| Records |
| 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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English |
Summary Language |
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Original Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
0425-1644 |
ISBN |
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Medium |
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Expedition |
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Conference |
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| Notes |
PMID:16986605 |
Approved |
no |
Call Number  |
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Serial |
1783 |
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| Author |
McComb, K.; Clutton-Brock, T. |
| Title |
Is mate choice copying or aggregation responsible for skewed distributions of females on leks? |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
1994 |
Publication |
Proceedings. Biological sciences / The Royal Society |
Abbreviated Journal |
Proc Biol Sci |
| Volume |
255 |
Issue |
1342 |
Pages |
13-19 |
| Keywords |
Animals; Deer/*physiology; Estrus/physiology; Female; Male; Phenotype; Sexual Behavior, Animal/*physiology; Territoriality |
| Abstract |
In several lek-breeding populations of birds and mammals, females arriving on leks tend to join males that already have females in their territories. This might occur either because females have an evolved preference for mating with males that are attractive to other females, or because they join groups of other females to obtain greater safety from predation or dangerous harassment by males. We have previously used controlled experiments to show that oestrous fallow deer females join males with established harems because they are attracted to female groups rather than to the males themselves. Here we demonstrate that the preference for males with females over males without females is specific to oestrous females and weak or absent in anoestrous ones, and that it is not associated with a preference for mating with males that have previously been seen to mate with other females. Furthermore, oestrous females given the choice between males that do not already have females with them show no significant preference for antlered over deantlered males or for older males over younger ones. We conclude that female attraction to other females on the lek is likely to be an adaptation to avoiding harassment in mixed-sex herds. In this situation, a male's ability to maintain the cohesion of his harem may be the principal cause of variation in mating success between males. |
| Address |
Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, U.K |
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English |
Summary Language |
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Original Title |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
0962-8452 |
ISBN |
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Medium |
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Expedition |
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Conference |
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| Notes |
PMID:8153135 |
Approved |
no |
| Call Number |
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Serial |
1823 |
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| Author |
Meral, Y.; Cakiroglu, D.; Sancak, A.A.; Cyftcy, G.; Karabacak, A. |
| 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 |
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Thesis |
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Place of Publication |
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| Language |
English |
Summary Language |
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Original Title |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
0341-6593 |
ISBN |
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Medium |
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Expedition |
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Conference |
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| Notes |
PMID:17252934 |
Approved |
no |
| Call Number |
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Serial |
1835 |
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| Author |
Villani, M.; Cairoli, F.; Kindahl, H.; Galeati, G.; Faustini, M.; Carluccio, A.; Veronesi, M.C. |
| 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 |
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English |
Summary Language |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
0936-6768 |
ISBN |
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Medium |
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| Area |
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Expedition |
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Conference |
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| Notes |
PMID:17107515 |
Approved |
no |
| Call Number |
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Serial |
1855 |
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| Author |
Sundaresan, S.R.; Fischhoff, I.R.; Dushoff, J.; Rubenstein, D.I. |
| Title |
Network metrics reveal differences in social organization between two fission-fusion species, Grevy's zebra and onager |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2007 |
Publication |
Oecologia |
Abbreviated Journal |
Oecologia |
| Volume |
151 |
Issue |
1 |
Pages |
140-149 |
| Keywords |
Analysis of Variance; Animals; Behavior, Animal/*physiology; *Environment; Equidae/*physiology; Female; India; Kenya; Male; *Models, Theoretical; *Social Behavior; *Social Environment |
| Abstract |
For species in which group membership frequently changes, it has been a challenge to characterize variation in individual interactions and social structure. Quantifying this variation is necessary to test hypotheses about ecological determinants of social patterns and to make predictions about how group dynamics affect the development of cooperative relationships and transmission processes. Network models have recently become popular for analyzing individual contacts within a population context. We use network metrics to compare populations of Grevy's zebra (Equus grevyi) and onagers (Equus hemionus khur). These closely related equids, previously described as having the same social system, inhabit environments differing in the distribution of food, water, and predators. Grevy's zebra and onagers are one example of many sets of coarsely similar fission-fusion species and populations, observed elsewhere in other ungulates, primates, and cetaceans. Our analysis of the population association networks reveals contrasts consistent with their distinctive environments. Grevy's zebra individuals are more selective in their association choices. Grevy's zebra form stable cliques, while onager associations are more fluid. We find evidence that females associate assortatively by reproductive state in Grevy's zebra but not in onagers. The current approach demonstrates the utility of network metrics for identifying fine-grained variation among individuals and populations in association patterns. From our analysis, we can make testable predictions about behavioral mechanisms underlying social structure and its effects on transmission processes. |
| Address |
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA. ssundare@princeton.edu |
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Place of Publication |
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English |
Summary Language |
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Original Title |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
0029-8549 |
ISBN |
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Medium |
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Expedition |
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Conference |
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| Notes |
PMID:16964497 |
Approved |
no |
| Call Number |
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Serial |
1863 |
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| Author |
Christie, J.L.; Hewson, C.J.; Riley, C.B.; McNiven, M.A.; Dohoo, I.R.; Bate, L.A. |
| Title |
Management factors affecting stereotypies and body condition score in nonracing horses in Prince Edward Island |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2006 |
Publication |
The Canadian Veterinary Journal. La Revue Veterinaire Canadienne |
Abbreviated Journal |
Can Vet J |
| Volume |
47 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
136-143 |
| Keywords |
*Animal Husbandry/standards/statistics & numerical data; *Animal Welfare; Animals; Behavior, Animal/*physiology; Body Constitution/*physiology; Female; Horses/*physiology; Male; Prince Edward Island; Questionnaires; Risk Factors; Sex Factors |
| Abstract |
In North America, there are few representative data about the effects of management practices on equine welfare. In a randomized survey of 312 nonracing horses in Prince Edward Island (response rate 68.4%), owners completed a pretested questionnaire and a veterinarian examined each horse. Regression analyses identified factors affecting 2 welfare markers: body condition score (BCS) and stereotypic behavior. Horses' BCSs were high (mean 5.7, on a 9-point scale) and were associated with sex (males had lower BCSs than females; P < 0.001) and examination date (P = 0.052). Prevalences of crib biting, wind sucking, and weaving were 3.8%, 3.8%, and 4.8%, respectively. Age (OR = 1.07, P = 0.08) and hours worked weekly (OR = 1.12, P = 0.03) were risk factors for weaving. Straw bedding (OR = 0.3, P = 0.03), daily hours at pasture (OR = 0.94, P = 0.02), and horse type (drafts and miniatures had a lower risk than light horses; P = 0.12) reduced the risk of horses showing oral stereotypies. Some of these results contradict those of other studies perhaps because of populations concerned. |
| Address |
Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island |
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Place of Publication |
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English |
Summary Language |
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Original Title |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
0008-5286 |
ISBN |
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Medium |
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Expedition |
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Conference |
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| Notes |
PMID:16579039 |
Approved |
no |
| Call Number |
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Serial |
1875 |
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| Author |
Kaiser, L.; Heleski, C.R.; Siegford, J.; Smith, K.A. |
| Title |
Stress-related behaviors among horses used in a therapeutic riding program |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2006 |
Publication |
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association |
Abbreviated Journal |
J Am Vet Med Assoc |
| Volume |
228 |
Issue |
1 |
Pages |
39-45 |
| Keywords |
Adult; Animals; Behavior, Animal/*physiology; Child; *Disabled Persons; Female; Horses/*psychology; Humans; Male; *Mentally Disabled Persons; Occupational Therapy/methods; Recreation; Risk Factors; Stress/*veterinary |
| Abstract |
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether therapeutic riding resulted in higher levels of stress or frustration for horses than did recreational riding and whether therapeutic riding with at-risk individuals was more stressful for the horses than was therapeutic riding with individuals with physical or emotional handicaps. DESIGN: Observational study. ANIMALS: 14 horses in a therapeutic riding program. PROCEDURE: An ethogram of equine behaviors was created, and horses were observed while ridden by 5 groups of riders (recreational riders, physically handicapped riders, psychologically handicapped riders, at risk children, and special education children). Number of stress-related behaviors (ears pinned back, head raised, head turned, head tossed, head shaken, head down, and defecation) was compared among groups. RESULTS: No significant differences in mean number of stress-related behaviors were found when horses were ridden by recreational riders, physically handicapped riders, psychologically handicapped riders, or special education children. However, mean number of stress-related behaviors was significantly higher when horses were ridden by the at-risk children. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that for horses in a therapeutic riding program, being ridden by physically or psychologically handicapped individuals is no more stressful for the horses than is being ridden in the same setting by recreational riders. However, at-risk children caused more stress to the horses, suggesting that the time horses are ridden by at-risk children should be limited both daily and weekly. |
| Address |
Human-Animal Bond Initiative, College of Nursing, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA |
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Place of Publication |
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English |
Summary Language |
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Original Title |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
0003-1488 |
ISBN |
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Medium |
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Expedition |
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Conference |
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| Notes |
PMID:16426164 |
Approved |
no |
| Call Number |
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Serial |
1879 |
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| Author |
Miller, R.M. |
| Title |
Behavior and misbehavior of the horse |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2001 |
Publication |
The Veterinary Clinics of North America. Equine Practice |
Abbreviated Journal |
Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract |
| Volume |
17 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
379-87, ix |
| Keywords |
Animals; Behavior, Animal/*physiology; Curriculum; Education, Veterinary; Horses/*physiology/*psychology; United States |
| Abstract |
For decades after the discipline of psychiatry had been established as an accepted specialty, many medical schools continued to fail to train their students in the fundamentals of this discipline. Medical students all have at least cursory exposure to psychiatric principles and basic psychology. Unfortunately, the veterinary profession has lagged behind human medicine in this regard. Until recently, veterinary students received no training in animal behavior, and there were no available residencies within our schools for developing board-certified behavioral specialists. |
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Place of Publication |
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English |
Summary Language |
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Original Title |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
0749-0739 |
ISBN |
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Medium |
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Expedition |
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Conference |
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| Notes |
PMID:15658182 |
Approved |
no |
| Call Number |
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Serial |
1894 |
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| Author |
Hausberger, M.; Bruderer, C.; Le Scolan, N.; Pierre, J.-S. |
| Title |
Interplay between environmental and genetic factors in temperament/personality traits in horses (Equus caballus) |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2004 |
Publication |
Journal of Comparative Psychology |
Abbreviated Journal |
J Comp Psychol |
| Volume |
118 |
Issue |
4 |
Pages |
434-446 |
| Keywords |
*Affect; Animals; Behavior, Animal/*physiology; *Environment; Female; Horses/*psychology; Learning; Male; Memory/physiology |
| Abstract |
The aim of the present study was to broach the question of the relative influence of different genetic and environmental factors on different temperament/personality traits of horses (Equus caballus). The researchers submitted 702 horses to standardized experimental tests and investigated 9 factors, either genetic or environmental. Genetic factors, such as sire or breed, seemed to influence more neophobic reactions, whereas environmental factors, such as the type of work, seemed to play a more dominant role in reactions to social separation or learning abilities. Additive effects were evident, showing how environmental factors may modulate behavioral traits. This study constitutes a first step toward understanding the relative weights of genetic factors and how the environment may intervene in determining individual behavioral characteristics. |
| Address |
Ethologie-Evolution-Ecologie, Universite de Rennes 1, Rennes, France. Martine.Hausberger@univ-rennes1.fr |
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Thesis |
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Place of Publication |
Washington, D.C. : 1983 |
Editor |
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English |
Summary Language |
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Original Title |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
0735-7036 |
ISBN |
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Medium |
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Expedition |
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Conference |
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| Notes |
PMID:15584780 |
Approved |
no |
| Call Number |
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Serial |
1897 |
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| Author |
Powers, P.; Harrison, A. |
| Title |
Effects of the rider on the linear kinematics of jumping horses |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2002 |
Publication |
Sports Biomechanics / International Society of Biomechanics in Sports |
Abbreviated Journal |
Sports Biomech |
| Volume |
1 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
135-146 |
| Keywords |
Animals; Behavior, Animal/*physiology; Biomechanics; Communication; Exertion/*physiology; Gait/*physiology; Horses/*physiology; Humans; Locomotion/*physiology; Posture/*physiology; Task Performance and Analysis; Video Recording; Weight-Bearing/*physiology |
| Abstract |
This study examined the effects of the rider on the linear projectile kinematics of show-jumping horses. SVHS video recordings (50 Hz) of eight horses jumping a vertical fence 1 m high were used for the study. Horses jumped the fence under two conditions: loose (no rider or tack) and ridden. Recordings were digitised using Peak Motus. After digitising the sequences, each rider's digitised data were removed from the ridden horse data so that three conditions were examined: loose, ridden (including the rider's data) and riderless (rider's data removed). Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant differences between ridden and loose conditions for CG height at take-off (p < 0.001), CG distance to the fence at take-off (p = 0.001), maximum CG during the suspension phase (p < 0.001), CG position over the centre of the fence (p < 0.001), CG height at landing (p < 0.001), and vertical velocity at take-off (p < 0.001). The results indicated that the rider's effect on jumping horses was primarily due to behavioural changes in the horses motion (resulting from the rider's instruction), rather than inertial effects (due to the positioning of the rider on the horse). These findings have implications for the coaching of riders and horses. |
| Address |
Department of PE and Sports Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland |
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Thesis |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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English |
Summary Language |
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Original Title |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
1476-3141 |
ISBN |
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Medium |
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Expedition |
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Conference |
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| Notes |
PMID:14658371 |
Approved |
no |
| Call Number |
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Serial |
1904 |
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