Journals / Journal of Agriculture / 2026 / Cilt: 9 Sayı: 1

The Effects of Dominance Behavior in Horses on Farm Life

Atlarda Üstünlük Kurma Davranışının Çiftlik Hayatı Üzerine Etkileri

Yavuzkan Paksoy(NECMETTİN ERBAKAN ÜNİVERSİTESİ, KONYA EREĞLİ KEMAL AKMAN MESLEK YÜKSEKOKULU)0000-0002-0935-7693
Muhammet Hanifi Selvi(NECMETTİN ERBAKAN ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0000-0002-9785-9174
Pages
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Publication Date
2026-07-08
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

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

As a result of the study, it was found that age and the purpose of use on the hierarchy in horses are statistically very significantly different (p<0,001); health, pregnancy, having a foal with her and the state of resentment are statistically significantly different (p<0,05).

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:In this study, it was aimed to investigate the establishment of hierarchy among horses, its reflection on behavior and productivity, and its effects on farm life.
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Key Findings & Data:In a study conducted on 53 Thoroughbred horses (aged 1-20 years) at a private horse farm; factors affecting hierarchy in horses were examined.
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Conclusion & Impact:As a result of the study, it was found that age and the purpose of use on the hierarchy in horses are statistically very significantly different (p<0,001); health, pregnancy, having a foal with her and the state of resentment are statistically significantly different (p<0,05).
🔬Design:Araştırma Makalesi
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Davranış · Etkili faktör · Hiyerarşi

Abstract

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the establishment of hierarchy among horses, its reflection on behavior and productivity, and its effects on farm life. In a study conducted on 53 Thoroughbred horses (aged 1-20 years) at a private horse farm; factors affecting hierarchy in horses were examined. In the light of the data examined; the establishment of the hierarchy among horses, its reflection on behavior and productivity and its effects on the farm life were investigated. Horses were monitored in the paddock and the behaviors to be examined in the study were recorded. The study was conducted for 5 days. Two recordings were taken in the morning and afternoon and a total of 10 recordings were made. In each recording, 10 horses were followed and a total of 100 water drinking and 100 clover eating behaviors were recorded. Descriptive information regarding the characteristics observed in the mares and foals included in the study: 1. drinking water, 1. eating clover, being the first to come forward when the gate is opened upon transfer from the paddock to the stable. As a result of the study, it was found that age and the purpose of use on the hierarchy in horses are statistically very significantly different (p<0,001); health, pregnancy, having a foal with her and the state of resentment are statistically significantly different (p<0,05). In contrast, coat color in horses is statistically insignificant in the hierarchy. It is thought that the effective factors identified in the study have an effect on farm layout along with hierarchy. According to the purpose of use, the highest averages of coming first to water, clover and paddock door were observed in breeding horses (2.83±0.434, 2.83±0.432 and 3.30±0.424). It is thought that by knowing the hierarchical organization of horses, an idea can be obtained about breeding selection, racing character and efficiency level. In this study, the hierarchical order of horses in their social life was investigated and it was aimed to be useful for colleagues and horse breeders.

Özet

Bu çalışmada atların kendi aralarındaki hiyerarşinin kurulması, davranış ve verime yansıması ile çiftlik düzeni üzerine etkilerinin araştırılması amaçlanmıştır. Özel bir at çiftliğinde 53 (1-20 yaş aralığında) İngiliz atı üzerinde yürütülen çalışmada; atlarda hiyerarşi üzerine etkili faktörler incelenmiştir. İncelenen veriler ışığında; atların kendi aralarındaki hiyerarşinin kurulması, davranış ve verime yansıması ile çiftlik düzeni üzerine etkileri araştırılmıştır. Atlar padokta izlenerek araştırmada incelenecek davranışlar kayıt altına alınmıştır. Çalışma 5 gün yürütüldü. Sabah ve öğleden sonra olmak üzere 2 kayıt alınarak toplamda 10 defa kayıt alındı. Her kayıtta 10 at takip edilmiş olup, toplamda 100 su içme ve 100 yonca yeme davranışı kayıt altına alındı. Çalışmaya dahil edilen kısrak ve taylarda takip edilen özelliklere ait tanımlayıcı bilgiler: 1. olarak su içme, 1. olarak yonca yeme, padoktan tavlaya alınma zamanında kapı açılınca en önde gelmedir. Çalışma sonucunda atlarda hiyerarşi üzerinde yaş ve kullanım amacının istatistiki olarak çok önemli (p˂0,001) derecede farklı olduğu; sağlık, gebelik, yanında tayı bulunması ve kızgınlık durumunun ise istatistiki olarak önemli derecede farklı olduğu (p˂0,05) tespit edilmiştir. Buna karşın atlarda donun hiyerarşide istatistiki olarak önemsiz olduğu görülmektedir. Çalışmada tespit edilen etkili faktörlerin hiyerarşi ile birlikte çiftlik düzeni üzerine de etkili olduğu düşünülmektedir. Kullanım amacına göre atların su, yonca ve padok kapısına ilk gelme ortalamaları en yüksek damızlık atlarda görülmüştür (2.83±0.434, 2.83±0.432 ve 3.30±0.424). Atların hiyerarşik düzenleri iyi bilinerek, damızlık seçimi, yarış karakteri ve verim düzeyi hakkında fikir edinilebileceği düşünülmüştür. Bu çalışmada, atların sosyal yaşamlarındaki hiyerarşik düzeni araştırılmış bu sayede meslektaşlara ve at yetiştiricilerine faydalı olması amaçlanmıştır.

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Cite This Article

Paksoy, Y., Selvi, M. H. (2026). The Effects of Dominance Behavior in Horses on Farm Life. Journal of Agriculture, Cilt: 9 Sayı: 1. https://doi.org/10.46876/ja.1699289

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