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Author Simpson, B.S. doi  openurl
  Title Neonatal foal handling Type Journal Article
  Year 2002 Publication Applied Animal Behaviour Science Abbreviated Journal Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci.  
  Volume 78 Issue 2-4 Pages 303-317  
  Keywords Neonatal foal handling; Imprint training; Learning in foals; Heart rate; Serum cortisol concentrations  
  Abstract Recent interest has focused on the advantage of intensively handling young foals as a means of producing more tractable horses, accustomed to humans and receptive to training. To date, the effect of this intensive handling, dubbed “imprint training” in the popular literature, has not been tested. The present study compares seven foals handled intensively as neonates with eight untreated controls. The handling protocol started from 2-8 h after birth and continued daily for a total of 5 days. The protocol consisted of a series of stimuli and experiences that were each repeated until the foal no longer resisted or reacted negatively. Subsequently, foals were tested before weaning, at 4 months of age. Results indicated that handled foals (HF) ranked higher than control foals (CF) in subjective ratings of calmness (*P<0.0117) and friendliness (*P<0.0001) and in several specific handling tasks (venipuncture *P<0.0220; placing in stock *P<0.0128). Although, in approach tests all foals but one allowed approach of a person to 4 m, significantly more HF approached the person than CF (P<0.0080). In stimulus tests, foals were presented specific stimuli to which they had been tested as neonates. Two of eight CF were too unruly and dangerous to test. Of foals that could be tested, CF required significantly more time to hook-up a heart rate monitor (**P<0.0055). Split-plot analysis indicated that HF had lower heart rates to initial left-sided stimuli, presented first, than CF (*P<0.0421). In response to right-sided stimuli, heart rate scores of CF were not significantly different from HF (P<0.2259), suggesting reduced reactivity over time due to a learning effect. Behavioral responses to specific stimuli did not differ between CF and HF, suggesting that neonatal handling has a general rather than specific effect on subsequent behavior. Cortisol concentrations were measured before and after testing and the difference calculated. All foals had higher post-testing levels than pre-testing levels. There was a significant difference between HF and CF, indicating greater reactivity among the CF (*P<0.050). In general, the results indicated that foals handled as neonates were more tractable and less reactive. Specific neonatal handling tasks, such as sticking a finger up the foal's nose or patting the bottom of the foot, seemed to have no beneficial effect on related tasks such as passing a nasogastric tube or tapping with a farrier's hammer at 4 months of age. Mechanisms for the observed effect of neonatal handling require further investigation.  
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  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 3623  
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Author Houpt, K.A. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Formation and dissolution of the mare-foal bond Type Journal Article
  Year 2002 Publication Applied Animal Behaviour Science Abbreviated Journal Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci.  
  Volume 78 Issue 2-4 Pages 319-328  
  Keywords Maternal; Horse; Foal; Separation; Ontogeny  
  Abstract The behavior of mares at foaling and their behavior during subsequent weekly brief separations from their foals was quantified. Thirteen multiparous pony mares were observed for the first 30 min after foaling. Activities directed toward the foal and toward the fetal membranes were recorded. There were 16+/-8 contacts with the fetal membranes, most in the first 10 min post-partum. There were 81+/-12 activities directed toward the foal. There was a downward trend in foal contacts over the first 30 min. Eight of the 13 mares were observed for the 30-60 min post-partum during which licking and touching the foal continued. Only one of the foals suckled in the first 30 min, but half had suckled by 60 min. Ten mares and foals were separated for 5 min each week for 9 weeks. Although mare responses (neighs and steps) decreased with age of the foal, the foals' responses increased from weeks 1 to 2 and then decreased with foal age. This indicates that foal attachment to the mare is not complete until it is 2 weeks old.  
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  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 3624  
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Author Heleski, C.R.; Shelle, A.C.; Nielsen, B.D.; Zanella, A.J. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Influence of housing on weanling horse behavior and subsequent welfare Type Journal Article
  Year 2002 Publication Applied Animal Behaviour Science Abbreviated Journal Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci.  
  Volume 78 Issue 2-4 Pages 291-302  
  Keywords Horse behavior; Weaning; Housing; Welfare; Time budget  
  Abstract Weaning foals marks a stressful event in horses' lives. Limited research exists regarding different housing methods post-weaning and the long-term implications on horse behavior and welfare. The purpose of this study was to monitor behavior and physiological stress markers in horses weaned individually in solid partition box stalls versus horses weaned in small groups and housed in paddocks. Both treatment groups underwent maternal deprivation stress, but the stalled weanlings had the additive effects of social isolation which prevented them from performing social behaviors. Quarter Horse weanlings from the Michigan State University, Merillat Equine Center, average age 4.5 months, were weaned in 13.4 m2 box stalls (n=6) or in groups of three in a 992 m2 paddock, which had very limited grazing forage and an open shelter available (n=6). Subjects were fed concentrate and hay to National Research Council recommendations. A time budget for 31 observed behaviors was developed. Behavioral observations were made 2 days per week, approximately 6 h per day, for the duration of the 56 days study. Instantaneous samples were recorded every 5 min on each observation day, with equal division between the two treatment groups (n=35 scans per horse per observation day). Focal data were recorded continuously between scans to provide a more detailed ethogram. On each observation day, fecal samples were collected to measure 11,17-dioxoandrostanes, an indicator of glucocorticoid metabolite concentration. Regarding the fecal 11,17-dioxoandrostanes, there was no discernible treatment difference either immediately post-weaning or at the conclusion of the 56 days study. Interestingly, all 12 weanlings showed a 4 week post-weaning increase in 11,17-dioxoandrostanes. The reason for this peak was unclear. Behavioral observations demonstrated a significantly different time budget in paddock-housed weanlings than in stall-housed weanlings (P<0.0001). Paddock-housed weanlings displayed a time budget more like a feral horse time budget, showing more time spent moving and less time spent lying. Paddock-housed weanlings, who had the option of selectively engaging in a broader range of behaviors, showed strong motivation to graze and be near conspecifics. Stalled weanlings spent significantly more time engaged in aberrant behaviors: licking or chewing the stall/shed wall, kicking at the stall/shed wall, pawing, and bucking/rearing bouts (P<0.03). Based on the variety of behaviors shown, the ability to engage in strongly preferred behaviors, and freedom from aberrant behavior, we conclude that the paddock-reared, group-housed weanlings had better welfare. However, there was insufficient evidence to conclude that the stalled weanlings had poor welfare.  
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  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 3629  
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Author Mills, D.S.; Alston, R.D.; Rogers, V.; Longford, N.T. doi  openurl
  Title Factors associated with the prevalence of stereotypic behaviour amongst Thoroughbred horses passing through auctioneer sales Type Journal Article
  Year 2002 Publication Applied Animal Behaviour Science Abbreviated Journal Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci.  
  Volume 78 Issue 2-4 Pages 115-124  
  Keywords Behaviour; Horses; Management; Prevalence; Stereotypy; Stress  
  Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate whether sex, age and/or coat colour were associated with the occurrence of stereotypic behaviour in the horse and to assess whether the occurrence of one type of stereotypy in an individual was associated with the occurrence of another specific type of stereotypy. The incidence of stereotypic boxwalking, weaving (both locomotor stereotypies) and oral stereotypy in 4061 Thoroughbred horses passing through five bloodstock auctions were recorded from sale declarations and information on returns. An overall prevalence of 5.1% was recorded, and varied with sex (P<0.001) and age (P<0.001) but not coat colour (P=0.495). Prevalence was higher in females, geldings, and 2-year-olds. Examination of the assumption that stereotypies are acquired independently suggested a higher than expected prevalence of animals with more than one stereotypy. The interaction was not the same for all forms of stereotypy recorded. The effect was greatest between boxwalking and weaving, (odds ratio 13.6) whilst combinations involving oral and locomotor stereotypies had lower odds ratios (between 2.9 and 4.9).  
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  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 3636  
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Author Flannigan, G.; Stookey, J.M. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Day-time time budgets of pregnant mares housed in tie stalls: a comparison of draft versus light mares Type Journal Article
  Year 2002 Publication Applied Animal Behaviour Science Abbreviated Journal Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci.  
  Volume 78 Issue 2-4 Pages 125-143  
  Keywords Horse; Time budget; Stereotypies; Housing  
  Abstract Day-time (08.30-05.30 h) time budgets were generated from 55 light and 55 draft late pregnancy mares housed in tie stalls from ten pregnant mares' urine (PMU) farms using continuous video recording. Equal numbers of light and draft mares were filmed on each farm during the months of February and early March. The actions recorded included eating, drinking, resting (standing and recumbent), standing active, and interactions between horses (aggressive and non-aggressive). In addition, the presence and duration of stereotypic behaviours such as cribbing, head bobbing, weaving, and wood/bar chewing were recorded. Light mares spent significantly more time feeding and significantly less time standing active and standing resting (P<0.05, Rank Sum Two Sample Test). However, the time budget of both groups fell within the range of previously published activity budgets of feral horses. Therefore, the differences noted may not be clinically relevant. Three light and two draft mares performed repetitive behaviours at a level that is considered stereotypic (at >5% of their daily time budget). There was no significant difference in the number of horses performing stereotypies between light and draft mares. When the time budgets of both light and draft mares who performed stereotypies were pooled, the activities did not differ significantly from their counterparts who did not perform stereotypies. Because of the overall low prevalence of stereotypies and the fact that time budgets were similar to free-range horses, we believe that the management practice of keeping large numbers of pregnant mares in tie stalls is rational and that the welfare of mares is sound. Furthermore, we did not see a behavioural justification for a bias in the weight class of horses used within this management system.  
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  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 3637  
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Author Davies Morel, M.C.G.; Newcombe, J.R.; Holland, S.J. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Factors affecting gestation length in the Thoroughbred mare Type Journal Article
  Year 2002 Publication Animal Reproduction Science Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 74 Issue 3-4 Pages 175-185  
  Keywords Gestation length; Mare age; Foals; Month of year; Ovulation-mating interval  
  Abstract In order to assist in the accurate prediction of the timing of parturition in the mare true gestation length, along with the potential effect of a number of factors, was investigated. Data from 433 Thoroughbred foal pregnancies were used. Sequential ultrasonic scanning allowed the true gestation length (fertilisation-parturition) to be ascertained, as apposed to previous work, which used the mating-parturition interval. An average gestation length of 344.1+/-0.49 days was evident. Colt foal pregnancies were significantly (P<0.001) longer (346.2+/-0.72) than fillies (342.4+/-0.65). Month of birth had a significant effect on gestation length in all foals (P<0.001). With foals born in January having the shortest gestation lengths and those born in April the longest. Mare age, year of birth, stallion age, stud farm and the interval between ovulation and mating had no significant effect. It is concluded that (i) the gestation length range (315-388 days), all resulting in viable foals is noteworthy and of clinical importance when considering the classification of dysmaturity in foals, (ii) mares carrying colt foals due to be born in the middle of the breeding season (April) are likely to have the longer gestation lengths.  
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  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 3638  
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Author Strand, S.C.; Tiefenbacher, S.; Haskell, M.; Hosmer, T.; McDonnell, S.M.; Freeman, D.A. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Behavior and physiologic responses of mares to short-term isolation Type Journal Article
  Year 2002 Publication Applied Animal Behaviour Science Abbreviated Journal Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci.  
  Volume 78 Issue 2-4 Pages 145-157  
  Keywords Animal welfare; Equine behavior; Equine physiology; Social isolation; Novel environment; Transportation  
  Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the behavior and physiologic responses of mares to removal from an established pasture herd and to isolation in a pasture setting for 6 h (Group I, n=5). Responses of mares in Group I were compared to mares that were transported and returned to the herd (Group T, n=5) and to mares moved to the isolation pasture with a companion (Group C, n=5). Behavior was recorded continuously for 6 h on the day before the isolation procedures (baseline, Day 0) and again on the day of the procedure (test, Day 1). Plasma cortisol, white blood cell count (WBC), neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio (N:L), and hematocrit (HCT) were measured once on Day 0 (a.m.) and twice on Day 1 (a.m. and p.m.). Heart rate (HR) was monitored continuously during Day 0 and Day 1. Intradermal response to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) injection was measured 18 h following injection, which was administered at the end of Day 1. Average time spent standing alert increased (P<0.05) in Groups I and C and average time spent grazing decreased (P<0.05) in Group C from Day 0 to Day 1. Also, there was a significant difference between groups (based on a calculated χ2-square value) in the proportion of mares that autogroomed, defecated, urinated, rolled, and whinnied on Day 1. Activity shift rate (ASR) and temperament scores increased significantly in Groups I and C from Day 0 to Day 1 (P<0.05). Plasma cortisol increased significantly in all groups from Day 0 to Day 1, a.m. (P<0.05) and decreased significantly from Day 1, a.m. to Day 1, p.m. (P<0.05). HCT significantly increased in all three groups from Day 0 to Day 1, a.m. (P<0.05). WBC significantly increased in Group T from Day 0 to Day 1, a.m. (P<0.05). N:L ratio significantly increased in Groups I and C from Day 0 and Day 1, a.m. to Day 1, p.m. (P<0.05). A variety of measures did indicate a response to removal from the pasture group, however, the overall, short-term response was minimal. Since the responses of Groups I and C were similar, the effects of isolation versus a novel environment or separation from the established herd could not be differentiated.  
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  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 3644  
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Author Boyd, L.; Bandi, N. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Reintroduction of takhi, Equus ferus przewalskii, to Hustai National Park, Mongolia: time budget and synchrony of activity pre- and post-release Type Journal Article
  Year 2002 Publication Applied Animal Behaviour Science Abbreviated Journal Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci.  
  Volume 78 Issue 2-4 Pages 87-102  
  Keywords Equids; Przewalski's horses; Takhi; Behaviour patterns; Time budgets; Behavioural synchrony; Reintroduction  
  Abstract A harem of takhi (Equus ferus przewalskii) was observed during introduction to the Hustain Nuruu Steppe Reserve of Mongolia. The goals were to examine whether the harem exhibited significant behavioural synchrony, whether release had an effect on time budget, and what the implications might be regarding acclimatisation to the wild. Behaviours were scan sampled every 10 min between the hours of 06:00 and 22:00, twice before release, twice immediately after release, and twice 2 years after reintroduction. Time budgets were constructed from these data. Considerable behavioural synchrony was evidenced both before and after release. Crepuscular grazing and midday resting were typical, regardless of the date relative to release. Upon release, the amount of time spent moving doubled for all age classes. It is suggested that this increase resulted from exploration. The amount of time spent grazing and standing remained unchanged; the increased amount of time spent moving came at the expense of resting. Two years later, the horses still spent more time moving than when captive. Somewhat less time was spent grazing, although the difference was not significant. More time was spent resting in 1996 than immediately after release. These time budgets provide evidence of successful acclimatisation to the wild. Trekking between favoured sites could account for the persistent increase in time spent moving, with concomitantly less time needed to meet nutritional needs by grazing and more time available for resting. Housing captive takhi in large enclosures is evidently insufficient to permit the amount of movement exhibited by this wild harem. The time budget of the 1- and 2-year olds was more similar to that of adults than foals, indicating approaching adulthood. That 1- and 2-year olds were nursed, without loss of body condition by the dam, provided additional evidence that the takhi achieved excellent nutritional status in the wild.  
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  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 3690  
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Author Stachurska, A.; Pieta, M.; Nesteruk, E. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Which obstacles are most problematic for jumping horses? Type Journal Article
  Year 2002 Publication Applied Animal Behaviour Science Abbreviated Journal Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci.  
  Volume 77 Issue 3 Pages 197-207  
  Keywords Horses; Jumping events; Obstacles; Behaviour  
  Abstract The objective of this study was to examine the behaviour of horses jumping over variously designed obstacles, i.e. which obstacles are easy for them and jumped willingly or which cause difficulties. This was judged by scoring two main faults at jumping events: the number of knock-downs and run-outs with refusals. The data concerned 609 rounds made at regional competitions of various classes for 100-140 cm obstacle height. They included 5639 jumps at 343 obstacles, in total. Seventy-two horses participated in the competitions. The number of faults at a particular obstacle depended on the obstacle-type, height, colour and arrangement. Uprights and oxers were the most frequently knocked-down, while the walls were the most often run-out. When the height was increased, more obstacles were knocked-down but the number of run-outs did not change significantly. The obstacles of two contrasting colours were jumped without fault more often, whereas, those of one colour, light or dark, caused most of the faults. The least number of faults was committed at the second obstacle in a combination compared with the first, third and single ones. The third and fourth obstacles in the courses were faulty jumps most often. The results suggest that most of the factors examined, which differentiate the obstacle and course design, may influence the horse's behaviour. In consequence, the horses make more or fewer faults jumping over various obstacles.  
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  ISSN 0168-1591 ISBN Medium  
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  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 3971  
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Author Mostl, E.; Palme, R. url  openurl
  Title Hormones as indicators of stress Type Journal Article
  Year 2002 Publication Domestic Animal Endocrinology Abbreviated Journal Fourth International Conference on Farm Animal Endocrinology  
  Volume 23 Issue 1-2 Pages 67-74  
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  Abstract Animal welfare is of increasing importance and absence of chronic stress is one of its prerequisites. During stress, various endocrine responses are involved to improve the fitness of the individual. The front-line hormones to overcome stressful situations are the glucocorticoids and catecholamines. These hormones are determined as a parameter of adrenal activity and thus of disturbance. The concentration of glucocorticoids (or their metabolites) can be measured in various body fluids or excreta. Above all, fecal samples offer the advantage that they can be easily collected and this procedure is feedback free. Recently, enzyme immunoassays (EIA) have been developed and successfully tested, to enable the measurement of groups of cortisol metabolites in animal feces. The determination of these metabolites in fecal samples is a practical method to monitor glucocorticoid production.  
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  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4067  
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