Does size matter? Examining the possible mechanisms of multi-stallion groups in horse societies.
Abstract: In some feral horse populations, adult females are either associated with a single male or multiple males (stallions). However, little is known on why such groups with more than one male exist, considering that stallions fight to monopolize females. Body size is often an important determinant of male fighting ability and/or dominance rank and, consequently, reproductive success. Stallions may, therefore, vary in "quality" which could be a differentiating factor between single-stallion and multi-stallion males. We observed feral Garrano horses in Northern Portugal and examined the relationship between body size, sex, group type and number of females. Using a non-invasive laser distance meter, we determined individual body length and height by overlapping photos of the horses and a measuring tape. We tested the accuracy of remote measurements by comparison with manually measuring domestic horses and found no statistical differences between the two methods. Thus, we assume the values obtained were reliable and the methodology used was a useful tool for assessing morphological characteristics. Results showed no significant differences in body length and height for all parameters assessed, suggesting that size is not a determinant factor for feral horse society. Thus, other factors may be more important to explain the existence of single and multi-stallion groups.
Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2020-10-20 PubMed ID: 33096141DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2020.104277Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This research studies the group dynamics among feral horses in Northern Portugal, particularly focusing on why groups with more than one male exist. The article explores the possibility that body size may influence these dynamics, but concludes that size is not a key factor in determining whether a group contains multiple stallions.
Research Methodology
- This research was conducted among feral Garrano horses in Northern Portugal. The researchers aimed to investigate the relationship between body size, sex, type of group, and the number of females.
- A non-invasive technique was used where a laser distance meter was used to determine the individual body length and height of the horses. This data was obtained by overlapping photos of the horses with a measuring tape.
- The accuracy of the remote measurements through the laser distance meter was tested by comparing it with manual measurements taken from domestic horses. Since the study did not find any significant difference between the two measurement techniques, it was concluded that the remote measurements were reliable.
Key Findings
- The study aimed to discover if body size played a crucial role in determining the dominance or fighting ability among males, as it is often the case in many animal species. However, the results suggested that there were no significant differences in body length and height across all parameters.
- Consequently, it was inferred that size is not a determinant or differentiating factor in feral horse societies, and hence does not explain the discrepancy between single-stallion and multi-stallion groupings.
Conclusion
- The research draws to a conclusion that body size and physical stature do not play a significant role in the social and reproductive dynamics among feral horse groups. Therefore, it suggests that there may be other parameters and factors which determine the existence and composition of single or multi-stallion groups.
- The results suggest potential for further study into other influences on feral horse social structures, as body size does not appear to play a crucial role.
Cite This Article
APA
Pinto P, Hirata S.
(2020).
Does size matter? Examining the possible mechanisms of multi-stallion groups in horse societies.
Behav Processes, 181, 104277.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beproc.2020.104277 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Wildlife Research Center, Kyoto University, 2-24 Tanaka-Sekiden-cho, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8203, Japan. Electronic address: pandora_pinto@sapo.pt.
- Wildlife Research Center, Kyoto University, 2-24 Tanaka-Sekiden-cho, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8203, Japan.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Horses
- Male
- Reproduction
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Górecka-Bruzda A, Jaworska J, Stanley CR. The Social and Reproductive Challenges Faced by Free-Roaming Horse (Equus caballus) Stallions. Animals (Basel) 2023 Mar 24;13(7).
- Farrar BG, Vernouillet A, Garcia-Pelegrin E, Legg EW, Brecht KF, Lambert PJ, Elsherif M, Francis S, O'Neill L, Clayton NS, Ostojić L. Reporting and interpreting non-significant results in animal cognition research. PeerJ 2023;11:e14963.
- Gehlen H, Krumbach K, Thöne-Reineke C. Keeping Stallions in Groups-Species-Appropriate or Relevant to Animal Welfare?. Animals (Basel) 2021 May 4;11(5).
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