Relation between fearfulness level and maternal behaviour in Arab mares
Journal Title: Animal Science Papers and Reports - Year 2011, Vol 29, Issue 2
Abstract
The study aimed at testing the hypothesis that mares’ fearfulness is a potential factor differentiating the level of their maternal behaviour. Twenty purebred Arab mares were used. In part one of the study fearfulness of mares without foals was assessed by their behavioural reactivity and heart rate in response to rotating black-white squares (fearfulness test). On that basis the mares were classified into three groups: (1) fearless, n=8, (2) medium-fearful, n=7 and (3) fearful, n=5. In part two, maternal behaviour of mares was assessed in two sessions of separation test: 3 min dam’s partial separation from foal (mare out of box, but with visual, auditory and olfactory contact with foal) and 3 min full separation (mare out of stable, no contact with foal). Locomotor activity, vocalization and defecation frequency as well as heart rate in mares were recorded during both separation tests. The results showed a relation between mares’ fearfulness and their maternal behaviour. Fearless dams vocalized more (10.63±5.32, mean rank 13.00, P<0.05) and showed higher heart rate (138.00±22.66 beats/min, mean rank 15.40, P<0.05) when totally separated from their foals, compared to fearful dams (4.00±3.74 calls, mean rank 6.10; 116.00±20.32 beats/min, mean rank 7.23, P<0.05). Thus, fearless dams generally displayed higher maternal ability which is vitally important in successful breeding. In conclusion, selecting for low fearfulness ensures appropriate maternal behaviour of the brood mares.
Authors and Affiliations
Monika Budzyńska, Wanda Krupa
Keywords
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