Innate ability of goats to sense and avoid ingestion of noxious insects while feeding

摘要: Large mammalian herbivores regularly encounter noxious insects on their food plants. Recent evidence revealed that goats efficiently avoid insect ingestion while feeding, yet it is unknown whether this ability innate. We experimentally examined the behavioural responses of naive goat kids to a common insect, spring-webworm (Ocnogyna loewii). filmed and analysed kids' behaviour feeding compared described in adults. Naive sorted webworms apart from without ingesting them (all survived). They exhibited behaviours similar those displayed by adults, demonstrating an innate ingestion. The detected using tactile stimulation, obtained repeatedly touching leaves with muzzles. This enabled pick webworm-free (leaving 93% behind). While adults frequently shook or discarded spat out webworms, these were rare kids. mean rates doubled over trials, indicating efficiency plants improved experience. As could be fatal, avoidance critical. These findings highlight importance direct interactions between herbivores.