Electronic Journal of Polish Agricultural Universities (EJPAU) founded by all Polish Agriculture Universities presents original papers and review articles relevant to all aspects of agricultural sciences. It is target for persons working both in science and industry,regulatory agencies or teaching in agricultural sector. Covered by IFIS Publishing (Food Science and Technology Abstracts), ELSEVIER Science - Food Science and Technology Program, CAS USA (Chemical Abstracts), CABI Publishing UK and ALPSP (Association of Learned and Professional Society Publisher - full membership). Presented in the Master List of Thomson ISI.

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Górecki M. 2004. HIERARCHY IN A GROUP OF DOMESTIC GOAT (CAPRA HIRCUS) FEMALES, EJPAU 7(2), #02.
Available Online: http://www.ejpau.media.pl/volume7/issue2/biology/abs-02.html

ABSTRACT

The study was carried out in the years 1998-2001 in Złotniki Experimental Farm. Observations included 82 female goats differentiated with respect to hornedness, age, breed and color. During the study period the animals were weighed seven times. The goats were observed in production conditions in groups arranged by goat-house workers. The number of animals in the observed groups was from 4 to 61. The same goats were observed in subsequent groups formed due to connecting and separating already existing groups. During the observation continuous recording was carried out. On basis of agonistic behavior for each individual a dominance index (di) was calculated being a quotient of the number of animals over which the individual dominates and the number of animals with which it enters into domination relationship.

Key words: domestic goat, Capra hircus, social hierarchy, hornedness..

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