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Zhao, C. J., Qin, Y. H., Lee, X. H., & Wu, C. (2006). Molecular and cytogenetic paternity testing of a male offspring of a hinny. J Anim Breed Genet, 123(6), 403–405.
Abstract: An alleged male foal of a female mule, whose sire and grandparents were unknown, was identified for its pedigree. Parentage testing was conducted by comparing polymorphism of 12 microsatellite DNA sites and mitochondrial D-loop sequences of the male foal and the female mule. Both the sequence analysis of species-specific DNA fragments and a cytogenetic analysis were performed to identify the species of the foal and its parents. The results showed that the alleged female mule is actually a hinny, and the male foal, which possesses 62 chromosomes, qualifies as an offspring of the female hinny and a jack donkey.
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Fischhoff, I. R., Sundaresan, S. R., Cordingley, J., Larkin, H. M., Sellier, M. - J., & Rubenstein, D. I. (2007). Social relationships and reproductive state influence leadership roles in movements of plains zebra, Equus burchellii. Anim. Behav., 73(5), 825–831.
Abstract: In animal groups, collective movements emerge from individual interactions. Biologists seek to identify how characteristics of actors in these groups, and their relationships, influence the decision-making process. We distinguished two basic factors determining leadership in group choices: identity and state. We hypothesized that identity is more important to leadership in groups with stable relationships, which permit the development of habitual roles. In groups with fluid membership, particular individuals or subgroups are less likely to emerge as consistent leaders. Instead, we predicted that movement initiation in unstable groups depends on individual state at the time of the decision. We characterized how identity and reproductive state influenced leadership patterns in the movements of plains zebra. As in many other mammals, lactation in this species significantly alters water and energy needs. We investigated leadership in tightly knit harems and loosely bonded herds of multiple harems. Harem females tended to have habitual roles in the initiation of harem movement. In herds, however, we found no consistent leaders among harems. At both levels of social organization, lactation was a key determinant of leadership. In harems, lactating females were more likely to initiate movement than nonlactating females. In turn, harems containing lactating females were more likely to lead herd movements. Thus, we conclude that social relationships and reproductive state together shape the interactions that produce group behaviours. One benefit to lactating females of leading herd movements is preferential access to scarce water. Thus, leadership roles in group decisions may have fitness consequences.
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Pritchard, J. C., Barr, A. R. S., & Whay, H. R. (2006). Validity of a behavioural measure of heat stress and a skin tent test for dehydration in working horses and donkeys (Vol. 38).
Abstract: REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Dehydration and heat stress are serious welfare issues for equids working in developing countries. There is a lack of any standardised method or validated interpretation of the skin tent test in horses and donkeys. Owners of dehydrated and heat-stressed animals often depend on veterinary examination for identification of these conditions, leading to delays in treatment and unnecessary reliance on external sources to effect welfare improvement. OBJECTIVES: To validate a standardised skin tent test for dehydration and a behavioural measure of heat stress in working equids; and to examine the effect of heat stress and dehydration on tripping and staggering behaviour. METHODS: The study was carried out on 130 working horses and donkeys in Pakistan. Associations between skin tent and blood parameters (packed cell volume [PCV], serum total protein [TP], serum osmolality), clinical parameters, resting and drinking behaviour were examined. Heat stress behaviour (increased respiratory rate and depth, head nodding, flared nostrils, apathy) was observed in conjunction with rectal temperature. Tripping and staggering were assessed using a simple obstacle course. RESULTS: In both species, heat stress behaviour was significantly associated with increased rectal temperature (P<0.001). A positive skin tent test was not significantly associated with PCV or TP, although in donkeys it was significantly associated with lower serum osmolality (P<0.001). More animals age >15 years had a positive skin tent than those in younger age groups (P = 0.037). Very thin horses were more likely to have a positive skin tent than those in thin or moderate condition (P = 0.028). There was no significant correlation between skin tent and tripping or staggering in either species. CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Heat stress behaviour is related to increased body temperature in working horses and donkeys. Owners may use this to make judgements regarding rest and cooling, precluding the need to seek veterinary attention. The skin tent test for dehydration used in this study did not show a significant relationship with PCV or TP. However, the use of blood parameters to validate the skin tent test may be confounded by anaemia, hypoproteinaemia or electrolyte depletion. Alternative methods are needed to confirm or refute the validity of the skin tent test in working equids.
Keywords: Age Factors; Animal Welfare; Animals; Behavior, Animal/physiology; Body Temperature/*physiology; Body Weight/physiology; Case-Control Studies; Dehydration/diagnosis/pathology/*veterinary; Drinking; *Equidae; Female; Heat Stress Disorders/diagnosis/physiopathology/*veterinary; Horse Diseases/*diagnosis/pathology; Horses; Hypovolemia/diagnosis/physiopathology/veterinary; Male; Osmolar Concentration; Pakistan; Respiration; Skin/*pathology; Species Specificity; Work
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Burden, F., & Trawford, A. (2006). Equine interspecies aggression Comment on (Vol. 159).
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Robinson, H. C. (2007). Equine interspecies aggression (Vol. 160).
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Zehnder, A. M., Ramer, J. C., & Proudfoot, J. S. (2006). The use of altrenogest to control aggression in a male Grant's Zebra (Equus burchelli boehmi). J Zoo Wildl Med, 37(1), 61–63.
Abstract: A male Grant's Zebra (Equus burchelli boehmi) housed with two mares at the Indianapolis Zoo had a 9-yr history of intermittent aggressive behavior toward mares and other animals. Periods of separation allowed the mares time to heal after sustaining superficial bite wounds. On 26 March 2003, the male (890293) was started on altrenogest at a dosage of 19.8 mg orally once daily to allow reintroduction. The dosage was doubled (40 mg once a day) because of a perceived lack of response. Reintroduction to the mares occurred on 17 May 2003 with no signs of aggression noted. Treatment was reduced to 19.8 mg orally once a day and then discontinued. Altrenogest was restarted at 39.5 mg orally once a day because of the planned introduction of a new mare. There have been no major aggressive displays at this dosage of altrenogest and the dosage has recently been reduced following successful introduction of a new mare.
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Thackeray, J. F. (1988). Zebras from wonderwerk cave, northern Cape province, South Africa: attempts to distinguish Equus burchelli and E. quagga. Suid- Afrikaanse Tydsskrif vir Wetenskap, 84, 99–101.
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Ryder, O. A. (1988). Przewalski's horse – putting the wild horse back in the wild. Oryx, 22, 154–157.
Abstract: The Asian wild horse, or Przewalski's horse (Equus przewalskii), is believed to currently survive only in captivity. There are more than 660 individuals in over 70 zoological collections, and animals are available for reintroduction. The Przewalski's horse had been bred in captivity for 12 generations, and inbreeding has occurred. Genetic variability has been lost, and released animals will require acclimatization on or near release sites. In China, a program is under way for acclimatization, breeding, and release of wild horses, and plans are being made for a similar program in Mongolia. (LCA)
Keywords: Equidae genetics.
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Haring, H. (2005). Development, level and prospects of the german horse breeding. Zuechtungskunde, 77(6), 490–495.
Abstract: The economic impact of the horses of the Federal Republic of Germany has gone up, the statistic numerals verify obviously that Germany took pride of place in Europe in terms of numbers of riders as well as numbers of horses. Successes of German branded horses let their breeders reach the summit worldwide. The carefully agreed breeding programme connects practical cognitions with those of science and permits the leading breeding areas unobstructed space to set their own priorities. Globalisation and rised demand of customers forces breeding associations towards a far-reaching reorganisation because just large powerful institutions can meet these requirements. An end of this process, which scarcely has just begun, cannot yet be conceivable seen. – Eugen Ulmer KG, Stuttgart.
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McDonnell, S. M., & Haviland, J. C. S. (1995). Agonistic ethogram of the equid bachelor band. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci., 43(3), 147–188.
Abstract: An ethogram of agonistic and related behaviors among equid bachelor band members was developed. Several key English-language studies on equids were reviewed to derive a preliminary inventory of specific behaviors to be included in the ethogram. A bachelor band of domestic pony stallions pastured together was observed for approximately 50 daylight hours to obtain detailed descriptions of each behavior, enable photographic and video documentation of behaviors, and identify any behaviors to be added to the preliminary inventory. An initial draft of the ethogram was sent to 65 equine researchers for review. Twenty-eight critical reviews were received and their suggestions considered for the final draft. A total of 49 elemental behaviors including five distinct vocalizations was included in the ethogram. Three complex behavioral sequences were also included. Most of the behaviors catalogued from the direct observation of pastured pony stallions were also found in the equid literature. For many, references to these behaviors specifically among males or bachelor band members were not found. The results offer a practical tool for quantitative research and other studies of equid inter-male behavior as well as for teaching of equid behavior, and should facilitate progress toward development of a complete ethogram for the horse and other equids.
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