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Journals / Kocatepe Veteriner Dergisi / 2025 / Cilt: 18 Sayı: 4

Effects of Age and Maternal Presence on Horse–Human Interaction and Learning in Arabian Foals

Arap Taylarında Yaşın ve Ana Yanında Bulunmanın At-İnsan Etkileşimi ve Öğrenmeye Etkisi

Sibel Danışan(ESKİŞEHİR OSMANGAZİ ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0000-0002-2621-4555
Özlem Gücüyener Hacan(AFYON KOCATEPE ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0000-0001-6340-1117
Pages
462–468
Publication Date
2025-12-24
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

In conclusion, the results suggest that the early age and the maternal presence increase cautious behaviour toward humans, while separation from mother supports curiosity behaviour and learning performance.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

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Objective & Hypothesis:Horse-human communication relies on strong and sustainable positive interactions shaped by the form and timing of contact.
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Key Findings & Data:This study examined the effects of age and dam presence on horse-human interaction and learning behaviours in 30 Arabian foals at a farm in Mahmudiye district in Eskişehir.
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Conclusion & Impact:In conclusion, the results suggest that the early age and the maternal presence increase cautious behaviour toward humans, while separation from mother supports curiosity behaviour and learning performance.
🔬Design:Araştırma Makalesi
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Davranış testleri · Clicker eğitimi · Tay

Abstract

Horse-human communication relies on strong and sustainable positive interactions shaped by the form and timing of contact. This study examined the effects of age and dam presence on horse-human interaction and learning behaviours in 30 Arabian foals at a farm in Mahmudiye district in Eskişehir. The foals were divided into two groups: 16 foals aged 0–6 months that were kept with the dam, and 14 foals aged 7–12 months that were separated from the dam. Behavioural responses of the foals toward humans were evaluated using the Reactivity to Passive Human Test, and learning ability was assessed through Clicker Training based on operant conditioning principles. Agonistic behaviours were recorded using the Equid Agonistic Ethogram. In the passive human test, the rate of human contact was found to be higher in separated foals (78.57%) than in foals kept with their dam (56.25%), with shorter approach distances and durations, as well as higher ethogram scores. In clicker training, separated foals touched the target stick faster and more frequently. Agonistic behaviours were observed to a lesser extent in foals kept with the dam. In conclusion, the results suggest that the early age and the maternal presence increase cautious behaviour toward humans, while separation from mother supports curiosity behaviour and learning performance. Future studies are recommended to include a larger number of samples, different breeds, and to assess maternal temperament.

Özet

At-insan iletişimi, temasın biçimi ve zamanlamasıyla şekillenen güçlü ve sürdürülebilir pozitif etkileşimlere dayanmaktadır. Bu çalışmada, Eskişehir’in Mahmudiye İlçesi’ndeki özel bir harada barındırılan 30 Arap tayında yaş ve ana yanında bulunma durumunun insan etkileşimi ve öğrenme davranışlarına etkisi incelenmiştir. Taylar; 0–6 aylık 16 baş ana yanındaki ve 7–12 aylık 14 baş anadan ayrı tay olmak üzere iki gruba ayrılmıştır. Tayların insana karşı davranışsal tepkileri Pasif İnsana Karşı Reaksiyon Testi ile değerlendirilmiş; öğrenme teorisi çerçevesinde edimsel koşullanmayı temel alan Clicker Eğitimi uygulanmıştır. Agonistik davranışlar ise Agonistik At Etogramı ile kaydedilmiştir. Pasif insana karşı reaksiyon testinde, anadan ayrı taylarda insana temas oranı (% 78,57), ana yanındaki taylara (% 56,25) göre daha yüksek bulunmuş, yaklaşma mesafesi ve süresi daha kısa, etogram skorları ise daha yüksek gözlenmiştir. Clicker eğitiminde anadan ayrı taylar hedef çubuğuna daha hızlı ve sık temas etmiştir. Ana yanındaki taylarda ise agonistik davranışlar daha düşük seviyede gerçekleşmiştir. Sonuç olarak, bulgular erken yaşta ve ana yanında bulunmanın insana karşı tedbirli davranışları artırırken, anadan ayrılmanın merak davranışı ve öğrenme performansını desteklediğini göstermektedir. Clicker eğitimine verilen yanıt, anadan ayrılma durumu, merak davranışı ve pozitif pekiştireç deneyimi ile yakından ilişkilidir. Sonraki çalışmalarda daha geniş örneklem, farklı ırklar ve ana mizacının değerlendirilmesi önerilmektedir.

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Cite This Article

Danışan, S., Hacan, Ö. G. (2025). Effects of Age and Maternal Presence on Horse–Human Interaction and Learning in Arabian Foals. Kocatepe Veteriner Dergisi, Cilt: 18 Sayı: 4, 462–468. https://doi.org/10.30607/kvj.1802637

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