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Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)2004; 118(4); 434-446; doi: 10.1037/0735-7036.118.4.434

Interplay between environmental and genetic factors in temperament/personality traits in horses (Equus caballus).

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to broach the question of the relative influence of different genetic and environmental factors on different temperament/personality traits of horses (Equus caballus). The researchers submitted 702 horses to standardized experimental tests and investigated 9 factors, either genetic or environmental. Genetic factors, such as sire or breed, seemed to influence more neophobic reactions, whereas environmental factors, such as the type of work, seemed to play a more dominant role in reactions to social separation or learning abilities. Additive effects were evident, showing how environmental factors may modulate behavioral traits. This study constitutes a first step toward understanding the relative weights of genetic factors and how the environment may intervene in determining individual behavioral characteristics.
Copyright 2004 APA, all rights reserved.
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Publication Date: 2004-12-09 PubMed ID: 15584780DOI: 10.1037/0735-7036.118.4.434Google 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 is about understanding how environmental and genetic factors influence the temperament and personality traits of horses. The study shows that while genetic factors such as breed and sire have a stronger influence on certain behaviors, environmental factors like type of work are significant in specific traits like reaction to social separation and learning abilities.

Objective of the Research

  • The main objective of this study was to investigate the impact of different genetic and environmental factors on the temperament and personality traits of horses.
  • The researchers sought to determine which factors had the most influence on certain behaviors and characteristics.

Research Methodology

  • A total of 702 horses were involved in the study and were exposed to various standardized experimental tests.
  • Nine different factors were examined in this study. These consisted of both genetic factors, like the horse’s sire or its breed, and environmental factors.

Key Findings

  • The research found that genetic factors such as the sire or breed of the horse had a more substantial influence on certain behaviours, particularly neophobic (fear of the new or unfamiliar) reactions.
  • Environmental factors were found to be more dominant in shaping reactions to social separation or learning abilities. This showed the type of work the horse performs has a significant impact on these traits.

Overall Significance of the Study

  • This study is crucial as it suggests additive effects, indicating that environmental factors can modify behavioural traits. This means that, while genetic elements have their place in shaping a horse’s behavior, environmental factors can still play a significant role in moldings these traits.
  • The research is a first step toward understanding the relative weights of genetic factors in a horse’s behavior and how the environment might interfere in determining individual character traits.

Cite This Article

APA
Hausberger M, Bruderer C, Le Scolan N, Pierre JS. (2004). Interplay between environmental and genetic factors in temperament/personality traits in horses (Equus caballus). J Comp Psychol, 118(4), 434-446. https://doi.org/10.1037/0735-7036.118.4.434

Publication

Journal of comparative psychology (Washington, D.C. : 1983)
ISSN: 0735-7036
NlmUniqueID: 8309850
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 118
Issue: 4
Pages: 434-446

Researcher Affiliations

Hausberger, Martine
  • Ethologie-Evolution-Ecologie, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France. Martine.Hausberger@univ-rennes1.fr
Bruderer, Cécile
    Le Scolan, Nathalie
      Pierre, Jean-Sébastien

        MeSH Terms

        • Affect
        • Animals
        • Behavior, Animal / physiology
        • Environment
        • Female
        • Horses / psychology
        • Learning
        • Male
        • Memory / physiology

        Citations

        This article has been cited 39 times.
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