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Author Christensen, J.W.; Rundgren, M.; Olsson, K.
Title Training methods for horses: habituation to a frightening stimulus Type Journal Article
Year 2006 Publication Equine veterinary journal Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J
Volume 38 Issue 5 Pages 439-443
Keywords Animals; Behavior, Animal/*physiology; *Conditioning (Psychology); *Fear; Heart Rate/*physiology; Horses/physiology/*psychology; Learning; Male; Random Allocation; *Reinforcement (Psychology); Safety; Time Factors
Abstract REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Responses of horses in frightening situations are important for both equine and human safety. Considerable scientific interest has been shown in development of reactivity tests, but little effort has been dedicated to the development of appropriate training methods for reducing fearfulness. OBJECTIVES: To investigate which of 3 different training methods (habituation, desensitisation and counter-conditioning) was most effective in teaching horses to react calmly in a potentially frightening situation. HYPOTHESES: 1) Horses are able to generalise about the test stimulus such that, once familiar with the test stimulus in one situation, it appears less frightening and elicits a reduced response even when the stimulus intensity is increased or the stimulus is presented differently; and 2) alternative methods such as desensitisation and counter-conditioning would be more efficient than a classic habituation approach. METHODS: Twenty-seven naive 2-year-old Danish Warmblood stallions were trained according to 3 different methods, based on classical learning theory: 1) horses (n = 9) were exposed to the full stimulus (a moving, white nylon bag, 1.2 x 0.75 m) in 5 daily training sessions until they met a predefined habituation criterion (habituation); 2) horses (n = 9) were introduced gradually to the stimulus and habituated to each step before the full stimulus was applied (desensitisation); 3) horses (n = 9) were trained to associate the stimulus with a positive reward before being exposed to the full stimulus (counter-conditioning). Each horse received 5 training sessions of 3 min per day. Heart rate and behavioural responses were recorded. RESULTS: Horses trained with the desensitisation method showed fewer flight responses in total and needed fewer training sessions to learn to react calmly to test stimuli. Variations in heart rate persisted even when behavioural responses had ceased. In addition, all horses on the desensitisation method eventually habituated to the test stimulus whereas some horses on the other methods did not. CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Desensitisation appeared to be the most effective training method for horses in frightening situations. Further research is needed in order to investigate the role of positive reinforcement, such as offering food, in the training of horses.
Address Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Animal Health, Welfare and Nutrition, Tjele, Denmark
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 0425-1644 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes (down) PMID:16986605 Approved no
Call Number Serial 1783
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Author Mallavarapu, S.; Stoinski, T.S.; Bloomsmith, M.A.; Maple, T.L.
Title Postconflict behavior in captive western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) Type Journal Article
Year 2006 Publication American journal of primatology Abbreviated Journal Am. J. Primatol.
Volume 68 Issue 8 Pages 789-801
Keywords Animals; *Behavior, Animal; *Competitive Behavior; Conflict (Psychology); Female; Gorilla gorilla/*physiology/psychology; Male; Time Factors
Abstract Postconflict (PC) behaviors, including reconciliation and consolation, have been observed in many primate and several nonprimate species. Using the PC-matched control (MC) method, PC behavior was examined in two groups (n=13) of captive western lowland gorillas, a species for which no conflict resolution data have been published. Analyses of 223 conflicts showed significantly more affiliation between former opponents after a conflict when compared to control periods, indicating reconciliation. Results also showed significantly more affiliation between the victim and a third-party after a conflict, indicating consolation. Both solicited and unsolicited consolation were observed. The majority of the affiliative interactions observed for both reconciliation and consolation were social proximity, which suggests that unlike most nonhuman primates, proximity, rather than physical contact, may be the main mechanism for resolving conflicts in western lowland gorillas. PC behavior was not uniform throughout the groups, but rather varied according to dyad type.
Address Zoo Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia 30315, USA. smallavarapu@zooatlanta.org
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 0275-2565 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes (down) PMID:16847973 Approved no
Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 2873
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Author Murray, J.K.; Singer, E.R.; Morgan, K.L.; Proudman, C.J.; French, N.P.
Title The risk of a horse-and-rider partnership falling on the cross-country phase of eventing competitions Type Journal Article
Year 2006 Publication Equine Veterinary Journal Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J
Volume 38 Issue 2 Pages 158-163
Keywords *Accidental Falls; Animals; Athletic Injuries/epidemiology/*veterinary; Case-Control Studies; Horses/*injuries; Humans; Logistic Models; Physical Conditioning, Animal; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Safety; Sports; Time Factors
Abstract REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Fatalities resulting from horse falls occurring during the cross-country phase of eventing competitions initiated epidemiological investigation of the risk factors associated with horse falls. OBJECTIVES: To identify variables that increased or decreased the risk of a horse fall during the cross-country phase of an eventing competition. METHODS: Data were collected from randomly selected British Eventing competitions held in Great Britain during 2001 and 2002. Data were obtained for 173 cases (jumping efforts resulting in a fall of the horse-and-rider partnership) and 503 matched controls (jumping efforts not resulting in a fall). The risk of falling was modelled using conditional logistic regression. RESULTS: An increased risk of a horse fall was associated with jumping into or out of water; taking off from good-to-soft, soft or heavy ground; fences with a drop landing; nonangled fences with a spread > or =2 m; and angled fences. Other risk factors included riders who knew that they were in the lead within the competition before the cross-country phase; an inappropriate speed of approach to the fence (too fast or too slow); horse-and-rider partnerships that had not incurred refusals at earlier fences; and riders who received cross-country tuition. CONCLUSIONS: This study has identified modifiable course- and fence-level risk factors for horse falls during the cross-country phase of eventing competitions. The risk of horse and rider injury at eventing competitions should be reduced by 3 simple measures; maintaining good to firm take-off surfaces at fences, reducing the base spread of fences to <2 m and reducing the use of fences at which horses are required to jump into or out of water. Risk reduction arising from course and fence modification needs to be confirmed by intervention studies. Potential relevance: Knowledge of factors that increase or decrease the risk of a horse fall can be used by UK governing bodies of the sport to reduce the risk of horse falls on the cross-country phase of eventing competitions, and reduce the risk of horse and rider injuries and fatalities. As one in 3 horses that fall injure themselves and one in 100 horse falls results in fatality to the horse, we suggest that immediate consideration is given to these recommendations.
Address Epidemiology Group, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Chester High Road, Neston, South Wirral CH64 7TE, UK
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 0425-1644 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes (down) PMID:16536386 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 3765
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Author Labruna, M.B.; Amaku, M.
Title Rhythm of engorgement and detachment of Anocentor nitens females feeding on horses Type Journal Article
Year 2006 Publication Veterinary Parasitology Abbreviated Journal Vet Parasitol
Volume 137 Issue 3-4 Pages 316-332
Keywords Animals; Bites and Stings; Feeding Behavior; Female; Horses/*parasitology; Ixodidae/*physiology; Seasons; Tick Infestations/parasitology/*veterinary; Time Factors
Abstract The present study evaluated the engorgement and drop-off rhythms of Anocentor nitens females feeding on horses. Drop-off rhythm was evaluated at 6h-intervals (06:00, 12:00, 18:00, and 00:00 h) on horses held in stalls or in a pasture. A new method of marking feeding female ticks (the bowknot technique) was developed to evaluate ticks on horses in pasture that attached to different parts of the horse's body. This technique was highly successful, indicating no significant interference on tick engorgement rate or final tick weight, length and reproductive capability. Horses held in the pasture during the summer produced only 28.2% of the tick detachment during the daylight period from 06:00 to 18:00 h. In contrast, 53.4% of the ticks detached during this same 12 h-period during the winter. This difference was probably related to the longer scotoperiod during the winter. Different drop-off rhythms were observed for females attached to different anatomical parts of the horse's body. For example, ticks attached to the ears, perineum, and tail showed similar drop-off patterns, but were different from ticks attached to mane, rump and other body parts. The idiosoma length of the feeding female ticks was individually measured every 6 h until the engorged female detached naturally. The engorgement rate (increase in millimeters of the body length per hour) was evaluated during the last 96 h of parasitism. The highest engorgement rates were observed during the last 24 h of parasitism (approximately 0.16 mm/h), which were four-fold higher than the engorgement rates of the previous 3 days ( approximately 0.04 mm/h), demonstrating that these lower and higher values corresponded to the slow and rapid feeding phases reported elsewhere. Based on these data, the 6 mm idiosoma length was estimated as the minimal length that would correspond to the time point (i.e. 24 h before detachment) during which ticks would undergo the rapid feeding phase and detach as fully engorged females. When this 6 mm length was tested to estimate the number of engorged females detaching from horses in a period of 24 h, the estimated accuracy varied from 58.5 to 97.7% (mean: 73.3%).
Address Departamento de Medicina Veterinaria Preventiva e Saude Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinaria e Zootecnia, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitaria, Sao Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil. labruna@usp.br
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 0304-4017 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes (down) PMID:16481114 Approved no
Call Number Serial 1877
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Author Piccione, G.; Caola, G.; Refinetti, R.
Title Temporal relationships of 21 physiological variables in horse and sheep Type Journal Article
Year 2005 Publication Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. Part A, Molecular & Integrative Physiology Abbreviated Journal Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol
Volume 142 Issue 4 Pages 389-396
Keywords Animals; Behavior, Animal/physiology; Blood Glucose/physiology; Body Temperature/*physiology; Circadian Rhythm/*physiology; Female; Horses/*physiology; Melatonin/blood/*physiology; Motor Activity/*physiology; Rectum/physiology; Sheep/*physiology; Time Factors
Abstract Daily or circadian oscillation has been documented in a variety of physiological and behavioral processes. Although individual variables have been studied in great detail, very few studies have been conducted on the temporal relationships between the rhythms of different variables. It is not known whether the circadian pacemaker generates each and every rhythm individually or whether most rhythms are simply derived from a few clock-controlled rhythms. As a first step in elucidating this issue, 21 physiological variables were recorded simultaneously in horse and sheep. The results indicated that, in both species, different variables exhibit different degrees of daily rhythmicity and reach their daily peaks at different times of the day. The variables exhibiting strongest rhythmicity were locomotor activity, rectal temperature, and plasma concentrations of melatonin and glucose. Comparison of rhythmicity and acrophase in the various rhythms allowed inferences to be made about mechanisms of causation.
Address Dipartimento di Morfologia, Biochimica, Fisiologia e Produzioni Animali, Facolta di Medicina Veterinaria, Universita degli Studi di Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
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 1095-6433 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes (down) PMID:16290083 Approved no
Call Number Serial 1884
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Author Lagarde, J.; Kelso, J.A.S.; Peham, C.; Licka, T.
Title Coordination dynamics of the horse-rider system Type Journal Article
Year 2005 Publication Journal of Motor Behavior Abbreviated Journal J Mot Behav
Volume 37 Issue 6 Pages 418-424
Keywords Animals; Biomechanics; *Horses; Humans; Professional Competence; Psychomotor Performance/*physiology; *Sports; Time Factors
Abstract The authors studied the interaction between rider and horse by measuring their ensemble motions in a trot sequence, comparing 1 expert and 1 novice rider. Whereas the novice's movements displayed transient departures from phase synchrony, the expert's motions were continuously phase-matched with those of the horse. The tight ensemble synchrony between the expert and the horse was accompanied by an increase in the temporal regularity of the oscillations of the trunk of the horse. Observed differences between expert and novice riders indicated that phase synchronization is by no means perfect but requires extended practice. Points of contact between horse and rider may haptically convey effective communication between them.
Address Center for Complex Systems and Brain Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431-771, USA. lagarde@ccs.fau.edu
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 0022-2895 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes (down) PMID:16280312 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4034
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Author Romano, N.; Vitale, F.; Alesi, D.R.; Bonura, F.; La Licata, R.; Intonazzo, V.; Dardanoni, G.; Mammina, C.
Title The changing pattern of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection in intravenous drug users. Results of a six-year seroprevalence study in Palermo, Italy Type Journal Article
Year 1992 Publication American Journal of Epidemiology Abbreviated Journal Am J Epidemiol
Volume 135 Issue 11 Pages 1189-1196
Keywords Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*epidemiology; Adolescent; Adult; Chi-Square Distribution; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; HIV Antibodies/blood; HIV Infections/*epidemiology; HIV Seroprevalence/*trends; *Hiv-1; Hepatitis B Antibodies/blood; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens/blood; Heroin; Humans; Incidence; Italy/epidemiology; Logistic Models; Male; Multivariate Analysis; Odds Ratio; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Substance Abuse, Intravenous/*epidemiology; Time Factors
Abstract A cross-sectional seroepidemiologic study was carried out between 1985 and 1990 in 1,567 heterosexual intravenous drug users who had been seen at the AIDS Regional Reference Center in Palermo, Italy, to evaluate the rate of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) seroprevalence in this group and its long-term trend. Sixty serum samples collected from drug users in 1980 and 1983, before the founding of the Center (1985), were tested as well. Some demographic and behavioral risk factors were studied in a subgroup of intravenous drug users enrolled in 1985, 1987, and 1990 for their possible association with HIV-1. These factors were also studied in relation to hepatitis B virus infection, since both viruses share the same modes of spread. These drug users had a higher prevalence of markers for hepatitis B virus than of HIV-1 antibodies, and the prevalence rates in sera collected declined over time for both infections. The presence of both antibodies to HIV-1 and markers for hepatitis B virus was independently associated with the age of the drug user, the duration of drug use, and the year of serum collection. Antibodies to HIV-1 were observed more frequently in females than in males. No relation was found between education or employment status and the presence of HIV-1 antibodies or hepatitis B virus markers. Although new HIV-1 infections still occur, the decline in seroprevalence observed at the end of the 1980s might be related to modifications in social behavior among newer drug users, partial exhaustion of the susceptible population, and increasing risk awareness in more experienced users.
Address Giuseppe D'Alessandro Department of Hygiene and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Palermo, Italy
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 0002-9262 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes (down) PMID:1626537 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 5258
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Author Whiten, A.; Horner, V.; de Waal, F.B.M.
Title Conformity to cultural norms of tool use in chimpanzees Type Journal Article
Year 2005 Publication Nature Abbreviated Journal Nature
Volume 437 Issue 7059 Pages 737-740
Keywords Aging/physiology; Animals; Culture; Feeding Behavior/physiology; Female; Pan troglodytes/*physiology/*psychology; *Social Conformity; Technology; Time Factors
Abstract Rich circumstantial evidence suggests that the extensive behavioural diversity recorded in wild great apes reflects a complexity of cultural variation unmatched by species other than our own. However, the capacity for cultural transmission assumed by this interpretation has remained difficult to test rigorously in the field, where the scope for controlled experimentation is limited. Here we show that experimentally introduced technologies will spread within different ape communities. Unobserved by group mates, we first trained a high-ranking female from each of two groups of captive chimpanzees to adopt one of two different tool-use techniques for obtaining food from the same 'Pan-pipe' apparatus, then re-introduced each female to her respective group. All but two of 32 chimpanzees mastered the new technique under the influence of their local expert, whereas none did so in a third population lacking an expert. Most chimpanzees adopted the method seeded in their group, and these traditions continued to diverge over time. A subset of chimpanzees that discovered the alternative method nevertheless went on to match the predominant approach of their companions, showing a conformity bias that is regarded as a hallmark of human culture.
Address Centre for Social Learning and Cognitive Evolution, School of Psychology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9JP, UK. a.whiten@st-and.ac.uk
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 1476-4687 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes (down) PMID:16113685 Approved no
Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 163
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Author Thiel, D.; Jenni-Eiermann, S.; Palme, R.
Title Measuring corticosterone metabolites in droppings of capercaillies (Tetrao urogallus) Type Journal Article
Year 2005 Publication Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences Abbreviated Journal Ann N Y Acad Sci
Volume 1046 Issue Pages 96-108
Keywords Adrenocorticotropic Hormone/administration & dosage/analysis/metabolism; Animals; Circadian Rhythm; Corticosterone/administration & dosage/*analysis/*metabolism; Feces/*chemistry; Female; Freezing; Galliformes/*metabolism; Male; Reproducibility of Results; Sex Factors; Temperature; Time Factors; Tritium/diagnostic use
Abstract The capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus), the largest grouse species in the world, is decreasing in numbers in major parts of its distribution range. Disturbances by human outdoor activities are discussed as a possible reason for this population decline. An indicator for disturbances is the increase of the glucocorticoid corticosterone, a stress hormone, which helps to cope with life-threatening situations. However, repeated disturbances might result in a long-term increase of the basal corticosterone concentration, which can result in detrimental effects like reduced fitness and survival of an animal. To measure corticosterone metabolites (CMs) noninvasively in the droppings of free-living capercaillies, first an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) in captive birds had to be selected and validated. Therefore, the excretion pattern of intravenously injected radiolabeled corticosterone was determined and 3H metabolites were characterized. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separations of the samples containing peak concentrations revealed that corticosterone was extensively metabolized. The HPLC fractions were tested in several EIAs for glucocorticoid metabolites. The physiological relevance of this method was proved after pharmacological stimulation of the adrenocortical activity. Only the recently established cortisone assay, measuring CMs with a 3,11-dione structure, detected an expressed increase of concentrations following ACTH stimulation. To set up a sampling protocol suited for the field, we examined the influence of various storage conditions and time of day on concentrations of CMs.
Address Swiss Ornithological Institute, 6204 Sempach, Switzerland. dominik.thiel@vogelwarte.ch
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 0077-8923 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes (down) PMID:16055846 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4079
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Author Manson, J.H.; Perry, S.; Stahl, D.
Title Reconciliation in wild white-faced capuchins (Cebus capucinus) Type Journal Article
Year 2005 Publication American journal of primatology Abbreviated Journal Am. J. Primatol.
Volume 65 Issue 3 Pages 205-219
Keywords Aggression; Animals; Cebus/*psychology; Female; Male; Sex Factors; *Social Behavior; Social Dominance; Time Factors
Abstract The likelihood of reconciliation (defined as preferential peaceful contact among former opponents following conflicts) has been predicted to vary positively with relationship value and compatibility, and negatively with relationship security. Long-term data on wild white-faced capuchins (Cebus capucinus) indicate that dyads consisting of an adult female and an alpha male have high value and compatibility, but low security. Two studies of C. capucinus postconflict (PC) behavior were carried out at Lomas Barbudal Biological Reserve, Costa Rica. One study consisted of 30-min PC and matched control (MC) follows. The second study extracted PC and MC periods from long follows, yielding PC/MC periods averaging 105 min. In study 2, but not study 1, significantly more PC/MC pairs were attracted (former opponents affiliated with each other sooner in the PC period than in the MC period) than were dispersed (former opponents affiliated with each other sooner in the MC period than in the PC period). Reconciliation in study 2 could not be explained as a by-product of former opponents' tendency to seek affiliative contact with conspecifics generally, or of the spatial proximity of opponents following conflicts. Attempted reconciliation was less likely to be followed by renewed aggression when reconciliation attempts were delayed following conflicts. The data were insufficient for a formal test of differences in conciliatory tendency (the difference between the number of attracted and dispersed PC/MC pairs, divided by the total number of pairs) among dyad types to be conducted.
Address Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany. manson@eva.mpg.de
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 0275-2565 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes (down) PMID:15772989 Approved no
Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 2874
Permanent link to this record