Records |
Author |
Arnold, W.; Ruf, T.; Kuntz, R. |
Title |
Seasonal adjustment of energy budget in a large wild mammal, the Przewalski horse (Equus ferus przewalskii) II. Energy expenditure |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2006 |
Publication |
The Journal of experimental biology |
Abbreviated Journal |
J Exp Biol |
Volume |
209 |
Issue |
Pt 22 |
Pages |
4566-4573 |
Keywords |
Animals; Animals, Wild/*physiology; Body Temperature; Body Temperature Regulation; Eating; *Energy Metabolism; Female; Heart Rate; Horses/*physiology; Male; Motor Activity; Pregnancy; Reproduction; *Seasons |
Abstract |
Many large mammals show pronounced seasonal fluctuations of metabolic rate (MR). It has been argued, based on studies in ruminants, that this variation merely results from different levels of locomotor activity (LA), and heat increment of feeding (HI). However, a recent study in red deer (Cervus elaphus) identified a previously unknown mechanism in ungulates--nocturnal hypometabolism--that contributed significantly to reduced energy expenditure, mainly during late winter. The relative contribution of these different mechanisms to seasonal adjustments of MR is still unknown, however. Therefore, in the study presented here we quantified for the first time the independent contribution of thermoregulation, LA and HI to heart rate (f(H)) as a measure of MR in a free-roaming large ungulate, the Przewalski horse or Takhi (Equus ferus przewalskii Poljakow). f(H) varied periodically throughout the year with a twofold increase from a mean of 44 beats min(-1) during December and January to a spring peak of 89 beats min(-1) at the beginning of May. LA increased from 23% per day during December and January to a mean level of 53% per day during May, and declined again thereafter. Daily mean subcutaneous body temperature (T(s)) declined continuously during winter and reached a nadir at the beginning of April (annual range was 5.8 degrees C), well after the annual low of air temperature and LA. Lower T(s) during winter contributed considerably to the reduction in f(H). In addition to thermoregulation, f(H) was affected by reproduction, LA, HI and unexplained seasonal variation, presumably reflecting to some degree changes in organ mass. The observed phase relations of seasonal changes indicate that energy expenditure was not a consequence of energy uptake but is under endogenous control, preparing the organism well in advance of seasonal energetic demands. |
Address |
Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Savoyenstrasse 1, 1160 Vienna, Austria. walter.arnold@vu-wien.ac.at |
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0022-0949 |
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PMID:17079726 |
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1782 |
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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 |
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0425-1644 |
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PMID:16986605 |
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1783 |
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Author |
Kurvers, C.M.H.C.; van Weeren, P.R.; Rogers, C.W.; van Dierendonck, M.C. |
Title |
Quantification of spontaneous locomotion activity in foals kept in pastures under various management conditions |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2006 |
Publication |
American journal of veterinary research |
Abbreviated Journal |
Am J Vet Res |
Volume |
67 |
Issue |
7 |
Pages |
1212-1217 |
Keywords |
Aging; Animal Husbandry; Animals; Female; Horses/*physiology; Male; Motor Activity/*physiology; Sex Characteristics |
Abstract |
OBJECTIVE: To describe spontaneous locomotion activity of foals kept under various management conditions and assess the suitability of global positioning system (GPS) technology for recording foal activity. Animals-59 foals. PROCEDURES: During the foals' first 4 months of life, 921 observation periods (15 minutes each) were collected and analyzed for locomotion activities. The GPS system was evaluated by simultaneously carrying out field observations with a handheld computer. RESULTS: Foals spent 0.5% of total observed time cantering, 0.2% trotting, 10.7% walking, 32.0% grazing, 34.8% standing, and 21.6% lying down. Total observed daytime workload (velocity x distance) in the first month was approximately twice that in the following months. Locomotion activity decreased with increasing age. Colts had more activity than fillies in certain periods, and foals that were stabled for some portion of the day had compensatory locomotion activity, which was probably insufficient to reach the level of foals kept continually outside. The GPS recordings and handheld-computer observations were strongly correlated for canter, trot, and walk and moderately correlated for standing and lying. Correlation for grazing was low. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that domestically managed foals, when kept 24 h/d at pasture, will exercise at a level comparable with feral foals. High workload during the first month of life might be important for conditioning the musculoskeletal system. The GPS technique accurately quantified canter, trot, and walk activities; less accurately indexed resting; and was unsuitable for grazing because of the wide array of velocities used while foraging. |
Address |
Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, The Netherlands |
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0002-9645 |
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PMID:16817745 |
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no |
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Serial |
1786 |
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Author |
Staniar, W.B.; Kronfeld, D.S.; Hoffman, R.M.; Wilson, J.A.; Harris, P.A. |
Title |
Weight prediction from linear measures of growing Thoroughbreds |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2004 |
Publication |
Equine veterinary journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
Equine Vet J |
Volume |
36 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
149-154 |
Keywords |
Animal Nutrition Physiology; Animals; Biometry; Body Weight/*physiology; Female; Horses/*anatomy & histology/*growth & development; Male; Mathematics; Predictive Value of Tests; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity |
Abstract |
REASON FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Monitoring weight of foals is a useful management practice to aid in maximising athletic potential while minimising risks associated with deviations from normal growth. OBJECTIVE: To develop predictive equations for weight, based on linear measurements of growing Thoroughbreds (TBs). METHODS: Morphometric equations predicting weight from measurements of the trunk and legs were developed from data of 153 foals. The accuracy, precision and bias of the best fitting equation were compared to published equations using a naive data set of 22 foals. RESULTS: Accuracy and precision were maximised with a broken line relating calculated volumes (V(t + l)) to measured weights. Use of the broken line is a 2 step process. V(t + l) is calculated from linear measures (m) of girth (G), carpus circumference (C), and length of body (B) and left forelimb (F). V(t + I) = ([G2 x B] + 4[C2 x F]) 4pi. If V(t + l) < 0.27 m3, weight is estimated: Weight (kg) = V(t + l) x 1093. If V(t + l) > or = 0.27 m3: Weight (kg) = V(t + l) x 984 + 24. The broken line was more accurate and precise than 3 published equations predicting the weight of young TBs. CONCLUSIONS: Estimation of weight using morphometric equations requires attention to temporal changes in body shape and density; hence, a broken line is needed. Including calculated leg volume in the broken line model is another contributing factor to improvement in predictive capability. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: The broken line maximises its value to equine professionals through its accuracy, precision and convenience. |
Address |
Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061-0306, USA |
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0425-1644 |
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PMID:15038438 |
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no |
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1806 |
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Author |
Jansen, W.L.; van Alphen, M.; Berghout, M.; Everts, H.; Beynen, A.C. |
Title |
An approach to assessment of the efficiency of dietary energy utilization by horses and ponies kept at riding schools |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2001 |
Publication |
The Veterinary quarterly |
Abbreviated Journal |
Vet Q |
Volume |
23 |
Issue |
4 |
Pages |
195-198 |
Keywords |
*Animal Feed; Animal Husbandry; Animals; Body Weight; Dietary Fats; Dietary Fiber; *Energy Intake; *Energy Metabolism; Female; Horses/*physiology; Male |
Abstract |
The ratio of calculated net energy intake (NEi) to calculate net energy requirement (NEr) might serve as an indicator of the efficiency of dietary energy utilization. The ratio was determined for 93 horses and ponies from 10 riding schools. For each animal with an assumed constant body weight, energy intake and energy requirements were assessed. On average, the estimated NEi was 14% greater than NEr. There was a significant, negative association between crude fibre intake and the NEi: NEr ratio. Earlier work indicated that extra fat intake may lead to over estimation of the calculated energy value of the ration due to changes in macronutrient digestibility. Dietary fat concentration was found to range from 32 to 52 g/kg dry matter (5 to 6 g/MJ net energy), but on the basis of digestibility trials this range in fat concentration is too small to significantly influence the NEi: NEr ratio. This study shows that assessment of the efficiency of dietary energy utilization under normal conditions, on the basis of the NEi: NEr ratio is fraught with uncertainty. |
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Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary, Medicine, Utrecht University, The Netherlands |
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0165-2176 |
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PMID:11765239 |
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1807 |
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Author |
Carroll, C.L.; Huntington, P.J. |
Title |
Body condition scoring and weight estimation of horses |
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Journal Article |
Year |
1988 |
Publication |
Equine veterinary journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
Equine Vet J |
Volume |
20 |
Issue |
1 |
Pages |
41-45 |
Keywords |
Animals; Biometry; *Body Weight; Female; Horses/*anatomy & histology; Male; Physical Examination/*veterinary |
Abstract |
Three hundred and seventy two horses of varying breeds, height and fatness were weighed and measured for height at the withers. They were assessed for condition score by adaptation of a previously published method. The heart girth and length of 281 of the horses were also measured. Weight of horses was highly correlated (P less than 0.001) with height (r2 = 0.62), condition score (r2 = 0.22) and girth2 x length (r2 = 0.90). Nomograms were constructed to predict weight from height and condition score, and girth and length measurements. Weight can also be accurately estimated from the formula: (formula, see text) The average value of 'Y' in this experiment was 11900 and this estimated weight with more accuracy than some previously published values of 'Y'. Racing Thoroughbred horses were found to be significantly lighter than non-racing Thoroughbreds of the same height and condition score. The method of assessment of condition score was shown to be repeatable between different operators with varying degrees of experience. |
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Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Attwood Veterinary Research Laboratory, Westmeadows, Victoria, Australia |
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0425-1644 |
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PMID:3366105 |
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1808 |
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Larose, C.; Richard-Yris, M.-A.; Hausberger, M.; Rogers, L.J. |
Title |
Laterality of horses associated with emotionality in novel situations |
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Journal Article |
Year |
2006 |
Publication |
Laterality |
Abbreviated Journal |
Laterality |
Volume |
11 |
Issue |
4 |
Pages |
355-367 |
Keywords |
Affect/*physiology; Animals; Brain/*physiology; Female; Functional Laterality/*physiology; Horses; Male; *Social Behavior; *Social Environment |
Abstract |
We have established that lateral biases are characteristic of visual behaviour in 65 horses. Two breeds, Trotters and French Saddlebreds aged 2 to 3, were tested on a novel object test. The main finding was a significant correlation between emotionality index and the eye preferred to view the novel stimulus: the higher the emotionality, the more likely that the horse looked with its left eye. The less emotive French Saddlebreds, however, tended to glance at the object using the right eye, a tendency that was not found in the Trotters, although the emotive index was the same for both breeds. The youngest French Saddlebreds did not show this trend. These results are discussed in relation to the different training practices for the breeds and broader findings on lateralisation in different species. |
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Universite de Rennes 1, France |
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1357-650X |
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PMID:16754236 |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ room B 3.029 |
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1826 |
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Author |
McGreevy, P.D.; Rogers, L.J. |
Title |
Motor and sensory laterality in thoroughbred horses |
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Journal Article |
Year |
2005 |
Publication |
Applied Animal Behaviour Science |
Abbreviated Journal |
Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. |
Volume |
92 |
Issue |
4 |
Pages |
337-352 |
Keywords |
Horse; Lateralisation; Training; Olfaction; Forelimb preference |
Abstract |
We investigated lateralisation in horses because it is likely to be important in training and athletic performance. Thoroughbred horses (n = 106) were observed every 60 s for 2 h, when they were at pasture, and the position of the forelimbs in relation to one another was recorded. There was a population bias skewed to standing with the left forelimb advanced over the right (i.e. directional lateralisation). Using the first 50 observations, the distribution of preferences was 43 significantly left, 10 significantly right with 53 being non-significant (i.e. ambidextextrous). The strength of motor bias increased with age, suggesting maturation or an influence of training. The horses were also presented with an olfactory stimulus (stallion faeces) to score the tendency to use one nostril rather than the other. A significant preference to use the right nostril first was shown in horses under 4 years of age (n = 61) but not in older horses. Of the 157 horses tested for nostril bias, 76 had been assessed for motor bias and so were used for analysis of the relationship between laterality in the two modalities. There was no significant relationship between direction of foreleg motor bias and first nostril used, total number of inhalations or laterality index of nostril use. The absence of a correlation between laterality of nostril use and motor bias indicates that lateralisation of the equine brain occurs on at least two levels of neural organisation--sensory and motor--a finding that is consistent with other examples of lateralisation in species that have been examined in more detail. |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ room 3.029 |
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1827 |
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McGreevy, P.D.; Thomson, P.C. |
Title |
Differences in motor laterality between breeds of performance horse |
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Journal Article |
Year |
2006 |
Publication |
Applied Animal Behaviour Science |
Abbreviated Journal |
Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. |
Volume |
99 |
Issue |
1-2 |
Pages |
183-190 |
Keywords |
Horse; Lateralisation; Laterality; Breed; Training |
Abstract |
This study examined the relationship between motor laterality in horses bred for different types of work and therefore different temperaments. Foreleg preference during grazing was measured in three populations of domestic horse, Thoroughbreds (TB, bred to race at the gallop), Standardbreds (SB, bred for pacing) and Quarter Horses (QH, in this case bred for so-called “cutting work” which involves manoeuvring individual cattle in and out of herds). With a one-sample t-test, TBs showed strong evidence of a left preference in motor laterality (P = 0.000), as did SBs (P = 0.002) but there was no convincing evidence for laterality in QH (P = 0.117). However, the increasing trend in left preference from QH to SBs then TBs was associated with increasing differences between individual horses within a breed. The overall preference (either left or right) increased with age (P = 0.008) and the rate of increase varied with breeds. The presence of a higher proportion of left-foreleg preferent individuals in TBs and SBs compared with QH may indicate that their training or selection (or both) has an effect on motor bias. |
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1828 |
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Ulloa, A.; Gonzalez-Ceron, L.; Rodriguez, M.H. |
Title |
Host selection and gonotrophic cycle length of Anopheles punctimacula in southern Mexico |
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Journal Article |
Year |
2006 |
Publication |
Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association |
Abbreviated Journal |
J Am Mosq Control Assoc |
Volume |
22 |
Issue |
4 |
Pages |
648-653 |
Keywords |
Animals; Anopheles/*physiology; Appetitive Behavior/*physiology; Cattle; Female; Horses; Humans; Insect Vectors/*physiology; Malaria/transmission; Mexico; Oviparity/*physiology; Seasons; Time Factors; Vitellogenesis/physiology |
Abstract |
The host preference, survival rates, and length of the gonotrophic cycle of Anopheles punctimacula was investigated in southern Mexico. Mosquitoes were collected in 15-day separate experiments during the rainy and dry seasons. Daily changes in the parous-nulliparous ratio were recorded and the gonotrophic cycle length was estimated by a time series analysis. Anopheles punctimacula was most abundant during the dry season and preferred animals to humans. The daily survival rate in mosquitoes collected in animal traps was 0.96 (parity rate = 0.86; gonotrophic cycle = 4 days). The length of gonotrophic cycle of 4 days was estimated on the base of a high correlation coefficient value appearing every 4 days. The minimum time estimated for developing mature eggs after blood feeding was 72 h. The proportion of mosquitoes living enough to transmit Plasmodium vivax malaria during the dry season was 0.35. |
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Centro de Investigacion de Paludismo, Instituto Nacional de Salud Publica, Apartado Postal 537, Tapachula, Chiapas 30700, Mexico |
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8756-971X |
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PMID:17304932 |
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1830 |
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