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the teat is found it obtains milk. In this way it learns the smell, appearance and voice of the ewe and this learning is reinforced by being butted away by alien ewes. Cross-fostering studies have shown that bond formation can be extended by keeping the ewe and the lamb to be adopted close together. Tranquillising ewes also helps to extend the critical period. There are still several problems to be solved. What makes a ewe steal an alien lamb before and after her own lamb has been born? Why does a ewe sometimes reject one of her own lambs and keep the other? At what stage does a lamb identify itself with a breed of sheep rather than with its mother?

EARLY POST-NATAL BEHAVIOUR IN THE CARMARGUE FOAL

RHIAN PHILLIPS POWELL

Durham University, Durham (Gt.Britain)

ABSTRACT

This report concentrates on the foal’s behaviour, from observation of 16 herd-living mares and foals, for 6 h after birth.

Righting behaviour leading to standing indicates a cephalocaudal direction of develop- ment: first, raising of the head; then attaining a sternal position; lifting the foreparts off the ground; and finally pushing the hindquarters up to stand on all four feet.

Aspects of sucking behaviour may occur before the foal stands: stretching the head and neck forward; and sucking activity with the mouth - in the air or against a surface. These and specific orienting behaviours must be coordinated before sucking is achieved.

Movement is uncoordinated at first, but walking becomes established, and subsequent- ly cantering and trotting. (Intermediate gaits may also occur.) “Following” is usually established by the mare moving away, standing, and returning, until the foal moves to her; it will later move at her side when she starts to move, and behind her if unabie to remain alongside.

Lying attempts follow the adult pattern, but are not always successful; the foal may fall, or rest standing, at first.

Defecation and urination occur without assistance from the mare. The foal will vocalise (neigh), often when the mare is not in close contact, or as a

response to vocalisation. No distinction is made by the foal between its mother and others for the first day.

(For the next few days the foal will turn away to its mother when approached by an- other.) Throughout this period, play is either solitary and consists of cantering, bucking or rearing around the mare or unreciprocated and consists of chewing at parts of her body. Exploration involves approaching, looking at and perhaps nosing at objects. Avoid- ance is elicited by sudden movement, but not by low-intensity threat.