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| Author | Winwright, D.; Elston, H.; Hall, C. | ||||
| Title | The impact of paddock design on the behaviour of the domestic horse (Equus caballus) | Type | Conference Article | ||
| Year | 2015 | Publication | Proceedings of the 3. International Equine Science Meeting | Abbreviated Journal | Proc. 3. Int. Equine. Sci. Mtg |
| Volume | Issue | Pages | |||
| Keywords | Horses, social behaviour, management, housing, paddock | ||||
| Abstract | The design of a captive environment should facilitate the expression of the natural behavioural repertoire of the species concerned. The domestic horse (Equus caballus) is a social, herd dwelling species that is often housed in isolation from con-specifics or kept in groups in paddock enclosures. Although the latter allows for social interaction and does not restrict movement per se, it may not promote natural activity patterns or group cohesion. The aim of the current study was to assess the impact of two different paddock designs on the behaviour of a stable group of horses (n=6: 2 mares, 4 geldings). The paddock designs tested were adjacent and grassed similarly, but configured differently. A central paddock (75 x 75m) designated NT, was surrounded by a track 1.6-5.5m wide, designated T. The horses were turned out in their group into T or NT for 3 consecutive days. Their behaviour was recorded for one hour three times each day (10.00, 13.00, 16.00 hrs). Within each observation period of one hour focal sampling was used, each individual horse being observed for a 10 minute period. They were then moved to the other enclosure type for a further 3 consecutive days, followed by a repeat of each condition. When turned out the horses were fitted with a global positioning system device (Garmin Forerunner 305) to monitor distance travelled and speed for the period 10.00-17.00 hrs. The mean percentage of time spent in each behavioural state (standing alert, standing resting, walk/trot, grazing, lying, social interaction) during the periods observed was calculated. Behaviour during social interactions was classified as either affiliative (approach, follow, friendly contacts, mutual grooming) or agonistic (approach and retreat, bite, chase, head threat). The horses travelled significantly further in T than in NT (paired samples t-test: t (5) = 11.74, p<0.001) and moved significantly faster (Wilcoxon signed rank test: z = -2.21, p=0.03). See Table 1. When the percentage of time spent in each behavioural state in T and NT was compared some significant differences were found. A significantly higher percentage of time was spent active (walking /trotting) in T than in NT (paired samples t-test: t (5) = 5.74, p=0.002). Standing alert was only recorded in T (paired samples t-test: t (5) = 3.48, p=0.02). A significantly higher percentage of time was spent grazing in NT than in T (paired samples t-test: t (5) = -3.58, p=0.016). Significantly more social interaction occurred in T than in NT (paired samples t-test: t (5) = 5.93, p=0.002). See Figure 1. In T, 91% of social interactions were affiliative and 9% agonistic, whereas in NT 29% were affiliative and 71% agonistic. No difference was found in the percentage of time spent standing resting or lying down in T and NT. The benefits of housing horses in groups as opposed to individually have been demonstrated in previous studies. In addition to better satisfying the behavioural needs of the horse it has been found that group housed horses adapt more easily to training and display less undesirable behaviour than those housed individually (Rivera et al. 2002; Søndergaard and Ladewig 2004; Visser et al. 2008). However, individual housing is frequently selected by horse owners in preference to group housing to avoid the risk of injury during agonistic encounters. Fureix et al. (2012) suggest that management practices may well contribute to aggressiveness in horses and that the conditions under which we keep horses should be reviewed. The findings of the present study indicate that the design of the enclosure in which groups of horses are kept affects the nature of social interactions. The T paddock design resulted in reduced intra-group aggression. However, this paddock design also reduced the time spent grazing and increased vigilant behaviour. Although the results demonstrate that a paddock system including tracks may facilitate group cohesion and more natural movement patterns, the long-term impact on behaviour and welfare requires further investigation. References: Fureix C, Bourjade M, Henry S, Sankey C, Hausberger M. (2012). Exploring aggression regulation in managed groups of horses (Equus caballus). Applied Animal Behaviour Science 138: 216-228. Rivera E, Benjamin S, Nielsen B, Shelle J, Zanella AJ. (2002). Behavioural and physiological response of horses to initial training: the comparison between pastured versus stalled horses. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 78: 235–252. Søndergaard E, Ladewig J. (2004). Group housing exerts a positive effect on the behaviour of young horses during training. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 87: 105-118. |
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Corporate Author  |
Hall, C. | Thesis | |||
| Publisher | Xenophon Publishing | Place of Publication | Wald | Editor | ; Krueger, K. |
| Language | Summary Language | Original Title | |||
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| Series Volume | Series Issue | Edition | |||
| ISSN | 978-3-95625-000-2 | ISBN | Medium | ||
| Area | Expedition | Conference | |||
| Notes | Id - | Approved | no | ||
| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 5895 | ||
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| Author | von Borstel, U.; Gauly, M. | ||||
| Title | An overview of the MSc-program in equine science at the University of Göttingen | Type | Conference Article | ||
| Year | 2008 | Publication | IESM 2008 | Abbreviated Journal | |
| Volume | Issue | Pages | |||
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| Abstract | The MSc-program in Equine Science, initiated in 2006 in response to needs for scientific support of the growing equine sector, is the first of its kind in Germany. It is offered by the Faculty of Agriculture Science, Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics at the University of Göttingen, Germany, however courses are delivered in cooperation with the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover and the German Equestrian Federation (FN). The courses are concerned with the scientific basis of horse breeding, husbandry, nutrition, physiology, behaviour, and health, as well as with aspects of business administration and management of equine facilities and their impact on society, economy and the environment. Courses are delivered in German and – in the case of some guest speakers – English language in form of lectures, laboratories, seminars, group-projects, internships and a combination thereof. Currently, the program is limited to 30 students per year and requirements for admittance are a BSc (or equivalent) degree in animal science or related subjects. However, graduates of programs e.g. in business administration, economics, or veterinary or law schools, are also accepted. The program takes two years (four semesters), and requires the completion of 120 European Credit Transfer System points, i.e. a workload of approximately 3000 hours. This timeframe includes the preparation of a thesis based upon research in topics related to equine science, demonstrating the candidate"s capacity for original and independent work. Further information about the program can be obtained from the official website: http://www.pferde.uni-goettingen.de . Career options for graduates include equine facilities management, consulting services, agriculture extension services, feed industry, agricultural ministry and related civil service, universities and research institutions. | ||||
| Address | Corresponding author: Uta.vonborstel@agr.uni-goettingen.de | ||||
| Corporate Author |
Gauly, M. | Thesis | |||
| Publisher | Place of Publication | Editor | |||
| Language | Summary Language | Original Title | |||
| Series Editor | Series Title | Abbreviated Series Title | |||
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| ISSN | ISBN | Medium | |||
| Area | Expedition | Conference | IESM 2008 | ||
| Notes | Talk 15 min IESM 2008 | Approved | yes | ||
| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 4497 | ||
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| Author | Gabor, V.; Gerken, M. | ||||
| Title | Cognitive testing in Shetland ponies (Equus caballus) using a computer based learning device | 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 | Shetland ponies, Cognitive abilities, Concept learning, Concept of sameness | ||||
| Abstract | Complex housing environments such as group housing with automatic feeding or the close contact to humans in sports make high demands on the learning ability of the horse. These learning processes include not only habituation, sensitization and simpler forms of operant conditioning, but also stimulus generalization and possibly some type of concept learning. Studies concerning cognitive abilities in the horse increased in the last decades, but for optimizing housing conditions and horse training, deeper insight into the learning behaviour of this species is necessary. In the present study we used the advantages of a computer based learning device to train 7 Shetland ponies to solve a matching to sample task. With this more complex type of a discrimination task, animals are trained to recognize two out of three presented stimuli as identical. In a first step animals learned to operate the learning device and in further learning steps to recognize and assign geometric symbols (dot, cross, square, and triangle) presented on a LCD screen that were ‘equal’. Four of the 7 ponies could solve the given task by performing over 80% correct responses in two consecutive sessions (p < 0.001). In the subsequent transfer test with new symbols, we found that the ponies were able to transfer the learned rule. In further experiments it should be clarified whether the good learning performance of the ponies in the present study is indeed based on their capability to form an abstract concept of sameness. The present results indicate that ponies possibly posses higher cognitive abilities than so far known. | ||||
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| Corporate Author |
Gabor, V. | Thesis | |||
| Publisher | Xenophon Publishing | Place of Publication | Wald | Editor | Krueger, K. |
| Language | Summary Language | Original Title | |||
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| Series Volume | Series Issue | Edition | |||
| ISSN | 978-3-9808134-26 | ISBN | Medium | ||
| Area | Expedition | Conference | |||
| Notes | Approved | no | |||
| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 5537 | ||
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| Author | Gabor, V.; Gerken, M. | ||||
| Title | Shetland ponies (Equus caballus) show quantity discrimination | Type | Conference Article | ||
| Year | 2015 | Publication | Proceedings of the 3. International Equine Science Meeting | Abbreviated Journal | Proc. 3. Int. Equine. Sci. Mtg |
| Volume | Issue | Pages | |||
| Keywords | Cognition, numerical capacity, numerosity judgment, Shetland ponys | ||||
| Abstract | The complex housing environment and the close contact between humans and horses in equine sports place high demands on the learning capacity of horses. To date only limited information is available on the learning ability of the horse including higher order cognition. A type of higher order cognition is to perceive and discriminate quantities. Several mammals and birds have shown to be capable of discriminating objects due to their quantity (Brannon and Roitman, 2003). With regard to horses, there are only few studies available concerning their numerosity judgment (Uller and Lewis, 2009) and this ability is discussed controversially (Henselek et al, 2012). Possibly, the legacy of ‘‘Clever Hans’’ overshadowed further research on numerical capacity in horses, a horse to whom several psychologists incorrectly attributed the capacity of symbolic calculation (Pfungst, 1907; Rosenthal, 1965). In the present study we wanted to show whether Shetland ponies are able to transfer a previously learned concept of sameness to a numerosity judgment. The base of the test design was a “matching to sample” task, where the ponies had learned to relate abstract symbols to another which were presented on a LCD screen. Three Shetland ponies, which previously solved the matching to sample task, were tested in two test phases. In the first test phase different quantities of dots were presented (1 vs. 2; 2 vs. 3; 3 vs. 4; 4 vs. 5). To exclude discrimination due to the shape of the stimuli, the dots were varied in size and arrangement. The stimuli were presented in a triangular arrangement on the LCD screen; the sample stimulus was presented in the middle above and the discrimination stimuli in the two lower corners (S+ and S-). The pony received a food reward, by choosing the positive stimulus (S+). When the negative stimulus (S-) was chosen, the pony entered the next trial. Each learning session consisted of 20 decision trials. To investigate whether the numerosity judgment was transferable to mixed geometrical symbols (tri-, rectangle, rhomb, dot and cross) a second test phase was designed. All of the three Shetland ponies met the learning criterion of the first test phase (80% correct responses in two consecutive sessions) within the first eight sessions. One pony could transfer all judgments to the mixed symbols (up to 4 vs. 5), another pony up to 3 vs. 5 and the third on the level 2 vs. 3. These are the first reported findings that ponies are able to discriminate up to five objects. The numerosity judgment seemed to be easier for the ponies when homogenous objects were presented, than in the case of heterogeneous symbols. The reaction of the ponies occurred within few seconds, suggesting that the animals used subitizing for their numerosity judgment. Keywords: Cognition, numerical capacity, numerosity judgment, Shetland ponys References: Brannon E, Roitman J (2003) Nonverbal representations of time and number in animals and human infants. In: Meck WH (ed) Functional and neural mechanisms of interval timing. CRC Press, Boca Raton, pp 143–182 Henselek Y, Fischer J, Schloegl C (2012) Does the stimulus type influence horses’ performance in a quantity discrimination task? Front Psychol 3:504 Pfungst O (1907) Der Kluge Hans. Ein Beitrag zur nicht-verbalen Kommunikation. 3rd edn. (reprint of the original 1983) Frankfurter Fachbuchhandlung für Psychologie, Frankfurt Rosenthal R (1965) Clever Hans: the horse of Mr. Von Osten. Holt, Rinehart and Winston, New York Uller C, Lewis J (2009) Horses (Equus caballus) select the greater of two quantities in small numerical sets. Anim Cogn 12:733–738 |
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| Address | |||||
| Corporate Author |
Gabor, V. | 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 | 978-3-95625-000-2 | ISBN | Medium | ||
| Area | Expedition | Conference | |||
| Notes | Id - | Approved | no | ||
| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 5894 | ||
| Permanent link to this record | |||||
| Author | Fuchs, C.; Kiefner, C.; Erhard, M.; Wöhr, A.C. | ||||
| Title | Narcolepsy – or REM-deficient? | Type | Conference Article | ||
| Year | 2015 | Publication | Proceedings of the 3. International Equine Science Meeting | Abbreviated Journal | Proc. 3. Int. Equine. Sci. Mtg |
| Volume | Issue | Pages | |||
| Keywords | narcolepsy, cataplexy, polysomnography, REM-sleep deficiency | ||||
| Abstract | Narcolepsy is a neurological sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy (loss of muscle tone), sleep paralysis and hypnagogic hallucinations, also called the „tetrad of narcolepsy“. Although the pathogenesis is not completely understood, the disorder is well described in humans and it has been shown that a lack of the hormone hypocretin (orexin) synthesized in the hypothalamus is crucial. Narcolepsy with cataplectic attacks has also been reported in dogs, horses, cattle (STRAIN et al., 1984) and a lamb (WHITE und DE LAHUNTA, 2001). In dogs up to 17 breeds have been shown to be affected sporadically, while familial forms occur in dobermans, labrador retrievers and dachshounds (TONOKURA et al., 2007). In horses there appear to be two syndroms (HINES, 2005), the first in which animals are affected within a few days after birth (possibly a familial form, reported in Suffolk, Shetland ponies, Fell ponies, Warmbloods, Miniature Horse foals (MAYHEW, 2011), Lipizzaner (LUDVIKOVA et al., 2012) and Icelandic horses (BATHEN‐NÖTHEN et al., 2009)) and the second in which animals are affected as adults (adult-onset narcolepsy). It has been shown that both forms of canine narcolepsy are associated with a deficit in hypocretin/orexin neurotransmission (LIN et al., 1999). In the horse a similar etiology is suspected, but so far there are no studies to support this hypothesis. The cataplectic attacks in humans and dogs occur during excitement or emotional stimulation such as laughing in humans or eating and playing in dogs. In contrast, the cataplectic or sleep attacks in adult horses happen almost exclusively while resting. The collapses observed in equines vary from drowsiness with hanging of the head, swaying, buckling at the knees or total collapse (see fig.1). Affected horses often show injuries and scars at the dorsal fetlocks, dorsal knees or at the face and the lips. ALEMAN et al. (2008) describe some of the suspected adult-onset narcolepsy cases as possible examples of sporadic idiopathic hypersomnia instead of true narcolepsy. |
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Fuchs, C. | Thesis | |||
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| Area | Expedition | Conference | |||
| Notes | Approved | no | |||
| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 5871 | ||
| Permanent link to this record | |||||
| Author | Flauger, B.; Krueger, K. | ||||
| Title | Ecology and evolution of equine cognitive abilities | Type | Conference Article | ||
| Year | 2008 | Publication | IESM 2008 | Abbreviated Journal | |
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| Abstract | The cognitive abilities of social ungulates, in particular horses, have widely been neglected. Preliminary results suggest that horses are capable of social cognition which they acquire through social learning. They gain information from the observation of the interaction of a conspecific and a human experimenter, and adjust their own behaviour towards the experimenter with respect to the observed horse"s reaction and relative dominance status (Krueger and Heinze, 2007). Horses are a highly social species that still exists in different evolutionary stages: domestic horses, feral horses and wild horses (Przewalski horses). Additionally, domestic and wild horses differ in their individual social behaviour. For example, in social interactions Przewalski horses appear to act significantly more aggressively than domestic horses. Therefore studies on horses are particularly suitable to investigate whether convergent social evolution favours convergent cognitive evolution. By a comparative study concerning their reasoning abilities in a specific situation, we will attempt to determine the influence of domestication and feralisation on the evolution of social cognition and to investigate possible differences in their abilities to cope with stressful situations. We started to observe the behaviour of domestic and wild horses, in particular during the integration into new social groups, especially in relation with their knowledge of the social structure of new groups and their own relative social status. Selected agonistic interactions will be measured and statistically evaluated. Additionally, the stress level of the horses will be determined by an analysis of stress hormone levels, particularly cortisol metabolites, in plasma, saliva and faeces. | ||||
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| Corporate Author |
Flauger, B. | Thesis | |||
| Publisher | Place of Publication | Editor | |||
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| Series Editor | Series Title | Abbreviated Series Title | |||
| Series Volume | Series Issue | Edition | |||
| ISSN | ISBN | Medium | |||
| Area | Expedition | Conference | IESM 2008 | ||
| Notes | Poster IESM 2008 | Approved | yes | ||
| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 4500 | ||
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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 | Flauger, B.; Krueger, K. | ||||
| Title | Social feeding decisions 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 | Feeding decision; Horse; Rank; Social behaviour | ||||
| Abstract | Like many other herbivores equids feed on rather evenly distributed resources. Especially in ruminants several studies have proved the influence of social organisations, rank, sex and the depletion of feeding sites on the feeding behaviour of individuals. However, it is not yet understood whether social aspects affect horses´ feeding decisions. Horses roam on vast habitats with constantly changing vegetation. In non-competitive situations domestic horses tend to return to the same feeding site until it is overgrazed. Whereas, for competition over limited food the social status of the individuals appears to be important. Curiosity about the influence of social rank and different social feeding conditions on the horses´ feeding decisions between two buckets, equally filled with high-quality surplus food, led us to create the test situation described here. The observer horses were alternately tested with a dominant and a subordinate demonstrator placed in one of three different positions. We conclude that domestic horses use cognitive strategic decision making in order to decide where to feed in a social feeding situation. When possible they tend to return to the same, continuously supplied feeding site and switch to an “avoidance tendency” when another horse is already feeding from it or in the presence of a dominant horse. Thus the position and the social rank of conspecifics affect the feeding strategy of horses. | ||||
| Address | |||||
| Corporate Author |
Flauger, B. | 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 | 5581 | ||
| Permanent link to this record | |||||
| Author | Ermilina, J.A. | ||||
| Title | Dominance hierarchy in feral horses in Rostov Region | 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 | feral horse, island population, dominance, hierarchy | ||||
| Abstract | Horses maintain the social structure through the establishment of dominant-subordinate hierarchical relationships, both within and between groups. The object of study was the feral horse population, living on the Vodnyi Isl, Manych-Ghudilo Lake, on the territory of Rostov Region, S Russia the State Nature Biosphere Reserve “Rostov”. The social structure of this population is represented by the harem and bachelor groups, and their variety – the “mixed”groups, the presence and composition of which is atypical for the populations of feral horses. The main objectives of this work were to identify the hierarchical structure of different types of social groups and the role of the stallions in them, defining the dominance rank of animals. The method of continuous logging occurred aggressive reaction, ritualized interaction between stallions, take into account the direction of interactions between individuals. We observed 5 harem, 3 bachelor and 3 mixed groups. Each group was studied for a total of 60 h (8 h per group per days).Behavioral observations were carried out in summer 2009-2011. Based on the number and direction of aggressive interactions the hierarchical coefficient was calculated for individual horses (Ivanov et al, 2007). Harem group consists of an adult stallion (<5 years old) and a few mares with their offspring. Our observations of harem groups confirm the previously known information about this type of social groups (Berger, 1986; Carson, Wood-Gush, 1983, Keiper, 1983). Hierarchical system between mares is close to linear with reversal. The stallion is not included in the hierarchy of the mares; he is the leader and serves to maintain the integrity of the group and inter-group hierarchy, and has reproductive function. Bachelor groups consist of stallions 2-3 years and older who do not have their own harem. It is known that dominance hierarchy in these groups is linear, young males or males who recently had joined the group have low ranks (Berger, 1977; Houpt, Keiper, 1982; Kirillov Paklina, 1990). In observed bachelor groups dominant stallion have a significantly higher rank in the hierarchy. However, among other stallions is not always observed strict linear hierarchy – some individuals have very similar ranks. Function of managing the group and maintaining the intergroup hierarchy can be distributed among the all stallions in the group. Mixed groups are composed of several mature stallions, one or more mares (sometimes with the offspring). In the study population in this type of social groups animals may be mature (age 5 and older) and semi-mature (2-5 years). The hierarchy of these atypical groups has not been studied. In the studied 3 mixed groups stallions have very similar hierarchical rank, dominant and subordinate stallions share a function of managing the group, participation in ritualized interactions. Our studies have revealed the plasticity of the hierarchical structure of groups of horses and the need to further investigate the distribution of social roles among stallions. | ||||
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| Corporate Author |
Ermilina, J.A. | 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 | 5580 | ||
| Permanent link to this record | |||||
| Author | Erber, R.; Wulf, M.; Aurich, J.; Becker-Birck, M.; Rose-Meierhöfer, S.; Möstl, E.; Hoffmann, G.; Aurich, C. | ||||
| Title | Physiological stress parameters in sport horse mares transferred from group housing to individual stabling | 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, isolation, cortisol, heart rate, locomotion | ||||
| Abstract | Initial equestrian training and especially first mounting of a rider are stressful challenges for young horses (1). Most young horses are raised in groups but, in association with equestrian training, they are commonly transferred to individual stabling in loose boxes. Although, in most stables, visual contact with horses in adjacent boxes is possible, separation from the herd might be an additional stressor. We have studied physiological stress parameters, in 3-year-old sport horse mares (n=8), transferred from a group stable with access to a paddock to individual boxes without paddock. Once stabled in the individual boxes, mares underwent a standard training for young horses. Horses had been accustomed to lunging and tolerating a rider on their back several weeks before the study. Mares were studied from 5 days before to 5 days after changing the stable. Cortisol concentration in saliva, locomotion activity (ALT pedometers), heart rate (HR) and HR variability (RMSSD: root mean square of successive beat-to-beat intervals) were determined. We hypothesized that the change of the stable increases cortisol release and is associated with changes in HR and RMSSD and reduced locomotion. Before mares were moved to individual boxes, cortisol concentration showed a pronounced diurnal rhythm with values around 0.6 ng/ ml in the morning and a continuous decrease throughout the day. When the mares were moved to individual boxes, cortisol concentration increased to 1.8±0.2 ng/ml and did not return to baseline values within 6 h (p<0.05 over time). On subsequent days, a diurnal rhythm was re-established but shifted to a higher level than before. Locomotion activity determined by ALT pedometers was increased for some minutes only after mares has been placed in individual boxes but was only slightly higher than during the time mares spent with the group in a paddock. On days 2-5 in individual boxes, locomotion activity was reduced compared to the group stable. HR increased and the HRV variable RMSSD decreased when mares were separated. In conclusion, separating horses during initial training from their group is an additional stressor, although the stress is less pronounced than induced by other social challenges, e.g. weaning of foals (2). When stabled in individual boxes, mares move less than when kept as a group. Horses kept in a group thus appear to exercise themselves freely, such an effect is absent when the animals are kept individually. | ||||
| Address | |||||
| Corporate Author |
Erber, R. | 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 | 5542 | ||
| Permanent link to this record | |||||