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Author Klingel, H .
Title Social Organisation and Social Behaviour of the Equids 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 In contrast to the great similarity in behaviour and ecology of the 6 extant Equid species, 2 distinct types of social organisation have evolved, and both are adapted to life in semi-arid to arid regions where environmental conditions force them to migrate seasonally or opportunistically.

The ranges of the various species overlap: Mountain Zebra Equus zebra and Plains Zebra E. quagga in South Africa and Namibia, Plains Zebra and Grevy's Zebra E. grevyi in Kenya and Ethiopia, Grevy's Zebra and African Wild Ass E. africanus in Ethiopia, Asiatic Wild Ass E. hemionus and Przewalski Horse E. przewalski in Mongolia and China. Although, in the overlap zones, individuals of the different species are using the same resources like water and grazing next to each other, they rarely make closer contacts.

.

In the type 1 species, Horse, Plains Zebra and Mountain Zebra, the adults live in non-territorial, stable, one-male families and as single bachelors and in bachelor groups. Family stallions have the exclusive mating rights with the mares in their harems. These consist of up to 6 unrelated mares plus their offspring, totalling up to 20 members.

Mares stay in their harem until death. Stallions' tenure is from age 5-6 years, i.e. when they succeed in controlling a harem, for close to life time, but are replaced when dead or incapacitated. Harems are stable even in the absence of a stallion, indicating voluntary membership. Adolescent mares leave their parental families to become members of another harem.

In Plains Zebra the adolescent mares are abducted, during an oestrus, by suitors who fight the defending family stallion/father. Successful stallions are bachelors who start a family, or family stallions enlarging their harem. Young stallions leave their parental families voluntarily at age 2-3 years and join bachelor stallion groups from where the family stallions are recruited.

An individualised dominance hierarchy excists with the stallion in the alpha position. It is based on individual knowledge and recognition of the members.

In the type 2 species Grevy's Zebra, African Wild Ass and Asiatic Wild Ass adult stallions monopolise territories in which they have the exclusive mating rights. Stallions are tolerant of any conspecifics entering their territory. Bachelor stallions behave subordinately – or fight for the possession of the territory which is a prerequisite for reproduction.

Mares join up to form anonymous and unstable groups or herds. The only stable unit is of a mare and her offspring. In Grevy's Zebra mares with foal join preferentially conspecifics of the same soial status, as do mares without foal.

Matings take place inside the territory. There is no lasting relationship of the mare with a particular stallion, and the mare may be mated by any stallion whose territory she is visiting.

Territories measure up to 10 or more square kilometres, and tenure is for several years.

Grevy Zebra territorial owners leave their territories for a few hours to visit a water hole, or for months when grazing and water conditions are below requirements, and re-occupy it upon return, unchallenged.
Address
Corporate Author Klingel, 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 IESM 2012
Notes Invited speaker IESM 2012 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial (up) 5436
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Author Klingel, H .
Title Soziale Organisation und Sozialverhalten der Equiden 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 Verhalten und Ökologie der 6 rezenten Equiden sind in vieler Hinsicht identisch, jedoch in der Sozialen Organisation haben 2 deutliche verschiedene Formen evoluiert, die beide an das Leben in den semi-ariden und ariden Lebensräumen angepasst sind, wo sie zu säsonalen oder opportunistischen Wanderungen gezwungen sind.

Die Verbreitungsgebiete der verschiedenen Arten überlappen, in Südafrika und Namibia von Bergzebra Equus zebra und Steppenzebra E. quagga, in Kenya und Äthiopien von Steppenzebra und Grevy-Zebra E. grevyi, in Äthipien und Somalia von Grevy-Zebra und Afrikanischem Wildesel E. africanus, in China und der Mongolei Asiatischer Wildesel E. hemionus und Przewalski-Pferd E. przewalskii. Obwohl die Vertreter der verschiedenen Arten in den Überschneidungsgebieten die gleichen Ressourcen wie Wasser und Weide nutzen, nehmen sie kaum Kontakt zueinander auf.

Die Vertreter von Typ 1, Steppenzebra Equus quagga, Bergzebra E..zebra, Pferd E przewalskii, leben in nicht-territorialen , dauerhaften 1- Hengst- Familien, in Hengstgruppen und als Einzelgänger.. Die Familienhengste haben die alleinigen Paarungsrechte mit den Stuten in ihrem Harem. Dieser besteht aus bis zu ca. 6 nicht-verwandten Stuten nebst ihren Nachkommen und kann bis 20 Mitglieder haben.

Stuten bleiben bis zu ihrem Tod im Harem..Hengste können mit 5-6 Jahren einen Harem erobern oder gründen, können gleichfalls bis zum Tod die Familie begleiten, werden aber meist vorher von einem anderen Hengst ersetzt. Harems sind auch ohne Hengst stabil, ein Hinweis, dass die Stuten freiwilling im Harem sind und bleiben.. Junge Stuten verlassen ihre elterliche Familie und schliessen sich einem anderen Harem an..Beim Steppenzebra werden die Jungstuten während eines Östrus (Rosse) von Bewerbern entführt, gegen den Widerstand des Familenhengstes = Vaters. Bewerber sind Junggesellen, die so eine Familie gründen, und Familienhengste, die so ihren Harem vergrössern. Junghengste verlassen mit 2-3Jahren ihre elterliche Familie und schliessen sich Jungesellengruppen an, aus denen sich die Familenhengste rekrutieren.

In der Gruppe besteht eine Rangordnung mit dem Henst in der alpha-Position. Sie beruht aud individuellem Kennen und Erkennen der Mitglieder.

Bei Typ 2, Grevy-Zebra, Afrikanischer und Asiatischer Wildesel, monopolisieren Hengste über Jahre Territorien von 10 und mehr km2 , in denen sie die alleinigen Paarungsrechte haben. Territoriale Hengste tolerieren Artgenossen, auch erwachsene Hengste, soweit diese sich unterlegen verhalten. Oder sie stellen sich zum Kampf um den Besitz des Territoriums, eine Vorbedingung für die Fortpflanzung. Stuten im Östrus können von mehreren Hengsten begattet werden, wenn sie sich in deren Territorien aufhalten bzw diese durchwandern.

Stuten und Fohlen und nicht-territoriale Hengste schliessen sich zu anonymen instabilen Gruppen oder Herden zusammen. Feste dauerhafte Bindungen bestehen nur zwischen Stute und Fohlen. Hengste verlassen ihr Territorium für Stunden, Tage, im Extrem auch Monate, um zu Wasserstellen oder Weidegründen zu ziehen, sind aber bei Rückkehr wieder unangefochtene Besitzer.
Address
Corporate Author Klingel, H . Thesis
Publisher Xenophon Publishing Place of Publication Wald Editor Krueger, K.
Language Deutscht Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN 978-3-9808134-26 Medium
Area Expedition Conference IESM 2012
Notes Public Day Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial (up) 5437
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Hartmann, E.; Søndergaard, E.; Keeling, L.J.
Title Identifying potential risk situations for humans when removing horses from groups Type Journal Article
Year 2012 Publication Applied Animal Behaviour Science Abbreviated Journal Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci.
Volume 136 Issue 1 Pages 37-43
Keywords Equine; Group; Human; Handling; Injury
Abstract Removing a horse from its social group may be considered risky, both for the handler and the horse, because other horses can interfere in the catching process. The main aim of this study was to identify where and when these risk situations occur while removing a horse from its group. A potential risk situation was defined by the closeness of loose horses in the group or by any physical contact with them. Whether the number of horses following would be influenced by the social rank of the horse being led out, and whether more horses would follow to the gate when a larger proportion of the group was removed compared to when a single horse was taken out were also investigated. Thirty-two mares (1–2 years) were kept in groups of four. All horses were taken out of their home paddock twice alone (64 tests) and twice with a companion (32 tests). One handler (or two handlers when two horses were removed) was asked to approach (phase 1) and catch the target horse (phase 2), walk it to the centre of the paddock and remain stationary at a post for 30 s (phase 3), walk to the paddock entrance (phase 4) and through the gate (phase 5). The number of horses following, and the number of loose horses in proximity (<2 m, 2–5 m) to the target horse and handler was estimated, and horse–horse and horse–human interactions were recorded continuously for the five scoring phases. Significantly more loose horses were within 2 m of a single target horse during the phases approach (mean ± SD: 1.5 ± 0.8), catch (1.6 ± 0.9) and post (1.7 ± 0.7) than during walk (1.0 ± 0.5) and gate (1.1 ± 0.6). Rank did not influence the number of horses following to the gate (high rank: 2.4 ± 0.7; lower rank: 2.0 ± 1.0; P = 0.396) and interactions between horses were rare. A greater proportion of the loose horses followed when two horses (0.9 ± 0.2) were removed compared to when a single horse (0.7 ± 0.3) was taken out (P = 0.011). In conclusion, maintaining a distance to other horses in the group by reducing the time being relatively stationary, so giving loose horses fewer chances to approach, is likely to contribute to improved handler's safety. Removing a small proportion of the group may also decrease the probability of the other horses following.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0168-1591 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial (up) 5491
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Author Schneider, G.; Krueger, K.
Title Third-party interventions keep social partners from exchanging affiliative interactions with others Type Journal Article
Year 2012 Publication Animal Behaviour Abbreviated Journal Anim. Behav.
Volume 83 Issue 2 Pages 377-387
Keywords Equus caballus; horse; rank; social bond; social network; third-party intervention
Abstract Third-party interventions are defined as the interruption of dyadic interactions by third animals through direct physical contact, interposing or threats. Previous studies focused on the analysis of interventions against agonistic encounters. However, there have been no evaluations of interventions against affiliative behaviours, particularly in relation to the intervening animal&#65533;s social relationships and its social and spatial position. Horses, Equus caballus, are an interesting model species, as interventions against affiliative interactions occur more frequently than against agonistic interactions. In this study, 64 feral horses displayed 67 interventions in affiliative interactions and eight interventions in agonistic interactions within the observation period. We analysed the interventions in affiliative encounters, and found that it was mainly higher-ranking females that intervened in the affiliative interactions of group mates in the stable horse harems. The intervening animals took an active part in affiliative and agonistic encounters within the group, but did not occupy particular social roles or spatial positions. They intervened in affiliative interactions in which group mates with which they had social bonds interacted with other members of the group. They targeted the nonbonded animal and approached the one with which they were socially bonded. We suggest some species use third-party interventions in affiliative interactions to prevent competition for preferred social interaction partners from escalating into more costly agonistic encounters.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0003-3472 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial (up) 5492
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Author Chittka, L.; Dyer, A.
Title Cognition: Your face looks familiar Type Journal Article
Year 2012 Publication Nature Abbreviated Journal Nature
Volume 481 Issue 7380 Pages 154-155
Keywords
Abstract
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Nature Publishing Group, a division of Macmillan Publishers Limited. All Rights Reserved. Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0028-0836 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes 10.1038/481154a Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial (up) 5494
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Author Ahmadinejad, M., Tavakoli, S.
Title Common injuries in athletic horses 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
Abstract 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
Address
Corporate Author Ahmadinejad, M. Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication 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 IESM 2012
Notes Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial (up) 5495
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 (up) 5498
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Christensen, J.W.
Title Object habituation in horses: Voluntary vs. negatively reinforced approach to frightening stimuli 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 Habituation; learning; fearfulness; stress; reinforcement
Abstract The ability and ease of horses to habituate to frightening stimuli greatly increases safety in the horse-human relationship. Several different techniques have been suggested for habituation training of horses and under certain conditions, preventing animals from avoidance reactions during exposure to frightening stimuli is believed to facilitate habituation. Response prevention does, however, lead to a loss of control, which is a known stress inducer in both animals and humans. This experiment investigated whether horses show increased stress responses when negatively reinforced to approach a mildly frightening stimulus, compared to horses allowed to voluntarily explore the same stimulus. We further investigated whether the prevention of avoidance responses in horses that are negatively reinforced to approach the stimulus, facilitates habituation to the stimulus. Twenty-two 2-3 years old Danish warmblood geldings were included in the study. Half of the horses (NR group) were negatively reinforced (through halter and rope pressure) by a familiar human handler to approach a collection of frightening objects (six open and colourful umbrellas) placed in a semi-circle in a familiar test arena. The other half of the horses were released in the arena and were free to avoid or explore the objects (VOL group). On the next day, all horses were exposed to the objects again without a human to investigate the rate of habituation. Behavioural and heart rate responses were recorded on both days. Data were analysed in a two way repeated measures ANOVA and post hoc analysed via the Holm-Sidak method. In the VOL group, all horses initially chose to avoid the unknown objects, whereas the handler managed to get all horses in the NR group to approach and stand next to the objects within the first 2-min session. As expected, horses in the NR group had a significantly longer duration of alertness (sec, mean ± se: NR: 23 ± 4.1 vs. VOL: 16 ± 4.7, P=0.026) and a higher max HR in the first session (bpm, mean ± se: NR: 106 ± 5.2 vs. VOL: 88 ± 4.4, P=0.004). On the next day, however, the NR horses spent significantly less time investigating the objects (sec, mean ± se: NR: 13 ± 4.1 vs. VOL: 24 ± 6.0, P=0.005) and had a shorter latency to approach a feed container, placed next to the objects (sec, mean ± se: NR: 25 ± 3.9 vs. VOL: 47 ± 16.2, P=0.031), indicating increased habituation. In conclusion, negatively reinforced approach to mildly frightening objects appears to increase stress responses during the initial exposure, but also to facilitate habituation in young horses.
Address
Corporate Author Christensen, J.W. 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 (up) 5499
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Ahmadinejad, M.
Title Promotion of stud management using equine applied science programs Mohsen A. Nejad University of applied science and technology, Tehran, Iran 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 stud; management; applied science; program
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 -
Address
Corporate Author Ahmadinejad, 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 978-3-9808134-26 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial (up) 5500
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Bartosova, J.; Komarkova, M.; Dubcova, J.; Bartos, L.; Pluhacek J.
Title Nursing behaviour in pregnant domestic mares (Equus caballus): Can they cope with dual maternal investment? 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 Suckling behaviour; pregnancy; parent-offspring conflict; domestic horses; Equus caballus
Abstract 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.
Address
Corporate Author Bartosova, J. 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 (up) 5501
Permanent link to this record