Separation and Independence of Offsprings from the Harem Groups in Misaki Horses

Abstract

The present investigation was made to study the behavior and the age of offspring when they left their native harem groups, and their behavior after separation from 1978-1983. Almost all offspring left their native harem groups at the age of 1-4 yr before they reached sexual maturity. Some of them left their native harem groups by themselves; others left with their mothers and subsequently left their mothers by themselves. The age of offspring at separation was correlated with the birth of their siblings. Offspring generally left their harem groups or their mothers when their siblings were born; they remained with their mothers when there were no siblings. Female offspring generally associated with some harem group or young male group including some geldings after separation. They became permanent members of the particular harem group at the age of 2-3 yr. Male offspring joined with young male groups after separation and changed their group until sexual maturity at the age of 4-5 yr. Subsequently, they left those groups to establish their own harems.