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Author Hall, C.A.; Cassaday, H.J.; Vincent, C.J.; Derrington, A.M. doi  openurl
  Title Cone excitation ratios correlate with color discrimination performance in the horse (Equus caballus) Type Journal Article
  Year 2006 Publication Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983) Abbreviated Journal J Comp Psychol  
  Volume 120 Issue 4 Pages 438-448  
  Keywords Animals; Behavior, Animal; *Color Perception; *Discrimination (Psychology); Discrimination Learning; Horses; Photoreceptors, Vertebrate/*physiology  
  Abstract Six horses (Equus caballus) were trained to discriminate color from grays in a counterbalanced sequence in which lightness cues were irrelevant. Subsequently, the pretrained colors were presented in a different sequence. Two sets of novel colors paired with novel grays were also tested. Performance was just as good in these transfer tests. Once the horse had learned to select the chromatic from the achromatic stimulus, regardless of the specific color, they were immediately able to apply this rule to novel stimuli. In terms of the underlying visual mechanisms, the present study showed for the first time that the spectral sensitivity of horse cone photopigments, measured as cone excitation ratios, was correlated with color discrimination performance, measured as accuracy, repeated errors, and latency of approach.  
  Address School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Southwell, United Kingdom. carol.hall@ntu.ac.uk  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor (up) Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0735-7036 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:17115866 Approved no  
  Call Number Serial 1780  
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Author Henry, S.; Richard-Yris, M.-A.; Hausberger, M. doi  openurl
  Title Influence of various early human-foal interferences on subsequent human-foal relationship Type Journal Article
  Year 2006 Publication Developmental psychobiology Abbreviated Journal Dev Psychobiol  
  Volume 48 Issue 8 Pages 712-718  
  Keywords Animal Husbandry/methods; Animals; Animals, Newborn/*psychology; Animals, Suckling/*psychology; Behavior, Animal; Female; *Handling (Psychology); Horses/*psychology; Humans; Mothers/psychology; *Object Attachment; Species Specificity  
  Abstract Whereas the way animals perceive human contact has been particularly examined in pet animals, a small amount of investigations has been done in domestic ungulates. It was nevertheless assumed that, as pet animals, non-aggressive forms of tactile contact were as well rewarding or positive for these species, even though the features of intraspecific relationships in pet animals and domestic ungulates may be to some extent different.We test here the hypothesis that horses may not consider physical handling by humans as a positive event. When comparing different early human-foal interactions, we found that early exposure to a motionless human enhanced slightly foals reactions to humans whereas forced stroking or handling in early life did not improve later human-foal relation. Foals that were assisted during their first suckling (e.g., brought to the dam's teat) even tended to avoid human approach at 2 weeks, and physical contact at 1 month of age.We argue that interspecies differences may exist in how tactile stimulation is perceived. It may be important for the establishment of a bond that a young animal is active in the process and able, through its behavioral responses, to help define what is positive for it. This way of investigation may have important general implications in how we consider the development of social relations, both within and between species.  
  Address UMR CNRS 6552, Ethologie-Evolution-Ecologie, Universite de Rennes 1, Avenue du General Leclerc, Campus de Beaulieu, F-35042 Rennes Cedex, France. severine.henry@univ-rennes1.fr  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor (up) Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0012-1630 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:17111402 Approved no  
  Call Number Serial 1781  
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Author Christensen, J.W.; Rundgren, M.; Olsson, K. openurl 
  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 (up) Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0425-1644 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:16986605 Approved no  
  Call Number Serial 1783  
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Author Pritchard, J.C.; Barr, A.R.S.; Whay, H.R. openurl 
  Title Validity of a behavioural measure of heat stress and a skin tent test for dehydration in working horses and donkeys Type
  Year 2006 Publication Equine veterinary journal Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J  
  Volume 38 Issue 5 Pages 433-438  
  Keywords Age Factors; Animal Welfare; Animals; Behavior, Animal/physiology; Body Temperature/*physiology; Body Weight/physiology; Case-Control Studies; Dehydration/diagnosis/pathology/*veterinary; Drinking; *Equidae; Female; Heat Stress Disorders/diagnosis/physiopathology/*veterinary; Horse Diseases/*diagnosis/pathology; Horses; Hypovolemia/diagnosis/physiopathology/veterinary; Male; Osmolar Concentration; Pakistan; Respiration; Skin/*pathology; Species Specificity; Work  
  Abstract REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Dehydration and heat stress are serious welfare issues for equids working in developing countries. There is a lack of any standardised method or validated interpretation of the skin tent test in horses and donkeys. Owners of dehydrated and heat-stressed animals often depend on veterinary examination for identification of these conditions, leading to delays in treatment and unnecessary reliance on external sources to effect welfare improvement. OBJECTIVES: To validate a standardised skin tent test for dehydration and a behavioural measure of heat stress in working equids; and to examine the effect of heat stress and dehydration on tripping and staggering behaviour. METHODS: The study was carried out on 130 working horses and donkeys in Pakistan. Associations between skin tent and blood parameters (packed cell volume [PCV], serum total protein [TP], serum osmolality), clinical parameters, resting and drinking behaviour were examined. Heat stress behaviour (increased respiratory rate and depth, head nodding, flared nostrils, apathy) was observed in conjunction with rectal temperature. Tripping and staggering were assessed using a simple obstacle course. RESULTS: In both species, heat stress behaviour was significantly associated with increased rectal temperature (P<0.001). A positive skin tent test was not significantly associated with PCV or TP, although in donkeys it was significantly associated with lower serum osmolality (P<0.001). More animals age >15 years had a positive skin tent than those in younger age groups (P = 0.037). Very thin horses were more likely to have a positive skin tent than those in thin or moderate condition (P = 0.028). There was no significant correlation between skin tent and tripping or staggering in either species. CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Heat stress behaviour is related to increased body temperature in working horses and donkeys. Owners may use this to make judgements regarding rest and cooling, precluding the need to seek veterinary attention. The skin tent test for dehydration used in this study did not show a significant relationship with PCV or TP. However, the use of blood parameters to validate the skin tent test may be confounded by anaemia, hypoproteinaemia or electrolyte depletion. Alternative methods are needed to confirm or refute the validity of the skin tent test in working equids.  
  Address Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford, UK  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor (up) Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0425-1644 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:16986604 Approved no  
  Call Number Serial 1784  
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Author Elhay, M.; Newbold, A.; Britton, A.; Turley, P.; Dowsett, K.; Walker, J. doi  openurl
  Title Suppression of behavioural and physiological oestrus in the mare by vaccination against GnRH Type Journal Article
  Year 2007 Publication Australian Veterinary Journal Abbreviated Journal Aust Vet J  
  Volume 85 Issue 1-2 Pages 39-45  
  Keywords Animals; Antibodies/blood; Estradiol/blood; *Estrus/drug effects/physiology; Female; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone/*immunology/*pharmacology; Horses/*physiology; Luteinizing Hormone/blood; Ovulation/*drug effects/physiology; Progesterone/blood; Safety; Sexual Behavior, Animal/drug effects/physiology; Time Factors; Vaccination/veterinary  
  Abstract OBJECTIVE: To examine the immunogenicity of an equine immunocontraceptive vaccine and its efficacy in controlling hormone-related behaviour. DESIGN: A total of 24 mares at two sites in Australia were vaccinated with an immunocontraceptive vaccine comprising gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) conjugated to a carrier protein in immunostimulating complex as an adjuvant. Twelve animals at each site received a placebo of adjuvant alone and served as controls for seasonal oestrus, hormonal and behaviour patterns. Animals were observed for injection site reactions, ovarian and follicular activity, and serum levels of antibody, 17beta-oestradiol and progesterone in the weeks following vaccination. Mares were also examined for oestrous behaviour by teasing with a stallion. RESULTS: All mares responded to vaccination. Two weeks following the second vaccination there was a peak in antibody response to GnRH that declined gradually over the following weeks. Commensurate with the elevated anti-GnRH antibody there was a marked effect on ovarian activity with a reduction in 17beta-oestradiol and progesterone levels in the 24 vaccinated mares. There was also a reduction of oestrus-related behaviour as determined by a teaser stallion. This effect lasted a minimum of 3 months and correlated with the initial level of antibody response. CONCLUSION: Following a conventional two-dose immunisation regime this commercially available equine immunocontraceptive vaccine was effective at inhibiting oestrous behaviour for at least 3 months. This vaccine has a high level of safety since there were no significant local reactions nor were there any adverse systemic responses to vaccination.  
  Address Veterinary Medicines Research and Development, Pfizer Animal Health, Parkville, VIC 3052. Martin.Elhay@pfizer.com  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor (up) Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0005-0423 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:17300452 Approved no  
  Call Number Serial 1831  
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Author Momozawa, Y.; Takeuchi, Y.; Tozaki, T.; Kikusui, T.; Hasegawa, T.; Raudsepp, T.; Chowdhary, B.P.; Kusunose, R.; Mori, Y. doi  openurl
  Title SNP detection and radiation hybrid mapping in horses of nine candidate genes for temperament Type Journal Article
  Year 2007 Publication Animal Genetics Abbreviated Journal Anim Genet  
  Volume 38 Issue 1 Pages 81-83  
  Keywords Animals; *Behavior, Animal; Breeding; Horses/*genetics/physiology; *Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Radiation Hybrid Mapping; *Temperament  
  Abstract  
  Address Laboratory of Veterinary Ethology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
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  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor (up) Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0268-9146 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:17257195 Approved no  
  Call Number Serial 1834  
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Author Meral, Y.; Cakiroglu, D.; Sancak, A.A.; Cyftcy, G.; Karabacak, A. openurl 
  Title Relationships between serum serotonin and serum lipid levels, and aggression in horses Type Journal Article
  Year 2007 Publication DTW. Deutsche Tierarztliche Wochenschrift Abbreviated Journal Dtsch Tierarztl Wochenschr  
  Volume 114 Issue 1 Pages 30-32  
  Keywords *Aggression; Animals; Behavior, Animal/*physiology; Case-Control Studies; Female; Horses/*blood; Lipids/*blood; Male; Serotonin/*blood  
  Abstract Levels of serum serotonin and serum lipids--triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein and very low-density lipoprotein, were determined in normal horses and horses diagnosed with aggression on the basis of a questionnaire survey. Blood serotonin levels in aggressive horses were found to be significantly lower than in non-aggressive horses (P < 0.01), but no association was found with respect to blood lipids.  
  Address Department of Internal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ondokuz Mayis, Samsun, Turkey. ymeral@omu.edu.t  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
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  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor (up) Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0341-6593 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:17252934 Approved no  
  Call Number Serial 1835  
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Author Mills, D.S. openurl 
  Title Comments about the importance of behaviour to equine clinicians Type Journal Article
  Year 2007 Publication Equine Veterinary Journal Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J  
  Volume 39 Issue 1 Pages 95  
  Keywords Animals; *Behavior, Animal/physiology; *Clinical Competence; Horses/*physiology; Humans; Veterinarians/*psychology; Veterinary Medicine/*standards  
  Abstract  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor (up) Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0425-1644 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:17228604 Approved no  
  Call Number Serial 1839  
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Author Zhao, C.J.; Qin, Y.H.; Lee, X.H.; Wu, C. doi  openurl
  Title Molecular and cytogenetic paternity testing of a male offspring of a hinny Type Journal Article
  Year 2006 Publication Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics = Zeitschrift fur Tierzuchtung und Zuchtungsbiologie Abbreviated Journal J Anim Breed Genet  
  Volume 123 Issue 6 Pages 403-405  
  Keywords Animals; Cytogenetic Analysis; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics; Equidae/*genetics; Female; Horses/genetics; Hybridization, Genetic; Male; Microsatellite Repeats; Pedigree; Protamines/genetics; Sexual Behavior, Animal  
  Abstract An alleged male foal of a female mule, whose sire and grandparents were unknown, was identified for its pedigree. Parentage testing was conducted by comparing polymorphism of 12 microsatellite DNA sites and mitochondrial D-loop sequences of the male foal and the female mule. Both the sequence analysis of species-specific DNA fragments and a cytogenetic analysis were performed to identify the species of the foal and its parents. The results showed that the alleged female mule is actually a hinny, and the male foal, which possesses 62 chromosomes, qualifies as an offspring of the female hinny and a jack donkey.  
  Address Equine Center, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
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  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor (up) Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0931-2668 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:17177697 Approved no  
  Call Number Serial 1846  
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Author Villani, M.; Cairoli, F.; Kindahl, H.; Galeati, G.; Faustini, M.; Carluccio, A.; Veronesi, M.C. doi  openurl
  Title Effects of mating on plasma concentrations of testosterone, cortisol, oestrone sulphate and 15-ketodihydro-PGF2alpha in stallions Type Journal Article
  Year 2006 Publication Reproduction in Domestic Animals = Zuchthygiene Abbreviated Journal Reprod Domest Anim  
  Volume 41 Issue 6 Pages 544-548  
  Keywords Animals; Dinoprost/*analogs & derivatives/blood; Ejaculation/physiology; Estrone/*analogs & derivatives/blood; Horses/*blood/physiology; Hydrocortisone/*blood; Male; Sexual Behavior, Animal/*physiology; Testosterone/*blood  
  Abstract Very little information is available regarding the physiological mechanisms involved in the normal sexual activity in the stallion and, in particular, the endocrine control of reproduction is still not clearly understood. This experiment was designed to determine the short-term effect of sexual stimulation on plasma concentrations of testosterone, cortisol, oestrone sulphate and 15-ketodihydro-PGF(2alpha) in stallions. Semen samples were collected from 10 lighthorse stallions of proven fertility using a Missouri model artificial vagina. At the same time, blood samples were collected from the jugular vein with heparinized tubes, 20 and 10 min before oestrous mare exposure, at exposure and 10, 20, 30 min after dismounting. Testosterone concentrations showed a sharp rise 10 min after mating (p < 0.001), reached a plateau, and then showed a further increase 30 min after mating (p < 0.001). Cortisol concentrations increased 10 min after mating (p < 0.001) and remained at high levels in the subsequent samples taken. A peak of oestrone sulphate was observed 10 min after mating (p < 0.001). 15-Ketodihydro-PGF(2alpha) concentrations decreased rapidly at the moment of the exposure of the stallions to an oestrous mare (p < 0.05), returned to pre-mating concentrations and then decreased again 30 min after mating (p < 0.05).  
  Address Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche Veterinarie, Sez. Clinica Ostetrica e Ginecologica Veterinaria, Milan, Italy  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
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  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor (up) Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0936-6768 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:17107515 Approved no  
  Call Number Serial 1855  
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