Lecture 18 - Ruminant Behavior Flashcards
What are shared behavioral characteristics of ruminants
1 - prey animals (fight, flight, freeze)
2 - herd animals (safety in numbers)
3 - habituated to humans
Domestication
species bred and adapted over generations to live with humans; influence of selective breeding
Taming
individual animals accustomed to human interaction
habituation
decreasing an animal’s response to repeated stimulus over time
Where are ruminant blind spots
directly in front and behind
Match the field of vision to its ruminant
a. goats
b. sheep
c. cattle
i. 270 - 320
ii. 320 - 340
iii. 300
goats = 320-340
sheep = 270 -320
cattle = 300
What is bulking
head down, stopping, trying to back up
T/F: ruminants can hear both higher and lower frequencies than humans
True
T/F: Ruminants can release pheromones during stressful events to warn other animals of danger
True
What is the social hierarchy among cattle
matriarchal groups interconnected by long-term non-familial bonds
What are examples of aggressive behaviors in cattle
headbutting, mounting, chasing
Where will the dominant cow be in regards to the rest of the herd when moving
the middle
cow leading the herd is ____ in seeking behaviors and ____ in fear
high; low
Which is a better mother: dairy or beef cattle
beef cattle because of less interaction with human caregivers
The social structure of sheep relies on what two things?
mutual protection and shared resources
whats the minimum number of sheep that will display normal flocking behavior
5
What determines the pecking order with goats
head butting
How is goat hierarchy structured
top buck - protects herd, breeds with herd queen
herd queen - leads group to best grazing, identifies poisonous forages, given most comfort
who is more independent and curious - goats or sheep
goats
negative interactions
animals will avoid contact
pushing, shouting, kicking, electric prods
neutral interactions
low fear, but still avoidance
gentle handling, instructive talking, flags or shakers
Positive interactions
fear absent, allow contact
slow movements, petting
Animals that have been gently handled have what
- higher milk yield
- lower cortisol
- improved interactions
- better maternal caregivers
Animals that have been aversely handles have what
- higher dirtiness score
- lower pregnancy rates
- decreased meat quality
Milling
last defense resort, strongest animals pushed to center of herd while herd circles
what is important to remember when using the flight zone and point of balance
pressure and release
T/F: electric prods can be used on any age and anywhere
FALSE - automatic welfare failure when used on young animals, on sensitive areas, etc.
