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Applied animal behaviour science2015; 166; 71-79; doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2015.02.019

Dominance rank is associated with body condition in outdoor-living domestic horses (Equus caballus).

Abstract: The aim of our study was to explore the association between dominance rank and body condition in outdoor group-living domestic horses, . Social interactions were recorded using a video camera during a feeding test, applied to 203 horses in 42 herds. Dominance rank was assigned to 194 individuals. The outcome variable body condition score (BCS) was recorded using a 9-point scale. The variables age and height were recorded and considered as potential confounders or effect modifiers. Results were analysed using multivariable linear and logistic regression techniques, controlling for herd group as a random effect. More dominant ( = 0.001) individuals generally had a higher body condition score ( = 0.001) and this association was entirely independent of age and height. In addition, a greater proportion of dominant individuals fell into the obese category (BCS ≥ 7/9,  = 0.005). There were more displacement encounters and a greater level of interactivity in herds that had less variation in age and height, lending strength to the hypothesis that phenotypic variation may aid cohesion in group-living species. In addition there was a strong quadratic relationship between age and dominance rank ( < 0.001), where middle-aged individuals were most likely to be dominant. These results are the first to link behavioural predictors to body condition and obesity status in horses and should prompt the future consideration of behavioural and social factors when evaluating clinical disease risk in group-living animals.
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Publication Date: 2015-05-06 PubMed ID: 25937683PubMed Central: PMC4407901DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2015.02.019Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research paper talks about a study examining the relationship between dominance rank or status and body condition in outdoor-living domestic horses. Notably, the study uncovers the influence of social status on the health and condition of an animal within a group.

Study Methodology

The methodology used to gather data for this study involved recording social interactions of horses during a feeding test. The researchers purposely chose outdoor group-living domestic horses to understand the natural behaviour of these animals in a herd setting.

  • With a total of 203 horses in 42 herds, the research design was comprehensive.
  • Dominance rank was assigned to 194 individuals through careful observation.
  • The body condition score (BCS) was evaluated using a 9-point scale which helped to measure the physical state of the horses.
  • The data collected also took into account the horse’s age and height as potential confounders or factors that might distort the findings.

Analysis and Results

The data gathered was analysed using multivariable linear and logistic regression techniques, controlling for herd group as a random effect. The results are enumerated below:

  • More dominant individuals generally had a higher body condition score (BCS). This association was found to be entirely unconnected with age and height of the horses.
  • A higher proportion of dominant horses were found in the obese category.
  • Herds that had less variation in age and height had more displacement encounters and a higher level of interactivity. This indicates that phenotypic variation may be helpful for group cohesion in such species.
  • There was a strong quadratic relationship between age and dominance rank where middle-aged individuals were most likely to be dominant in a herd.

Impact of the Study

This study is the first of its kind to link behavioural predictors to body condition and obesity status in horses, making these findings significant for animal behaviour scientists, horse owners and veterinarians. This research suggests that body condition and the overall health of horses may be greatly influenced by social factors such as dominance rank, and therefore should be taken into account when evaluating clinical disease risk in such group-living animals. The findings also suggest that markers of social status could potentially be useful in managing the health and well-being of domestic horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Giles SL, Nicol CJ, Harris PA, Rands SA. (2015). Dominance rank is associated with body condition in outdoor-living domestic horses (Equus caballus). Appl Anim Behav Sci, 166, 71-79. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2015.02.019

Publication

Applied animal behaviour science
ISSN: 0168-1591
NlmUniqueID: 8504276
Country: Netherlands
Language: English
Volume: 166
Pages: 71-79

Researcher Affiliations

Giles, Sarah L
  • University of Bristol, School of Veterinary Science, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK.
Nicol, Christine J
  • University of Bristol, School of Veterinary Science, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK.
Harris, Patricia A
  • WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition, Equine Studies Group, Freeby Lane, Waltham-on-the-Wolds, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE14 4RT, UK.
Rands, Sean A
  • University of Bristol, School of Biological Sciences, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK.

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This article has been cited 12 times.
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