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Author König von Borstel, U.; Pasing, S.; Gauly, M.
Title Towards a more objective assessment of equine personality using behavioural and physiological observations from performance test training Type Journal Article
Year 2011 Publication Applied Animal Behaviour Science Abbreviated Journal Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci.
Volume 135 Issue 4 Pages 277-285
Keywords Horse; Personality; Behaviour; Heart rate variability; Riding; Performance test
Abstract Current definitions of horse personality traits are rather vague, lacking clear, universally accepted guidelines for evaluation in performance tests. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to screen behavioural and physiological measurements taken during riding for potential links with scores the same horses received in the official stallion performance test for rideability and personality traits. Behaviour, heart rate (HR) and HR variability from thirty-six stallions participating in a performance test were recorded repeatedly during their performance test training. Using the coefficient of determination, regression analysis revealed that about 1/3 of variation (ranging between r = 0.26 (“constitution” (i.e. fitness, health)) and r = 0.46 (rideability)) in the personality trait scores could be explained by selecting the three most influential behaviour patterns per trait. These behaviour patterns included stumbling (with all traits except character), head-tossing (temperament, rideability), tail-swishing (willingness to work), involuntary change in gait (character) and the rider's use of her/his hands (constitution, rideability), voice (temperament) or whip (constitution). Subsequent mixed model analysis revealed a significant (P < 0.05) influence of the behaviour pattern “horse-induced change in gait” on character (-0.98 ± 0.31 scores per additional occurrence of change in gaits), of head-tossing (-0.25 ± 0.08 scores) and rider's use of voice (-0.51 ± 0.25; P = 0.0594) on temperament, and of stumbling on each of the following: willingness to work (-2.5 ± 1.2), constitution (-2.5 ± 1.2 scores; P = 0.0516) and rideability scores (-3.3 ± 1.4). In addition, constitution scores tended (P = 0.0889) to increase with higher low frequency/high frequency heart rate variation ratios (LF/HF), indicating a shift towards sympathetic dominance and thus a higher stress load in horses with higher scores for constitution. Rideability scores from the training phase were also significantly influenced by head-tossing (-0.5 ± 0.1), and in addition rideability scores from the final test were influenced by the training rider, ranging between average estimated rideability scores of 6.8 ± 0.4 for one training rider and 8.36 ± 0.3 scores for another training rider. Horses ridden with their nose-line predominantly behind the vertical received higher scores for rideability (8.3 ± 0.3) than horses ridden with their nose-line at the vertical (7.7 ± 0.2). These findings indicate that either judges perceive horses to have a better rideability when they readily offer a more extreme poll flexion, or that riders make use of horses’ better rideability by imposing a more extreme poll flexion. Several of the above described associations, but also of the non-existing links (e.g. no association between shying or heart rate and temperament) between behaviour patterns and scores for personality traits are rather surprising, warranting further investigation regarding the underlying causes of these relationships. Some of these behaviour patterns should be considered when redesigning the current guidelines for evaluation of personality traits during breeding horse performance tests, ultimately leading to improved genetic selection for equine personality traits. However, ethical implication of defining aversive behaviour such as head-tossing as an indicator of, for example, poor temperament, should not be neglected when devising new guidelines: such aversive behaviour may in fact be an indication of inadequate training techniques rather than poor horse personality.
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ISSN (down) 0168-1591 ISBN Medium
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Notes Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 5489
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Author König v. Borstel, U.; Pirsich, W.; Gauly, M.; Bruns, E.
Title Repeatability and reliability of scores from ridden temperament tests conducted during performance tests Type Journal Article
Year 2012 Publication Applied Animal Behaviour Science Abbreviated Journal Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci.
Volume 139 Issue 3–4 Pages 251-263
Keywords Horse; Personality; Temperament test; Riding; Repeatability; Performance test
Abstract Current scores for equine personality traits assessed during performance tests are characterised by high means and inadequate variation, hampering genetic selection for these traits. A number of temperament and related behaviour tests have been developed in order to make assessment of equine personality more objective. However, rarely these tests have been validated for their use as a selection tool. Thus, as a first step the aim of the present study was to integrate a temperament tests into horse performance tests, in order to assess variability and repeatability of horses’ reactivity under the rider and the reliability of the judges’ assessment thereof. The temperament test was comprised of three novel stimuli, including a visual stimulus (BALL), a visual and tactile stimulus (GATE), and a visual and auditory stimulus (CANS). A total of 224 mares and stallions were subjected to the test during their participation in station performance tests for riding horses, and 133 of these horses were subjected to the test a second time either 2–3 weeks or 18 weeks after the first test. Horses were ridden in the test by professional riders, and their reactions to the stimuli were evaluated each by two judges and the rider using scores on a scale from 1 (task not concluded) to 10 (completely calm but attentive horse). Mean scores (±SD) ranged between 6.6 ± 2.4 (GATE) and 7.8 ± 2.1 (BALL), demonstrating lower means and considerably higher standard deviations than the same horses’ scores from present evaluation of the trait labelled temperament (8.1 ± 0.9) or related personality traits (e.g. character: 8.3 ± 0.8). Using variance components from mixed model analysis, inter-observer agreement between the two judges was for the individual stimuli very high (0.95 (BALL), 0.96 (GATE), 0.89 (CANS)), and there was likewise high agreement between the judges’ and the riders’ combined scores (0.93). Repeatabilities of horses’ scores were 0.72 (BALL), 0.75 (GATE), and 0.69 (CANS). Correlations to traits from the present evaluation of personality were low or non-existent, indicating that these traits are not a reflection of anxiety or fear reactivity as assessed by novel object tests. Horses’ improvement in judges’ combined scores from first to second test was not (P > 0.1) influenced by differences in time between tests, but differed between breed-types and individual riders. Also, not surprisingly, the higher horses’ scores in the first test were, the lower their improvement in the second test was (-0.45 ± 0.06 per additional score in the first test). Temperament tests using novel stimuli presented to horses under a rider may be a practical and valid tool for improving the current assessment of equine personality traits during performance tests. Considering a combination of absolute scores and horses’ improvement in scores of repeated tests, rather than measuring only absolute scores yields relevant information about horses’ personality, and at the same time it may prevent owners from deliberately training their horses for low reactions to the test-stimuli.
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Language Summary Language Original Title
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ISSN (down) 0168-1591 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 5642
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Author Preston, S.D.; de Waal, F.B.M.
Title Empathy: Its ultimate and proximate bases Type Journal Article
Year 2002 Publication Behavioral and Brain Sciences Abbreviated Journal Behav Brain Sci
Volume 25 Issue 1 Pages 1-20; discussion 20-71
Keywords Adult; Animals; Child; Emotions/physiology; *Empathy; Evolution; Haplorhini; Helping Behavior; Humans; Mental Disorders/physiopathology/psychology; Morals; Personality Development; Phylogeny; Prefrontal Cortex/physiopathology; Socialization
Abstract There is disagreement in the literature about the exact nature of the phenomenon of empathy. There are emotional, cognitive, and conditioning views, applying in varying degrees across species. An adequate description of the ultimate and proximate mechanism can integrate these views. Proximately, the perception of an object's state activates the subject's corresponding representations, which in turn activate somatic and autonomic responses. This mechanism supports basic behaviors (e.g., alarm, social facilitation, vicariousness of emotions, mother-infant responsiveness, and the modeling of competitors and predators) that are crucial for the reproductive success of animals living in groups. The Perception-Action Model (PAM), together with an understanding of how representations change with experience, can explain the major empirical effects in the literature (similarity, familiarity, past experience, explicit teaching, and salience). It can also predict a variety of empathy disorders. The interaction between the PAM and prefrontal functioning can also explain different levels of empathy across species and age groups. This view can advance our evolutionary understanding of empathy beyond inclusive fitness and reciprocal altruism and can explain different levels of empathy across individuals, species, stages of development, and situations.
Address University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, 2RCP-Neurology Clinic, Iowa City, IA 52242. stephanie-d-preston@uiowa.edu
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Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 0140-525X ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:12625087 Approved no
Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 181
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Author Cattell, R.B.; Korth, B.
Title The isolation of temperament dimensions in dogs Type Journal Article
Year 1973 Publication Behavioral Biology Abbreviated Journal Behav Biol
Volume 9 Issue 1 Pages 15-30
Keywords Aggression; Animals; *Behavior, Animal; Biometry; Body Weight; *Dogs; Emotions; Factor Analysis, Statistical; Female; Genetics, Behavioral; Heart Rate; Humans; Intelligence; Male; Models, Psychological; *Personality; Problem Solving; Social Behavior
Abstract
Address
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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 0091-6773 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:4738708 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4140
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Author Fox, N.A.
Title Temperament and early experience form social behavior Type Journal Article
Year 2004 Publication Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences Abbreviated Journal Ann N Y Acad Sci
Volume 1038 Issue Pages 171-178
Keywords Adult; Animals; Child; Child Behavior Disorders/physiopathology; Fear/physiology; Humans; Individuality; Infant; Learning/*physiology; *Personality Development; *Social Behavior; Temperament/*physiology
Abstract Individual differences in the way persons respond to stimulation can have important consequences for their ability to learn and their choice of vocation. Temperament is the study of such individual differences, being thought of as the behavioral style of an individual. Common to all approaches in the study of temperament are the notions that it can be identified in infancy, is fairly stable across development, and influences adult personality. We have identified a specific temperament type in infancy that involves heightened distress to novel and unfamiliar stimuli. Infants who exhibit this temperament are likely, as they get older, to display behavioral inhibition-wariness and heightened vigilance of the unfamiliar-particularly in social situations. Our work has also described the underlying biology of this temperament and has linked it to neural systems supporting fear responses in animals. Children displaying behavioral inhibition are at-risk for behavioral problems related to anxiety and social withdrawal.
Address Institute for Child Study, Department of Human Development, University of Maryland, 3304 Benjamin Building, College Park, MD 20742-1131, USA. nf4@umail.umd.edu
Corporate Author Thesis
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Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 0077-8923 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:15838111 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4131
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Author Graf, P.; Schneider, T.; KönigvonBorstel, U.; Gauly M.
Title Kosten-Nutzen-Analyse einer objektivierten Temperamentbeurteilung bei Pferden [Economic evaluation of an objective temperament assessment in horses] Type Journal Article
Year 2013 Publication Züchtungskunde Abbreviated Journal
Volume 85 Issue 2 Pages 129-142
Keywords Kosten, Nutzen, Interieurbeurteilung, Pferd, Temperament [Economy, personality assessment, horse, temperament]
Abstract Das Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war die Ermittlung der Kosten eines Verhaltenstests zur

objektiven Temperamentbeurteilung. Sie wurde an 1028 Pferden auf 55 Zuchtveranstaltungen

und Privatbetrieben ermittelt.

Weiterhin wurde eine Befragung zur allgemeinen Akzeptanz einer solchen Beurteilung

bei Reitpferden durchgeführt. Zusätzlich wurde mit Hilfe einer Online-Umfrage die

Meinung zu den Kosten und dem Aufwand einer solchen Beurteilung ermittelt. Die

Kosten der Einführung einer objektiven Temperamentbeurteilung entsprechen nach Einbeziehung

aller Faktoren ca. 18 Euro je Pferd. Den Kosten steht die Zahlungsbereitschaft

für eine verbesserte, da objektivierte Temperamentbeurteilung gegenüber. Insgesamt

56,7% der Befragten wären bereit, mehr als 11 Euro für eine objektive Interieurbeurteilung

auf Leistungsprüfungen im Feld zu investieren. Im Rahmen von Stationsprüfungen

wären sie sogar bereit mehr als 30 Euro aufzuwenden. Die Wertsteigerung eines im

Rahmen des Verfahrens positiv bewerteten Pferdes um 5%, die von den Teilnehmern der

Umfrage durchschnittlich angenommen wird, würde zusätzlich den Gewinn beim Pferdeverkauf

steigern. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Kosten einer objektiven Temperamentbeurteilung

durch eine erhöhte Zahlungsbereitschaft der Käufer scheinbar kompensiert

werden können, so dass die Einführung eines Temperamenttests zur objektiven Interieurbeurteilung

in Form der vorgestellten Untersuchungen grundsätzlich finanzierbar ist.

[The aim of the present study was to assess costs as well as riders’ acceptance of an

objective temperament evaluation in riding horses. Costs were determined based on a

novel object test conducted in 1028 horses tested on 65 occasions during performance

tests or in private stables. In addition, an online survey was used to identify riders’

opinion about the costs and benefits of such an assessment. Based on the conditions

assumed in the present study the costs for temperament testing have amount 18 Euro per

horse. More than 50% of the respondents were willing to pay more than 11 Euro for an

objective temperament assessment in their horses during performance tests in field.

Within performance tests on station they would spend more than 30 Euro for an objective temperament assessment. Participants further assumed a rise in value of favourably

assessed horses by 5%, leading to increased profits when selling the horse. In conclusion,

riders appear to be willing to cover the additional costs accrued from the temperament

test. Therefore, the introduction of an objective temperament assessment is likely to pay

off.]
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 0044-5401 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 5866
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Author Peltzer, K.; Mabilu, M.G.; Mathoho, S.F.; Nekhwevha, A.P.; Sikhwivhilu, T.; Sinthumule, T.S.
Title Trauma history and severity of gambling involvement among horse-race gamblers in a South African gambling setting Type Journal Article
Year 2006 Publication Psychological Reports Abbreviated Journal Psychol Rep
Volume 99 Issue 2 Pages 472-476
Keywords Adult; African Continental Ancestry Group/*psychology/statistics & numerical data; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Gambling/*psychology; Humans; *Life Change Events; Male; Middle Aged; Personality Inventory; Risk Factors; *Social Environment; Socioeconomic Factors; South Africa; Statistics; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/epidemiology/*psychology
Abstract The purpose of this study was to ascertain the frequency of gambling involvement and the prevalence of problem gambling among horse race gamblers and to discover whether problem gambling in this sample is associated with a history of trauma. Among a sample of 266 South African horse-race gamblers (94% men and 6% women, Mage 46.8 yr., SD = 13.9, range 18-85 years), 31.2% were classified as probable pathological gamblers and 19.9% with problem gambling. Major weekly gambling activities included racetrack betting (82%), purchase of lottery tickets or scratch tickets (35%), purchase of sports lottery tickets (23%), and using casino type games (18%). Trauma history was significantly associated with gambling severity.
Address Human Sciences Research Council, University of Limpopo, Pretoria, South Africa. KPeltzer@hsrc.ac.za
Corporate Author Thesis
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Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 0033-2941 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:17153816 Approved no
Call Number Serial 1850
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Author Lee, C.M.; Ryan, J.J.; Kreiner, D.S.
Title Personality in domestic cats Type Journal Article
Year 2007 Publication Psychological Reports Abbreviated Journal Psychol Rep
Volume 100 Issue 1 Pages 27-29
Keywords Animals; Animals, Domestic/*psychology; *Behavior, Animal; Cats/*psychology; Humans; *Personality
Abstract Personality ratings of 196 cats were made by their owners using a 5-point Likert scale anchored by 1: not at all and 5: a great deal with 12 items: timid, friendly, curious, sociable, obedient, clever, protective, active, independent, aggressive, bad-tempered, and emotional. A principal components analysis with varimax rotation identified three intepretable components. Component I had high loadings by active, clever, curious, and sociable. Component II had high loadings by emotional, friendly, and protective, Component III by aggressive and bad-tempered, and Component IV by timid. Sex was not associated with any component, but age showed a weak negative correlation with Component I. Older animals were rated less social and curious than younger animals.
Address Department of Psychology, 1111 Lovinger, Central Missouri State University, Warrensburg, MO 64093, USA
Corporate Author Thesis
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Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 0033-2941 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:17450998 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4103
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Author Clark, M.L.; Ayers, M.
Title Friendship similarity during early adolescence: gender and racial patterns Type Journal Article
Year 1992 Publication The Journal of Psychology Abbreviated Journal J Psychol
Volume 126 Issue 4 Pages 393-405
Keywords Achievement; Adolescent; African Americans/*psychology; *Cross-Cultural Comparison; Female; *Gender Identity; Humans; Individuality; *Interpersonal Relations; Male; *Personality Development; Personality Inventory; Sociometric Techniques
Abstract We studied the relationship of reciprocity, gender, and racial composition (Caucasian, African American, cross-race) of adolescent friendship dyads to similarity and proximity in 136 young adolescents. We found that adolescents selected friends who were of the same gender and race and that female dyads were more similar than male dyads on verbal achievement and several personality dimensions. Caucasian dyads were more similar than African American dyads on verbal achievement, mental alertness, and dominance. African American adolescents had more contact with their best friends outside school, whereas Caucasian adolescent friends had more in-school contact. African American students had fewer reciprocal relationships than the Caucasian students. Cross-race friendships were less reciprocal than same-race friendships. Race and gender were important in determining friendship patterns. Similarity and proximity were more important than reciprocity in understanding early adolescent friendships.
Address Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University
Corporate Author Thesis
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Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 0022-3980 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:1403972 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 5628
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Author Kralj-Fiser, S.; Scheiber, I.B.R.; Blejec, A.; Moestl, E.; Kotrschal, K.
Title Individualities in a flock of free-roaming greylag geese: behavioral and physiological consistency over time and across situations Type Journal Article
Year 2007 Publication Hormones and Behavior Abbreviated Journal Horm Behav
Volume 51 Issue 2 Pages 239-248
Keywords Animals; Behavior, Animal/*physiology; Corticosterone/metabolism; Feces; Female; Geese/*physiology; Individuality; Male; Personality/*physiology; Population Density; Reproducibility of Results; Seasons; *Social Behavior; Social Environment; Testosterone/*metabolism
Abstract The concept of personality implies individual differences in behavior and physiology that show some degree of repeatability/consistency over time and across contexts. Most studies of animal personality, particularly studies of individuals' variation in physiological mechanisms, have been conducted on selected individuals in controlled conditions. We attempted to detect consistent behaviors as well as physiological patterns in greylag ganders (Anser anser) from a free-roaming flock living in semi-natural conditions. We tested 10 individuals repeatedly, in a handling trial, resembling tests for characterization of “temperaments” in captive animals. We recorded the behavior of the same 10 individuals during four situations in the socially intact flock: (1) a “low density feeding condition”, (2) a “high density feeding condition”, (3) a “low density post-feeding situation” and (4) while the geese rested. We collected fecal samples for determination of excreted immuno-reactive corticosterone (BM) and testosterone metabolites (TM) after handling trials, as well as the “low density feeding” and the “high density feeding” conditions. BM levels were very highly consistent over the repeats of handling trials, and the “low density feeding condition” and tended to be consistent over the first two repeats of the “high density feeding condition”. Also, BM responses tended to be consistent across contexts. Despite seasonal variation, there tended to be inter-test consistency of TM, which pointed to some individual differences in TM as well. Aggressiveness turned out to be a highly repeatable trait, which was consistent across social situations, and tended to correlate with an individual's resistance during handling trials. Also, “proximity to the female partner” and “sociability” – the average number of neighboring geese in a close distance while resting – were consistent. We conclude that aggressiveness, “affiliative tendencies” and levels of excreted corticosterone and testosterone metabolites may be crucial factors of personality in geese.
Address University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical faculty, Slovenia. simona.kralj@guest.arnes.si
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN (down) 0018-506X ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:17196200 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4189
Permanent link to this record