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Author  |
Ahmadinejad, M. |
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Title |
Promotion of stud management using equine applied science programs Mohsen A. Nejad University of applied science and technology, Tehran, Iran |
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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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in press |
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Keywords |
stud; management; applied science; program |
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Abstract |
The University of Applied Science and Technology (UAST) was founded in 1992, with the objective to promote the technical as well as the scientific knowledge of the job holders, mainly those who are working as low-skilled or semi-skilled laborers in different sectors of the economy. With a growing importance of the equestrian sports and horse husbandry, there is an increasing need for well-trained professionals in the equine sector. The need for specific equine university programs has been questioned occasionally; however, neither university programs in the equine veterinary medicine (focusing on diseased horses) nor animal science (focusing on food-producing farm animals) meet the broad requirements of today's equine industry. So far four programs in the equine sector has been approved in the UAST; an associate diploma program in the horse husbandry, an associate diploma program in the equine coaching, a bachelor program (2 + 2 years course) in the horse husbandry and a post graduate program in the horse physiotherapy and massage at master level (Msc. program). The main specifications of the applied science programs are ; the abilities of the applicants and their attainable jobs are pre-planned before starting the program ( each applicant will be aware of what abilities he/she would earn and what jobs he/she would attain after graduating from such scientific and applied programs). The first academic program in the equine science and management in Iran was established in 1998 by the UAST. The 2 year associate diploma program (74 credit points) includes sciences, anatomy, physiology, genetics, nutrition, horse behavior, economics, marketing, management, horse disease and disorders, basics of shoeing and basics of ridding. In 2004 when more than 200 students were graduated in this program a two years course (a 2 + 2 bachelor program) was established. In this program almost all subject taught at the previous program were taught, but at advance level. Courses are provided by the partner higher education centers affiliated to the UAST and approved by the Iranian Equestrian Federation and by the lecturers from practice and ridding clubs. Lectures and seminars are complemented by a scientific thesis and placements in the equine industry. Out of 400-500 applicants each year, 60 students are selected (to study in two higher education centers) on the basis of their previous activities, a written test and interviews. The majority of the students enter the program with previous experience of working with the horses and about 35% of the students enter the program directly after leaving secondary school. More than 50% of the graduates enter into the subsequent BSc. program in horse husbandry. Other 50% graduates (almost those with previous experience) return to the horse husbandry business and works as stud managers or management assistants in ridding clubs. In conclusion, graduates of the University of Applied Science and Technology programs follow a wide-range of professional and academic activities within the equine industry as well as equine medicine (graduates of the UAST's master program in the horse physiotherapy). This spectrum is by far more extensive than the sector covered by merely academic training. With practical experience obtained on the job, adequately qualified graduates will more and more obtain leading positions. KW - |
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Corporate Author |
Ahmadinejad, M. |
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Xenophon Publishing |
Place of Publication |
Wald |
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Krueger, K. |
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978-3-9808134-26 |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
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5500 |
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Author |
Ahmadinejad, M., Tavakoli, S. |
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Title |
Common injuries in athletic horses in Tehran‘s riding clubs |
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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in press |
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Various forms of intensive sport activities places stresses on the musculoskeletal system of the horse while involve in any forms of the activity (race &/or training). The musculoskeletal system of the horse has an inherent ability to adapt to the demands of high speed exercise, though if a threshold in adaptive capacity is exceeded, then some forms of damages to the structures of the musculoskeletal system may result. In case, if the insult (race &/or training) continued, it may worsen the repair and adaptation process and put the horse at risk of more serious musculoskeletal injury.
The result of this research describe the finding of the study performed in different breeds of horses involved in various types of activity in Tehran’s riding clubs, concentrating on the types of injuries observed in those horses. The study was then focused on the types of injuries observed in various activities (events) horses involved in.
Totally 400 horses took part in various activities during race season (March – September) in Tehran’s riding clubs, out of which 26 horses injured, in most of which musculoskeletal system of the fore limbs were involved.
From the sexual aspect of the study the percentages of the stallions were more (54%) when compared to the mares (46%). In this study the relation between the sex, breed, age and the weight of the horses with anatomical site of the injury, outcome of the injury, climate and the type of the event (jumping, polo etc.) were studied and compare with each other.
Bibliography:
Hill AE, Stover SM, Gardner IA, Kane AJ, Whitcomb MB, Emerson AG, 2001. Risk factors for and outcomes non catastrophic suspensory apparatus injury in Thoroughbred race horse. J.A.V.M.A. 218, 1136-44
Johnson BJ 1993. A look at race horse breakdowns. J.Eq.Vet.Scie. 13, 129-32
Morse SJ. 1999. A longitudinal study of racing thoroughbreds; performance during the first year of racing. Aust.Vet.J. 77, 105-12
Peloso JG, Mundy GD, Cohen ND. 1994. Prevalence of, and factors associated with, musculoskeletal racing injuries of thoroughbreds. J.A.V.M.A. 204, 620-6 |
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Corporate Author |
Ahmadinejad, M. |
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Krueger, K. |
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IESM 2012 |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
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5495 |
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Author |
Aldridge, B.; Lescun, T.; Radcliffe, J.S. |
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Title |
Recent Molecular Advances in Equine Nutrition – from Test Tube to Practice |
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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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in press |
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Keywords |
Molecular Biology, Equine, Gut |
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The use of molecular techniques has increased our understanding of biological systems; in particular how genes and proteins operate within a cell or organ in response to various stimuli. These techniques can be used to study modes of action or mechanisms in disease states, or in response to applied management or nutritional changes. While applied and basic research are often conducted independent of one another, the real advantages to the equine industry will come from the use of molecular techniques to address applied challenges and/or opportunities within the industry. Therefore, the overall goal of our research has been to use basic and molecular tools to investigate modes of action resulting from changes in nutrition or management. We investigated active nutrient transport capacities of the small and large intestine, the effects of feed withdrawal on intestinal transporter gene expression and function, as well as other measurements pertaining to gut health (gut barrier function and gastrointestinal morphology). This novel and thorough approach to characterize sectional differences (fore- and hind- gut) of nutrient absorption has resulted in quantitative measures of active transport capacity for glucose, phosphorus, glutamine, lysine, and di-peptides in the horse. This research demonstrates that by-products of fermentation in the cecum such as microbial proteins and hydrolyzed phytate phosphorus, can be absorbed in the colon. Previously unidentified in the hindgut of the horse, we reported the expression of the di-and tri-peptide transporter, PepT1, as well as the neutral amino acid transporter, ASCT2, and transport of their substrates. We observed that nutrient transporters for glucose (SGLT1), glutamine (ASCT2) and for di-peptides (PepT1) can be regulated by diet, implying biological relevance to feeding management strategies. Feed withdrawal in horses pre- or post-surgery, prior to or during horse shows, during transport, or for other management reason is common. It is therefore important to understand how the removals of nutrients impacts gut health and/or disease susceptibility. The use of molecular techniques has provided a basis for the roles of certain core nutrients during times of feed withdrawal. For example, nutrients such as glutamine play a major role in proliferation and repair in the gut, serve as a major energy substrate, and may provide a means of assessing nutritional stress in the gut. Recent data concludes that following a feed withdrawal, the need for glutamine increases up to 116% in the proximal jejunum, and the gene expression of its transporter (ASCT2) increases by 78%. Additional studies utilizing molecular techniques to address nutritional challenges in the horse include how hormone loss due to ovariectomization impacts the homeostatic regulation of calcium and phosphorus in the horse. To improve nutrition and feeding management practices in horses, knowledge regarding how and where nutrients are absorbed, utilized and regulated under varying physiologic stressors (disease, exercise, reproductive status, etc.) is needed. The integration of applied and basic research facilitates a better and more complete understanding of mechanisms underlying common health and nutritional challenges facing the equine industry. |
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Corporate Author |
Aldridge, 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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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
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5575 |
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Author |
Bahman, M. |
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Title |
The prevalence of parascaris equorum in Tehran's riding clubs |
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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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in press |
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Keywords |
Parascaris; coproscopic examination; parasitology; deworming; endoparasites |
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Parascaris equorum (ascarid; roundworm) is a common nematode parasite which occurs in the small intestine of immature horses world-wide. Adult female ascarids lay eggs in the small intestine, and these eggs pass into the environment within the feces of the host. P. equorum is one of the rare nematodes which induce absolute acquired immunity. Most horses become immune during the first year of life, so patent ascarid infections are rarely diagnosed in horses over two years of age. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of infection with parascaris equorum in Tehran’s riding clubs. The prevalence and rate of infection was determined based on the coproscopic examination. Fecal samples were tested for the presence of parascaris using suspend method. In this investigation, 442 fecal samples of horses from North-East of Tehran’s riding clubs examined. From the viewpoint of parascaris roundworms, fecal samples were obtained from each box separately and send in containers with plastic lid. The samples were then transferred to the parasitology lab for further examination. The infection was recognized based on the observation of parascaris eggs in coproscopic examination. The infection rate in the foal in this study was zero percent. Another interesting result was increasing the infection rate in horses of 10 years or even older and gelding. Out of 442 samples, the infection rate in the samples taken in summer, was 3.16%, and in the fall, winter and spring it was 2.4%, 10% and 3.16% respectively. The infection rates in relation to the age, sex, excursion condition, seasons and deworming programs was studied too. The results showed that the local and the imported horses should be monitored parasitologically, because endoparasites may create a major epizootiolocall problem when these animals are kept in an organic raising system. Deworming program is to be continued with proper methodology, dose and throughout the productive age of the horses. |
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Corporate Author |
Bahman, M. |
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Publisher |
Xenophon Publishing |
Place of Publication |
Wald |
Editor |
Krueger, K. |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
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5498 |
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Author |
Bartos, L..; Bartosova, J.; Pluhacek, J.; Sindelarova, J. |
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Title |
Promiscuous behaviour disrupts pregnancy block in domestic horse (Equus caballus) mares: A counterstrategy against possible male infanticide |
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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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in press |
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Keywords |
foetal loss, domestic horse, Bruce effect, sexual behaviour |
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It is a common practice that the domestic horse mare is removed from her home environment and transported elsewhere for mating. After conceiving she is returned back into her home environment and social group, containing often familiar stallions and geldings. If we presume that the behavioural adaptation for infanticide relevant for wild, or free-ranging horses has not be lost in domestication (and it is clear that it remains at least within feral populations), then we may expect that, unless prevented by fencing or other management measures, the dominant males in the home social group may subsequently attempt infanticide. Foetal loss is a common phenomenon in domestic horses, being usually substantially higher than that in other domestic ungulates reaching up to 40%. One adaptive response to infanticide risk in polygynous populations is the Bruce effect. Pregnant females terminate their pregnancies when exposed to a dominant strange male. Our previous studies on plain zebra suggested the possibility of the Bruce effect also in equids. In this study we therefore tested the presumption that the Bruce effect could explain foetal loss in domestic horses. Based on reproduction records from horse breeders, we have recently published that bringing a pregnant mare which had been mated away from home into a vicinity of a familiar male who was not the father of her foetus increased probability of pregnancy disruption (Behav Ecol Sociobiol DOI: 10.1007/s00265-011-1166-6). These mares aborted in 31% of cases, while none of those mated within the home stable aborted. Repeated sexual activity either by a stallion or dominant gelding from the normal home group was observed shortly after the mare came from away-mating. Pregnant mares isolated from home males by a fence were even seen soliciting them over the fence. Therefore, there is probably some other mechanism than the Bruce effect leading to pregnancy block in the mare. We speculate that, once returned to the home “herd”, and introduced to familiar males, mares were more likely to terminate their pregnancy to save energy and avoid likely future infanticidal loss of their progeny by dominant male(s) of the home social group. Additional data has now showed that if a mare was mated away from home and was brought into an environment containing mares only, she was less likely to abort than a mare returning to an environment containing familiar male or males. This further supports our above hypothesis. Supported by AWIN, EU FP7 project No. 266213. |
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Corporate Author |
Bartos, L. |
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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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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
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5544 |
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Author |
Bartosova, J.; Komarkova, M.; Dubcova, J.; Bartos, L.; Pluhacek J. |
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Title |
Nursing behaviour in pregnant domestic mares (Equus caballus): Can they cope with dual maternal investment? |
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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in press |
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Keywords |
Suckling behaviour; pregnancy; parent-offspring conflict; domestic horses; Equus caballus |
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Among mammals, lactation is the most energy demanding part of parental care and so parentoffspring conflict should arise over milk provided by the mother. Mother and offspring should disagree over the length and amount of the milk provision. We focused on effect of pregnancy on suckling behaviour variables as indicators of mother-offspring conflict in domestic horses. We presumed shorter suckling bouts and higher rates of rejected and/or terminated suckling in pregnant mares compared to non-pregnant ones. Increasing conflict over amount of maternal investment between mother and her young are to be expected because of her parallel investment into a nursed foal and a foetus. Eight groups of loose housed lactating mares with foals of Kladruby horse were studied at the National Stud Kladruby nad Labem (Czech Republic) from deliveries to abrupt weaning (at the age of 127 to 210 days). We recorded 10 848 suckling solicitations of 79 mare-foal pairs, from which 10 607 resulted in a suckling bout. In 41 cases a nursing mare became pregnant during lactation. We found no significant effect of pregnancy either on probability of the mother rejecting suckling solicitation of her foal or probability that she terminated a suckling bout. However the overall effect of mother’s pregnancy on suckling bout duration was not significant, there were considerable differences in pregnant and non-pregnant mares according to who terminated a suckling bout, whether the mother or the foal (F(1, 9776) = 12.1, P < 0.001). In case it was the mother then the suckling bout was longer if she was pregnant (65.36 ± 1.25 s) than barren (60.55 ± 1.36 s). We found no impact of pregnancy on duration of suckling bouts terminated by the foal. Further, nursing a foal during the first two trimesters of pregnancy had no negative impact on birth weight of the foetus. In conclusion, we found not higher, but a lower mother-offspring conflict in pregnant than in non-pregnant lactating mares while expecting just the opposite. We suggest that pregnant mares compensate their nursed foals during intensive stages of lactation through a relaxed mother-offspring conflict for later decrease in investment due to increasing demands of the foetus and/or for the shorter period of milk supply. Our results (partly published in Bartosova et al. 2011, PLoS ONE 6(8): e22068) are of high importance in horse breeding. One of the main arguments for early weaning of the foals is regeneration of their pregnant mothers before upcoming delivery. Here we present evidence that a pregnant mare “counts” with her dual maternal investment and “employs” evolutionary mechanisms enabling her to rear a vital foetus. From this point of view there is no objective reason for stressful weaning of her nursed offspring practised in conventional breeding. Supported by AWIN, EU FP7 project No. 266213. |
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Corporate Author |
Bartosova, J. |
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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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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
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5501 |
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Author |
Becker-Birck, M.; Biau, S.; Aurich, C.; Möstl, E.; Ille, N.; Aurich, J. |
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Title |
Heart rate and heart rate variability in the horse and its rider: different responses to training and a public equestrian performance |
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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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in press |
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While detailed information exists on the cardiovascular response of horses to racing or endurance, much less is known about cardiovascular function of the rider in equestrian sports. Combined analysis of the horse-rider-team has not been investigated so far. In this study, we have analyzed changes in heart rate and heart variability (HRV) variables SDRR (standard deviation of beat-to-beat interval) and RMSSD (root mean square of successive beat-to-beat intervals) both in well-trained horses (n=9) and their highly experienced riders (n=7) during the airs above the ground (sauteurs en liberté of the Cadre noir de Saumur) at a public performance and at an identical, but non-public training session, both lasting for exactly 7 min. Heart rate in the horses and riders increased during the airs above the ground, both in training and in the public performance (p<0.001 over time). In the horses, this increase did not differ between training and public performance (training: from 35±6 in the stable to 97±17 beats/min during riding, performance: from 43±13 to 103±13 beats/min, respectively). In contrast, in the riders, the increase in heart rate was significantly more pronounced (p<0.01) during the public performance (basal value 91±10, maximum 150±15 beats/min) than during training (basal value 94±10, maximum 118±12 beats/min). With regard to HRV in horses, overall SDRR did not change significantly over time and did not differ significantly between training and performance. RMSSD decreased during both training and performance to the same extent, indicating a decrease in parasympathetic (vagal) tone. In the riders, both HRV variables decreased significantly during riding (p<0.001) and for SDRR the decrease was more pronounced (p<0.05) during an equestrian performance compared to a training session. During the performance SDRR decreased from a basal value of 5.0±1.5 to a minimum of 3.2±0.6 msec while respective values for the training session were 5.3±1.1 and 2.3±1.1 msec. Both a public performance and an identical training session of the airs above the ground in the ridden horse caused an increase in heart rate and a decrease in HRV variables. While increases in heart rate are mainly caused by physical activity, decreases in HRV also indicate a stress response. The cardiovascular response in the horses did not differ between a training session and a public performance but clear differences could be demonstrated in the riders. During a public performance, the increase in heart rate and decrease in SDRR were more pronounced than during a similar training session. In conclusion, the presence of an audience thus causes more pronounced sympathoadrenal activity in experienced riders than the same equestrian tasks ridden without spectators present. In contrast, the presence of an audience was without effect on sympathoadrenal activity in experienced horses. KW - |
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Becker-Birck, M.; |
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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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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
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5550 |
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Author |
Berger, A.; Wolfram, M |
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Title |
How to come together best? – Studies on integration processes of Przewalski horses into new groups (Equus ferus przewalskii) |
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Conference Article |
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2012 |
Publication |
Proceedings of the 2. International Equine Science Meeting |
Abbreviated Journal |
Proc. 2. Int. Equine. Sci. Mtg |
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in press |
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Keywords |
Przewalski horse, zoo, semireserve, transportation, integration process |
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Abstract |
Conservation of endangered species in zoos and other protected areas has saved several species from extinction. The Przewalski horse (Equus ferus przewalskii) is one of that species and, being an attractive large ungulate, it is a “flagship species” for conservation projects. Reintroduction into its former habitat is accompanied by many difficulties and is a great challenge. Semireserves have been defined as enclosures large enough to maintain groups of Przewalski horses throughout all seasons of the year without any supplemental provisioning. The animals are kept isolated from external human influences as far as possible, except for necessary interventions such as veterinary care. Hence, the purpose is not limited to preparing animals for survival under natural conditions, but is equally related to the need to gain experience in establishment of free-ranging populations. Naturally, horses live in groups in which all individuals are long-term acquainted with each other and a stable hierarchical system is established. In conservation management an integration of horses into strange groups is often need but at the same time implies social fights, stress and risks for the animals. We investigated the integration process of 4 Przewalski horses from Zoo Leipzig into the herd of 5 Przewalski horses in the semireserve Liebenthal (Brandenburg, Germany). Before transportation the social structure was determined in both the herd in Zoo Leipzig and in Liebenthal. After transportation the social hierarchy and the individual dominance indices were determined by daily observation. Continuous records of activity and feeding were taken from several individuals using the ETHOSYS-storage telemetry system. The automatically recorded behaviours were analysed for daily and ultradian rhythms and used for stress detection by calculating a value (DFC) representative for regularity and stability of rhythmic structures. In zoo conditions, the behaviour was very regular and the daily pattern nearly identical from day to day as expressed by DFC´s near of 100%. After transportation, the behaviour became much less regular, DFC´s dropped significantly, recovered slowly and stabilised on values typically for semireserve conditions. Social bindings and dominances of the former two herds were mainly retained. As an important result, long lasting and stepwise transition from zoo to natural habitats with special training using new observing techniques can be strongly recommended. |
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Corporate Author |
Berger, A. |
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Xenophon Publishing |
Place of Publication |
Wald |
Editor |
Krueger, K. |
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978-3-9808134-26 |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
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5513 |
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Author |
Bouskila, A.; de Vries, H.; Hermans, Z.M.; van Dierendonck, M. |
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Title |
Leadership roles in movements of free-roaming Konik horses (Equus caballus) in a Dutch reserve |
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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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in press |
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We observed the activity and movements of Konik horses (Equus caballus) in order to determine the initiators of movements and the individuals taking the lead in movements of the main groups. We conducted our observations between March-June 2010 along the shores of the Rhine river, in the Blauwe Kamer reserve, in the Netherlands. The horses were introduced to the reserve alongside with cattle to prevent the growth of the forest and maintain the grass habitat. We videotaped all observations on two digital video cameras, one providing the general view of the group and the other scanning and focusing on the individuals, to aid with identification. Horses were recognized based on individual profiles that were created for each one, consisting of photos of both sides and notes of the main characters, such as orientation and coloration of the mane, prominent scars and markings, etc. Twenty three horses (not counting foals) were organized in two harem groups with 11 individuals (two of which were dominant stallions) in the large group and six individuals (one of which was a stallion) in the second group. These two main groups were always within sight of each other, and two bachelor males moved usually in their vicinity. An additional group of three young bachelor males roamed elsewhere in the reserve. We divided the movements of the horses to local movements while grazing and to long-distance movements, in which the horses moved to a different grazing location, to a pond of water, resting area or groups of trees that were used by the horses for scratching themselves. During the local movements, any two of the three oldest females in the large harem group were enough to cause the whole group to follow them and gradually change position within the pasture. The smaller harem always followed the large harem’s movements. The long-distance movements of the large harem were sometimes initiated by one of the harem stallions that herded their group and at other times – by the oldest females. Soon after the movement was clearly initiated, the dominant stallions positioned themselves in the back of the group or in the center and had no influence on the direction of move that was only determined by the leading females. In the long-distance movements too, the small harem followed the large harem group, and the two bachelor males usually followed behind them. Social interactions included aggressive interactions between the two dominant males within the large harem or between dominant stallions and the two bachelor males accompanying the two harems. In addition, dominant males courting or attempting to mate with mares sometimes caused a turmoil that eventually initiated movement of the harems. KW - |
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Corporate Author |
Bouskila, A. |
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Xenophon Publishing |
Place of Publication |
Wald |
Editor |
Krueger, K.; |
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978-3-9808134-26 |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
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5592 |
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Author |
Bouskila, A.; Renan, S.; Speyer, E.; Ben-Natan, D.; Zaibel, I.; Bar-David, S. |
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Title |
Group composition and behavior of reintroduced Equus hemionus near a water source in the Negev Desert |
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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in press |
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The Asiatic Wild Ass, Equus hemionus, was once abundant in western Asia. The species declined due to hunting and habitat loss. Between 1982-93 38 E. hemionus (21? 17?) that originated from Iran and Turkmenistan were reintroduced to the Negev Desert, Israel. Saltz, Rubinstein and co-workers studied the released population till 1999. The current population in the Negev is estimated at more than 200 individuals, yet, their social and genetic structures are not known. Here we report group composition and behavior of E. hemionus near a water sources from the 2010 and 2011 field seasons, which is part of a wider study of the mating system and genetic diversity. We recorded and videotaped group composition and social interactions from a shelter, 150m from the water source. We recorded a total of 377 observations, in which 251 only males were observed, in 105 observations we observed females and juveniles, and only in 21 cases we observed a mixed group of females with at least one male. Not all wild asses were individually identified, but so far, we analyzed data from 69 individual profiles (based on photos), and recorded in which groups were they videotaped. Before reaching the water source, wild asses often aggregate in large groups and wait for the first few individuals to approach cautiously the water, and only then the rest of the individuals make a swift final approach. We did not consider these aggregations as social groups. We defined a group when individuals approached or left together the valley in which the water source is located. In a few encounters between E. hemionus and wolves (around sunset) we noticed that the wild asses showed interest in the wolves and increased alertness, but the wolves did not approach the equids under these conditions. Female groups (including those with a male) were larger than male-only groups (range 2-49 and 1-34, respectively; P =0.0191). From records of individuals observed more than once, individuals appear on different days in groups of various sizes and compositions, suggesting a social structure with a certain degree of fission-fusion. The mean proportion of juveniles per female was 0.57 and this value is higher than the average found in the 1990’s study (0.5). Apart from the proliferation of the population, an important difference between the earlier and the current study stems from the fact that the E. hemionus in the Negev Desert expanded their range and it includes now the Negev Highlands, an area with slightly more mesic and stable conditions. Except for Sep., fewer adult females were observed compared to males (P=0.028). Different daily activity patterns of the two sexes may explain this observation. These results will be combined with the genetic work and will contribute to the assessment of population viability. |
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Address |
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Corporate Author |
Bouskila, A. |
Thesis |
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Publisher |
Xenophon Publishing |
Place of Publication |
Wald |
Editor |
Krueger, K. |
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Language |
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Summary Language |
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Original Title |
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Series Editor |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
978-3-9808134-26 |
ISBN |
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Notes |
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Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
5508 |
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