Organização hierárquica em grupo estável de éguas

Abstract

Social organization in stable groups is fundamental to the well-being of domestic horses, as it reduces conflict and allows the expression of natural behaviors. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze social interactions and hierarchy in a group of 12 mares at the Glória Experimental Farm, belonging to the Federal University of Uberlândia (UFU). Twenty-four hours of observation were conducted over four days, using the sampling method of all occurrences in an ethogram with 14 behaviors, including affiliative, agonistic, and submissive behaviors. For data analysis, a dominance matrix was constructed from the outcomes of agonistic interactions, and Landau's linearity index (h) was calculated. A total of 438 social interactions were recorded, showing a balance between affiliative (50.91%) and agonistic (47.49%) behaviors, with only 1.60% of submissive interactions. The hierarchy was moderately linear (h = 0.42), with mares 8 and 1 at the top (26 wins each) and animals 4, 10, and 12 at the bottom. Affiliative interactions were more frequent between mares 10, 8, and 9, suggesting that positive bonds coexist with competition for resources, even under conditions of pasture scarcity. It is concluded that the stable herd social structure of mares is flexible and adapts to the environmental conditions of the herd.