A two-fold study of equine weaning practices and behaviours displayed following mare removal

The behavioural effects on the foal and dam during weaning in horses are well documented and it is commonly agreed that both are likely to suffer from stress at this time. Many different weaning methods are employed worldwide, with no indication of the least stress inducing. This study has two aims. First, to document frequency of weaning method, type of breeder, foal age at the time of mare removal and reason for use of weaning method. Second, to compare behaviours following abrupt and gradual weaning methods. The first aim was addressed by a questionnaire distributed globally via social media and equine academic societies’ distribution lists. All (100%) of the 440 responses were usable. Data were collated and statistically analysed. Gradual weaning was the most common (40.5%) method, and abrupt method second most common (30.9%). Typically, larger studs which breed more foals per annum, tend to wean earlier and use abrupt methods, smaller studs, breeding few foals per annum, tend to wean later using gradual or ‘other’ methods of weaning. The second aim was addressed via behavioural observation of two groups of seven foals, one group subjected to gradual weaning and the second to abrupt weaning. Foals displayed increased behaviour frequency post-mare removal versus pre-mare removal. Locomotary behaviours increased following mare removal and eating and lying down behaviours decreased. Foals in the abrupt group displayed significantly more behaviours, post-mare removal than the gradual group. These results indicate that industry practice reflects a wide range of weaning 5 methods utilised for many reasons. Additionally, foals were more stressed following mare removal and use of gradual methods, may improve welfare

Maori Responses to Covid-19

Mäori infection rates from Covid-19 are perhaps the only example in Aotearoa New Zealand’s contemporary history where Mäori have achieved better social outcomes than non-Mäori. This remarkable, and unanticipated, outcome is potentially a golden precedent for policymakers if we can determine the critical factors that reversed embedded trends of disproportionate disadvantage. This article argues that, while the national lockdown and science-based approach were important enablers of these outcomes, the nationwide Mäori response to Covid-19 should also be recognised as critical. It describes the key components of the Mäori response to Covid-19 and argues that, in composite, the Mäori response demonstrates the value and positive impact of ‘strengths-based’ policy at scale, as well as providing insight into key policy settings that would enable the positive outcomes in respect of Covid-19 to be replicated across other important policy areas

Synaisthe : an investigation of media integration in devised performance

textSynaisthe is an intermedia dance performance that premiered in March 2011 at the University Co-op Presents the Cohen New Works Festival, at the University of Texas at Austin. The context of Synaisthe is two-fold. In one aspect, the work lives in the world of theatrical design, emerging technologies, storytelling practices, and performance theory. In its subject matter, Synaisthe is in conversation with cognitive science, neurology, human perception, and the exploration of individual experience. This event, driven by a technology centered devising process, included; dance, a live band, an infra-red motion tracking floor projection system, manipulation of media through midi-instrument control, a walkman converted into a wearable sonic-fabric costume reading device, and an audience inclusive dance party. The creation of Synaisthe came about as a result of three major aims. A design and technology centered devising process, immersive interaction, and exploration of non-traditional collaborative structures. I endeavor to create a performance as means of researching the influence of media on performance practice.Theatre and Danc