Abstract
Social behaviors of two groups of four ram lambs were observed and recorded during five animal-age periods between birth and 38 weeks. A higher level of display of agonistic behavior was correlated with higher social position ( P<0.01), and agonistic behavior was more often directed toward rams of lower rank ( P<0.001) occupying adjacent social positions (0.01< P<0.02). There was no association between quantity of sex-mimicking behavior displayed and social position. Sex-mimicking behavior was not specifically directed toward individuals of higher or lower rank, but was preferentially directed toward rams of adjacent social positions as opposed to those of non-adjacent rank ( P<0.001). Somewhat different functions in the establishment and maintenance of social relationships are suggested for agonistic and sex-mimicking behaviors. Agonistic behavior may serve to establish a general ranking of individuals. In contrast, sex-mimicking behavior could provide a relatively non-violent means of asserting dominance, especially between closely ranked individuals.
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