| Records |
| Author |
Rørvang, M.V.; Christensen, J.W.; Ladewig, J.; McLean, A. |
| Title |
Social Learning in Horses--Fact or Fiction? |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2018 |
Publication |
Frontiers in Veterinary Science |
Abbreviated Journal |
Front. Vet. Sci. |
| Volume |
5 |
Issue |
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Pages  |
212 |
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| Abstract |
Prima facie, the acquisition of novel behaviors in animals through observation of conspecifics seems straightforward. There are, however, various mechanisms through which the behavior of animals can be altered from observing others. These mechanisms range from simple hard-wired contagious processes to genuine learning by observation, which differ fundamentally in cognitive complexity. They range from social facilitation and local enhancement to true social learning. The different learning mechanisms are the subject of this review, largely because research on learning by observation can be confounded by difficulties in interpretation owing to the looming possibility of associative learning infecting experimental results. While it is often assumed that horses are capable of acquiring new behavior through intra-species observation, research on social learning in horses includes a variety of studies some of which may overestimate the possession of higher mental abilities. Assuming such abilities in their absence can have welfare implications, e.g. isolating stereotypical horses on the assumption that these behaviors can be learned though observation by neighboring horses. This review summarizes the definitions and criteria for the various types of social transmission and social learning and reviews the current documentation for each type in horses with the aim of clarifying whether horses possess the ability to learn through true social learning. As social ungulates, horses evolved in open landscapes, exposed to predators and grazing most of the day. Being in close proximity to conspecifics may theoretically offer an opportunity to learn socially, however anti-predator vigilance and locating forage may not require the neural complexity of social learning. Given the significant energetic expense of brain tissue, it is likely that social facilitation and local enhancement may have been sufficient in the adaptation of equids to their niche. As a consequence, social learning abilities may be maladaptive in horses. Collectively, the review proposes a novel differentiation between social transmission (social facilitation, local and stimulus enhancement) and social learning (goal emulation, imitation). Horses are undoubtedly sensitive to intra-species transfer of information but this transfer does not appear to satisfy the criteria for social learning, and thus there is no solid evidence for true social learning in horses. |
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| ISSN |
2297-1769 |
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no |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
6558 |
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| Author |
Hagen, K.; Broom, D.M. |
| Title |
Emotional reactions to learning in cattle |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2004 |
Publication |
Applied Animal Behaviour Science |
Abbreviated Journal |
Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. |
| Volume |
85 |
Issue |
3 |
Pages |
203-213 |
| Keywords |
Cattle; Expressive behaviour; Operant learning; Reinforcer |
| Abstract |
It has been suggested that during instrumental learning, animals are likely to react emotionally to the reinforcer. They may in addition react emotionally to their own achievements. These reactions are of interest with regard to the animals' capacity for self-awareness. Therefore, we devised a yoked control experiment involving the acquisition of an operant task. We aimed to identify the emotional reactions of young cattle to their own learning and to separate these from reactions to a food reward. Twelve Holstein-Friesian heifers aged 7-12 months were divided into two groups. Heifers in the experimental group were conditioned over a 14-day period to press a panel in order to open a gate for access to a food reward. For heifers in the control group, the gate opened after a delay equal to their matched partner's latency to open it. To allow for observation of the heifers' movements during locomotion after the gate had opened, there was a 15m distance in the form of a race from the gate to the food trough. The heart rate of the heifers, and their behaviour when moving along the race towards the food reward were measured. When experimental heifers made clear improvements in learning, they were more likely than on other occasions to have higher heart rates and tended to move more vigorously along the race in comparison with their controls. This experiment found some, albeit inconclusive, indication that cattle may react emotionally to their own learning improvement. |
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| ISSN |
0168-1591 |
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no |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
6551 |
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| Author |
Christensen, J.W.; Søndergaard, E.; Thodberg, K.; Halekoh, U. |
| Title |
Effects of repeated regrouping on horse behaviour and injuries |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2011 |
Publication |
Applied Animal Behaviour Science |
Abbreviated Journal |
Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. |
| Volume |
133 |
Issue |
3 |
Pages |
199-206 |
| Keywords |
Group housing; Horse; Injuries; Regrouping; Social behaviour |
| Abstract |
Domestic horses are faced with social challenges throughout their lives due to limitations in social contact, space restrictions and frequent changes in social companionship. This is in contrast to natural conditions where horses live in relatively stable harem bands. Currently, little is known about how repeated regrouping affect horse behaviour and welfare, and it is unknown whether horses may adapt to regrouping. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of an unstable group structure, caused by weekly regroupings, on behaviour and frequency of injuries in young horses. Forty-five horses were included in the study and were randomly assigned to the treatments; Stable (S; seven groups of three horses) or Unstable (U; eight groups of three horses). The experimental period lasted 7 weeks, during which horses in Stable groups remained in the same group, whereas one horse was exchanged between Unstable groups every week. The groups were kept in 80m×80m grass-covered enclosures and were fed additional roughage on the ground daily. Social interactions were recorded in Unstable groups immediately after each regrouping (30min), and in both Stable and Unstable groups on day 1, 3 and 6 after each regrouping (2×20min/group/day). Injuries were scored by the end of the experimental period. The level of aggression shown by horses in Unstable groups immediately after regrouping was not affected by week (F5,35=0.42, P=0.83), indicating that horses neither habituated, nor sensitized, to repeated regrouping. Compared to horses in Stable groups, more agonistic behaviour was shown by horses in Unstable groups (i.e. non-contact agonistic; F1,65=5.60, P=0.02), whereas there was no treatment effect on other variables. The level of play behaviour appeared, however, to be more variable in Unstable groups. There was a significant effect of week on the level of contact agonistic interactions as well as greeting behaviour, due to a high occurrence in weeks 4-6. Non-contact agonistic interactions constituted the major part of agonistic interactions (66%). Possibly as consequence, no serious injuries were registered and there was no treatment effect (U=184; P=0.11). We conclude that the behaviour of young horses is affected by group management, and that horses appear not to adapt to weekly regroupings. |
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0168-1591 |
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no |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
6605 |
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| Author |
McGreevy, P.D.; McLean, A.N. |
| Title |
Punishment in horse-training and the concept of ethical equitation |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2009 |
Publication |
Journal of Veterinary Behavior |
Abbreviated Journal |
J. Vet. Behav. |
| Volume |
4 |
Issue |
5 |
Pages |
193-197 |
| Keywords |
conditioning; welfare; ethical equitation; horse; punishment; training |
| Abstract |
By definition, punishment makes a response less likely in the future. Because horses are largely trained by negative reinforcement, they are susceptible to inadvertent punishment. Delays in the release of pressure can make desirable responses less likely and thus punish them. This study examines the correct use of negative reinforcement and identifies a continuum between poorly timed negative reinforcement and punishment. It explores some of the problems of non-contingent punishment and the prospect of learned helplessness and experimental neurosis. It concludes by introducing the concept of ethical equitation. |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
1558-7878 |
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no |
| Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
6599 |
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| Author |
Wolter, R.; Stefanski, V.; Krueger, K. |
| Title |
Parameters for the Analysis of Social Bonds in Horses |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2018 |
Publication |
Animals |
Abbreviated Journal |
Animals |
| Volume |
8 |
Issue |
11 |
Pages |
191 |
| Keywords |
feral horses; mutual grooming; social bonds; social bond analysis; spatial proximity |
| Abstract |
Social bond analysis is of major importance for the evaluation of social relationships in group housed horses. However, in equine behaviour literature, studies on social bond analysis are inconsistent. Mutual grooming (horses standing side by side and gently nipping, nuzzling, or rubbing each other), affiliative approaches (horses approaching each other and staying within one body length), and measurements of spatial proximity (horses standing with body contact or within two horse-lengths) are commonly used. In the present study, we assessed which of the three parameters is most suitable for social bond analysis in horses, and whether social bonds are affected by individual and group factors. We observed social behaviour and spatial proximity in 145 feral horses, five groups of Przewalski�s horses (N = 36), and six groups of feral horses (N = 109) for 15 h per group, on three days within one week. We found grooming, friendly approaches, and spatial proximity to be robust parameters, as their correlation was affected only by the animals� sex (GLMM: N = 145, SE = 0.001, t = �2.7, p = 0.008) and the group size (GLMM: N = 145, SE < 0.001, t = 4.255, p < 0.001), but not by the horse breed, the aggression ratio, the social rank, the group, the group composition, and the individuals themselves. Our results show a trend for a correspondence between all three parameters (GLMM: N = 145, SE = 0.004, t = 1.95, p = 0.053), a strong correspondence between mutual grooming and friendly approaches (GLMM: N = 145, SE = 0.021, t = 3.922, p < 0.001), and a weak correspondence between mutual grooming and spatial proximity (GLMM: N = 145, SE = 0.04, t = 1.15, p = 0.25). We therefore suggest either using a combination of the proactive behaviour counts mutual grooming and friendly approaches, or using measurements of close spatial proximity, for the analysis of social bonds in horses within a limited time frame. |
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2076-2615 |
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no |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
6428 |
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| Author |
Drevemo, S.; Fredricson, I.; Hjertén, G.; McMIKEN, D. |
| Title |
Early development of gait asymmetries in trotting Standardbred colts |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
1987 |
Publication |
Equine Veterinary Journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
Equine. Vet. J. |
| Volume |
19 |
Issue |
3 |
Pages |
189-191 |
| Keywords |
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| Abstract |
Summary Ten trotting Standardbred colts were recorded by high-speed cinematography at the ages of eight, 12 and 18 months. The horses were trotting on a treadmill operating at 4.0 m/secs. Five horses were subjected to a programme of intensified training from eight months of age, whereas the others were not trained and acted as controls. The films were analysed on a semi-automatic film-reading equipment and a number of variables used to demonstrate the gait symmetry were calculated and scaled by computer. Certain differences between left and right diagonal and contralateral pair of limbs, respectively, were noted, suggesting that laterality in horses may be inherited. The most pronounced systematic differences were found in 18-month old horses in the trained group. The results show the importance of careful gait examination and comprehensive coordination training at an early age. |
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American Medical Association (AMA) |
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0425-1644 |
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https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1987.tb01373.x |
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no |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
6702 |
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McGreevy, P.D.; Harman, A.; McLean, A.; Hawson, L. |
| Title |
Over-flexing the horse's neck: A modern equestrian obsession? |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2010 |
Publication |
Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research |
Abbreviated Journal |
Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research |
| Volume |
5 |
Issue |
4 |
Pages |
180-186 |
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| Abstract |
We used an opportunistic review of photographs of different adult and juvenile horses walking, trotting, and cantering (n = 828) to compare the angle of the nasal plane relative to vertical in feral and domestic horses at liberty (n = 450) with ridden horses advertised in a popular Australian horse magazine (n = 378). We assumed that horses in advertisements were shown at, what was perceived by the vendors to be, their best. Of the ridden horses, 68% had their nasal plane behind the vertical. The mean angle of the unridden horses at walk, trot, and canter (30.7 ± 11.5; 27.3 ± 12.0; 25.5 ± 11.0) was significantly greater than those of the ridden horses (1.4 ± 14.1; ?5.1 ± ?11.1; 3.1 ± 15.4, P < 0.001). Surprisingly, unridden domestic horses showed greater angles than feral horses or domestic horses at liberty. We compared adult and juvenile horses in all 3 gaits and found no significant difference. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that the longitudinal neck flexion of the degree desirable by popular opinion in ridden horses is not a common feature of unridden horses moving naturally. Moreover, they suggest that advertised horses in our series are generally being ridden at odds with their natural carriage and contrary to the international rules of dressage (as published by the International Equestrian Federation). These findings are discussed against the backdrop of the established doctrine, which states that carrying a rider necessitates changes in longitudinal flexion, and in the context of the current debate around hyperflexion. |
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Elsevier |
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1558-7878 |
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doi: 10.1016/j.jveb.2010.03.004 |
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no |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
6501 |
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Passilongo, D.; Marchetto, M.; Apollonio, M. |
| Title |
Singing in a wolf chorus: structure and complexity of a multicomponent acoustic behaviour |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2017 |
Publication |
Hystrix, the Italian Journal of Mammalogy |
Abbreviated Journal |
Hysterix |
| Volume |
28 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
180-185 |
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| Abstract |
Wolf choruses ( Canis lupus ) are complex, multicomponent signals, composed by a series of different vocalizations emitted by a pack. Although howls, the main component, have been highly studied, poor attention has been drawn upon the other vocalizations of the chorus. In this study, we investigate the structure of the chorus by means of the analysis and the quantification of the different components, taking advantage both of the digital sound recording and analysis, and of the modern statistical methodologies. We provide for the first time a detailed, objective description of the types of call emitted during the wolf howlings, combining spectrographic examinations, spectral analyses and automated classifications, with the aim to identify different types of call. Our results show that wolf choruses have a rich, complex structure, that reveals six other types of call, to be added to those howls already described in literature. Wolf choruses are typically composed by other three different types of calls: the bark, i.e. relatively long calls characterized by low frequencies and the presence of harsh components (deterministic chaos); the whimper, characterized by a harmonic structure and a very short duration; and the growl, a call with a noisy structure, low frequencies but relative long duration. Although further investigations are necessary to understand the meaning of the different calls, this research provides a basis for those studies that aim to compare wolves and other canids vocal behaviour. |
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0394-1914 |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ Passilongo2017 |
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6441 |
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| Author |
de Jong, T.R.; Neumann, I.D. |
| Title |
Oxytocin and Aggression |
Type |
Book Chapter |
| Year |
2018 |
Publication |
Behavioral Pharmacology of Neuropeptides: Oxytocin |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Issue |
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Pages |
175-192 |
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The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) has a solid reputation as a facilitator of social interactions such as parental and pair bonding, trust, and empathy. The many results supporting a pro-social role of OT have generated the hypothesis that impairments in the endogenous OT system may lead to antisocial behavior, most notably social withdrawal or pathological aggression. If this is indeed the case, administration of exogenous OT could be the “serenic” treatment that psychiatrists have for decades been searching for. |
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Springer International Publishing |
Place of Publication |
Cham |
Editor |
Hurlemann, R.; Grinevich, V. |
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978-3-319-63739-6 |
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no |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ de Jong2018 |
Serial |
6424 |
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Hampson, B.A.; Zabek, M.A.; Pollitt, C.C.; Nock, B. |
| Title |
Health and behaviour consequences of feral horse relocation |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2011 |
Publication |
Rangel. J. |
Abbreviated Journal |
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33 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
173-180 |
| Keywords |
equine, GPS, movement, range. |
| Abstract |
Despite ongoing projects involving the breeding and release of equids into semi-wild and wild environments, insufficient information is available in the literature that describes strategies used by equids to adapt and survive in a novel environment. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of naïve, feral Equus caballus (horse) mares to cope in a novel feral horse environment and investigate possible reasons why some may not survive this challenge. Four mares taken from a semi-arid desert environment remained in good health but significantly changed their movement behaviour pattern when surrounded by prime grazing habitat in a mesic temperate grassland. Three of the four mares captured from the prime grazing habitat and released in the semi-arid desert habitat died, apparently due to stress and/or starvation, within 8 weeks of release. The fourth mare survived 4 months but lost considerable weight.The group of mares relocated to the semi-arid desert environment had difficulty adapting to relocation and did not take up the movement behaviour strategy of local horses, which required long distance treks from a central water hole to distant feeding areas at least 15 km away. The movement behaviour, range use and health consequences of relocating equids may be of interest to wildlife ecologists, animal behaviourists and horse welfare groups. The observations may be used to guide those intending on relocating managed domestic and native horses to novel habitats. |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
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6210 |
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