Interplay between environmental and genetic factors in temperament/personality traits in horses (Equus caballus).
The aim of the present study was to broach the question of the relative influence of different genetic and environmental factors on different temperament/personality traits of horses (Equus caballus). The researchers submitted 702 horses to standardized experimental tests and investigated 9 factors, either genetic or environmental. Genetic factors, such as sire or breed, seemed to influence more neophobic reactions, whereas environmental factors, such as the type of work, seemed to play a more dominant role in reactions to social separation or learning abilities. Additive effects were evident, showing how environmental factors may modulate behavioral traits. This study constitutes a first step toward understanding the relative weights of genetic factors and how the environment may intervene in determining individual behavioral characteristics.
Hausberger
Martine
M
Ethologie-Evolution-Ecologie, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France. Martine.Hausberger@univ-rennes1.fr
Bruderer
Cécile
C
Le Scolan
Nathalie
N
Pierre
Jean-Sébastien
JS
D000339:Affect; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology*; D004777:Environment; D005260:Female; D006736:Horses / Q000523:psychology*; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology