Reproductive behavior of stallions and mares: comparison of free-running and domestic in-hand breeding.
Abstract: Based on observational studies comparing social organization and reproductive behavior of equids breeding under feral, semi-feral, and domestic conditions, a series of comparisons and findings on reproductive physiology and behavior are presented. Simple changes in management and handling of mares and stallions that can improve reproductive efficiency and fertility or that can overcome specific breeding problems are discussed.
Publication Date: 2000-06-14 PubMed ID: 10844196DOI: 10.1016/s0378-4320(00)00136-6Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research focuses on comparing the reproductive behavior of stallions and mares in different environments: free-running (feral or semi-feral) and domestic in-hand breeding. The aim is to outline potential changes in their handling and management to improve reproductive efficiency and resolve breeding issues.
Objective of the Study
- The main objective of this paper is to compare and contrast the reproductive behavior of stallions and mares in feral, semi-feral, and domestic environments.
- Another intention of the study is to analyze how the findings can contribute to better management practices that can boost the reproductive efficiency and fertility of these horses, and tackle specific breeding problems.
Methodology of the Research
- The researchers conducted observational studies of equids in brief, semi-wild and domestic situations to perceive their social organization and reproductive behaviors.
- The data collected from these different environments is then compared to pin-point variations in reproductive behavior and physiology of the horses.
Key Findings
- The research identified key differences in equine reproductive behavior under different conditions, highlighting how varying environments can impact breeding and physiology outcomes.
- It enabled a better understanding of the challenges related to in-hand breeding in domestic settings and suggested ways to overcome them.
Practical Applications
- The results of the research can guide simple and effective changes in the handling and management of domestic stallions and mares, which can lead to better reproductive efficiency and tackle specific breeding problems.
- In addition, these findings can influence policies and best practices in the breeding industry, leading to healthier, more productive horse populations.
Cite This Article
APA
McDonnell SM.
(2000).
Reproductive behavior of stallions and mares: comparison of free-running and domestic in-hand breeding.
Anim Reprod Sci, 60-61, 211-219.
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0378-4320(00)00136-6 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Equine Behavior Laboratory, Section of Medicine and Reproduction, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animal Husbandry / methods
- Animals
- Animals, Domestic
- Animals, Wild
- Breeding / methods
- Equidae / physiology
- Female
- Handling, Psychological
- Horses / physiology
- Male
- Sexual Behavior, Animal / physiology
- Social Behavior
Citations
This article has been cited 16 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).
- Stachurska A, Kędzierski W, Kaczmarek B, Wiśniewska A, Żylińska B, Janczarek I. Variation of Physiological and Behavioural Parameters during the Oestrous Cycle in Mares. Animals (Basel) 2023 Jan 6;13(2).
- Grillaert K. Aggression, Erection, and Masturbation in Feral Pottoka Ponies and Implications for Equine Welfare. Animals (Basel) 2022 Feb 10;12(4).
- El-Shoukary RD, Nasreldin N, Osman AS, Hashem NM, Saadeldin IM, Swelum AA. Housing Management of Male Dromedaries during the Rut Season: Effects of Social Contact between Males and Movement Control on Sexual Behavior, Blood Metabolites and Hormonal Balance. Animals (Basel) 2020 Sep 10;10(9).
- Górecka-Bruzda A, Jaworski Z, Jaworska J, Siemieniuch M. Welfare of Free-Roaming Horses: 70 Years of Experience with Konik Polski Breeding in Poland. Animals (Basel) 2020 Jun 24;10(6).
- Aune A, Fenner K, Wilson B, Cameron E, McLean A, McGreevy P. Reported Behavioural Differences between Geldings and Mares Challenge Sex-Driven Stereotypes in Ridden Equine Behaviour. Animals (Basel) 2020 Mar 2;10(3).
- Popescu S, Lazar EA, Borda C, Niculae M, Sandru CD, Spinu M. Welfare Quality of Breeding Horses Under Different Housing Conditions. Animals (Basel) 2019 Mar 5;9(3).
- Burger D, Meuwly C, Thomas S, Sieme H, Oberthür M, Wedekind C, Meinecke-Tillmann S. Cycle-specific female preferences for visual and non-visual cues in the horse (Equus caballus). PLoS One 2018;13(2):e0191845.
- Jeannerat E, Janett F, Sieme H, Wedekind C, Burger D. Quality of seminal fluids varies with type of stimulus at ejaculation. Sci Rep 2017 Mar 13;7:44339.
- Fatnassi M, Padalino B, Monaco D, Khorchani T, Lacalandra GM, Hammadi M. Effect of continuous female exposure on behavioral repertoire and stereotypical behaviors in restrained male dromedary camels during the onset of the breeding season. Trop Anim Health Prod 2016 Jun;48(5):897-903.
- Burger D, Dolivo G, Wedekind C. Ejaculate Characteristics Depend on Social Environment in the Horse (Equus caballus). PLoS One 2015;10(11):e0143185.
- Campbell ML, Sandøe P. Welfare in horse breeding. Vet Rec 2015 Apr 25;176(17):436-40.
- Fatnassi M, Padalino B, Monaco D, Aubé L, Khorchani T, Lacalandra GM, Mohamed H. Effect of different management systems on rutting behavior and behavioral repertoire of housed Maghrebi male camels (Camelus dromedarius). Trop Anim Health Prod 2014 Jun;46(5):861-7.
- Fatnassi M, Padalino B, Monaco D, Khorchani T, Lacalandra GM, Hammadi M. Evaluation of sexual behavior of housed male camels (Camelus dromedarius) through female parades: correlation with climatic parameters. Trop Anim Health Prod 2014 Feb;46(2):313-21.
- Bhave A, Kieson E, Hafner A, Gloor PA. Identifying Novel Emotions and Wellbeing of Horses from Videos Through Unsupervised Learning. Sensors (Basel) 2025 Jan 31;25(3).
- Cardona-García M, Jiménez-Escobar C, Ferrer MS, Maldonado-Estrada JG. Follicular Dynamics and Pregnancy Rates during Foal Heat in Colombian Paso Fino Mares Bred under Permanent Grazing. Animals (Basel) 2024 Feb 29;14(5).
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