Lecture 17 - Equine Behavior Flashcards
What is the social structure of horses called
harem
Describe the components of a horse’s social structure
one breeding stallion
3-5 mares
immature offspring
What is a bachelor band?
all male, non-breeding group
T/F: equine weaning is typically sudden although families will stay together
False - very gradual weaning (1-3 years), females leave to join new harm
Define: precocial
can see, hear, stand, and move upon birth
What percentage of a horse’s time is spent foraging?
50-80%
Contrary to their foraging time, only _____ of a horse’s time is spent resting
20-30%
Within the 1st hour after birth, foals should be able to
stand and nurse
within the 1st day following birth, foals should be able to
run, explore, groom, solitary play
At what age do foals begin exploring forages
2 weeks
how many times does a foal nurse in an hour
3-6 times
Where is the equine blind spot
directly in front and behind
In what ways do horses communicate
1 - visual
2 - tactile
3 - olfactory
4 - auditory
What is important about horses with gastric ulcers always having access to hay
not the hay, but the move and graze time budgeting
What is very different about stall kept vs. how horses normally are
isolated and feeding schedule
T/F: pasture kept horses will form harems where a gelding with act as the lead stallion
True
Gradual weaning _____ stress and _____ gastric ulcer incidence
decrease; decrease
what age do we wean foals
6 months
What are the 3 Ms of behavior
- Motivation
- Management
- Modification
What are the 3Fs of treating behavioral problems
- Friends
- Forage
- Freedom
How do we treat behavior with friends?
access to social partners helps social bonds
How do we treat behavior with forage?
allowing foraging, treks to water, and activities to be done as a group to mimic normal behavior
How do we treat behavior with freedom?
ability to move
T/F: much frustration and unwanted behaviors occur because a basic species need is not being met
True
