Influence of various early human–foal interferences on subsequent human–foal relationship

Abstract

Whereas the way animals perceive human contact has been particularly examined in pet animals, a small amount of investigations has been done in domestic ungulates. It was nevertheless assumed that, as pet animals, non-aggressive forms of tactile contact were as well rewarding or positive for these species, even though the features of intraspecific relationships in pet animals and domestic ungulates may be to some extent different. We test here the hypothesis that horses may not consider physical handling by humans as a positive event. When comparing different early human-foal interactions, we found that early exposure to a motionless human enhanced slightly foals reactions to humans whereas forced stroking or handling in early life did not improve later human-foal relation. Foals that were assisted during their first suckling (e.g., brought to the dam's teat) even tended to avoid human approach at 2 weeks, and physical contact at 1 month of age. We argue that interspecies differences may exist in how tactile stimulation is perceived. It may be important for the establishment of a bond that a young animal is active in the process and able, through its behavioral responses, to help define what is positive for it. This way of investigation may have important general implications in how we consider the development of social relations, both within and between species.

Island tameness and the repeatability of flight initiation distance in a large herbivore

“…3a). This is similar to findings in domestic horses, where FID was found to be lower in foals exposed to human presence in early life (Henry et al 2006). Second, FID was shorter in the western half of the island, where human activity is concentrated.…”

Differential outcomes of unilateral interferences at birth

“…This creates an insecure attachment to their mare that impairs their subsequent social relationships with conspecifics [8]. Forced contacts during the days following birth also has consequences on the perception a foal has of humans [9].…”

Are 6‐month‐old foals sensitive to dam's influence?

“…Furthermore, the behavior of the dam towards humans strongly influences the way their young respond to humans (horses: Henry et al, 2005;goats: Lyons et al, 1988) and consequently having a good relationship with the mother may simply improve the young' reactions to humans. Thus, Henry et al (2005) reported in horses that short periods of positive contacts with dams such as soft handling and hand-feeding during the first 5 days post-partum enhanced greatly foals' trainability at least until the age of 1 year, while direct handling of juveniles in the early postnatal period has either no effect or only short-term effects (Heird, Whitaker, Bell, Ramsey, & Lokey, 1986;Henry, Richard-Yris, & Hausberger, 2006;Lansade, Bertrand, & Bouissou, 2005;Simpson, 2002;Spier, Berger, Pusterla, Villarroel, & Pusterla, 2004;Williams et al, 2002Williams et al, , 2003.…”