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Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan, M. M., Spierenburg, A. J., & van den Broek, E. T. W. (2006). The workload of riding-school horses during jumping.
Abstract: REASONS FOR PERFORMING THE STUDY: As there are no reports on the real workload of horses that jump fences, this study was undertaken in riding-school horses. OBJECTIVE: To compare the workload of horses jumping a course of fences with that of horses cantering over the same course at the same average speed without jumping fences. The workload variables included heart rate (HR), packed cell volume (PCV), acid-base balance (venous pH, pCO2, HCO3-) and blood lactate (LA), glucose, total protein and electrolyte concentrations. METHODS: Eight healthy riding-school horses performed test A (a course of approximately 700 m with 12 jumps from 0.8-1.0 m high at an average speed of approximately 350 m/min) and test B (same course at the same speed, but without the rails) in a crossover study with at least 4 h between the 2 tests. Before each test the horses were fitted with a heart rate meter (Polar Electro). Blood samples were taken from the jugular vein at rest prior to the test, after warm-up before starting the course, immediately after the course and after recovery. All samples were analysed immediately. RESULTS: The mean +/- s.d maximal HR (beats/min) during the course (184 +/- 17 and 156 +/- 21, respectively) and the mean HR after recovery (75 +/- 6 and 63 +/- 7, respectively) were significantly higher in test A compared to test B (P = 0.001 and P = 0.007 respectively). The mean LA concentrations after the course and after recovery (mmol/l) were significantly higher in test A (3.6 +/- 2.7 and 1.0 +/- 0.9, respectively) compared to test B (0.9 +/- 0.5 and 0.3 +/- 0.1, respectively), (P = 0.016 and P = 0.048 respectively). The mean PCV (I/l) after the course and after recovery was also significantly different between tests A (0.48 +/- 0.04 and 0.39 +/- 0.03, respectively) and B (0.42 +/- 0.04 and 0.36 +/- 0.03, respectively) (P<0.01). The mean pH and the mean HCO3- (mmol/l) after the course were significantly lower in test A (7.40 +/- 0.04 and 28.9 +/- 1.4, respectively) compared to test B (7.45 +/- 0.03 and 30.4 +/- 2.3, respectively) (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that in riding-school horses jumping fences, even at a low level competition, provokes a significant workload compared to cantering the same distance and speed without fences. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: This study makes it clear that the extra workload of jumping fences should be taken into account in the training programmes of jumping horses. Further research with more experienced horses jumping higher fences will reveal the workload for top-level jumping horses.
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Santos, L. R., Pearson, H. M., Spaepen, G. M., Tsao, F., & Hauser, M. D. (2006). Probing the limits of tool competence: experiments with two non-tool-using species (Cercopithecus aethiops and Saguinus oedipus). Anim. Cogn., 9(2), 94–109.
Abstract: Non-human animals vary in their ability to make and use tools. The goal of the present study was to further explore what, if anything, differs between tool-users and non-tool-users, and whether these differences lie in the conceptual or motor domain. We tested two species that typically do not use tools-cotton top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus) and vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops)-on problems that mirrored those designed for prolific tool users such as chimpanzees. We trained subjects on a task in which they could choose one of two canes to obtain an out-of-reach food reward. After training, subjects received several variations on the original task, each designed to examine a specific conceptual aspect of the pulling problem previously studied in other tool-using species. Both species recognized that effective pulling tools must be made of rigid materials. Subsequent conditions revealed significant species differences, with vervets outperforming tamarins across many conditions. Vervets, but not tamarins, had some recognition of the relationship between a tool's orientation and the position of the food reward, the relationship between a tool's trajectory and the substance that it moves on, and that tools must be connected in order to work properly. These results provide further evidence that tool-use may derive from domain-general, rather than domain-specific cognitive capacities that evolved for tool use per se.
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Hurn, S. D., & Turner, A. G. (2006). Ophthalmic examination findings of Thoroughbred racehorses in Australia. Vet Ophthalmol, 9(2), 95–100.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To record the prevalence and document the types of eye disease in population of Thoroughbred racehorses in Victoria, Australia. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: Two hundred four Thoroughbred racehorses. PROCEDURE: All horses and both eyes were examined at four metropolitan and two country racing stable complexes. Ophthalmic exam was performed following dark adaptation with a transilluminator, biomicroscope, and direct ophthalmoscope. Intraocular pressures were measured when indicated. Both pupils were dilated with tropicamide when indicated. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-two (89.2%) flat-racing and 22 (10.8%) jump-racing (hurdle or steeple) horses were examined. Age range: 2-9 years (mean 3.7 years, median 3); 97 (47.5%) male-neuter, 74 (36. 3%) female, 33 (16.2%) male. Potential vision-threatening eye disease was present in 15 (7.4%) different horses: complete lenticular cataracts 3, posterior lens luxation and cataract 1, large peripapillary 'butterfly' inactive lesions 3, large peripapillary 'butterfly' active lesions 2, peripapillary focal inactive 'bullet hole' chorioretinal lesions (> 20) 5, optic nerve atrophy 1. Non-vision threatening eye disease was present in 117 (57.4%) different horses, involving one or more ocular structures: lower eyelid scars 3; periocular fibropapillomatous disease 1; third eyelid squamous cell carcinoma 1; corneal scars 6; corneal band opacity 2; anterior iris synechia 1; developmental cataracts 36 (17.2%); peripapillary focal inactive 'bullet hole' chorioretinal lesions (< 20) 103 (50.0%); linear peripapillary hyperpigmentation bands 16 (7.9%). Unusual variations of normal ocular anatomy and colobomata was recorded in 11 (5.4%) different horses: granular iridica hypoplasia 3, granular iridica hyperplasia 2, multilobular granular iridica cyst 1, microcornea 1, hyaloid remnant 1, rotated optic nerve head 1, coloboma of the lens 1, atypical coloboma of the retina 1. CONCLUSIONS: This survey demonstrates that the prevalence of vision-threatening eye disease in racing horses may be greater than previously perceived, and highlights the importance of ocular examination within any routine physical examination of horses.
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Leleu, C., & Cotrel, C. (2006). Body composition in young standardbreds in training: relationships to body condition score, physiological and locomotor variables during exercise. Equine Vet J Suppl, (36), 98–101.
Abstract: REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Body composition is an essential factor in athletic performance of human sprinters and long distance runners. However, in horses, many questions remain concerning relationships between body composition and performance in the different equine activities. OBJECTIVES: To determine relationships between body composition, body score, physiological and locomotor variables in a population of young Standardbreds in training. METHODS: Twenty-four 2-year-old Standardbreds were studied, body condition on a scale 0-5 and bodyweight recorded, and height at withers measured. Percentage of fat (%F), fat mass (FM) and fat free mass (FFM) were estimated echographically. During a standardised exercise test on the track, velocity, heart rate, respiratory frequency and blood lactate concentrations were measured. V4 and V200 (velocity for a blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol/l and velocity of 200 beats/min) calculated. Basic gait variables were measured at 3 different speeds with an accelerometric device. RESULTS: Body composition variables: %F and FM were significantly related to body condition score and physiological variables. Body score was highly correlated to %F (r = 0.64) and FM (r = 0.71). V4 was negatively correlated to %F (r = -0.59) and FM (r = -0.60), P<0.05. V200 was also negatively related to %F and FM, (r = -0.39 and r = -0.37, respectively, P<0.1). No relationships were found between body composition and gait characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Body composition was closely related to indirect measurements of aerobic capacity, which is a major factor of athletic performance in middle distance running horses. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: As in human athletes, trainers should take special note to evaluate optimal bodyweight and body composition of race horses to optimise performance.
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Range, F., Bugnyar, T., Schlogl, C., & Kotrschal, K. (2006). Individual and sex differences in learning abilities of ravens. Behav. Process., 73(1), 100–106.
Abstract: Behavioral and physiological characteristics of individuals within the same species have been found to be stable across time and contexts. In this study, we investigated individual differences in learning abilities and object and social manipulation to test for consistency within individuals across different tasks. Individual ravens (Corvus corax) were tested in simple color and position discrimination tasks to establish their learning abilities. We found that males were significantly better in the acquisition of the first discrimination task and the object manipulation task, but not in any of the other tasks. Furthermore, faster learners engaged less often in manipulations of conspecifics and exploration of objects to get access to food. No relationship between object and social manipulation and reversal training were found. Our results suggest that individual differences in regard to the acquisition of new tasks may be related to personalities or at least object manipulation in ravens.
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Palagi, E., Cordoni, G., & Borgognini Tarli, S. (2006). Possible roles of consolation in captive chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). Am J Phys Anthropol, 129(1), 105–111.
Abstract: Empathy is a necessary prerequisite for the occurrence of consolation. The term “consolation” contains a hypothesis about function, which is distress alleviation. The present study aims to confirm the occurrence of consolation in captive chimpanzees via the post-conflict/matched-control method (PC-MC) and to suggest its possible roles. We collected 273 PC-MC pairs in the group of Pan troglodytes housed in the ZooParc de Beauval (France). We confirmed the presence of consolatory contacts (mean level of consolation, 49.5% +/- 22.3% SEM) in the colony. Consolation rates were significantly higher than reconciliation levels (mean level of reconciliation, 28.9% +/- 16.8% SEM). The level of consolation was greater in the absence of reconciliation than in the presence of it, suggesting that consolation might be an alternative behavior. As friendship and relatedness did not influence the occurrence of consolation, they did not seem to be the best prerequisites for this behavioral mechanism, at least in this chimpanzee colony. Affinitive contacts with third parties were significantly more frequent when the victim called attention to itself during severe aggressions by screaming. These high-pitched sounds seem to be useful in eliciting aid from conspecifics, as occurs in young humans. The occurrence of consolation reduced the likelihood of further attacks among group-members. From this perspective, both victims and consolers most likely gain potential advantages by interacting with each other when aggression is particularly severe, reconciliation is not immediate, and consequently social stress reaches high levels.
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Kingston, J. K., Soppet, G. M., Rogers, C. W., & Firth, E. C. (2006). Use of a global positioning and heart rate monitoring system to assess training load in a group of thoroughbred racehorses. Equine Vet J Suppl, (36), 106–109.
Abstract: REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Training is an important variable for determining athletic success. Nonetheless, there has been minimal scientific evaluation of racehorse training programmes. Training of racehorses focuses on running the horses at certain speeds using a combination of a stopwatch and rider's 'feel' for a horse's work intensity. Consequently, actual work intensity for individual horses is not clearly defined. OBJECTIVES: To 1) utilise a combined global positioning system (GPS) and heart rate monitor system to quantify training intensity and physiological responses of a group of racehorses undergoing training and racing; and 2) compare the workload measured by the GPS to that timed and recorded daily by a racehorse trainer. METHODS: Nineteen racehorses age 3 years were followed through a traditional training and racing programme over a 4 month period. Daily GPS and heart rate data together with the trainer's timing and distance data were collected while the horses were trained. Data were analysed using an ANOVA for repeated measures. RESULTS: The combined GPS/heart rate monitoring system detected different heart rate responses in individual horses subjected to the same training workouts. The average speeds detected with the GPS system were in agreement with average speeds timed by the trainer. However, peak speeds reached during training were significantly greater (P<0.05) than those estimated with stopwatch timing. The horses average training speeds increased significantly over the duration of the training period. CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: The results from this study show that a GPS/heart rate monitor system provides a reliable measure of daily workload in horses during training. This technology provides a detailed picture of horses' training sessions and has the potential to provide a greater insight into the types of training that may predispose horses to injury.
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Paukner, A., Anderson, J. R., & Fujita, K. (2006). Redundant food searches by capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella): a failure of metacognition? Anim. Cogn., 9(2), 110–117.
Abstract: This study investigated capuchin monkeys' understanding of their own visual search behavior as a means to gather information. Five monkeys were presented with three tubes that could be visually searched to determine the location of a bait. The bait's visibility was experimentally manipulated, and the monkeys' spontaneous visual searches before tube selection were analyzed. In Experiment 1, three monkeys selected the baited tube significantly above chance; however, the monkeys also searched transparent tubes. In Experiment 2, a bent tube in which food was never visible was introduced. When the bent tube was baited, the monkeys failed to deduce the bait location and responded randomly. They also continued to look into the bent tube despite not gaining any pertinent information from it. The capuchin monkeys' behavior contrasts with the efficient employment of visual search behavior reported in humans, apes and macaques. This difference is consistent with species-related variations in metacognitive abilities, although other explanations are also possible.
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Beran, M. J., Smith, J. D., Redford, J. S., & Washburn, D. A. (2006). Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) monitor uncertainty during numerosity judgments. J Exp Psychol Anim Behav Process, 32(2), 111–119.
Abstract: Two rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) judged arrays of dots on a computer screen as having more or fewer dots than a center value that was never presented in trials. After learning a center value, monkeys were given an uncertainty response that let them decline to make the numerosity judgment on that trial. Across center values (3-7), errors occurred most often for sets adjacent in numerosity to the center value. The monkeys also used the uncertainty response most frequently on these difficult trials. A 2nd experiment showed that monkeys' responses reflected numerical magnitude and not the surface-area illumination of the displays. This research shows that monkeys' uncertainty-monitoring capacity extends to the domain of numerical cognition. It also shows monkeys' use of the purest uncertainty response possible, uncontaminated by any secondary motivator.
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Vermeulen, A. D., & Evans, D. L. (2006). Measurements of fitness in thoroughbred racehorses using field studies of heart rate and velocity with a global positioning system. Equine Vet J Suppl, (36), 113–117.
Abstract: REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Field based studies of changes in fitness are difficult to conduct in galloping Thoroughbreds. Measurements of heart rate (HR) and real time velocity with a global positioning system (GPS) could provide a method for routine field studies of fitness. OBJECTIVE: To investigate measurements of fitness in the field without using multiple, standardised steps of increasing velocity in the exercise test. METHODS: Twelve healthy 3- to 5-year-old Thoroughbreds were used in the study of reliability, and twelve 2-year-old Thoroughbreds in the investigation of the effect of training. Five second averages of velocity and HR were recorded during a typical fast exercise training session, using a GPS and Polar HR monitor. A standardised exercise test protocol was not used. Regression analyses using trot and gallop data were used to calculate velocities at HR of 200 beats/min (V200), and at maximal HR (VHRmax). Data were collected on consecutive 'fast' day training sessions to assess the reliability of measurements. The effect of training was investigated with fitness tests in weeks 2 and 6 of 'fast' training. Absolute and relative differences were calculated to evaluate reliability, and paired t tests were used to detect an effect of training. RESULTS: VHRmax, V200 and HRmax were reliable measurements of fitness, with mean differences of 2% or less. Reliability of VHRmax was not dependent on VHRmax. VHRmax and V200 both increased significantly with training (P<0.01), but there was no effect of training on HRmax. There were no significant changes in the slope or intercept of the regression equations after training. CONCLUSIONS: Velocity and HR measurements during field gallop exercise provided reliable measures of fitness which enabled a measurement of the response to training. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: This approach offers a simple, noninvasive method for monitoring adaptations to training in the field.
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