantified using linear discrete transfer function models. The dynamic response of heart rate to step changes in running speed were accurately described. In 90% of the cases, a first-order model gave the best fit. For 69% of the models, the r2 was higher than 0.90 and for 34% of the models, the r2 was even higher than 0.95. In a next step, the model-based algorithm was evaluated by controlling cardiac responses of two horses (horses 2 and 4) to a pre-defined trajectory. The model parameters were kept constant. On average, the error between the defined target trajectory in heart rate and the actual controlled heart rate ranged between 0.2 and 1.4 bpm for the whole target heart rate trajectory. During the steady-state part of the trajectory the average error was maximum 1.1 bpm. In the transient from one steady-state heart rate to another level, the error could increase on average up to 5 bpm. In the future, the combination of on-line measured bioresponses with real-time analysis can be used for adjusting the work load of the horse, during training, directly to the immediate needs of horse (welfare) and trainer (performance). |
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Division Measure, Model and Manage Bioresponses (M3-BIORES), Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 30, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
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4555 |
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Author |
Hausberger, M.; Gautier, E.; Muller, C.; Jego, P. |
Title |
Lower learning abilities in stereotypic horses |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2007 |
Publication |
Applied Animal Behaviour Science |
Abbreviated Journal |
Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. |
Volume |
107 |
Issue |
3-4 |
Pages |
299-306 |
Keywords |
Stereotypies; Learning ability; Horses |
Abstract |
The question of whether motor stereotypies may be associated with learning disorders is a highly debated issue both in humans and animals, but evidence is still scarce. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relation between the occurrence of stereotypic behaviours in horses where stereotypies are well described and learning abilities measurable. Seventy horses were observed in their box at two periods (August and November) and were then submitted to an instrumental task (opening a chest by raising the lid using the nose). Fifty-one of them had shown stereotypic behaviours at both periods. It appeared that more stereotypic horses (36/51) were unsuccessful than non-stereotypic horses (3/19) in the learning task. When successful, they required a longer time in order to perform the task (368 s on average against 220 for the non-stereotypic horses). No difference was found according to the type of stereotypy performed. This is to our knowledge the first time that a relation is found between stereotypy and learning in an animal species. The additional finding that stereotypic horses spent less time lying down and sleeping suggests a possible role of attentional processes. This finding has important implications for the horse industry. |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
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4301 |
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Author |
Nagy, K.; Schrott, A.; Kabai, P. |
Title |
Possible influence of neighbours on stereotypic behaviour in horses |
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Journal Article |
Year |
2008 |
Publication |
Applied Animal Behaviour Science |
Abbreviated Journal |
Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. |
Volume |
111 |
Issue |
3-4 |
Pages |
321-328 |
Keywords |
Horse; Stereotypies; Survey; Risk factors; Logistic mixed regression |
Abstract |
Revealing risk factors of abnormal stereotypic behaviour (ASB) in horses can help in the design of protective measures. Previous epidemiological studies indicate that social isolation, housing, management conditions, and feeding regime have a strong effect on developing ASB. The common belief that exposure to a stereotypic horse increases the risk of ASB has never been substantiated. Here we report that a generalised linear mixed models (GLMM) analysis of data on 287 horses of nine riding schools revealed that exposure to a stereotypic neighbour is a significant risk factor for performing stereotypy. Also, aggressive behaviour towards other horses increased the odds of stereotypy in the aggressor. These correspondences are unlikely to be a riding-school effect, because riding schools were treated as random factor in the GLMM. Risk factors identified by epidemiological studies cannot be treated as causal agents without independent evidence. Our aim in presenting these findings was to draw attention to the possibility of neighbour effects so that other researchers would include this variable in their surveys. |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
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4302 |
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Author |
Krueger, K.; Heinze, J. |
Title |
Horse sense: social status of horses (Equus caballus) affects their likelihood of copying other horses` behavior |
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Journal Article |
Year |
2008 |
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Animal Cognition |
Abbreviated Journal |
Anim. Cogn. |
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11 |
Issue |
3 |
Pages |
431-439 |
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copying, horse, social cognition, sociality |
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Animals that live in stable social groups need to gather information on their own relative position in the group`s social hierarchy, either by directly threatening or challenging others, or in a less costly manner, by observing interactions among others. Such indirect inference of dominance relationships has previously been reported from primates, rats, and birds and fish. Here, we show that domestic horses, Equus caballus, are similarly capable of social cognition. Taking advantage of a specific “following behavior” that horses show towards humans in a riding arena, we investigated whether bystander horses adjust their response to an experimenter according to the observed interaction and their own dominance relationship with the horse whose reaction to the experimenter they had observed before. Horses copied the following behavior towards an experimenter after watching a dominant horse following, but did not follow after observing a subordinate horse or a horse from another social group doing so. The following behavior which horses show towards an experimenter therefore appears to be affected by the demonstrator`s behavior and social status relative to the observer. |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
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4324 |
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Hausberger, M.; Roche, H.; Henry, S.; Visser, E.K. |
Title |
A review of the human-horse relationship |
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Journal Article |
Year |
2008 |
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Applied Animal Behaviour Science |
Abbreviated Journal |
Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. |
Volume |
109 |
Issue |
1 |
Pages |
1-24 |
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Horse-human relationship; Interaction; Handling; Management; Review |
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Despite a long history of human-horse relationship, horse-related incidents and accidents do occur amongst professional and non professional horse handlers. Recent studies show that their occurrence depend more on the frequency and amount of interactions with horses than on the level of competency, suggesting a strong need for specific research and training of individuals working with horses. In the present study, we review the current scientific knowledge on human-horse relationships. We distinguish here short occasional interactions with familiar or unfamiliar horses (e.g. veterinary inspection) and long-term bonds (e.g. horse-owner). An important aspect of the horse-human relationship is to try and improve the development and maintenance of a strong positive relationship. Studies show that deficits in the management conditions (housing, feeding, possibilities for social contact, and training methods) may lead to relational problems between horses and humans. Different methods have been used to assess and improve the human-horse relation, especially at the young age. They reveal that the time and type of contact all play a role, while recent studies suggest that the use of familiarized social models might be a great help through social facilitation. We argue that an important theoretical framework could be Hinde's [Hinde, R., 1979. Towards Understanding Relationships. Academic Press, Londres] definition of a relationship as an emerging bond from a series of interactions: partners have expectations on the next interaction on the basis of the previous ones. Understanding that a relationship is built up on the basis of a succession of interactions is an important step as it suggests that attention is being paid to the “positive” or “negative” valence of each interaction as a step for the next one. A better knowledge of learning rules is certainly necessary in this context not only to train the horse but also to counterbalance the unavoidable negative inputs that exist in routine procedures and reduce their impact on the relationship. It appears clearly that research is needed in order to assess how to better and safely approach the horse (e.g. research in position, posture, gaze, etc.), what type of approaches and timing may help in developing a positive bond, what influence human management and care have on the relationship, and how this can be adapted to have a positive influence on the relationship. Also the interaction between rider and horse, the search for the optimal match between two individuals, is an aspect of the horse-human relationship that requires attention in order to decrease the number of horse-riding accidents and reduced states of welfare. On the other hand, adequate knowledge is readily available that may improve the present situation rapidly. Developing awareness and attention to behavioural cues given by horses would certainly help decreasing accidents among professionals when interacting. Scientists therefore should play a major role in transmitting not only elements of the current knowledge of the ethology of the horse but also by helping developing observational skills. |
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Admin @ knut @ |
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4335 |
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Warren-Smith, A.K.; Curtis, R.A.; Greetham, L.; McGreevy, P.D. |
Title |
Rein contact between horse and handler during specific equitation movements |
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Journal Article |
Year |
2007 |
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Applied Animal Behaviour Science |
Abbreviated Journal |
Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. |
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108 |
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1-2 |
Pages |
157-169 |
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Horse; Long-reining; Rein contact; Rein tension; Riding; Training |
Abstract |
To explore the range of tensions used in reins to elicit specific movements from a range of horses, 22 horses of mixed age, sex, breed and training history were long-reined and ridden through a standard course. The reins contained embedded load cells so that tensions used to elicit specific movements could be measured and logged. These movements were categorised into `left turn', `right turn', `going straight' and `halt' and were separated for left and right rein tensions. The data were analysed using two-sample non-parametric Kolmogorov-Smirnoff tests and the differences between categories of horse and equipment were analysed with one-way analysis of variance. The tensions recorded in the reins were greater for long-reining than riding (median 5.76, Q25 3.9, Q75 13.3 N and median 5.29, Q25 9.3, Q75 2.9 N, respectively, P = 0.025), irrespective of whether the horses were ridden with a halter or a bridle or whether the test was completed at a walk or a trot. The tensions did not differ between the left and right reins (P > 0.05) when the horses were being driven or ridden in a straight line, providing evidence that an `even contact' was maintained. The rein tension required for going straight was less than for any other responses, showing that a lighter contact on the reins can be maintained between the application of specific stimuli. The rein tension required to elicit the halt response was greater than for any other response (P < 0.001). The rein tensions required to complete the course did not differ with the use of bridle versus the halter (P > 0.05). Clearly, a range of rein tensions is required for horses to elicit specific responses. In the interests of horse welfare and avoidance of habituation, those involved in equitation need to become aware of the tensions used in training horses and seek to keep them to a minimum. When rein tension can be measured objectively, this process can be easily implemented and monitored. |
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Admin @ knut @ |
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4336 |
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