Records |
Author |
Zucca, P.; Cerri, F.; Carluccio, A.; Baciadonna, L. |
Title |
Space availability influence laterality in donkeys (Equus asinus) |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
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Publication |
Behavioural Processes |
Abbreviated Journal |
Behav. Process. |
Volume |
In Press, Uncorrected Proof |
Issue |
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Pages |
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Keywords |
Cerebral lateralization; Donkey; Footedness; Welfare; Equus asinus |
Abstract |
Cerebral lateralization is the portioning of the cognitive functions between the two cerebral hemispheres. Several factors, like embryological manipulations, light exposure, health conditions, sex and age can influence the left-right brain asymmetries and contribute to increasing the variability in the strength and direction of laterality within most species. We investigated the influence of an environmental constraint, namely space availability, as a new source of variation on laterality in an adult vertebrate model, the donkey. In a baseline condition we tested whether donkeys show a motor lateralization bias at population level, while in an experimental condition we manipulated space availability to verify if a reduction in this parameter could represent a new source of variation in laterality. Results show that donkeys are lateralized at population level with a strong bias to standing with the right forelimb advanced over the left and that a reduction of space availability is an important source of variation in the laterality strength and direction within this species. The comparative analysis of the environmental and developmental factors that give origin to neural and behavioural laterality in animal models will be very important for a better understanding of the evolutionary origin of such multifaceted phenomenon. |
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ISSN |
0376-6357 |
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Approved |
no |
Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
5400 |
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Author |
Villani, M.; Cairoli, F.; Kindahl, H.; Galeati, G.; Faustini, M.; Carluccio, A.; Veronesi, M.C. |
Title |
Effects of mating on plasma concentrations of testosterone, cortisol, oestrone sulphate and 15-ketodihydro-PGF2alpha in stallions |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2006 |
Publication |
Reproduction in Domestic Animals = Zuchthygiene |
Abbreviated Journal |
Reprod Domest Anim |
Volume |
41 |
Issue |
6 |
Pages |
544-548 |
Keywords |
Animals; Dinoprost/*analogs & derivatives/blood; Ejaculation/physiology; Estrone/*analogs & derivatives/blood; Horses/*blood/physiology; Hydrocortisone/*blood; Male; Sexual Behavior, Animal/*physiology; Testosterone/*blood |
Abstract |
Very little information is available regarding the physiological mechanisms involved in the normal sexual activity in the stallion and, in particular, the endocrine control of reproduction is still not clearly understood. This experiment was designed to determine the short-term effect of sexual stimulation on plasma concentrations of testosterone, cortisol, oestrone sulphate and 15-ketodihydro-PGF(2alpha) in stallions. Semen samples were collected from 10 lighthorse stallions of proven fertility using a Missouri model artificial vagina. At the same time, blood samples were collected from the jugular vein with heparinized tubes, 20 and 10 min before oestrous mare exposure, at exposure and 10, 20, 30 min after dismounting. Testosterone concentrations showed a sharp rise 10 min after mating (p < 0.001), reached a plateau, and then showed a further increase 30 min after mating (p < 0.001). Cortisol concentrations increased 10 min after mating (p < 0.001) and remained at high levels in the subsequent samples taken. A peak of oestrone sulphate was observed 10 min after mating (p < 0.001). 15-Ketodihydro-PGF(2alpha) concentrations decreased rapidly at the moment of the exposure of the stallions to an oestrous mare (p < 0.05), returned to pre-mating concentrations and then decreased again 30 min after mating (p < 0.05). |
Address |
Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche Veterinarie, Sez. Clinica Ostetrica e Ginecologica Veterinaria, Milan, Italy |
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Language |
English |
Summary Language |
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Original Title |
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Series Editor |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
0936-6768 |
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Notes |
PMID:17107515 |
Approved |
no |
Call Number |
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Serial |
1855 |
Permanent link to this record |