Equine Behavior Midterm

Questions from HW

A number of bands living in the same geographically localized area that form a population. 

Herd (matching question)

Most commonly found in feral populations; composed of a stable core of sexually mature mares, their immature offspring, and one or more adult stallions.

Family Band/Harem (matching question)

Formed by dispersal of young males from their natal band and by older males that have lost membership in a harem group.

Bachelor Band (matching question)

The family band into which a foal is born; relatives.

Natal Band (matching question)

Form from the death of a family band stallion. 

Mare-Offspring Band

Area used during day to day activities; boundaries are well defined and remain constant for months to years.

Home Range

In general, how do domesticated horses differ from feral horses? (free response)

They are dependent on man for survival

Instinctive behaviors; passed on genetically (i.e. standing at birth)

Innate Behavior (matching question)

Behaviors carried out after learning, experience (i.e grazing)

Learned Behavior (matching question)

T/F: Allogrooming is one behavior that can be both a social and maintenance behavior. 

True

Identify one domestic breeding system and list one positive and one negative aspect of the system. (written answer, accepted response, other answers are/may be correct)

AI (Artificial Insemination):
Positive:
Less risk for injury for mare and stallion

Negative:
Costly, can be a lot of complication with transportation and maintenance of the sperm.

Define "maternal investment" (written question)

Any investment by the mother in her offspring that will increase the offspring's chance of survival.

Abnormal behavior can be categorized into four categories, name them: (written answer has not been graded)

1. Neurological dysfunction
2. Clinical signs of unknown condition
3. Stereotypy
4. Learned inappropriate behavior

What is a stereotypic behavior? Define it, and give one example exhibited in the horse (written answer has not been graded)

A repetitive behavior without an obvious goal or function. Ex. Weaving in a stall.

What is motivation, and how does it impact the expression of a behavior? (written answer has not been graded)

Motivation is the suspected cause or stimuli of a perceived behavior. Different types of motivation is what leads to the unwanted or abnormal behavior.

T/F: In the consummatory phase, the rewarding stimuli is experienced through senses (taste/tactile/proprioceptive).

True