Sexual behavior of mares.
Abstract: Behavior during the estrous phase of the ovulatory cycle of the mare is analogous in most ways to that of estrous females of other species. Proceptive behaviors bring the mare into the proximity of the male and attract his attention. Positioning facilitates mounting, intromission, and ejaculation. Estrous signs appear to be more intense in the few days prior to ovulation than during the transition periods that separate the recurring estrous and diestrous phases. Sexual behavior is absent during diestrus. Detection of estrus in mares is problematic in that it requires the presence (or at least facsimile acoustic or tactile stimuli) or a stallion. Unexplained conditions such as silent or subestrus make reliable determinations even more difficult. The choice of methods for distinguishing estrous from nonestrous mares depends, among other factors, upon characteristics of individual mares, as well as the number of mares to be evaluated. Detection of true estrus--that is, sexual behavior that is associated with follicular growth and ovulation--is confounded by the occurrence of estrus-like behavior independent of gonadal stimulation. Seasonally anovulatory and ovariectomized mares may regularly solicit and accept copulation despite low or even no circulating levels of ovarian steroids. Instead, endocrine support of sexual behavior in these mares appears to be provided by adrenal cortical androgens and/or estrogens. A smaller percentage of pregnant mares may also show some signs of estrus but are not likely to be receptive to mating. The ability of the mare to dissociate sexual behavior from ovulation is unique among infraprimate species studied. The display of estrous behavior and willingness to copulate, even at times when conception is impossible, may have functional significance in promoting band cohesiveness in wild and feral populations. Even without copulation, continued motivation to remain in proximity to the band stallion may contribute to the stability of the social unit outside the ovulatory season.
Publication Date: 1986-12-01 PubMed ID: 3492243DOI: 10.1016/s0749-0739(17)30704-6Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research examines the sexual behavior of mares during their ovulatory cycles, how this behavior varies, and highlights some of the difficulties in accurately identifying different phases of their sexual cycle and behavior.
Understanding Behavioral Patterns
- The study discusses the behavior of mares during the estrous phase of their ovulatory cycle, which is similar to female of other species.
- Proceptive behaviors, such as positioning, play a crucial role in attracting the male and promoting mating. These behaviors are more prominent in the days leading to ovulation.
- While sexual activity is absent during the diestrus phase, determining the presence of estrus in mares may require the presence of male horse or at least, acoustic or tactile stimuli that can mimic one.
Challenges in Detecting Estrus
- There are certain conditions, like silent or subestrus, that complicate the accurate determination of the mare’s phase. Therefore, methods to distinguish estrous mares from those not in estrus depend on various factors such as characteristics of individual mares and the number of mares being evaluated.
- Detection of true estrus, particularly when sexual behavior aligns with follicular growth and ovulation, is often complicated by the occurrence of estrus-like behavior that is not linked to gonadal stimulation.
Behavior During Non-Ovulation and Pregnancy
- Seasonally anovulatory and ovariectomized mares may still show sexual behavior despite having low or no circulating levels of ovarian steroids. The supporting force behind this sexual behavior is thought to be adrenal cortical androgens or estrogens.
- A small percentage of pregnant mares may also present signs of estrus but are unlikely to accept mating. Such ability to dissociate sexual behaviour from ovulation is unique among mares and less apparent in other non-primate species.
Functional Significance of Behavioral Patterns
- The display of estrous behavior and willingness to copulate even when conception is impossible might have functional implications in wild and feral populations, contributing to band cohesiveness.
- This motivation to remain close to the band stallion, even without mating, may further support the stability of the social unit outside the ovulatory season.
Cite This Article
APA
Asa CS.
(1986).
Sexual behavior of mares.
Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract, 2(3), 519-534.
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0749-0739(17)30704-6 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Animals, Wild
- Copulation / physiology
- Estrus
- Estrus Detection
- Female
- Gonadal Steroid Hormones / physiology
- Horses / physiology
- Ovulation Induction / veterinary
- Perissodactyla
- Pregnancy
- Seasons
- Sexual Behavior, Animal / physiology
Citations
This article has been cited 4 times.- Harvey AM, Ramp D, Mellor DJ. Review of the Foundational Knowledge Required for Assessing Horse Welfare. Animals (Basel) 2022 Dec 1;12(23).
- Aurich C, Kaps M. Suppression of reproductive behaviour and gonadal function in female horses-An update. Reprod Domest Anim 2022 Sep;57 Suppl 4(Suppl 4):4-12.
- Ringhofer M, Inoue S, Mendonça RS, Pereira C, Matsuzawa T, Hirata S, Yamamoto S. Comparison of the social systems of primates and feral horses: data from a newly established horse research site on Serra D'Arga, northern Portugal. Primates 2017 Oct;58(4):479-484.
- Lemasson A, Remeuf K, Trabalon M, Cuir F, Hausberger M. Mares prefer the voices of highly fertile stallions. PLoS One 2015;10(2):e0118468.
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