EQUISOBRAIN · The social brain: emergence of social competences and their neurobiological basis in domestic horses
Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
- Duration
- 2021-10-01 → 2023-12-31
- EU contribution
- €196,708
- Participants
- 1
- Scheme
- MSCA-IF
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Results in brief
The social brain: emergence of social competences and their neurobiological basis in domestic horses
Within the EQUISOBRAIN project, we conducted a comprehensive study to understand the impact of social disruption during early development on social competences and brain development in young domestic horses. The overall objectives of the project were: 1/to investigate the influence of disruption during the socialization phase on the development of social competences and related neural substrates in domestic horses, and 2/ to explore the broader implications of prolonged maternal presence on animal welfare and development. The project utilized a holistic longitudinal approach, combining behavioural and experimental assessments with non-invasive neuroimaging techniques (MRI, rs-fMRI, and diffusion MRI). The findings provided significant insights into the importance of early socialization for optimal development and welfare in domestic horses. We demonstrated that a maternal presence plays a crucial role in the neuroanatomical, microstructural, and basal activity development of critical brain regions, as well as in shaping behavioural and physiological trajectories in young horses. Moreover, the project pioneered the use of innovative neuroimaging techniques in large-bodied animals such as the horse, laying the groundwork for future research in neurobiological development. From a societal perspective, the project provides valuable insights into animal welfare by examining the impact of social disruptions on domestic species under human care. Through our research, we inform practices related to animal management and highlight the importance of early socialization for optimal welfare and development. Overall, the project has not only achieved its scientific objectives but has also made significant contributions to advancing knowledge in the field of animal welfare and neurobiological development, with potential implications for policy-making and agricultural practices in Europe and beyond.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
Emerging as a functional social being is more challenging than it appears, for both human and non-human social animals. Being fully functional does not only require to be capable of displaying the species-typical social behaviours, but also to display a certain degree of flexibility within their expression (i.e. social competences). Not many attempts have been made to draw the general pattern of social ontogeny, and even fewer about its neurobiological basis. Yet, social competences are crucial on many grounds (e.g. future social interactions, but also quality of life and ultimately chance of survival) and socialisation can be easily disrupted. This is especially true for domestic species that depend on human management, which is known to be often challenging. It suggests that many domestic animals might actually be prevented from developing normally and therefore to fully acquire social competences. With this project, I will test the influence of disruption during the socialisation phase of juveniles on the development of their social competences and the related neural substrates. To do this, I will conduct an ambitious longitudinal study combining behavioural and cognitive approach (to assess social competences) and non-invasive neuroimaging approach (using MRI and rs-fMRI techniques). I will compare young horses living in group and experiencing an optimal (N=10) vs. disrupted socialisation (N=10), the additional disruption being an imposed separation from their mother at pre-puberty age. I predict that social competences should emerge in both cases, thanks to other social partners, but at a higher level in case of optimal social environment. I also expect to find a positive relation between high social competences and the neuroanatomy and basal connectivity of specific brain areas (e.g. hippocampus, amygdala and neocortex). I will also test the presence of additional benefits associated with elevated social competences in terms of animal welfare.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- INSTITUT NATIONAL DE RECHERCHE POUR L'AGRICULTURE, L'ALIMENTATION ET L'ENVIRONNEMENT · ParisCoordinatorFrance
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union