Understanding the Social Behavior Protocol In Animals

 Understanding the Social Behavior Protocol In Animals

The animal kingdom is a diverse tapestry of species, each with its own unique social behavior protocol. From intricate communication methods to complex hierarchical structures, social interactions play a crucial role in the survival and success of many species. This article delves into the fascinating world of animal social behavior, exploring the diverse protocols that govern their interactions.

Abstract

Understanding social behavior of animals is desirable for efficient scientific management so that animal should be kept with comfort for sustainable production. Environment, people and companion cow can all affect how a cow behaves, eats and milks. As farm get larger and have more labour, dairy farmers need to be even more conscious of cow behavior and the factors that cause cow stress and affect productivity of animals. While handling animals it is important to remember factors which can affect behavior such as temperament (reflected in flight distance), breed and species and type of environment in which animal are kept. Temparament, fitness and production of animals are highly correlated which is controlled by different components of animal behaviors especially social behavior. Social behavior of animal include care giving to young ones, dominance subordinate relationship, sexual relationship with adult animals, leaderfollower relationship and other temporary or permanent relationship between two different species. Careful study of different behavior may solve the problems relate to feeding, breeding and production. As we know that disturbed production leads to altered behavior response in animals. Basic social behavior data guides towards comfort of cow and ultimately production. Stable hierarchy in herd related to high production. High producer animals are generally dominant animals. Kick and steps during milking also suggest discomfort. Naturally livestock like to live in group. Cattle and buffaloes live in group to form herd, sheep and goat form flock and band respectively.

Animals express all the behavior and instinct when kept in group (Albright, 1997). Behavior of animals is good indicator of animal welfare and comfort (Cook et al., 2005). Animals in poor state of welfare may suffer from discomfort, distress or pain which may compromise with growth, survival, production and reproduction (Fraser and Broom, 1990). Five freedoms (Webster, 2001) are required to ensure that animals are in comfortable environment. Five freedom include freedom from thirst & hunger, discomfort, pain-injury-disease, abnormal behavior and fear and distress. Animal behavior is expressed in form of cognition. Cognition means power of thinking or learning through experience. Gregarious animal forms group, whenever they are in group develop relationship with members. Habit of response to each other slowly becomes regular and predictable.

Such behavior between individual is called social relationship. For sake of convenience social behavior may be divided into following type:

1. Care dependency relationship 2. Dominance-subordinate relationship 3. Sexual relationship 4. Leader-follower relationship 5. Relationship between two different species.

CARE DEPENDENCY RELATIONSHIP

Dam offspring relationship is very strong and unique relationship related to rearing and maintaining species. This behavior is important in farm animals related to survival of young once. The survival of offspring depends solely on care and attention provided by dam. In some of the birds, the parental care is provided specifically by both the parents. In farm animals as nursing and caring is restricted solely to dam, therefore known as maternal behavior. Under intensive system of management with zero days weaning system it is responsibility of attendant to take care of calf. Mothering ability is very important criteria for selection of dam especially in pig. New born calf starts suckling 2-5 hors after birth. The calf grasps the teat and wraps teats with the help of tongue and suck vigorously. It generates negative pressure essential for milk flow. Suckling attempt well supported by cow with milking ease and cow fill relax after evacuation of udder.

Dominance-subordinate relationship:

Animals if kept in group, a social hierarchy are established automatically within cluster. Dominant animals are generally males (patriarch); most of breeding was performed by aged dominant male in available females if kept naturally. In some species aged dominant female lead the group i.e., matriarch like elephant.

SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP

Sexual relation restricted to adult male and females of animals that too for a restricted period. In farm animals sexual behavior is expressed during period of estrus of 6-16 hrs (Noakes et al., 2001) therefore called as estrus behavior. Estrus behavior in farm animal is characterized by attractiveness, proceptivity and receptivity. Estrus is states during which the female seeks and accept the male. Alterations during period include physiological and behavioral changes. Physiological changes comprised of hyperaemia, inflammation and rise in temperature. Behavior changes commonly observed is reduction in ingestive and resting behavior, increase in locomotion i.e., hyperactivity and vocal behavior. Animals during estrus are hyper active it respond to environmental stimuli which ordinarily would have been ignored. Realtive social hierarchy positions are temporarily ignored as animal approach those with higher or lower rank. Agonistic interaction increases. Grooming activity inform of licking other animals are increased. Rise in mounting activity if animals are kept free. Female in estrus can form temporary sexually active group (SAG) of 6 or less animals. Some cow stands to be mounted is known as “mountee”. Mounting is shown by females to catch the attention of males. Average 25 mount was observed during a estrus period in cow. Most of the estrus is shown during night by animals. Sexual behavior in male related to quality semen production. Sexual behavior in male animals is measured by libido or sex drive i.e., willingness and eagerness of male animals to mount and attempt service to female. Libido score card (0-9 score card) developed by Chenoweth et al. (1979) to evaluate potency of males. Male sexual behavior comprised of threating & displaying, challenging & contesting, sign posting & marking, searching & driving and nudging & tending. Male libido measured by reaction time. Shorter reaction times have more libido and viceversa.

Male sexual behavior protocol:

Pattern of male sexual behavior in case of male encompasses several sequence of behavior elements like:

1. Courtship 2. Erection 3. Protrusion 4. Mounting 5. Intromission 6. Ejaculatory thrust 7. Ejaculation 8. Dismounting The manifestation of all activity may or may not express all the time. Some time it may be fully expressed.

Flehman’s response: Curling of upper lips in male so as to expose gum region and thereby activating vomero-nasal organ in their oral cavity to detect pheromones especially related to female in estrus.

LEADERSHIPFOLLOWER RELATIONSHIP

Dominance within the animals is decided by fighting within the group. In cattle, sheep and goat generally older and aged animals are leader others are follower. In sheep farm this type of relation is prominent and pertinent. As dominant animals, use to drive the flock to the other place. Sheep voluntarily follow leaders. Therefore goats (Judas) are trained to lead the flock of sheep especially during slaughter and ecto-parasite control by dipping.

Relationship between two different species:

When two different species resides in same locality/ shelter some relationship may develop which help in their survival and maintenance.

Locality and behavior of animals:

All animal species remains attached to place where they are born and brought up i.e., niche (Fig-1.). They have special affinity to place where they spent their life as young animals. They form home range to live and wander. When animals are removed forcibly from home range they were emotional disturbed. Therefore for weaning, mother should be separated from young one to minimize stress. If young one is removed from mother they fill double stress i.e., from separation of a particular site and their dam both. It is commonly observed that if milking cow is purchased and taken to new place problem of letdown was common.

 Homing:

An animal if taken from its home range makes every effort to return to its home range. This habit is pertinently seen in dog due to greater sense of smell. Ability of animals to find direction to return to their home range is known as orientation or direction of travel. Animals have limited orientation sense as compared to birds.

Migration:

Some birds’ species have two home ranges, they move regularly to visit both place according to favorability of climate. Each year some birds encircle the globe in their travels from their winter quarters to summer breeding areas and back again by migration. Humming birds which weighs about 3 gm almost doubles its weight with fat before migrating the 800 km stretch across the Gulf of Mexico.

Territoriality/ Niche marking:

It is area fixed by boundary one side of which animal attack stranger animals and other side it live in alone. Territory is smaller than home range. In cattle and buffalo bulls we cannot find two breeding bull in one village.

Space (personal) requirement for animals for proper expression of behaviors s (Albright and Arave, 1997):

When personal space of animals violated overcrowding begins particularly at manger and resting place. Dominant animals use to displace the subordinates and both the animals fill social stress. At highest density animals are so stressed that productivity is lower down. Additional space and comfort in animal associated with 1 kg/ day more milk as compared to animals under stress. Kicks and steps at the time of milking especially for more than 20% of animals suggest discomfort.

Personal spaces for animals include:

1. Physical space, 2. Social space 3. Flight distance.

Physical space: Space which animal require for occupying lying and living i.e., for rising standing and stretching body parts.

Social space: It is minimum distance that an animal keeps between itself and other member of same herd. Flight distance: It is minimum distance an animal will allow an unknown animal to approach before taking a flight. Flight zone (Fig-1) is animals’ personal space. When a person enters in flight zone of the animals, they will move away. Understanding of flight zone can reduce stress and help to prevent accidents in handlers. Size of flight zone depends on tameness and wildness of animals. Very high producing cows are very tame and have no flight zone. The size of flight zone will slowly diminish when animals receive frequent, gentle handling. Extremely tame livestock are often difficult to drive because they no longer have a flight zone. These animals should be led with bucket or halter or routine training. Temperament, fitness and production of animals are closely related (Fig-3). When animals are kept in group show hierarchy and more conflict, however number of encounters reduces to a minimum as social stability is achieved in group. When social status is well established in a group by initial encounters, there is no need of further encounter. As the dominant animals establishes their position by using sight and minor reactions. If environment is changed reestablishment of peck-order/ hierarchy is desired. Social stability in a herd depend on 1. Recognition between individuals 2. Established social position 3. Memory of social encounters which established the social status. Social stability in herd is required for better production and good performance. It has been estimated that in cattle if they are kept in a group of 50-70 in cattle (20- 30 in pig), were able to recognize each other hence stable. If size of herd is larger than 70 the group is not stable. Performance is adversely affected if group size is more than 100 (high stocking density). In case of inadequate feeding or watering space due to large group dominant animal commands on subordinates, which suffers more.

Social organization of the group: Organization based on dominance level. Dominance level is determined by age, body weight and height of the animals in group. Diagram show inverted U shaped graph. This graph indicates that up to 9 years (Fig-4) dominance level increases followed by decrease. Under free range condition there may be several overlapping peck order (hierarchy). Adult females have there own social position different from adult and juvenile male. As young male grow may fight with adult female and eventually dominate them. If the herd is very large then hierarchy may breakdown into series of smaller hierarchy. SOCIAL ORDER Social position in herd is not visible when animals are grazing or resting. It is clear cut exhibited when limited feed and space is available for unlimited number of animals. Production performance Vs Social behavior in herd: Dominant animals generally produce more as compared to subordinates due to their ability to eat more both in quality and quantity. Docile temperament and animal in comfort are more producing in dairy herd as compared to aggressive dam (Drissler et al., 2005). Animals culled on productivity basis are generally subordinates in a group.

 Dominance Vs Aggressiveness:

Dominance       —-

1. Inhibition of behavior of other animals
2. If established fighting is not required

Aggressiveness-—

1. Include fighting and threatening
2. Fighting and threatening shown frequently.

Interaction of animal (Donor Vs Recipient) in a particular species: If donor and recipient in a system is synergistic production performance is best and said to be in co-operation (Table- 1).

Types of conditioning in animals: Rein forcer is essential for increasing desired behavior (Table -2). Repetition of pattern of behavior at regular interval: Also known as circadian rhytham in animals i.e., walking, moving, eating, social interaction, ruminating drinking etc. 7.00 A.M. to 11.00 PM and sleeping between 11.00 PM to 7.00 AM (Fig-5). Animals should not be disturbed during 11.00 PM to 7.00 A.M. other wise production may be affected.

Social Structures in the Animal Kingdom

1. Pack Mentality:

• Examples: Wolves, lions, and African wild dogs.
• Protocol: Hierarchical structures with defined roles, such as alpha and beta members.

2. Herds and Groups:

• Examples: Elephants, zebras, and bison.
• Protocol: Safety in numbers, cooperative feeding, and shared vigilance against predators.

3. Solitary Lifestyle:

• Examples: Tigers, snow leopards, and some species of owls.
• Protocol: Independent behavior with limited social interactions, often centered around mating.

4. Colonial Nests:

• Examples: Bees, ants, and termites.
• Protocol: Cooperative living with specialized roles (queen, workers, soldiers) for efficient colony functioning.

5. Complex Social Networks:

• Examples: Dolphins, primates (chimpanzees, bonobos).
• Protocol: Highly developed communication, alliances, and intricate social hierarchies.

Communication Methods

1. Vocalizations:

• Examples: Birds, whales, and primates.
• Protocol: Varied calls for different situations, including mating, warning of predators, and expressing emotions.

2. Chemical Communication:

• Examples: Pheromones in insects, scent marking in mammals.
• Protocol: Marking territories, signaling mating readiness, and establishing group identity.

3. Body Language:

• Examples: Canines, felines, and primates.
• Protocol: Gestures, postures, and facial expressions convey emotions, submission, aggression, or affiliation.

4. Visual Displays:

• Examples: Peacocks, birds of paradise.
• Protocol: Elaborate displays for mating purposes, showcasing vitality and genetic fitness.

Reproductive Strategies

1. Monogamy:

• Examples: Swans, gibbons, and some species of owls.
• Protocol: Forming long-term pair bonds, often sharing parenting duties.

2. Polygamy:

• Examples: Elk, certain fish species, and some primates.
• Protocol: Males mate with multiple females, and breeding success often linked to dominance.

3. Promiscuity:

• Examples: Bonobos, some rodents.
• Protocol: Multiple mating partners without forming long-term bonds.

4. Colonial Breeding:

• Examples: Penguins, certain seabirds.
• Protocol: Breeding in large colonies with communal nesting and chick rearing.

Social Learning and Culture

1. Tool Use:

• Examples: Dolphins, chimpanzees.
• Protocol: Observational learning and passing on tool-use skills through generations.

2. Communication Learning:

• Examples: Songbirds, whales.
• Protocol: Learning and passing on specific communication patterns, such as bird songs or whale calls.

3. Cultural Traditions:

• Examples: Some primate groups.
• Protocol: Unique behaviors or practices passed down socially, distinct to specific groups.

Implications for Conservation

Understanding the social behavior protocol in animals has crucial implications for conservation efforts. Conservationists must consider the social dynamics of a species when developing strategies to protect habitats, manage populations, and promote breeding success. Disruption to social structures can have profound effects on individual animals and entire communities.

Conclusion

The social behavior protocol in animals is a complex and dynamic aspect of their lives, shaped by evolution, environmental factors, and survival strategies. Exploring these intricate protocols not only deepens our appreciation for the diversity of life on Earth but also underscores the importance of preserving natural habitats and ecosystems. As we unravel the mysteries of animal social behavior, we gain valuable insights into the delicate balance that sustains the rich tapestry of life in the animal kingdom.

Knowledge of behavior in general and social behavior in particular is used pertinently for handling animals. Altered behavior can be used as sign for diagnosis of disease. Normal and basic social behavior study can be useful for animal husbandry package of practices. Behavior problems can be easily controlled using intervention at the level of animal and environment. Animal can be easily controlled, move along races, up ramp, into vehicle and strange room etc. Similar natured animals i.e., socially related, if kept together will aid in management to reach desired production standard of farm. Dominant animals produce more as compared to subordinates. Docile temperament and animal in comfort are more producing in dairy herd as compared to aggressive dam. Animals culled on productivity basis are generally subordinates not dominant.

Compiled  & Shared by- This paper is a compilation of groupwork provided by the

Team, LITD (Livestock Institute of Training & Development)

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