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| Author | Flauger, B; Möstl, E.; Krueger., K. | ||||
Title  |
The introduction of horses into new groups: Social interactions and cortisol release | Type | Conference Article | ||
| Year | 2012 | Publication | Proceedings of the 2. International Equine Science Meeting | Abbreviated Journal | Proc. 2. Int. Equine. Sci. Mtg |
| Volume | in press | Issue | Pages | ||
| Keywords | Introduction technique; Aggression; Injury risk; Endocrine response; Stress; Integration horse | ||||
| Abstract | Domestic horses are kept in so-called “fate societies” where they have to deal with frequent mixing. Several studies have evaluated and discussed the aggression level and injury risk during the introduction of horses into new groups, but nothing is known about the endocrine responses and thus if horses experience stress during introduction. In this study we analysed the efficiency of four approved introduction techniques and evaluated the introduction of 30 horses into 11 different groups. Horses were introduced: 1) immediately, 2) after observing the new group for several days, 3) together with an “integration horse” after several days of observation, or 4) with a mixed strategy. Aggressive as well as positive social behaviour between the introduced horses and the group members were analysed the two hours following the introduction event. In addition, we focussed on the glucocorticoid production of the newcomer horses by measuring faecal cortisol metabolites (FCM) on the day of the introduction as well as the following three days. For the four introduction techniques we found significant differences in the horses’ aggressive and submissive behaviour as well as in their total interactions. The introduction together with an integration horse led to significantly lower levels of aggression and less total interactions than the immediate introduction of single horses. Horses which were introduced immediately or after an observation period showed significantly elevated levels of FCM on the first, second and third day after the introduction. For horses introduced together with an integration horse FCM were already significantly higher on the day of the introduction, indicating a stressful event before the introduction itself. In contrast, FCM levels were always very low when using the mixed technique. In sum, horses have the ability to deal with conflict when they are introduced to new group members. The introduction event itself appears not to be as stressful as previously assumed. Standing together with an “integration horse” on a separate paddock and not being able to integrate immediately into a new group appears to be stressful for the newcomer. Based on the findings of our study we suggest to introduce new horses in group management together with a new group mate, a so-called “integration horse”. This would reduce the number of total social interactions as well as the aggression level. While this technique may be stressful for the newcomer, it lowers aggressive behaviour between the introduced horse and the group members and consequently reduces injury risks. |
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| Address | |||||
| Corporate Author | Flauger, B. | Thesis | |||
| Publisher | Xenophon Publishing | Place of Publication | Wald | Editor | Krueger, K. |
| Language | Summary Language | Original Title | |||
| Series Editor | Series Title | Abbreviated Series Title | |||
| Series Volume | Series Issue | Edition | |||
| ISSN | 978-3-9808134-26 | ISBN | Medium | ||
| Area | Expedition | Conference | |||
| Notes | Approved | no | |||
| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 5551 | ||
| Permanent link to this record | |||||
| Author | Bahman, M. | ||||
| Title |
The prevalence of parascaris equorum in Tehran's riding clubs | Type | Conference Article | ||
| Year | 2012 | Publication | Proceedings of the 2. International Equine Science Meeting | Abbreviated Journal | Proc. 2. Int. Equine. Sci. Mtg |
| Volume | in press | Issue | Pages | ||
| Keywords | Parascaris; coproscopic examination; parasitology; deworming; endoparasites | ||||
| Abstract | 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. | ||||
| Address | |||||
| Corporate Author | Bahman, M. | Thesis | |||
| Publisher | Xenophon Publishing | Place of Publication | Wald | Editor | Krueger, K. |
| Language | Summary Language | Original Title | |||
| Series Editor | Series Title | Abbreviated Series Title | |||
| Series Volume | Series Issue | Edition | |||
| ISSN | ISBN | Medium | |||
| Area | Expedition | Conference | |||
| Notes | Approved | no | |||
| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 5498 | ||
| Permanent link to this record | |||||
| Author | Owen, H.; Hall, C.; Hallam, S.; Smith, E. | ||||
| Title |
The use of GPS to measure feeding behaviour and activity patterns in the horse (Equus caballus) | Type | Conference Article | ||
| Year | 2012 | Publication | Proceedings of the 2. International Equine Science Meeting | Abbreviated Journal | Proc. 2. Int. Equine. Sci. Mtg |
| Volume | in press | Issue | Pages | ||
| Keywords | horse, picture, recognition, communication | ||||
| Abstract | The global positioning system (GPS) has been used to record activity and monitor habitat use in many animal species. In the horse (Equus caballus) the monitoring of activity and feeding patterns has been used to assess the impact of environmental factors on behaviour and welfare. In free-ranging animals GPS can provide such information but the accuracy and reliability of these devices has yet to be confirmed. The aim of this study was: 1) to compare the results of visual observation with GPS recordings of the horse’s head and neck position (head up (HU) and down (HD)) used to quantify time spent grazing; 2) to test the use of GPS collars to monitor activity patterns where distance, speed and location paths were recorded. In both studies two animals were fitted with Lotek GPS 3300S collars (with integrated GPS data logger and removable battery pack) round the top of the neck. In study 1 two horses were fitted with collars and turned loose into a 20x40m sand arena for 45 minutes. Feed balls and hay were provided (in nets and on the ground) to encourage movement and feeding behaviour for comparison using the two methods (observation from digital video recordings and GPS). HD was recorded by the GPS collars for a significantly longer time (interpreted as feeding/grazing time) than that recorded by observation (p=0.004). However when the visual observation was split into HU, HD and also head in mid-way position (HMW), where the nose of the horse was level or just above the chest, then no difference between the collar (HU and HD) and visual observation for (HU and HD+HMW) was found. It is likely that when in HMW the GPS collar may not be sufficiently angled to trigger the sensor to record HU or the collar may move on the neck. Conclusions relating to time spent feeding should be treated with caution. In study 2, the collars were fitted to two ponies with access to 2.02 hectares of lowland grazing. Activity (distance travelled and speed) and location was recorded for 2 days. The total distance travelled by the ponies in 24 hours (2.84km) and their average speed (4.04m/minute) was calculated and showed no significant difference between day and night. The total area was split into four equal segments and there was no significant difference in the time the ponies spent in each area although they were found to move at slower speeds and stand for longer in some areas. Movement paths could be identified by inputting the GPS collar data into ArcGIS and viewed on Google Maps. There was a high level of comparability observed between the two ponies confirming behavioural synchronicity. As in other species, the use of GPS collars to monitor the movement and location of horses/ponies was found to be effective, but data relating to head position did not provide a reliable means of recording the time spent feeding. | ||||
| Address | horse, GPS, activity, feeding behaviour, grazing | ||||
| Corporate Author | Owen, H. | Thesis | |||
| Publisher | Xenophon Publishing | Place of Publication | Wald | Editor | Krueger, K. |
| Language | Summary Language | Original Title | |||
| Series Editor | Series Title | Abbreviated Series Title | |||
| Series Volume | Series Issue | Edition | |||
| ISSN | 978-3-9808134-26 | ISBN | Medium | ||
| Area | Expedition | Conference | |||
| Notes | Approved | no | |||
| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 5507 | ||
| Permanent link to this record | |||||
| Author | Schneider, G.; Krueger, K. | ||||
| Title |
Third-party intervention | Type | Conference Article | ||
| Year | 2012 | Publication | Proceedings of the 2. International Equine Science Meeting | Abbreviated Journal | Proc. 2. Int. Equine. Sci. Mtg |
| Volume | Issue | Pages | 73 | ||
| Keywords | |||||
| Abstract | Third-party intervention is the interruption of a dyadic interaction by a third animal. We observed such interventions in affiliative interactions in free-ranging Esperia-ponies (Equus caballus). It is known that horses intervene in affiliative contexts especially when a preferred partner is involved, probably to protect their social bond to this preferred partner. To prove this hypothesis the present study investigated whether the preferred partner was targeted, i.e. challenged, or supported by the intervener or both randomly. Therefore we examined the social relationship between the intervener and both dyadic interacting individuals. We found that interveners usually supported individuals to which they have stronger social bonds than to other group mates, while they have no particular relationship to the targeted animals. This indicates that interveners in stable horse groups protect their social bonds to the supported animals by challenging their interaction partners. Of all observed horses only some mares showed intervention behaviour. Their social position, reflected by their position in the dominance hierarchy, social networks, and the spatial group structure were investigated. We found that interveners occupy no unique position, but they are involved in a high amount of affiliative interactions, high-ranking, and relatively aggressive. KW - | ||||
| Address | |||||
| Corporate Author | Krueger, K. | Thesis | |||
| Publisher | Xenophon Publishing | Place of Publication | Wald | Editor | |
| Language | Summary Language | Original Title | |||
| Series Editor | Series Title | Abbreviated Series Title | |||
| Series Volume | Series Issue | Edition | |||
| ISSN | 978-3-9808134-26 | ISBN | Medium | ||
| Area | Expedition | Conference | |||
| Notes | Approved | no | |||
| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 5549 | ||
| Permanent link to this record | |||||
| Author | Ramnath, D.; Ralston, S.; Anderson, H. | ||||
| Title |
Trainability and reactivity of Mustang Horses (Equus Equus) fed Forage-Based Total Mixed (TMR) rations with or without added grain | Type | Conference Article | ||
| Year | 2012 | Publication | Proceedings of the 2. International Equine Science Meeting | Abbreviated Journal | Proc. 2. Int. Equine. Sci. Mtg |
| Volume | in press | Issue | Pages | ||
| Keywords | |||||
| Abstract | The relationship between ration and behavior in horses has not been extensively studied, though it is widely thought that the type of feed fed can influence how a horse behaves. For example rations high in sugar and starch have been documented to increase young horses' reactivity to novel stimuli. Since the temperament of a horse has been linked to the ease with which it can be trained, documenting if a horse’s behavior can be altered by its ration would be of interest to the equine industry. We hypothesized that increasing the starch intake of young mustangs by addition of corn or oats to a forage-based total mixed ration (TMR) would alter their reactivity to stimuli and responsiveness to learned commands. To test this hypothesis 8 recently tamed mustangs (4 geldings and 4 fillies, one and two years of age) were used. The mustangs were divided into two groups based on age, sex and temperament. In a series of three experiments they were fed TMR cubes with or without 10% added corn free choice (Exp. 1, Fall, 2010), or a basal ration of TMR cubes free choice with morning meals of 1kg TMR cubes versus an equicaloric amount of corn (exp. 2, Spring, 2011) or oats (Exp. 3, Spring 2011) in a simple crossover design with 2 to 2.5 week adaptation periods for each trial. The horses’ trainability and reactivity to stimuli were evaluated before the treatments were initiated and after each adaptation period 60 to 90 minutes after the morning meals were fed. In the tests the horses were asked to perform a standardized series of commands (ie: walk on, turn, stop and stand still, back up), and were then confronted with a novel stimulus, which varied with each trial. A single handler (SLR) led each horse through the tests, which was then repeated on the next day using a student handler instead. Treatments were then switched and the horses were re-tested, so that each horse was tested on each feed type in all 3 experiments. Each horse’s performance was scored by 2 judges, who were both professional trainers who had been assigned 4 horses to train throughout the study. These judges scored the horses' performances as the tests were done. Each test was videotaped for further evaluation by a third judge (D. Ramnath) who was not familiar with the horses and who was blind to the ration being fed. The performances were scored using a numerical scale of 0-5, with 0=total noncompliance and 5=perfect execution of the tasks asked of the horse. There were no differences (p>0.1) in responses to commands or reactivity to stimuli between rations in any of the trials or with respect to which trainer had trained the horse. There were, however, differences (P<0.05) among horses, handlers and judges with respect to the scores. It appears that addition of a moderate amount of starchy feed to a horse's ration has less influence on the horse's trainability and reactivity than the animal's natural temperament and handler ability. KW - | ||||
| Address | |||||
| Corporate Author | Ralston, S. | Thesis | |||
| Publisher | Xenophon Publishing | Place of Publication | Wald | Editor | Krueger, K. |
| Language | Summary Language | Original Title | |||
| Series Editor | Series Title | Abbreviated Series Title | |||
| Series Volume | Series Issue | Edition | |||
| ISSN | 978-3-9808134-26 | ISBN | Medium | ||
| Area | Expedition | Conference | |||
| Notes | Approved | no | |||
| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 5533 | ||
| Permanent link to this record | |||||
| Author | Kultus, K.; Balzer, H.-U. | ||||
| Title |
Untersuchungen zur Mensch-Pferd-Beziehung | Type | Conference Article | ||
| Year | 2012 | Publication | Proceedings of the 2. International Equine Science Meeting | Abbreviated Journal | Proc. 2. Int. Equine. Sci. Mtg |
| Volume | in press | Issue | Pages | ||
| Keywords | |||||
| Abstract | Abstract Missing KW - | ||||
| Address | |||||
| Corporate Author | Kultus, K. | Thesis | |||
| Publisher | Xenophon Publishing | Place of Publication | Wald | Editor | Krueger, K. |
| Language | Deutsch | Summary Language | Original Title | ||
| Series Editor | Series Title | Abbreviated Series Title | |||
| Series Volume | Series Issue | Edition | |||
| ISSN | 978-3-9808134-26 | ISBN | Medium | ||
| Area | Expedition | Conference | |||
| Notes | Public Day | Approved | no | ||
| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 5569 | ||
| Permanent link to this record | |||||
| Author | Burla, J.-B.; Ostertag, A.; Schulze Westerath Niklaus, H.; Hillmann, E. | ||||
| Title |
Validation of the MSR145W Data Logger for Gait Determination in Horses (Equus caballus) | Type | Conference Article | ||
| Year | 2012 | Publication | Proceedings of the 2. International Equine Science Meeting | Abbreviated Journal | Proc. 2. Int. Equine. Sci. Mtg |
| Volume | in press | Issue | Pages | ||
| Keywords | horse, activity, acceleration, gait determination | ||||
| Abstract | Group housed horses at a stud farm/riding stable in Belgium were observed on 17 days between 21 February and 25 April 2008, totalling 54hr25min of detailed data. The original group consisted of 8 Irish Cob mares, 1 Warmblood mare, 1 Arabian gelding and 2 Arabian mares. The group had been established in December 2007. During the course of the study 5 horses were removed from the group and 2 foals were born. 3 highly pregnant mares were housed adjacent to the group for part of the period. Horses were regularly used for lessons. Available surface area differed with the group on pasture at the end. Continuous all occurrence sampling of 10 agonistic and 2 affiliative behaviours was carried out for all group members present. Overall the group showed a frequency of 44.75 agonistic interactions per hour and 11.25 affiliative per hour. Of those agonistic interactions 46.3% were threats while 47% were less active interactions (displacement, being avoided), leaving only 6.7% more aggressive interactions ( mainly biting, some kicking and chasing). The effect on acting agonistically was not significant for age (p=0.1591) and borderline significant for density (p=0.0627). The analysis of the frequency of affiliative interactions showed there is no significant effect of age (p=0.1865) or density (p=0.7923). Agonistic and affiliative interactions were not significantly correlated (p=0.72). Affiliative behaviour a horse received showed a borderline effect (p=0.0787) on agonistic behaviour, as did the interaction between received agonistic and affiliative interactions (p=0.0725). Received agonistic interactions had a borderline negative effect (p=0.0656) on affiliative behaviour. A dominance hierarchy was calculated based on agonistic interactions using Empirical Bayes’ estimates based on Poisson regression with random effects. Agonistic behaviour expressed to other horses was significantly effected by relative rank (p=0.0243). Overall horses tended to be 3.7 times more aggressive towards lower ranking horses compared to higher ranking horses. Affiliative behaviour shown to other horses was not significantly influenced by the rank of the social partner (p=0.7915). Some individuals did show a significant effect whereby they showed more affiliative behaviour towards lower ranking individuals. This study was a small project to look at a practical situation of riding horses being kept in group housing. The frequent changes in group composition and available surface made it possible to look at agonistic and affiliative interactions in such circumstances. This is useful as instability in group composition is often used as main reason not to keep horses in social groups. The results from this study showed a borderline effect of density on agonistic behaviour. In reality it was also influenced by practical details, like a narrow paddock with only 2 hay crates on the smallest surface. Rank in a dominance hierarchy, based on agonistic behaviour, had a significant effect on the agonistic behaviour expressed towards higher or lower ranking horses. No injuries or escalating fights were observed. This study shows it is possible to keep a group of riding horses in a social context without excessive aggression. | ||||
| Address | |||||
| Corporate Author | Burla, J.-B. | Thesis | |||
| Publisher | Xenophon Publishing | Place of Publication | Wald | Editor | Krueger, K. |
| Language | Summary Language | Original Title | |||
| Series Editor | Series Title | Abbreviated Series Title | |||
| Series Volume | Series Issue | Edition | |||
| ISSN | 978-3-9808134-26 | ISBN | Medium | ||
| Area | Expedition | Conference | |||
| Notes | Approved | no | |||
| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 5511 | ||
| Permanent link to this record | |||||
| Author | De Giorgio, F.; Schoorl, J.M. | ||||
| Title |
Why isolate during training? Social learning and social cognition applied as training approach for young horses (Equus caballus) | Type | Conference Article | ||
| Year | 2012 | Publication | Proceedings of the 2. International Equine Science Meeting | Abbreviated Journal | Proc. 2. Int. Equine. Sci. Mtg |
| Volume | in press | Issue | Pages | ||
| Keywords | Cognitive approach; Horse training; Horse-Human relationship; Social environment; Social learning | ||||
| Abstract | In the last decade an increasing number of studies has been oriented towards equine social learning and their social behavior within the herd (Kruger‚ 2006-2008). In social species, social learning is important to learn and gain useful skills to move and live in their own social and environmental context. Group housing has been recognized as an important element to fulfill the physical and behavioral needs of horses, especially their need for social contact (Søndergaard‚ 2011). Still‚ when it comes to horse training, the social aspect and‚ in general‚ cognitive abilities of the horse are rarely taken into account. Although it is widely accepted that social isolation is stressful for horse (Mal et al, 1991a and 1991b) still isolating a young horse is the first step when it comes to training methods. Due to tradition and culture and our performance-oriented society it is both difficult to accept and apply a different social/cognitive training approach. Training sessions are focused on immediate results whereas in cognitive learning part of the process is latent and will not be visible immediately‚ but taking the cognitive skills into account plays an important role in avoiding tension both in the horse as in the human-horse interaction (Baragli and De Giorgio, 2011). In this study we tested the possibility to apply social learning by creating a social environment‚ favoring a cognitive learning approach‚ for the training of six young horses. The group existed in three males and three females, between two and three years old. All six showed initial difficulties and defense to human interaction. They were housed in two groups in adjacent spacious paddocks where they had ample opportunity to move and express their individual and social behavioral repertoire. Each horse had one training session per week without isolating it from the others. The training sessions were held following a cognitive-relational model defined as the equine-zooanthropologic approach (De Giorgio, 2010 – Marchesini, 2011). The learning objectives were to be able to handle each horse‚ conduct it‚ saddle and ride it within a maximum time-frame of two years. Every time a defensive or alert behavior would occur the training activity was re-arranged to not over-pressure the horse. Therefore the persons working with the horses carried out the activities without tight expectations focusing on the horses’ positive attention. After eighteen months all six horses were used to the saddle and to riding. None of the horses ever fled or showed defense behavior and in the case of unexpected events they showed no emotional reactivity/reactive behavior. Today the horses show the same calm behavior whenever worked individually. This preliminary study highlights how social learning applied to equestrian activity can be fundamental for safety and welfare and the establishment of a more problem-free relationship between horse and human. Safety as the defensive behavior seems to have been reduced and welfare as the horses have been trained in a social context without being isolated and thus without being stressed during the training experience. | ||||
| Address | |||||
| Corporate Author | De Giorgio, F. | Thesis | |||
| Publisher | Xenophon Publishing | Place of Publication | Wald | Editor | Krueger, K. |
| Language | Summary Language | Original Title | |||
| Series Editor | Series Title | Abbreviated Series Title | |||
| Series Volume | Series Issue | Edition | |||
| ISSN | 978-3-9808134-26 | ISBN | Medium | ||
| Area | Expedition | Conference | |||
| Notes | Approved | no | |||
| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 5528 | ||
| Permanent link to this record | |||||
| Author | Rubenstein, D. | ||||
| Title |
Wild Equid Movements: Impacts of Habitat Quality, Predation Pressure and Leadership | Type | Conference Article | ||
| Year | 2012 | Publication | Proceedings of the 2. International Equine Science Meeting | Abbreviated Journal | Proc. 2. Int. Equine. Sci. Mtg |
| Volume | in press | Issue | Pages | ||
| Keywords | |||||
| Abstract | Animals spend much of their lives on the move searching for food, shelter and mates. As long-legged, large bodied species, equids are well suited for traveling long distances. Understanding where free-ranging equids go, why they choose particular locations, some near and some far, and what impact such movements have on patterns of sociality, demography and human livelihoods are only now coming into focus. This talk will explore how bottom-up factors, such as the abundance and distribution of key resources, and top-down factors, such as the type and location of predators, interact to shape overall movement patterns of equids, how leadership roles develop and what outcomes such movements are likely to have on human activities. | ||||
| Address | |||||
| Corporate Author | Rubenstein, D. | Thesis | |||
| Publisher | Xenophon Publishing | Place of Publication | Wald | Editor | Krueger, K. |
| Language | Summary Language | Original Title | |||
| Series Editor | Series Title | Abbreviated Series Title | |||
| Series Volume | Series Issue | Edition | |||
| ISSN | 978-3-9808134-26 | ISBN | Medium | ||
| Area | Expedition | Conference | |||
| Notes | Approved | no | |||
| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 5556 | ||
| Permanent link to this record | |||||