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Author |
Kampmann, S.; Hampson, B.A.; Pollitt, C.C. |
Title |
Population dynamics of feral horses (Equus caballus) following above-average rainfall in a semi-arid environment of Australia |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2013 |
Publication |
Australian Veterinary Journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
Aust Vet J |
Volume |
91 |
Issue |
11 |
Pages |
482-487 |
Keywords |
animal welfare; ecology; horses; reproduction; wildlife |
Abstract |
Background Recent record rainfall in much of semi-arid Central Australia is the most likely reason for a feral horse population increase in excess of normal. Uncontrolled numbers of feral horses have habitat degradation and animal welfare implications. Objectives The aims of this study were to investigate the social structure of feral horses and assess their population growth rate following unseasonably high rainfall. Methods The study area was 4000 km2 of unmanaged, semi-arid country in Central Australia (latitude 24.50°S, longitude 132.10°E). Horses were identified by descriptive features from ground searches, movement-activated cameras and ‘hides’ positioned at key water holes. Wherever possible, sex and age categories were documented. Population growth rate was estimated by the number of foals divided by the number of horses older than 1 year in the observed population. Results A total of 1424 horses were identified and categorised, of which 335 were foals born within the current year. Only 123 juveniles were identified. Of the adult horses, 53.4% were male and 46.6% were female and this differed from parity (P = 0.04). Of the mares, 71.9% had a foal at foot and the population growth rate was 29.5%. Conclusions With a sustained population growth rate of 29.5%, this population of feral horses will more than double within 3 years. The high population increase will likely have a detrimental effect on native fauna and flora and the fragile, semi-arid ecosystems of Central Australia. After a period of high rainfall and plentiful resources, ‘normal’ drought conditions will return and many feral horses will starve and die as they compete for limited resources. |
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1751-0813 |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
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5747 |
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Aurich, J.; Wulf, M.; Ille, N.; Erber, R.; von Lewinski, M.; Palme, R.; Aurich, C. |
Title |
Effects of season, age, sex and housing on salivary cortisol concentrations in horses |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2015 |
Publication |
Domestic Animal Endocrinology |
Abbreviated Journal |
Domest. Anim. Endocrinol. |
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Keywords |
horse; cortisol; diurnal rhythm; reproduction; housing |
Abstract |
Abstract Analysis of salivary cortisol is increasingly used to assess stress responses in horses. Since spontaneous or experimentally induced increases in cortisol concentrations are often relatively small for stress studies proper controls are needed. This requires an understanding of factors affecting salivary cortisol over longer times. In this study, we have analysed salivary cortisol concentration over 6 mo in horses (n = 94) differing in age, sex, reproductive state and housing. Salivary cortisol followed a diurnal rhythm with highest concentrations in the morning and a decrease throughout the day (P < 0.001). This rhythm was disrupted in individual groups on individual days; however, alterations remained within the range of diurnal changes. Comparison between months showed highest cortisol concentrations in December (P < 0.001). Cortisol concentrations increased in breeding stallions during the breeding season (P < 0.001). No differences in salivary cortisol concentrations between non-pregnant mares with and without a corpus luteum existed. In stallions, mean daily salivary cortisol and plasma testosterone concentration were weakly correlated (r = 0.251, P < 0.01). No differences in salivary cortisol between female and male young horses and no consistent differences between horses of different age existed. Group housing and individual stabling did not affect salivary cortisol. In conclusion, salivary cortisol concentrations in horses follow a diurnal rhythm and are increased in active breeding sires. Time of the day and reproductive state of the horses are thus important for experiments that include analysis of cortisol in saliva. |
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0739-7240 |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
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5847 |
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Palme, R.; Touma, C.; Arias, N., Dominchin, M.N.; Lepschy, M. |
Title |
Steroid extraction: Get the best out of faecal samples |
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Journal Article |
Year |
2013 |
Publication |
Wiener Tierärztliche Wochenschriften |
Abbreviated Journal |
Wien Tierärztl Monat – Vet Med Austria |
Volume |
100 |
Issue |
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Pages |
238-246. |
Keywords |
Review, faeces, extraction, non-invasive hormone monitoring, stress, reproduction. |
Abstract |
Faecal steroid hormone metabolites are becoming increasingly popular as parameters for reproductive functions and stress. The extraction of the steroids from the faecal matrix represents the initial step before quantification can be performed. The steroid metabolites present in the faecal matrix are of varying polarity and composition, so selection of a proper extraction procedure is essential. There have been some studies to address this complex but often neglected point. Radiolabelled steroids (e.g. cortisol or progesterone) have frequently been added to faecal samples to estimate the efficiency of the extraction procedures used. However, native, unmetabolized steroids are normally not present in the faeces and therefore the results are artifi- cial and do not accurately reflect the actual recoveries of the substances of interest. In this respect, recovery experiments based on faecal samples from radiometabolism studies are more informative. In these samples, the metabolite content accurately reflects the mixture of metabolites present in the given species. As a result, it is possible to evaluate different extraction methods for use with faecal samples. We present studies on sheep, horses, pigs, hares and dogs that utilized samples containing naturally metabolized, 14C-labelled steroids. We recommend extracting faecal steroids by simply suspending the faeces in a high percentage of a primary alcohol (for glucocorticoid metabolites 80% aqueous methanol proved best suited for virtually all mammalian species tested so far). Not only does the procedure significantly increase the total amount of recovered radioactivity, it also increases the percentage of unconjugated metabolites, which are more likely to be recognized by the antibodies used in various immunoassays. The advantages of this extraction procedure are clear: it is very easy to use (no evaporation step is needed), it yields high recoveries and variation based on the extraction procedure is reduced to a minimum. |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
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6520 |
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Author |
Khalil, A.M.; Murakami, N.; Kaseda, Y. |
Title |
Relationship between plasma testosterone concentrations and age, breeding season and harem size in Misaki feral horses |
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Journal Article |
Year |
1998 |
Publication |
The Journal of veterinary medical science / the Japanese Society of Veterinary Science |
Abbreviated Journal |
J Vet Med Sci |
Volume |
60 |
Issue |
5 |
Pages |
643-645 |
Keywords |
Age Factors; Animals; Animals, Wild; *Horses; Japan; Male; Reproduction; Seasons; Sexual Behavior, Animal; Sexual Maturation; *Social Behavior; Testosterone/*blood |
Abstract |
Jugular vein blood samples were collected from 23 young and sexual mature feral stallions to examine the relationship between plasma testosterone concentration and age, breeding season or harem size. Testosterone concentration increased with the age of the stallions until they formed their own harems, at about 4 to 6 years old. Seasonal variations in testosterone concentrations were observed, and found to be significantly higher (P<0.001) throughout the breeding season than non-breeding season, from 3 years of age. Testosterone levels were correlated with harem size for individual stallions. It can be inferred from these results that there is a relationship between plasma testosterone concentration and age, breeding season and harem size. |
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Laboratory of Animal Behavioral Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Miyazaki University, Japan |
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0916-7250 |
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PMID:9637303 |
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no |
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refbase @ user @ |
Serial |
137 |
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Author |
Kirkpatrick, J.F.; Turner, A. |
Title |
Absence of effects from immunocontraception on seasonal birth patterns and foal survival among barrier island wild horses |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2003 |
Publication |
Journal of applied animal welfare science : JAAWS |
Abbreviated Journal |
J Appl Anim Welf Sci |
Volume |
6 |
Issue |
4 |
Pages |
301-308 |
Keywords |
Animals; Animals, Newborn; Animals, Wild/*physiology; Birth Rate; Case-Control Studies; Contraception, Immunologic/methods/*veterinary; Egg Proteins/administration & dosage; Female; Horses/*physiology; Maryland/epidemiology; Membrane Glycoproteins/administration & dosage; Population Control; Pregnancy; *Receptors, Cell Surface; *Reproduction; Seasons; Vaccines, Contraceptive/administration & dosage |
Abstract |
Despite a large body of safety data, concern exists that porcine zonae pellucidae (PZP) immunocontraception--used to manage wild horse populations--may cause out-of-season births with resulting foal mortality. Our study at Assateague, Maryland indicated the effects of immunocontraception on season of birth and foal survival between 1990 and 2002 on wild horses from Assateague Island. Among 91 mares never treated, 69 (75.8%) of foals were born in April, May, and June (in season). Among 77 treated mares, 50 (64.9%) were born in season. Of 29 mares foaling within 1 year after treatment (contraceptive failures), 20 (68.9%) were born in season. Of 48 mares treated for greater than 2 years then withdrawn from treatment, 30 (62.5%) of 48 foals were born in season. There were no significant differences (p <.05) between either treatment group or untreated mares. Survival did not differ significantly among foals born in or out of season or among foals born to treated or untreated mares. Data indicate a lack of effect of PZP contraception on season of birth or foal survival on barrier island habitats. |
Address |
Science and Conservation Center Zoo Montana, Billings, Montana 59106, USA. jkirkpatrick@montana.net |
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1088-8705 |
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PMID:14965784 |
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refbase @ user @ |
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140 |
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Author |
Collery, L. |
Title |
Observations of equine animals under farm and feral conditions |
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Journal Article |
Year |
1974 |
Publication |
Equine veterinary journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
Equine Vet J |
Volume |
6 |
Issue |
4 |
Pages |
170-173 |
Keywords |
Aggression; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Breeding; Circadian Rhythm; Feeding Behavior; Female; Horses/*physiology; Housing, Animal; Humans; Male; Pregnancy; Puberty; Reproduction; Sexual Behavior, Animal; Social Dominance |
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0425-1644 |
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PMID:4473340 |
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refbase @ user @ |
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680 |
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Author |
Feist, J.D.; McCullough, D.R. |
Title |
Reproduction in feral horses |
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Journal Article |
Year |
1975 |
Publication |
Journal of Reproduction and Fertility. Supplement |
Abbreviated Journal |
J Reprod Fertil Suppl |
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23 |
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13-18 |
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Age Factors; Animals; Female; Horses/*physiology; Leadership; Male; Maternal Behavior; Population; Reproduction; *Sexual Behavior, Animal; Social Dominance; Sucking Behavior |
Abstract |
A behavioural study of feral horses was conducted on the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range in the western United States. All 270 horses on the Range were identified individually. The sex ratio was nearly balanced. Foal to adult female ratio was 43-2:100. Morality was concentrated among foals and old horses. Horses were organized as forty-four harem groups each with a dominant stallion, one to two immature stallions, one to three immature mares, one to three adult mares and their yearling and foal offspring, and 23 bachelor groups of one to eight stallions. Harem groups were quite stable year-round because of dominance and leadership by the stallions and group fidelity by mares and their offsring. Most changes occurred during the breeding season and involved immature females. Defeat of dominant stallions was infrequent. Immature males were tolerated because of their submissive behaviour. Bachelor stallion groups were inherently unstable. Mares came into heat after foaling in May/June, and were mated by harem stallions only. |
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0449-3087 |
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PMID:1060766 |
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refbase @ user @ |
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1964 |
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Danchin, E.; Giraldeau, L.-A.; Valone, T.J.; Wagner, R.H. |
Title |
Public information: from nosy neighbors to cultural evolution |
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Journal Article |
Year |
2004 |
Publication |
Science (New York, N.Y.) |
Abbreviated Journal |
Science |
Volume |
305 |
Issue |
5683 |
Pages |
487-491 |
Keywords |
Animals; *Behavior, Animal; Cues; *Cultural Evolution; *Decision Making; Environment; Evolution; Feeding Behavior; Female; Genes; Humans; Male; Reproduction; Sexual Behavior, Animal |
Abstract |
Psychologists, economists, and advertising moguls have long known that human decision-making is strongly influenced by the behavior of others. A rapidly accumulating body of evidence suggests that the same is true in animals. Individuals can use information arising from cues inadvertently produced by the behavior of other individuals with similar requirements. Many of these cues provide public information about the quality of alternatives. The use of public information is taxonomically widespread and can enhance fitness. Public information can lead to cultural evolution, which we suggest may then affect biological evolution. |
Address |
U.P.M.C. CNRS-UMR7625, Bat A-7e etage-Case 237, 7 quai Saint Bernard, 75252 Paris Cedex 05, France. edanchin@snv.jussieu.fr |
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1095-9203 |
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PMID:15273386 |
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2131 |
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Nelson, W.A.; Keirans, J.E.; Bell, J.F.; Clifford, C.M. |
Title |
Host-ectoparasite relationships |
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Journal Article |
Year |
1975 |
Publication |
Journal of Medical Entomology |
Abbreviated Journal |
J Med Entomol |
Volume |
12 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
143-166 |
Keywords |
Animal Nutrition Physiology; Animals; Anoplura/physiology; *Arthropods; Birds/parasitology; Chickens/parasitology; Dermacentor/parasitology; Diptera; Ecology; Feeding Behavior; Female; Horses/parasitology; Humans; Male; Mallophaga/physiology; Mice/parasitology; Mites/physiology; Reproduction; Sarcoptes scabiei/physiology; Sheep/parasitology; Skin/parasitology; Ticks/physiology; Toxins, Biological/toxicity; Trombiculidae/physiology |
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0022-2585 |
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PMID:808617 |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
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2704 |
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Author |
Ogbourne, C.P. |
Title |
Variations in the fecundity of strongylid worms of the horse |
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Journal Article |
Year |
1971 |
Publication |
Parasitology |
Abbreviated Journal |
Parasitology |
Volume |
63 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
289-298 |
Keywords |
Animals; Animals, Newborn; Ecology; Feces; Female; Horses; Larva/growth & development; Male; Ovum; Parasite Egg Count; Reproduction; Seasons; Strongyle Infections, Equine/*etiology; Strongyloides/*growth & development; Time Factors |
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0031-1820 |
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PMID:5129804 |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
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2727 |
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