A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
FROG POSTURE: Full or partial extension of both hind legs forward along the sides of the recumbent body. In cattle and horses, frog posture is an indicator of hip dislocation, rupture of the adductor muscles, or paralysis of the obturator nerve.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
GALLOP: The fastest naturally developed gait. The leg movement is similar to the canter, except the diagonal beat is extended so the forehoof hits the ground slightly later than the hindhoof and the phase of total suspension in the air is longer (a fast gallop is a distinctly four-heat gait).Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FOX-TROT (horse): A medium speed (8 - 11 km/hr) four-beat gait comfortable for the rider. The diagonal legs are raised at the same time, but the forehoof contacts the ground before the hindhoof.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FREE-CHOICE: A type of feeding in which an animal is free to choose among two or more alternatives.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FREE GOING (horse): A horse that performs a gait in an easy and seemingly effortless manner.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FREE-LEGGED PACER (horse): See Natural Pacer.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FREE STALL: A stall within a housing unit which animals can enter and exit freely. Free stalls are commonly part of loose housing systems for dairy cows.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FREEZING BEHAVIOR: Adoption of a fixed, immobile stance. Freezing may be manifested by animals that perceive dangers and may be related to this. It also may be shown by predators hunting prey. In either case, the behavior is thought to render an animal less susceptible to detection.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FOWL: Poultry and related wild species of birds.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FRESHEN (cattle): Parturition and commencement of lactation. (colloquial term).Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FOUNDER: To go lame or become unable to walk due to some physical disorder, such as laminitis. (colloquial term).Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FROLICKING: A form of play behavior, observed particularly in young animals and often in a social context.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FRONTAL: Referring to or located in the forehead.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FRUSTRATION: A theoretical concept referring to a condition that is produced when an organism is blocked in its attempts to achieve a goal. Behavioral symptoms of frustration vary among species and may include elevated levels of pacing, grooming, preening, pawing, vocalization, and aggression. Sustained frustration promotes development of stereotypy or apathy.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FULL-PASS (horse): An artificial maneuver in which the horse moves sideways in a direction 90 degrees from its median plane. Compare: Half-pass.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FUNCTION: In a behavioral context, that which is accomplished by a given action. In a statistical sense, a function mathematically defines the relationship between two or more variables.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FUNCTIONAL UNIT: A molar category subsuming behavioral actions that serve a common purpose, but may be performed in a different way. For example, a functional unit identified as "eating" may include intake of roughage, chopped roughage, mixed diet, concentrates etc., each such form of feed being consumed in a slightly different way.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
GABBLING (geese): One of the vocalizations of geese, consisting of repeated short, cackling sounds and most typically produced when encountering familiar peers.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
TEASER: In agricultural sense, a conspecific animal used for detection of females in estrus, or an animal that serves as a mounting object during semen collection.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FRESH: Referring to a postpartum cow. (colloquial term).Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FOOD CALLING (chicken): See Tidbitting.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
HALF-PASS (horse): A dressage maneuver in which the horse moves on a 45 degree angle from its median lane. Half-pass is principally a Traverse executed in a semi-lateral direction.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
TEAT DIPPING: Partial submersion of the teats of lactating animals into a disinfecting fluid to prevent infection.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
TEAT ORDER: A numerical system to designate the position of teats along an udder. In a looser sense, the term is used for the order of littermates along an udder during a suckling event.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
TEAT SAMPLING (swine): A tendency of neonatal piglets to seek out successive teats on the dam's udder and suckle briefly from them. Teat sampling occurs during the neonursing phase on the day of birth soon after the piglet encounters its first teat and before the development of teat specificity. It is thought to enable the piglet to assess the relative quality of each teat.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
TEAT SPECIFICITY: The tendency of a preweaned mammal to suckle consistently from a particular teat in the dam's udder.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
TEAT SUCKING, JUVENILE: See Juvenile Teat Sucking.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
TEETH, BARED (horse): See Bared Teeth.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FOX HUNTING (horse): A popular cross-country horseback recreational activity.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
TEMPERAMENT: A simplified generalization of an organism according to its excitatory or inhibitory reactions, persistent habits, level of motor activity, emotionality, alertness, curiosity, etc.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
GAMBOLING: Bouncing and turning, seemingly stiff-legged, in the air. Gamboling can be observed mainly in the young playing sheep and to a lesser degree in goats.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FOOD-RUNNING (poultry): Distinctive rapid locomotion most frequently displayed by young birds in the presence of their peers after grasping worms or worm-shaped objects with their beaks. A bird running with such an object in its beak is followed by peers who attempt to steal the object.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FOOD SELECTION: Preferential (and often species-specific) consumption of certain foods. Animals can be subdivided into herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores, according to the type of food consumed, and into specialists and generalists, according to the range of food consumed.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FOOTROT: A disease occurring most often in sheep, hut also in cattle and pigs. Behavioral symptoms are progressive lameness and swelling above the coronet followed by an odorous discharge from the affected areas.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FORAGING BEHAVIOR: Behavior involving search for and intake of food.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FORCED COPULATION: Copulation after an unsuccessful attempt by a female to avoid mounting and intromission. In feral horses a stallion performing a forced copulation is occasionally aided by female members of his harem who actively prevent the avoidance or escape of the target female.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FORCED FEEDING: Any artificially induced delivery of feed into an organism's digestive tract.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FORGING (horse): Defective leg action when the hoof of the hindleg hits the foreleg on the same side of the body.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FOSTERING: Promotion of growth and development In a behavioral sense, the term refers to epimeletic behavior toward alien young, enabling their survival.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
TEG: A two-year-old sheep.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
GRUNT (sheep): A low amplitude sound of short duration (0.3~0.75 sec) produced with a closed or slightly open mouth. It is emitted during re-establishment of contact between peers and is indicative of greeting.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
GAIT: Action of the legs during locomotion. Also see specific gait - DIAGONAL; LATERAL.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
GROAN (sheep): A low amplitude sound of intermediate duration (0.5 - 1.2 sec) produced with a slightly open mouth. Groans are characteristically emitted by animals that are ill, those apparently suffering from pain, or occasionally by healthy animals adjusting posture when recumbent.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
GROOMING: An act of integumentary care (e.g., licking, scratching) to remove parasites, smooth ruffled fur, remove dirt, etc. Grooming is subdivided into self-grooming (an animal grooming itself) and allogrooming (an animal grooming another animal). Grooming may also have a social function, appearing as conciliatory behavior (a subordinate animal grooms a dominant animal), reciprocal altruism (animals groom each other), or ritualized behavior performed during courtship or conflict.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.Bovine #1
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GROUND-RUTTING: See Horning.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
GROUND-SCRATCHING (poultry): A sequence of rapid foot movements performed to manipulate the ground surface. It occurs frequently during food gathering and to a lesser degree in frustrating situations.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
GROUP: A collection of animals. Generally the term is applied to situations in which the animals are of the same species and the composition of the group is relatively stable over time. Also see specific group - HETEROGENEOUS; HOMOGENEOUS.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
GROUP DISTANCE ZONE: An area surrounding a group of organisms defined by the distance the group seeks to maintain between itself and other groups. The size of this zone depends on circumstances existing at a given time, such as population density, group size, season, availability of feed resources. This term generally is used in the context of nonspecific social interactions. Compare: Individual Distance Zone.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
GREGARIOUS: Referring to an individual that characteristically lives in association with conspecifics in a group, herd, or flock. The same term may be applied in a general sense to a species whose individuals are typically gregarious. Antonym: Solitary.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
GROUP SIZE DEPENDENCE: A phenomenon in which the expression of a behavior is affected by the number of animals in a group (e.g., time necessary to establish a social hierarchy). Compare: Density Dependence.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
GREETING SIGNAL: Any auditory, visual, tactile, or other sign, or combination of such signs, displayed by an organism upon becoming aware of the presence of another organism and indicating acknowledgment of its presence and friendly intention toward it.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.Bovine #12123 KB
GRUNT (swine): The most common vocalization of mature swine produced as a sound of low to medium amplitude. Grunting may consist of single grunts, but more commonly occurs as a series of repeated sounds produced with mouth closed or only slightly open. The pitch of grunts is usually between 1 and 4 kHz. According to the duration of individual sounds they can be subdivided into short, medium, or long grunts. Short grunts (0.1 - 0.2 sec) appear to be a sign of mild excitement and often are produced when a pig is frustrated or greeting another individual. Mid-length grunts (0.2 - 0.4 sec) are often produced during interactions with familiar peers and also during the milk ejection phase of a normal nursing cycle of a sow. Long grunts (0.4 - 1.2 sec) are produced in response to tactile stimulation such as occurs during courtship and the nursing cycle (particularly the nosing and slow suckling phases). Also see specific grunt - COURTSHIP; NURSING.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995. Swine #1
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GUARDING (cattle): The maintenance of close proximity by a bull to a cow in proestrus and estrus.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
GYMKHANA (horse): Popular horseback games consisting of a combination of barrel racing, polebending, keyhole race, and stake.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
GYNADOMORPH: An organism that possesses both male and female characteristics.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
HABIT: A persistent pattern of behavior.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
HABIT BREAKING: A conditioning process focusing on extinction of habitual forms of behavior.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
HAIRBALL: A ball of hair in the digestive tract, developed most frequently in bovines as a consequence of excessive integumentary licking.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
ABANDONMENT CALL: See Separation Call.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
GROUPING: The formation of a group of animals by natural means (e.g., herd formation as a result of social attraction) or by human action, (e.g., allocation of a number of animals to a given pen or grouping of dairy cows according to milking performance).Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
GETAWAY CAGE: A cage for laying hens, designed to provide higher environmental complexity than battery cages. In addition to water and feeder, these cages also have a nesting box, sand-bathing box, and roosts.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
GANDER: A mature male goose.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
GASPING: Difficult breathing characterized by abrupt and often great effort in drawing breath.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
GASPING TURKEY SYNDROME: Gasping accompanied by spreading of wings and often unsteady gait, occurring most commonly in heavy turkeys after 10 weeks of age. Turkeys predisposed to gasping appear to have lowered tolerance to excitement and exercise and are prone to sudden death when moved or during handling and semen collection.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
GATE, TEXAS: See Texas Gate.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
GATHERING AREA: A location where animals frequently aggregate, usually near water sources, feeders, shelters, or gates. Gathering sites are easily recognizable by damaged vegetation, trampled ground and accumulations of excreta. The term also is used to refer to locations within animal holding facilities designed to collect groups of animals.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
GELDING: A castrated male horse.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
GENITAL: Of or pertaining to the organs of reproduction.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
GROAN (horse): A vocalization of approximately 0.5 second duration, having a broad sound frequency range. It is assumed to be indicative of discomfort and frustration.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
GESTURE: A movement or expression displayed for the purpose of visual communication.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
TASTE: To perceive stimuli through the gustatory sense mode. Also, the particular gustatory characteristics of a substance.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
GILT: A young female swine up to the time of first farrowing.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
GNAWING, WOOD: See Wood Gnawing.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
GOBBLING (turkey): Vocalization of mature male turkeys, produced usually as a series of 3 - 7 sounds, accompanied in most cases by moderate head movements.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
GOOSE-STEPPING (swine): Unusually high action of the legs accompanied by slower locomotion; it may he a symptom of deficiency of pantothenic acid.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
GOSLING: A young goose prior to sexual maturation.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
GRASPING REFLEX: Reflexive holding onto an object. Reflexive grasping of the body of the mother is very common in neonates. Grasping also occurs in adults during copulation.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
GRAVID: Referring to a female carrying an embryo or fetus; pregnant.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
GRAZING: The act of consuming standing vegetation.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.Bovine #13097 KB #21755 KB
GEOPHAGIA: Eating soil or earthy substances.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
EXTENDING, NECK: See Neck Extending.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FARROWING (swine): The process of parturition.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
EXERCISE: Activity, often repetitive, that provides a psychophysiological challenge to an animal and promotes its maintenance and development. The activity may be rewarding to the animal in itself.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
EXHALATION: Expiration of air together with airborne substances. Antonym: Inhalation.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
EXHAUSTION: A state of extreme fatigue.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
EXOGENOUS STIMULATION: Stimulation arising from events occurring outside an organism's body.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
EXPIRATION: A segment of the respiration cycle characterized by contraction of the chest and lungs causing expulsion of air.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
EXPLORATORY BEHAVIOR: Behavior characteristically manifested during exposure to novel environments. The activities involved are usually increased overall alertness, sensory focusing, and locomotion accompanied by investigation.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
EXCITEMENT: A behavioral state characterized by an elevated level of arousal. Signs of excitement vary among species and different age groups and may include sensory focusing (orienting response), alteration of body posture, immobility, increased respiratory rate and heart beat, approach toward or retreat from the cause of excitement, emission or suppression of vocal signals and, in some circumstances, threat, attack or display of frustration.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
EXPRESSION: An observable sign(s) indicative of some ongoing internal process.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
ETHOGRAM: A record of behavioral activities.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
EXTENSION: In a behavioral sense, straightening movement of an organism (or limb of an organism) which increases the angle between two segments of a joint. Antonym: Flexion.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
EXTENSION (horse): Exaggerated forward movement of the legs in horse gaits.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
EXTERIOR: Situated on the outside, or toward the outside.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
EXTINCTION: Suppression of a conditioned response by dissociation of reinforcement with the response, replacement of positive reinforcement with negative reinforcement (or vice versa) or establishment of an alternate conditioning regime in the same stimulus context.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
EXTRINSIC BEHAVIOR: Behavior which does not have a specific response mechanism and can be performed in various ways.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
EYE: A sensory organ specialized to receive and process light waves and transmit visual signals to the brain. The principal receptors are rods for scotopic vision and cones for photopic vision.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FACILITATION: A process or action by which something is made easier or more convenient.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
TEASING: A process of testing females for readiness to mate.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
EXPRESSIVE MOVEMENT: See Expression.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
EPIMELETIC BEHAVIOR: Behavioral activities associated with the provision of attention, care, or help to other individuals. Synonym Care-giving Behavior.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
EMBRYONIC BEHAVIOR: See Prenatal Behavior.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
EMESIS: An act of vomiting.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
EMOTION: A state of arousal, referred to as fear, anger, pleasure, joy, etc., associated with specific cognitive processes and characterized by specific behavioral and physiological symptoms.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
EMOTIONAL BEHAVIOR: Any behavior that expresses a strong emotion. An animal may become incoherent in its ability to cope with the situation if it experiences a strong emotion.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
ENURESIS: Involuntary urination during extreme emotional experiences or during sleep.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
ENVIRONMENT: The total sum of nongenetic factors which interact with the genotype of an organism. Also see specific environment - BARREN; EXTERNAL; INTERNAL.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLEXITY: The diversity and intensity of environmental stimuli relevant to a given organism, age group, species, etc. Environmental complexity may range from very low to very high, and thus be characterized as insufficient, adequate, or excessive.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
EXCRETA: Residue of digestive and metabolic processes excreted from the body.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT: The process or factor which increases the complexity of the environment.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FARROWING CRATE: See Crate.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
EPIPHORA: An overflow of tears down the cheek, often due to blockage of the tear ducts that normally direct the flow of tears from the eye down into the nasal cavity.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
EQUILIBRIUM: A state of balance in which opposing forces or tendencies counteract each other.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
ERECTION: A process or state of becoming rigid or elevated. This term commonly refers to swelling of erectile tissues such as the clitoris, nipples, and penis.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
ESCAPE: Speedy departure from a place of aversive or potentially aversive stimulation.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
ESTROUS BEHAVIOR: See Estrus.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
ESTROUS PERIOD: The part of the estrous cycle during which sexual behavior is manifested.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
ESTRUS: A temporary state of sexual receptivity in female mammals occurring in coordination with ovulation. Behavioral signs of estrus, which may vary between species, typically include increased motor activity, higher excitability, reduction in feeding time, more frequent urination, presenting toward males or sexually cooperative females, tolerance of bodily contacts, and mounting. The most reliable sign of estrus is standing when mounted. The usual duration of estrus is 2 - 7 days in mares, 8 - 18 hours in cows, 1 - 2 days in ewes, and 1 - 3 days in sows. Also see specific estrus - FALSE; PSYCHOLOGICAL; QUIET; SILENT; SPILT; STANDING; TRUE.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
ET-EPIMELETIC BEHAVIOR: A variety of behavioral activities manifested to solicit attention, care, or help from other individuals. Synonym: Care-soliciting Behavior.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLEXITY DEPENDENCE: A phenomenon in which the expression of a behavior is affected by environmental complexity, e.g., manifestation of stereotypy, response to novel stimuli.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FOALING (horse): Natural parturition in horses.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FAINTING: A temporary loss of consciousness. Fainting can occasionally occur in young stallions during initial copulatory experiences.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FLEXION: Bending movement of an organism (or limb of an organism) that reduces the angle between the segments of a joint. Antonym : Extension.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FLICKING, EAR: See Ear Flicking.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FLIGHT DISTANCE: The critical distance at which an organism will make an escape response upon the approach of another organism or object.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FLIGHT REACTION: Swift escape when an object perceived to be dangerous emerges within the limit of critical distance to the reacting organism.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.Bovine #11089 KB Swine #11157 KB
FLIP-OVER (chicken): Sudden death syndrome in broilers apparently caused by heart failure. It occurs usually after the third week of life and most often affects fast growing individuals. Dead birds typically are found lying on their backs. (colloquial term).Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FLOCK: A socially coordinated group of birds or sheep.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FLEECE PULLING (sheep): An abnormal form of ingestive behavior manifested as pulling, tearing, and swallowing of the fleece of peers.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FLYING: Locomotion of an airborn organism in which lift and thrust derive from the action of wings.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FLAPPING, EAR: See Ear Flapping.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FOCAL ANIMAL: An animal that is chosen as the subject of behavioral observation while it remains in its group. The behavior of group members other than the focal animal is not recorded.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FOLLOWERSHIP: A tendency by group members to accept control of their actions and direction of their behavior by others.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FOLLOWING RESPONSE: A response of an organism to the movement of another organism or object whereby the former travels at some relatively proximate distance behind the latter.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.Bovine #11755 KB
TAIL SWISHING: Swinging of the tail so that the long hairs at the end of the tail brush against the body of the animal. Tail swishing is performed by horses and cattle and serves as a defensive action against flies.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.Bovine #1913 KB #2545 KB #3587 KB
TAIL WAGGING: Rapid, swinging of the tail from side to side. Tail wagging is performed in a number of contexts by different species, e.g., by suckling lambs or kids, by dogs when experiencing excitement and pleasure. The action is thought to function as a signal communicating the motivational state of the animal performing the behavior. Tail wagging in goats is also a sign of sexual receptivity during estrus. Occasionally it may he performed by nonestrous goats when approached by a mature male. It may also be performed by juvenile does prior to sexual maturity in response to sniffing or mounting attempts by male penmates.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
TAIL WAGGING (ducks): A postural display characterized by depressed tail feathers that are rapidly moved from side to side.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
TAKE: Cooperation by a female with the sexual advances, including mounting, of a male.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
TAME: Referring to an animal that has been familiarized with humans so as to be tractable.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FLOCKING: The formation and maintenance of socially coordinated groups in birds and sheep. Compare: Aggregation.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FETLOCK: The area around the joint between the metatarsal bone and the first phalanx.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FARROWING HYSTERIA: Parturient psychosis in swine.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FATIGUE: The condition of being very tired and having reduced ability as a result of exertion or lack of rest. Also see specific fatigue, AGE LAYER MUSCLE.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FEAR: An emotion caused by perception of danger. Behavioral symptoms of fear may include temporary immobility, hiding, escape, attack, urination, defecation, increased heart rate, etc. Also see specific fear - CONDITIONED.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FEATHER PECKING (poultry): Any pecking of the plumage, regardless of whether it is conducted by the bird itself or by another bird(s). Excessive feather pecking can cause structural damage to the plumage, and may be an indication of frustration or inadequacy of flock management.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FEEDING: Delivery of feed to animals. Also see specific feeding - CONTROLLED; FORCED; INTRAVENOUS; LIMITED; RESTRICTED.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.Bovine #12117 KB
FEIGNING BEHAVIOR: Behavior performed in an attempt to deceive (e.g., feigning of injury by a bird to distract a predator from its nest).Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FEMALE TENDING: See Guarding.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FLEHMEN: See Lip-curling.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.Bovine #11645 KB
FETICIDE: Killing of fetuses; induced abortion. Male harassment of pregnant females that have been inseminated by other males, apparently to cause abortion (natural feticide) and thus reduce the genetic fitness of rival sires, has been observed. Natural feticide has been suggested to occur fairly commonly in wild or feral horses.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
HALT (horse): A dressage position in which the horse stands motionless with apparently equal distribution of weight on all four legs. The neck is raised with the front of the head close to vertical and the ears indicating attention.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FIGHT: An aggressive social interaction involving interchange of forceful or potentially harmful actions, generally through some means of physical contact. Habitual fighting is considered to be a dangerous vice.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FIGHTING STANCE (chicken): A postural display indicative of readiness to attack and characterized by lowered head, extended neck, raised hackles, slightly spread wings in trailing position, and body positioned for a leap.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FIGURE EIGHT (horse): A dressage maneuver in which the horse follows two joint voltes or two circles, changing the direction of the circular path at the point where the voltes or circles join.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FILIAL: Pertaining to offspring or to the generation of offspring as a whole.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FILIAL BEHAVIOR: Behavior characteristic of the relationship of offspring to parents, particularly behavior that induces parental assistance and cooperation, or requires parental leadership or parental training of offspring.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FILLY (horse): A young female horse.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FIVE-GAITED: A horse trained to execute five gaits (walk, trot, canter, slow gait, and rack) mainly for showing. In the American Saddlebred horse, five-gaited horses can be distinguished from three-gaited horses by their flowing manes. Compare: Three-gaited.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FIXED ACTION PATTERN: Any action pattern typical of a given species or breed that is performed in a very similar way by its individual members. In contemporary ethology, the term fixed action pattern often is replaced by modal action pattern because of inevitable individual variations in behavior.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
FEMINIZATION: Acquisition of female behavioral or body conformational characteristics by a male.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
ITCH: An irritating sensation that arouses motivation to scratch, rub, or bite the affected area of the body. A clinical level of itching may result from conditions caused by external parasites (e.g., mange, lice) or internal disorders (scrapie, Aujeszky's disease).Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
KASPAR-HAUSER ANIMAL: An animal that manifests behavioral abnormalities because of having been kept isolated for an extended period of time in an environment of very low complexity.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
INTERFERENCE: A phenomenon in which an organism interrupts an aggressive encounter (threat or fight) among other organisms. Interference is most common in gregarious species. Compare: incitement.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
INTERIM ACTIVITIES: Behavioral actions that are induced by application of an intermittent reinforcement schedule and are displayed during the period between intervals of reinforcement.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
INTRINSIC BEHAVIOR: Behavior that is mediated apparently by specific response mechanisms and is performed with minimal plasticity (e.g., eye blinking).Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
INTROMISSION: Insertion or admission into something. In a biological context, the term is most commonly used in reference to insertion of the penis into the vagina.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
INVESTIGATIVE BEHAVIOR: Behavior of an organism indicative of inspection of an object or surroundings.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.Bovine #11691 KB #21821 KB
INVOLUNTARY BEHAVIOR: Any action that occurs without intention or volition (e.g., attention to an unexpected object).Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.Bovine #11821 KB
INTENTIONAL BEHAVIOR: Behavior directed toward a goal.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
IRRITABILITY: Ability to respond to stimulation. This term is used frequently to denote oversensitivity to stimulation.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
INTENTION: Cognitive determination to perform a given action.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
JENNY: A female ass.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
JERKING, HEAD: See Head Jerking.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
JIBBLING (horse): To balk at or defer a required action.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
JOINTS, HYPERMOBILITY: See Hypermobility of Joints.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
JUMP: To spring from the ground or surface with the propulsive force being derived primarily from the action of the legs.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
JUMPER (horse): A horse trained, exhibited, or competing in jumping events. Jumpers are judged according to faults, such as knock-downs, touches, falls, refusals, run-outs, loss of gait or circling, and time penalties.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
JUVENILE TEAT SUCKING: Habitual teat sucking occurring among juvenile, group-housed animals. Juvenile teat sucking can cause inflammation, abscesses, or stricture of the teat canals and subsequent inability to eject milk after parturition.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
INFANTILISM: Stalled or regressed psychophysiological development of an organism to the degree that it psychologically and behaviorally approximates an infant.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
IRIS: A disc-shaped, pigmented membrane with a circular opening in its center (pupil) located in the anterior portion of the eye in front of the lens. By contracting or dilating, the iris can change the size of the pupil and control the amount of light entering the eye.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
INSEMINATION: Transfer of semen into the reproductive tract of a female. Also see specific insemination - ARTIFICIAL; NATURAL.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
HAIR CHEWING: Chewing or nibbling on the pelage of conspecifics. It occurs in animals of all ages in free stalls or tie stalls, particularly if the animals are fed high concentrate diets.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
INFESTATION: Occurrence of large numbers of parasites within or on an organism.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
IN FOAL (horse): Referring to a pregnant mare (colloquial term).Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
INGESTIVE BEHAVIOR: Actions by which an organism takes substances into the body by swallowing.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
INHALATION: Inspiration of air together with an airborn substance such as medicine. Antonym: Exhalation.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
INHIBITION: Partial or complete suppression of a response in the presence of an eliciting stimulus. Also see specific inhibition - AFFERENT; ASSOCIATIVE; CONDITIONED; EXTERNAL; MEMORY; REACTIVE; REINFORCEMENT; RETROACTIVE.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
INITIATOR: An individual who incites imitative responses by other members of its group.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
INTENTION MOVEMENT: An action that indicates the behavior in which an animal is about to engage. Frequently, such movements are merely preparatory to the subsequent behavior, or they may be the initial actions themselves. In conflict situations, an animal may display intention movements but not follow through with the behavior the intention movements suggest. In such cases, the movements may indicate which motivations are in conflict.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
IN MILK: Lactating. (colloquial term).Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
KEY STIMULUS: A stimulus that, in a given situation, plays a predominant role in elicitation of behavior or behavioral sequences.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
INSOMNIA: Extended inability to sleep.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
INSPIRATION: A segment of the respiration cycle, characterized by expansion of the chest and lungs causing air intake.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
INSTIGATOR: In a social context, an organism that initiates some action with regard to another organism (e.g., an animal instigating a fight).Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
INSTINCT: An unlearned tendency to act in ways typical of a species.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
INSTINCTIVE BEHAVIOR: Any response that does not require a learning experience (frequently used synonymously with innate or inherited behavior).Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
INTEGUMENTARY: Pertaining to the skin or its layers and accessory structures such as hair, horns, hooves, and skin glands.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
INTEGUMENTARY BEHAVIOR: Behavior directed toward the integument of the organism (e.g., grooming).Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
INTENSITY: The quantitative aspect of a stimulus, sensation, or response.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
INJURY, SPREADER: See Spreader Injury.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
LEARNING: The ontogenic process of attainment and memorization of information. Also see specific learning - INCIDENTAL; INSIGHT; LATENT; MOTOR; OBSERVATIONAL; PERCEPTUAL; PREPROGRAMMED.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
KAINISM: Killing and eating of sibs. Compare: Fratricide.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
LAYING, EGG: See Oviposition.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
LD CYCLE: A cycle with alternating light and dark periods. LD 16:8 designates 16 hours of light alternating with 8 hours of darkness. LL and DD designate continuous illumination or continuous darkness, respectively.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
LEADERSHIP: The ability of an individual to control or direct the behavior of the members of a group.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
LEADING LEG: The foreleg in a canter or gallop that is not diagonally synchronized with one of the hind legs and lands last in the gait sequence. In an animal traversing a circle, the leading leg is typically that on the inside of the circle.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
LEANING: Partial support of the head or body on some object such as a wall, fence, or animal, achieved by shifting the center of gravity horizontally from a point of balance over the legs.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
LEARNED BEHAVIOR: Any action performed as a result of, or influenced by, experience. This does not mean that learning is independent of inheritance, since the ability to collect, memorize, and utilize information for the learning process is influenced by genotype.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
LATERAL GAIT: A gait in which the lateral pairs of legs move at the same time (e.g., pace).Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
LEARNED PREFERENCE: Any preference influenced by a conditioning process.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
LATERAL: Pertaining to a position to the side of the median part of a body.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
LEARNING CURVE: Graphic illustration of changes in an animal' s responsiveness to the learning process, arranged according to consecutive units of practice.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
LEARNING DISPOSITION: A theoretical concept referring to propensity of an organism to acquire associations in a given situation. The learning disposition of an organism is determined by genetic makeup, psychological and physical condition, and prior learning.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
LEARNING SET: Mental representation of a principle common to a series of learning trials such that, although circumstances may differ between trials, the solution to each is governed by the common principle. An animal is considered to have acquired a learning set when it apprehends the principle.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
LEE-BOOT EFFECT: Suppression of initiation of estrous behavior by overcrowding of animals.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
LEG DROP (horse): An action in which a horse rapidly tucks a leg under its body, and lowers itself somewhat toward the quarter with the tucked leg. The leg drop is performed to avoid bites directed at the legs in aggressive social encounters.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
LEG LEADING: See Leading Leg.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
LEG WEAKNESS SYNDROME: A clinical term for a variety of defects in the structure and function of the legs (e.g., broad hips, narrow lumbar area, hypermobility of joints, abnormal angulation of the foot, etc.). Behavioral symptoms are difficult rising from recumbency, staggering gait, inability to maintain positional balance, extended period of recumbency, and paresis.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
LEG YIELDING (horse): A dressage maneuver in which the axis of the horse's body is maintained at about 30 degrees from the direction of movement. The head of the horse is slightly bent at the poll so that it points even farther from the direction of movement.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
LEARNED HELPLESSNESS: A phenomenon that may occur when avoidance or reduction of some aversive stimulation is impossible or extremely difficult for the subject. Learned helplessness is manifested by continued acceptance of such stimulation even when the situation subsequently provides opportunity for an avoidance response.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
KYPHOSIS: Abnormal ventroflexion of the spine. Kyphosis may he a symptom of abdominal pain, rabies, or tetanus.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
KICKING: The act of delivering a powerful blow with one or both hind legs (e.g.by a horse). Habitual kicking is considered a dangerous vice, especially if directed toward humans or other animals. Also see specific kicking - STALL.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
KID: A young goat up to one year of age.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
KIDDING: Parturition in goats.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
KINESIOLOGY: Study of different types of muscles, muscle-leverage systems, and muscle movement.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
KINESIS: Movement.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
KINKY-BACK (poultry): Postural adjustment in chickens caused by deformity of the vertebral column. (colloquial term).Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
KINOPSIS: A phenomenon in which individuals of a group are attracted to other group members by visual perception of their movement.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
LATERAL RECUMBENCY: Lying characterized by full lateral contact of the body trunk, neck, head, and legs on one side with the ground. The neck, head, and legs are usually extended during lateral recumbency. The frequency of lateral recumbency varies among different species of farm animals and different age groups and may also be influenced by environmental circumstances (e.g., type of ground surface, ambient temperature, time of day).Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.Bovine #11065 KB Swine #11821 KB
KNOCKING, STALL: See Stall Kicking.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
INFANTILE BEHAVIOR: Behavior of neonatal animals during the stage when they are fully dependent on parental care.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
LABOR: A period of time during which the fetus(es) is expelled from the body of the mother. Labor may be divided into distinct stages: dilatation, expulsion, and placental. The dilatation stage begins with the onset of regular uterine contractions and ends when the birth canal is completely prepared for passage of the fetus. The expulsion stage starts when the fetus begins to move through the birth canal and ends when it is completely expelled from the mother's body. The placental stage begins at the end of the expulsion stage and ends when the placenta and membranes have been expelled.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
LABORING ACTION (horse): Locomotion performed with or requiring excessive effort. Compare: Free Going.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
LACRIMAL REFLEX: Increased production of tears in response to corneal irritation.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
LACTATION: The act of secretion of milk or the period of secretion of milk.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
LAMB: A young sheep up to one year of age.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
LAMBING: Parturition in sheep.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
LAMENESS: Deviation from normal gaits caused by injury or disease (e.g., foot-and-mouth disease, laminitis, milk lameness, etc.). Lameness can be further subdivided into supportive or suspensory lameness, and sudden, progressive or chronic lameness. Also see specific lameness - CHRONIC; PROGRESSIVE; SUDDEN; SUPPORTIVE; SUSPENSORY.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995. Swine #11413 KB
LANDAU INDEX: A procedure for quantifying a social hierarchy, calculated as the degree of deviation from a linear dominance order.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
KLINOKINESIS: Movement in changing direction.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
HIDDEN TESTES: See Cryptorchid.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
HOARDING: The storage of food or other materials in a cache(s) located within an animal's home range.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
HEIFER: A female bovine younger than 3 years that has not delivered a calf.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
HELPLESSNESS, LEARNED: See Learned Helplessness.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
HEN: A sexually mature female turkey or chicken.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
HERD: A socially coordinated group of ungulates. In an agricultural sense, a herd is a group of horses, cattle, goats, or swine considered as one managerial unit.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
HERDING: The formation and maintenance of socially coordinated groups by mammals. Compare: Aggregation.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
HERDING POSTURE: A stance adopted by stallions manifested as a lowered head and neck with ears laid back. It often is performed when the stallion drives females from one place to another. Rams and bucks may perform a similar behavior pattern but in a less elaborated form and less frequently.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
HEAT, STANDING: See True Estrus.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
HETEROSEXUALITY: Sexual attraction to individuals of the opposite sex.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
HEAT: A sensation resulting from simultaneous stimulation of thermal receptors in the skin. Colloquially, the word heat refers to estrus.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
HIDE: To engage in cryptic behavior.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
HIDROSIS: Extreme sweating.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
HIERARCHY: See specific hierarchy - COMPLEX; LINEAR; LINEAR-TENDING; SOCIAL.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
HIERARCHY LOOP: Any nonlinearity in a dominance-subordinance ranking scale. This may occur in groups of three or more animals (e.g., animal one dominates animal two, animal two dominates animal three, but animal three dominates animal one).Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
HIGH-GAITED (horse): Referring to leg action in which there is high raising of the hooves from the ground and great flexion of the hocks.Definition from Hurnik et al., 1995.
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