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Home / Equine Research Bank / Equine Vet J / Harem stability and reproductive success of Misaki feral mar...
Equine veterinary journal1995; 27(5); 368-372; doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1995.tb04072.x

Harem stability and reproductive success of Misaki feral mares.

Abstract: The stability of relationships between harem stallions and mares (consort relations) was investigated and the durations of inter partum intervals were determined in order to establish if there was any correlation between the stability of consort relation and reproductive success of mares in Misaki feral horses. Thirty-four mares were observed continuously for more than 5 years. The lifetime stability was 80-100% (mean 92.4%) for 16 mares, 60-79% (mean 70.4%) for 10 mares and 0-59% (mean 27.9%) for 8 mares. The continuous length (years) of specific consort relations was 2-10 years and was found to correlate significantly with lifetime stability. There was a significant positive correlation of lifetime stability with lifetime reproductive success for 34 mares observed, and the correlation was higher when the data of 8 wandering mares (<60% in lifetime stability) were omitted. The mean +/- s.d. delivery interval of 25 stable mares was 364.5 +/- 11.0 days, whereas that of 8 unstable mares and stable mares who changed stallions was 387.0 +/- 40.2 days. There was a significant difference between delivery intervals of stable and unstable mares. Significant correlations between the stability of consort relations and both the foaling rates and delivery intervals suggest that mares may obtain major reproductive advantages if they maintain long term and stable consort relations with a particular stallion throughout their reproductive life span.
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Publication Date: 1995-09-01 PubMed ID: 8654352DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1995.tb04072.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

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 focuses on the reproductive success of Misaki feral mares in relation to the stability of their relationships with harem stallions. It suggests that those who maintain a long-term, stable bond with a particular stallion have greater reproductive success.

Objective and Methodology

  • The goal of this study was to investigate the relationship between the stability of the mares’ relationships with harem stallions (or consort relations) and their reproductive success.
  • Thirty-four Misaki feral mares were observed continuously for more than 5 years, and the lengths of their inter partum (between childbirth) intervals were determined.

Findings

  • Among the mares, the lifetime stability of the relationships was divided into three categories: 16 mares had 80-100% stability, 10 mares had 60-79%, and 8 mares had 0-59% stability.
  • The duration of specific relationships ranged from 2 to 10 years, which had a significant correlation with the lifetime stability of such relationships.
  • A significant positive correlation between lifetime stability and reproductive success was also observed.
  • Eight mares that roamed (<60% lifetime stability) when removed from the data resulted in even higher correlation.
  • The average delivery interval (time between successive births) for the 25 stable mares was 364.5 days, while for the 8 unstable mares, and mares that changed stallions it was 387.0 days.
  • Significant differences were observed in the delivery intervals of stable and unstable mares, suggesting that stable relationships could offer reproductive advantages.

Conclusion

  • There is a close relationship between the stability of the mares’ relationships with harem stallions and their reproductive success.
  • Therefore, the study suggests that Misaki mares may have higher reproductive success if they can maintain stable, long-term relationships with a particular stallion throughout their reproductive life span.

Cite This Article

APA
Kaseda Y, Khalil AM, Ogawa H. (1995). Harem stability and reproductive success of Misaki feral mares. Equine Vet J, 27(5), 368-372. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1995.tb04072.x

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 27
Issue: 5
Pages: 368-372

Researcher Affiliations

Kaseda, Y
  • Faculty of Agriculture, Miyazaki University, Japan.
Khalil, A M
    Ogawa, H

      MeSH Terms

      • Animals
      • Female
      • Horses / physiology
      • Horses / psychology
      • Male
      • Reproduction / physiology
      • Sex Characteristics
      • Sexual Behavior, Animal / physiology
      • Social Behavior

      Citations

      This article has been cited 12 times.
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      7. Nuñez CMV, Adelman JS, Carr HA, Alvarez CM, Rubenstein DI. Lingering effects of contraception management on feral mare (Equus caballus) fertility and social behavior. Conserv Physiol 2017;5(1):cox018.
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        doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191845pubmed: 29466358google scholar: lookup
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        doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0013635pubmed: 21049017google scholar: lookup
      10. Maldonado-Chaparro AA, Dougherty LR, Hayes LD, Ebensperger L. Social instability is associated with an elevated stress response but not with a fitness cost across vertebrate studies. R Soc Open Sci 2025 Jul;12(7):250691.
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        doi: 10.1111/brv.13146pubmed: 39279124google scholar: lookup
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        doi: 10.3390/ani14081179pubmed: 38672327google scholar: lookup
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