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Author |
Flauger, B; Möstl, E.; Krueger., K. |
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Title |
The introduction of horses into new groups: Social interactions and cortisol release |
Type |
Conference Article |
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Year |
2012 |
Publication |
Proceedings of the 2. International Equine Science Meeting |
Abbreviated Journal |
Proc. 2. Int. Equine. Sci. Mtg |
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Volume |
in press |
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Keywords |
Introduction technique; Aggression; Injury risk; Endocrine response; Stress; Integration horse |
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Abstract |
Domestic horses are kept in so-called “fate societies” where they have to deal with frequent mixing. Several studies have evaluated and discussed the aggression level and injury risk during the introduction of horses into new groups, but nothing is known about the endocrine responses and thus if horses experience stress during introduction.
In this study we analysed the efficiency of four approved introduction techniques and evaluated the introduction of 30 horses into 11 different groups. Horses were introduced: 1) immediately, 2) after observing the new group for several days, 3) together with an “integration horse” after several days of observation, or 4) with a mixed strategy. Aggressive as well as positive social behaviour between the introduced horses and the group members were analysed the two hours following the introduction event. In addition, we focussed on the glucocorticoid production of the newcomer horses by measuring faecal cortisol metabolites (FCM) on the day of the introduction as well as the following three days.
For the four introduction techniques we found significant differences in the horses’ aggressive and submissive behaviour as well as in their total interactions. The introduction together with an integration horse led to significantly lower levels of aggression and less total interactions than the immediate introduction of single horses.
Horses which were introduced immediately or after an observation period showed significantly elevated levels of FCM on the first, second and third day after the introduction. For horses introduced together with an integration horse FCM were already significantly higher on the day of the introduction, indicating a stressful event before the introduction itself. In contrast, FCM levels were always very low when using the mixed technique.
In sum, horses have the ability to deal with conflict when they are introduced to new group members. The introduction event itself appears not to be as stressful as previously assumed. Standing together with an “integration horse” on a separate paddock and not being able to integrate immediately into a new group appears to be stressful for the newcomer. Based on the findings of our study we suggest to introduce new horses in group management together with a new group mate, a so-called “integration horse”. This would reduce the number of total social interactions as well as the aggression level. While this technique may be stressful for the newcomer, it lowers aggressive behaviour between the introduced horse and the group members and consequently reduces injury risks. |
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Corporate Author |
Flauger, B. |
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Publisher |
Xenophon Publishing |
Place of Publication |
Wald |
Editor |
Krueger, K. |
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978-3-9808134-26 |
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Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
5551 |
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Author |
Flauger, B.; Krueger, K. |
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Title |
Social feeding decisions in horses (Equus caballus) |
Type |
Conference Article |
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Year |
2012 |
Publication |
Proceedings of the 2. International Equine Science Meeting |
Abbreviated Journal |
Proc. 2. Int. Equine. Sci. Mtg |
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Volume |
in press |
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Keywords |
Feeding decision; Horse; Rank; Social behaviour |
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Abstract |
Like many other herbivores equids feed on rather evenly distributed resources. Especially in ruminants several studies have proved the influence of social organisations, rank, sex and the depletion of feeding sites on the feeding behaviour of individuals. However, it is not yet understood whether social aspects affect horses´ feeding decisions. Horses roam on vast habitats with constantly changing vegetation. In non-competitive situations domestic horses tend to return to the same feeding site until it is overgrazed. Whereas, for competition over limited food the social status of the individuals appears to be important. Curiosity about the influence of social rank and different social feeding conditions on the horses´ feeding decisions between two buckets, equally filled with high-quality surplus food, led us to create the test situation described here. The observer horses were alternately tested with a dominant and a subordinate demonstrator placed in one of three different positions. We conclude that domestic horses use cognitive strategic decision making in order to decide where to feed in a social feeding situation. When possible they tend to return to the same, continuously supplied feeding site and switch to an “avoidance tendency” when another horse is already feeding from it or in the presence of a dominant horse. Thus the position and the social rank of conspecifics affect the feeding strategy of horses. |
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Corporate Author |
Flauger, B. |
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Publisher |
Xenophon Publishing |
Place of Publication |
Wald |
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978-3-9808134-26 |
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Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
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5581 |
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Author |
Krueger,K.; Flauger, B. |
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Title |
Social and individual olfaction through horse faeces (Equus caballus) |
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Book Chapter |
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Year |
2009 |
Publication |
Program of the 4. Thementagung der Ethologischen Gesellschaft, Februar 12 -14, 2009. |
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Pages |
23 |
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Dpz. |
Place of Publication |
Göttingen |
Editor |
Kappeler,P.M. ; Schwibbe, M. |
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Language |
German |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
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5716 |
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Author |
Krueger, K.; Flauger, B. |
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Title |
Horses (Equus caballus) show respect and trust in their owners |
Type |
Book Chapter |
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Year |
2009 |
Publication |
Program of the 4. Thementagung der Ethologischen Gesellschaft, Februar 12 -14, 2009. |
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32 |
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Dpz. |
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Göttingen |
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Kappeler, P.M.; Schwibbe, M. |
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Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ Krueger2009 |
Serial |
5717 |
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Author |
Flauger, B.; Krueger, K.; Gerhards, H.; Moestl, E. |
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Title |
Measurement of glucocorticoid metabolites in horse faeces: the validation of different group specific enzymeimmunoassays and extraction methods. |
Type |
Book Chapter |
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Year |
2009 |
Publication |
Proceeding of the 102. Annual meeting of the Deutsche Zoologische Gesellschaft (DZG). |
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Volume |
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Issue |
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Pages |
166 |
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Publisher |
Dt. Zoologische Ges |
Place of Publication |
München |
Editor |
Cremer,S.;Schrempf,A.;Heinze,J. |
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978-3-00-028368-0 |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
5718 |
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