Flehmen Research Articles

Behavioural Pattern as Indicator of Different Stages of Estrus in Sahiwal Cows

The reproductive efficiency of dairy animals is having a direct impact on productivity and profitability of dairy farms. Therefore, reproduction management is a major concern in dairy industry. Communication of the timing of physiological event of ovulation and coordination of sexual behavior are important for successful fertilization. The success rate of artificial insemination in cattle mainly depends on the time of estrus it is inseminated. Inefficient and inaccurate heat detection results in failure of conception during that attempt, which in turn leads to significant economic losses. The efficient and accurate detection of estrus and the timing of AI has remained major challenge to improve reproductive and economic efficiencies of dairy farms. To have a simple and accurate technique for optimizing the time of insemination, present investigation was performed on healthy, cyclic Sahiwal cows which had calved recently and were maintained at DDD farm of LFC, DUVASU, Mathura with an aim to investigate the behaviour of the cows in order to discriminate the various stages of estrus. The behavioral attributes of teaser bull and experimental cows were observed during three different stages i.e. onset of estrus, standing heat and non-estrus stages of same cows. It was observed that frequency of mounting by teaser bulls, frequency of Flehmen reaction by teaser bulls, restlessness of Sahiwal cows, bellowing and frequency of urination were all significantly affected by different stages of estrus i.e onset of estrus, standing heat and non-estrus.

Evaluation of the Physiological and Behavioural Relationships of Yearling Bucks by Generalized Procrustes Analysis


 
 
 The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationships between some sexual behaviours and physiological traits such as serum testosterone concentration, body weight loss and presence of horns of yearling bucks using Generalized Procrustes Analysis (GPA). In the study, 11 yearling bucks being sexually in- experienced were used. The sexual behaviours were determined with a total of four tests, which consisted of exposing the yearling bucks individually to three unrestrained estrous ewes for 15 min. In these tests, some behavioural characteristics such as number of ejaculations, flehmen response, number of mounts and serum testosterone concentration were determined. In the GPA analysis, the first two factors explained approximately 98% of the total variation between animals (Dimension 1 = 95.57%, Dimension 2 = 2.68%). It was determined that there was a positive and high correlation between tests and the number of mounts, which had a high correlation with the first dimension. Ejaculation frequency, flehmen response and testosterone levels decreased in line with in- creases in the number of mounts. As a result, it can be suggested that GPA can be effectively evaluated quantitative and qualitative behavioural characteristics without requiring any prior assumptions and reducing variability among animals.
 
 

Behavioral Determinants of Mating Success in Blackbuck under Semienclosed Condition: A Cross-Sectional Study in Shuklaphanta National Park, Nepal

Knowing reproductive behavior is important for establishing a viable population of nationally endangered blackbuck in Nepal. This study explored the behavioral events and states associated with copulatory mountings in blackbuck by focal animal sampling method under semienclosed conditions of Hirapurphanta within Shuklaphanta National Park, Nepal. We recorded different behavioral initiations for the mating reproductive activities and the behaviors followed after copulatory mounting. Four dominant adult males were used as a subject. The highest number of copulatory mountings was observed during the months of February–March. Among the diurnal observational phases, the highest number of copulatory mountings was recorded during 9.00–12.00 hours followed by 15.00 hours onwards. Copulatory mounting was significantly preceded by sniffing the vulva of female and showing flehmen response, whereas copulatory mounting was followed by walking.

Latrine ecology of nilgai antelope

Abstract The use of scent for communication is widespread in mammals, yet the role of scent-marking in the social system of many species is poorly understood. Nilgai antelope (Boselaphus tragocamelus) are native to India, Nepal, and Pakistan. They were introduced to Texas rangelands in the United States during the 1920s to 1940s, and have since expanded into much of coastal South Texas and northern Mexico. The nilgai social system includes the use of latrines or repeated defecation at a localized site. We quantified and described physical and behavioral characteristics of nilgai latrine ecology to investigate drivers of latrine use at three sites in South Texas, during April 2018 to March 2019. Latrines were abundant (2.6–8.7 latrines/ha on unpaved roads, 0.4–0.9 latrines/ha off-roads), with no evidence for selection as to vegetation communities; latrines were dynamic in persistence and visitation rates. We found higher densities of latrines in Spring surveys, just after the peak of nilgai breeding activity, compared to Autumn surveys. Density of nilgai latrines was 3–10 times greater than estimated population densities, indicating individual nilgai must use multiple latrines. Camera traps and fecal DNA analysis revealed latrines were mainly (70%) visited by bulls and defecated on by bulls (92% in photos, 89% for DNA samples). The greatest frequency of visits occurred during the peak in the nilgai breeding season, from December–February; latrines were visited every 2–3 days on average. Body characteristics of photographed individuals and genetic analysis of feces indicated repeated visits from the same individuals. Nilgai cows occasionally used latrines; their use was sometimes followed by bulls showing flehmen responses after a female defecated or urinated on the latrine. We propose that dominant bulls use latrines for territory demarcation to display social dominance to both cows in estrus and subordinate bulls. Cows likely use latrines to communicate reproductive status. This study is the first intensive assessment focused on latrine ecology in nilgai. Our results directly contradict anecdotal descriptions of latrine use and behavior in nilgai but are consistent with predictions of antelope social systems based on body size, feeding type, and group dynamics.

EFECTO MEDIOAMBIENTAL Y DEL DISEÑO DE CORRAL EN COMPORTAMIENTO AGONISTA DE BOVINOS EN FINALIZACIÓN INTENSIVA

<p><strong>Background.</strong> Environmental factors can affect the welfare of cattle in the feedlot and alter their behavior. <strong>Objective.</strong> The present study determine the effect of the feedlot environment on the agonist behavior of cattle during two seasons in a tropical region of Mexico. <strong>Methodology.</strong> A prospective observational study was conducted in pens identified as Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3. The agonist behaviour, environmental temperature, relative humidity and Temperature and Humidity Index (THI) were recorded at 8:00, 12:00 and 16:00 h. <strong>Results</strong>. In autumn, the variation in the threat rate (34 vs. 14; P <0.05) and bumps (20 vs. 12, P <0.01) is influenced by the THI value and the hour of day; at 8:00 the THI did not exceed 77 units, while at 12:00 and 16:00, it exceeded 82 units. In Flehmen's reaction, mounts and vocalizations influenced the hour and design of the pen (P <0.02). In winter, the mounts (18 vs. 10) occurred when the THI value was 69 units (P <0.01), and decreased when it increased to 74 units. The Flehmen´s reaction was higher in Type 3 (14 vs. 7) than in Type 1 (P <0.01). <strong>Implications. </strong>The agonist behavior of cattle, as measured in this work, should be considered as a measured of cattle welfare indicators in feedlots <strong>Conclusions</strong>. The increase of THI and design of the pen influence the manifestation of agonist behavior in beef cattle.</p>

Reproductive management of the ram (Ovis orientalis aries)

Objective: To describe briefly the physiology, the anatomy and the reproductive management of the ram. Design/Methodology/Approach: Review of the anatomy, physiology and general considerations for an adequate reproductive management of the ram. Results: The ram presents a less seasonal reproductive activity than the female and its reproductive behavior is easier to observe. However, it is in the fall, the reproductive season of seasonal sheep, when their behavior is much more complex and complete. It begins with smelling the external genitals of the female, goes through the flehmen response and ends with mating, intromission and ejaculation. It is necessary to consider the anatomical and physiological aspects of the ram and its meticulous management to avoid reproductive failures in the flock. Frequently, the rams are less important for the flock’s handler during the season of reproductive rest. Monitoring their diet and parasite and disease control is necessary to keep them apt for reproduction. The evaluation of the reproductive aptitude of the ram before mating is convenient and can be planned as part of its management; and once mating begins, considering the adequate proportion of rams/females, in addition to monitoring their performance during this event. Study Limitations/Implications: To consider that the ram shows a good capacity for mating, capacity for service, libido, quality of semen, since it is responsible for a proportion of lamb production. Findings/Conclusions: Reproduction in sheep is regulated by the photoperiod, genetic potential, nutritional status, health status and other factors, which are important both in the ram and in the female. Some sheep breeds have potential of prolificacy; a good reproductive management of the ram can influence these factors and increase the reproduction rate in the flocks.

Simultaneous choice bioassays accompanied by physiological changes identify civetone and decanoic acid as pheromone candidates for giant pandas.

Chemicals present in urine are thought to play an important role in mate identification in the solitary giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). During the breeding season, females will deposit chemical signals to advertise sexual receptivity to potential mates. The goal of this study was to determine if specific volatile compounds found in female urine could be considered as pheromones that elicit behavioral and physiological responses in males. Experimental simultaneous choice trials were conducted with captive male giant pandas (n = 3) housed at Memphis Zoo, San Diego Zoo, and Zoo Atlanta. Octanoic acid, 1H-pyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde, decanoic acid, and civetone were selected as stimuli because previous studies reported their elevation in urine during the breeding season. Male interest was determined by a behavioral preference toward these volatile compounds diluted in synthetic urine compared with nontreated synthetic urine. Male urine samples were collected 1 week prior, during, and 1 week after the experimental period to assess changes in urinary semiochemical composition and urinary androgen concentrations. No significant differences in investigation response (p = .395) or flehmen response (p = .600) were found when stimuli were compared; however, decanoic acid and civetone elicited a behavioral preference over the control (response ratio > 0.5). The relative abundance of 16 compounds identified in male urine was significantly elevated (p < .05) above baseline values after the males were exposed to the stimuli. Androgen levels were significantly elevated (p < .05) in one male after exposure to 1H-pyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde, decanoic acid, and civetone. These data suggested that civetone and decanoic acid in female urine may motivate sexual responses in males.

Seasonal effect on sexual behaviour of Kankrej bull

A study on sexual behaviour in Kankrej bull was carried out at the Semen Processing Unit; with the objectives to study the seasonal effect on sexual behaviour traits of Kankrej bulls. The period of investigation was divided into three seasons viz., summer, monsoon and winter. Eight apparently healthy Kankrej bulls of 4-5 years of age were selected. For each of the bull, fortnightly observations of semen collection were recorded and total 192 collections, 64 from each season were recorded and evaluated. The mean values for different sexual behaviour traits were; temperament score (0-5 scale) 1.96 ± 0.02, libido score (0-9 scale) 6.20 ± 0.12, erection score (0-4 scale) 3.36 ± 0.04, protrusion score (0-4 scale) 2.90 ± 0.02, intensity of thrust (0-4 scale) 3.42 ± 0.06, reaction time 112.20 ± 5.09 seconds, total time taken to successful mount 165.68 ± 6.53 seconds and Flehmen reaction (0-1 scale) 0.49±0.04. Libido was significantly higher in June (7.31±0.35) and July (7.25±0.41) months, compared to rest of the months. Significantly (P<0.05) lower libido was observed in October (5.31±0.45) and November (5.13±0.34) months. Libido score was significantly (P<0.05) higher during summer (6.70 ± 0.18) season compared to winter (5.70 ± 0.19). However, libido score during monsoon (6.20 ± 0.23) was non-significant with both summer and winter seasons. Seasonal variation was comparable for rest of the sexual behaviour traits viz., temperament, erection, protrusion, intensity of thrust, reaction time, total time taken to successful mount and Flehmen reaction. Positive correlation was observed between libido score and reaction time; erection score with protrusion score and intensity of thrust; protrusion score with intensity of thrust and reaction time with total time taken in successful mount.

Seasonal Influence on Sexual Behaviour of Jaffrabadi Buffalo Bulls

The study was carried out on four mature Jaffrabadi breeding bulls (4–6 years old) maintained at Cattle Breeding Farm, JAU, Junagadh for a period of 8 months during winter and summer. The seasonal and bull variations in sexual behavior traits were studied. A total of 64 observations (32 per season, 8 per bull) were availed at the fortnightly interval. The mean values/ scores for temperament (0–5 scale), libido (0–9 scale), penile erection (0–4 scale), protrusion (0–4 scale), intensity of thrust (0–4 scale), reaction time (sec) and Flehmen reaction (0, 1) during winter season were 1.28 ± 0.08, 6.75 ± 0.19, 3.22 ± 0.74, 2.88 ± 0.59, 3.15 ± 0.65, 125.00 ± 6.92 and 0.91 ± 0.43, respectively, while the respective values in summer season were 2.22 ± 0.07, 5.93 ± 0.43, 2.84 ± 0.65, 2.75 ± 0.59, 2.93 ± 0.13, 143.5 ± 7.07 and 0.88 ± 0.06. There were significant differences among seasons for temperament, libido and penile erection score of Jaffrabadi bulls. Significant differences among bulls were also found for libido score, the intensity of thrust and reaction time in the winter season, and for ejaculatory thrust in the summer season. All these traits were highly significantly and positively interrelated (r = 0.353 to 0.512), except Flehmen reaction and reaction time which were negatively correlated with all other behavioral traits (r = –340 to –0.499). Summer in general significantly exerted an adverse effect on the sexual behavior of Jaffrabadi bulls, and winter was the favored season. It could be concluded from the study that the Jaffrabadi bulls had good sexual behavior scores throughout both the seasons, however, bulls showed better sexual behavior during winter as compared to summer.

Evaluation of sexual behavior of stallion (Arabian versus Barb) during breeding season in Algeria

This study was carried out at National Haras of Tiaret (west of Algeria) to understand and to compare the normal sexual behavior and libido of stallions (Arabian vs Barb) while mounting a mare in estrus. Eighty-four stallions were divided into two groups from 5 to 24 years of age (n=47 Arabian; n=37 Barb). Results revealed significant differences between Arabian and Barb stallion: in sniffing (p less than 0.001), libido score (p less than 0.05), flehmen response (p less than 0.05), time to first mount with erection (p less than 0.05), number of mounts to ejaculation (p less than 0.05) and mount time for ejaculatory (p less than 0.01). These stallions were exactly tested in the same place and conditions allowed us to discard any side effects due to animal management or any other confounding bias. Our study provided us the knowledge of sexual behavior under Algerian environmental conditions and the distinction between Arabian and Barb stallion in their sexual behavior expression.

Modeling of behavioral responses for successful selection of easy-to-train rams for semen collection with an artificial vagina

The aim of this study was to analyze the reproductive behavioral responses in Australian Merino rams, to identify those related to a faster training for semen collection with an artificial vagina. Eight Australian Merino rams, aged 1.5 years and with no prior sexual experience, were randomly selected from an extensively grazed flock. One immobilized ewe with no hormone stimulation was used for rams to sexually interact and mount. The frequencies of approaching, sniffing, flehmen, pushing, pawing with chin resting, and tongue flicking were recorded during eight training and three post-training assessments periods. In addition, the duration of sniffing and flehmen responses, as well as the time from when the ram started to approach the ewe until the mount with ejaculation (completed mount) were recorded. Descriptive, correlation, and modeling analyses were performed. Amongst the rams, four mounted the ewe and ejaculated for the first time during the training phase, and three mounted and ejaculated for the first time after the training phase. The remaining ram mounted the ewe and ejaculated for the first time during the post-training evaluation in the following year. A great variability in the behavior repertoire was observed among rams. The correlation analysis indicated that the completed mount was associated with the behaviors during the approaching response. The expression of the sniffing response decreased between the training phase and post-training evaluation, while the responses of pushing the ewe and tongue flicking ceased to occur. Pawing the side of the ewe with the chin resting on the back of the ewe and flehmen responses, however, continued between the training and post-training phases. This led to a decrease in the time from when the ram started to approach the ewe until the completed mount. It is concluded that the responses of approaching the ewe, pawing the side of the ewe with chin resting on the ewe, and sniffing of the ewe (the latter occurring only during the training phase) are behavioral indicators that could be used for selection of easy-to-train rams for purposes of semen collection with an artificial vagina.

Sexual behavior of 'morada nova' breeding sheep under semi-intensive rearing during the mating season in the brazilian semiarid

This study aimed to evaluate the sexual behavior of 'Morada Nova' breeding sheep reared in the Brazilian semi-arid during dry and rainy seasons in a semi-intensive system. The behavioral data were gathered from 4 rams and 114 ewes, among which 55 during the rainy season and the other 59 females in the dry season. The behavioral observations were conducted from 6 am to 5 pm, during both periods. The observations were carried out continuously and split into 'event' (execution frequency) and 'state' (execution time). During the rainy season, the breeding sheep showed the most efficient sexual behavior, with a shorter reaction time (RT) and less frequent mount attempts (MA), being of 122 sec and 2.97, respectively. However, throughout the dry period, some sexual behaviors such as sniffing the urogenital of females (SUF), penis exposure (EXP), head tossing (HT), and courting of females (FC) became more frequent, mainly in the afternoon, as with the flehmen response (FR). Male courting behavior was more evident in the rainy season during the end of the day, remaining less active during the dry period. Sexual behavior intensity in 'Morada Nova' sheep varies throughout the day, especially in the dry season.

Do olfactory behaviour and marking responses of Konik polski stallions to faeces from conspecifics of either sex differ?

The aim of the study was to assess whether adult stallions differentiate their olfactory and marking behaviour towards the excreta of their potential male rivals and mares. Four Konik polski stallions were individually exposed simultaneously to their own and each others’ faeces as well as faeces of mares in oestrus vs. dioestrus. Five series of 30min observation sessions were conducted in a round pen each on two consecutive days from March to July, totaling in 5h observation per stallion. Stallions sniffed and displayed flehmen reaction towards mares’ faeces significantly longer (P<0.01) than towards stallions’ faeces. No significant differences were found in marking by defecations upon stallions’ vs. mares’ faeces. The stallions urinated exclusively on mares’ faeces. Sniffing, flehmen, defecations and urinations performed towards faeces of mares in oestrus vs. dioestrus did not differ significantly. The results showed that stallions differentiate their olfactory behaviour towards excreta of conspecifics of different sex but perhaps not towards faeces of females in different reproductive status. This for the first time establishes that stallions exhibit different marking behaviour upon stallions’ vs. mares’ faeces. It is hypothesized that marking of other stallions’ faeces by defecation may advertise presence of the stallion, whereas marking of mares’ faeces by urination may serve to mask the presence of a mare to prevent potential rivals from locating the mare in an area where mares’ faeces are found.

Potential use of domestic cat (Felis catus) urinary extracts for manipulating the behavior of free-roaming cats and wild small felids

Increasing numbers of free-roaming cats are causing various social and ecological problems worldwide. To address these problems while also considering animal welfare issues, we investigated the usefulness of cat urinary extracts for manipulating the behavior of free-roaming cats. We first demonstrated that compounds evoking attraction, sniffing, and a functional behavior known as the flehmen response in cats were enriched in organic solvent extracts of cat urine. We applied the urinary extract to attract cats to a video camera trap that was set up to survey felid populations. Traps baited with the urinary extract were more efficient in capturing front facial views of cats, which were important for individual identification. Observing that cats left the test area without urine or fecal marking after sniffing the urinary extract, we also developed an application whereby areas in which the urinary extract was presented were protected from cats’ scent marking behavior using urine and feces. These applications could facilitate the coexistence of cats in human society and the protection of ecosystems. Furthermore, cat urinary extract evoked careful sniffing and the flehmen response in the bobcat, a different species, suggesting that it may be useful in programs for conservation of small endangered felids.

The flehmen response and pseudosuckling in a captive, juvenile Southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis).

A juvenile, female sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) was observed in 43 instances of the flehmen response over 19 days from May through July of 2015 at the Oregon Zoo. In all flehmen grimace observations, the juvenile sea otter engaged in nibbling, nosing, or licking the peri-mammary or anogenital areas of a non-lactating, geriatric female sea otter. The flehmen behavior observed was consisted with the sequences of behavior documented in other mammals, lifting the head, elevating the nose to the air, retracting the upper lip slightly, and manipulating her mystacial vibrissae back and forth while rapidly inspiring air through her mouth in quick succession, tongue extruded. The occurrence of this behavior was not specific to visitor density, visitor impact rating, day of the month, time of day, or exhibit zone. However, it did occur more frequently in one area of the enclosure. Among the three sea otters (two females, one male) currently housed at the Oregon Zoo, the juvenile female's flehmen response only occurred following interactions with the older female and was always preceded by the pseudosuckling or anogenital nosing, licking or nibbling behavior. Zoo Biol. 36:30-39, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Relationships between physiological and behavioral responses of goat bucks in mating season

The objective of this study was to determine the sexual parameters in young bucks with different sexual activity and the effect of experience (age) on sexual parameters in bucks. Fifteen young, sexually inexperienced (SI) and five adult, sexually experienced (SE) Saanen × Hair goat crossbred bucks were used in this study. Bucks were individually exposed to three estrus does for 15-min periods during four sexual performance tests, which were carried out every other day to determine some sexual behavior traits such as flehmen response, reaction time, and ejaculation efficiency. Sexually inexperienced young bucks were evaluated based on their sexual activity (active (AC) vs inactive (IA)) and presence of horn. It was found that AC bucks had significantly higher serum testosterone concentrations (31.5 vs 21.5 ng/mL) and weight loss (114.2 vs 51.2 g/day) than IA bucks. In addition, weight loss was significantly correlated with ejaculation efficiency in young bucks. On the other hand, horned bucks tended to have higher ejaculation efficiency with significantly longer reaction time than polled bucks. For experience (age) classes, SE bucks had higher testosterone concentration (76.0 vs 31.5 ng/mL) and weight loss (16.7 vs 8.6%) than SI active young bucks. However, the effect of experience on other sexual performance traits was found to be limited. Overall, these results indicate that testosterone concentration may affect sexual performance of young bucks in the mating season. Age-related sexual experience is not a determining factor for sexual performance in bucks. However, sexual performance data alone may not reflect reproductive outcomes without semen data.

Evaluating the responses of a territorial solitary carnivore to potential mates and competitors.

Successful communication is critical to the fitness of individuals and maintenance of populations, but less is known regarding the social contexts and reactions to scent marking by other individuals in solitary carnivores, including pumas. We evaluated the responses of resident male pumas to visitation and scent marking by potential competitors (other male pumas) and potential mates (female pumas) by capturing and marking 46 pumas (Puma concolor), and documenting scent marking behaviours using motion-triggered video cameras. By comparing resident male puma visitation rates and communication behaviours in response to either male or female visitors, we found that their visitation and communication behaviours were best explained by the combination of visitation by both competitors and potential mates. Resident males returned to scent marking sites more quickly and increased their rate of flehmen response after visitation by a females, while they increased their rate of visitation and duration of visits in response to other males. Male pumas also visited less frequently in summer and autumn when female visitation rates were lower, but males created nearly twice as many scrapes during these visits. This study suggests that advertising for mates when scent marking may sometimes overshadow the importance of deterring competitors and claiming territory.

Phenotypic characteristics and sexual behavior of &lt;i&gt;Sennar&lt;/i&gt; Jacks (&lt;i&gt; Equus asinus&lt;/i&gt;)

This study was carried out with an objective of evaluating the breeding soundness and sexual behavior of Sennar jackasses. The physical characteristics such as the body weight, height at wither, body condition, and age of the jacks was measured and recorded. The characteristics of sexual behavior as determined by score of the sex derive, and the time taken for erection, first mount and intromission were assessed in the presence of estrous Jennies and recorded before semen collection. The body weight of the jacks range between119 and 380 kg, with mean body condition score of 7 for the breeding and 4.8 for the working jacks. The mean (±SE) of height at wither, the chest girth and the head-tail length were118±5.54 cm, 124.4±2.2 cm, 150.3±1.0 cm, respectively. The frequency of mounting without erection and with erection, time to full erection, time to ejaculation and number of ejaculatorythrust were in the order of 4.62±1.93 and 1.9±0.88, 13.45±7.02 minutes, 23.03±7.78 minutes, 4.21±0.61, respectively. Libido score was mostly (89.5%) strong during the 160 collections. The longest time to ejaculation was 58 minutes. The most frequent sexual behavior was sniffing of the vulva, flehmen, and mounting with or without erection. Flehmen responses and mounts without erection greatly varied among the jacks.The most notable difference from Abyssinian donkeys was the libido, which was relatively stronger in Sennar donkeys. However, they usually took longer time for ejaculation, which is also a common behavior among donkeys as compared to stallions. This study confirms that body characteristics of Sennar donkeys with respect to size are better than other donkey types, and semen collection and AI are feasible procedures for breed improvement in Sennar donkeys. Keywords: Sennar donkeys, Body morphometry, Sexual behavior, Jacks, Gondar

The efficacy of capsaicin as an equine repellent for chewing wood

Capsaicin, a component of chili peppers, is a natural repellent for many mammals because of it being an irritant to the nasal and oral areas. We tested whether topical application of capsaicin in a commercially available product caused aversion to licking and chewing of wood by horses and hence might potentially prevent crib biting. Ten non–wood-chewing horses underwent 3 sequential trials involving the presentation of different treatments applied to a clean piece of wood (wooden block). Initially horses were exposed to molasses only, followed by equal proportions of molasses and the capsaicin product (Equi-Stop), and then a return to molasses only. The addition of capsaicin to molasses caused a significant reduction in the frequency of licking or chewing of a standardized wooden block and was associated with significant increases in behaviors that may be associated with equine irritation, including rubbing and head shaking, plus the nasal investigative behavior of flehmen response. The combination of both the reduction of licking or chewing of the wooden block and the increase in irritation and nasal investigation behaviors suggests that capsaicin may be an effective repellent for horses chewing wood. The significantly lower licking or chewing rates of wooden blocks coated with molasses only at the end of the trial sequence compared to that at the start suggests a learned aversion after exposure to capsaicin at least in some horses. This capsaicin-based product has the potential as a management tool for reducing the incidence of wood chewing and possibly crib biting in horses.

Seasonal and circadian variation of the sexual behavior of Morada Nova rams in tropical environment

The objective of this study was to evaluate the seasonal and daily variation in sexual behavior of Morada Nova breeders raised in the Brazilian semi-arid region. The data were collected from four rams and 114 ewes of the Morada Nova breed - 55 females in the dry season and another 59 in the rainy season. Observations were performed in the dry and rainy seasons, divided into four times of the day: morning (05:01 h to 11.00 h), afternoon (11.01 h to 17.00 h), evening (17.01 h to 23:00 h), and dawn (23:01 h to 05.00 h). Sexual behavior was assessed for a period of 24 h/day, in a breeding season. One ram was used each three days. The behavioral patterns of the rams in view of females were observed during the recognition (sniffing the female urine, bouts of anogenital sniffing, and flehmen reaction), preparatory (exposure of tongue and penis, leg-kicking, and low-pitched bleats), and copulatory (number of mounts, number of ejaculations, and refractory period) phases. The rams were more active during daytime. The animals in the rainy season showed more efficient sexual behaviors by the lower frequency of mounts per ejaculation and greater number of ejaculations in a shorter time. In contrast, courting behaviors such as exposure of tongue, number of mounts, low-pitched bleats, and leg-kicking were more frequent in the dry season. In the semi-arid region with latitudes close to 7°N, Morada Nova rams have a higher intensity of precopulatory behaviors and lower frequency of ejaculations in the dry season.