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Author Cozzi, B.; Povinelli, M.; Ballarin, C.; Granato, A.
Title The Brain of the Horse: Weight and Cephalization Quotients Type Journal Article
Year 2014 Publication Brain, Behavior and Evolution Abbreviated Journal Brain Behav Evol
Volume 83 Issue 1 Pages 9-16
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Abstract The horse is a common domestic animal whose anatomy has been studied since the XVI century. However, a modern neuroanatomy of this species does not exist and most of the data utilized in textbooks and reviews derive from single specimens or relatively old literature. Here, we report information on the brain of Equus caballus obtained by sampling 131 horses, including brain weight (as a whole and subdivided into its constituents), encephalization quotient (EQ), and cerebellar quotient (CQ), and comparisons with what is known about other relevant species. The mean weight of the fresh brains in our experimental series was 598.63 g (SEM ± 7.65), with a mean body weight of 514.12 kg (SEM ± 15.42). The EQ was 0.78 and the CQ was 0.841. The data we obtained indicate that the horse possesses a large, convoluted brain, with a weight similar to that of other hoofed species of like mass. However, the shape of the brain, the noteworthy folding of the neocortex, and the peculiar longitudinal distribution of the gyri suggest an evolutionary specificity at least partially separate from that of the Cetartiodactyla (even-toed mammals and cetaceans) with whom Perissodactyla (odd-toed mammals) are often grouped.
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ISSN 0006-8977 ISBN Medium
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Notes (up) Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 6592
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Author Brinkmann, L.; Gerken, M.; Hambly, C.; Speakman, J.R.; Riek, A.
Title Saving energy during hard times: Energetic adaptations of Shetland pony mares Type Journal Article
Year 2014 Publication The Journal of Experimental Biology Abbreviated Journal J. Exp. Biol.
Volume 217 Issue Pages 4320-4327
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Abstract Recent results suggest that wild Northern herbivores reduce their metabolism during times of low ambient temperatures and food shortage in order to reduce their energetic needs. It is however not known if domesticated animals are also able to reduce their energy expenditure. We exposed ten Shetland pony mares to different environmental conditions (summer and winter) and to two food quantities (60 and 100% of maintenance energy requirement, respectively) during low winter temperatures to examine energetic and behavioural responses. In summer ponies showed a considerably higher field metabolic rate (FMR) (63.4±15.0 MJ d-1) compared to restrictively fed and control animals in winter (24.6±7.8 MJ d-1 and 15.0±1.1 MJ d-1, respectively). During summer conditions locomotor activity, resting heart rates and total water turnover were considerably elevated (P<0.001) compared to winter. Restrictively fed animals (N=5) compensated for the decreased energy supply by reducing their FMR by 26% compared to control animals (N=5). Furthermore, resting heart rate, body mass and body condition score were lower (29.2±2.7 beats min-1; 140±22 kg; 3.0±1.0 points) than in control animals (36.8±41 beats min-1; 165 ±31 kg; 4.4±0.7 points; P<0.05). While the observed behaviour did not change, nocturnal hypothermia was elevated. We conclude that ponies acclimatize to different climatic conditions by changing their metabolic rate, behaviour and some physiological parameters. When exposed to energy challenges, ponies, like wild herbivores, exhibited hypometabolism and nocturnal hypothermia.
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Notes (up) 10.1242/jeb.111815 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 5836
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Author Meriggi, A.; Dagradi, V.; Dondina, O.; Perversi, M.; Milanesi, P.; Lombardini, M.; Raviglione, S.; Repossi, A.
Title Short-term responses of wolf feeding habits to changes of wild and domestic ungulate abundance in Northern Italy Type Journal Article
Year 2014 Publication Ethology Ecology & Evolution Abbreviated Journal Ethology Ecology & Evolution
Volume 27 Issue 4 Pages 389-411
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Publisher Taylor & Francis Place of Publication Editor
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ISSN 0394-9370 ISBN Medium
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Notes (up) doi: 10.1080/03949370.2014.986768 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 6688
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