Priority of access to limited feed, butting hierarchy and movement order in a large group of sheep

摘要: Abstract To determine if agonistic (competitive) activity is related to gaining priority of access a limited resource, the butting hierarchy and space at feed trough were examined in group 39 Merino wethers. The ranks two measures significantly and, unexpectedly, negatively correlated, i.e. sheep higher on ranked as spending less time when was limited. feed-priority investigation satisfied widely accepted definition “dominance”, but results contrasted with those gained from commonly used method “dominance” assessment — quantification acts. Two forced movement order (through gate into weighing scales) one unforced (leaving shelter) also made same group. All repeatable, varied context another. It argued that orders may equally be termed since escape could result expression rights. Therefore, hypotheses relating hierarchies examined: (1) individuals seek positions front orders, or (2) central orders. present show animals occupied relationships between order, examined. No simple relationship found indicate existence generalized social organization.