Effects of genotype, horn and social rank on agonistic behaviours during food competition in goats

Objective: This study aimed at investigating the agonistic interactions among goats in food competition based on genotype, horn and dominance rank. Material Methods: After determining rank of Maltese Turkish Saanen genotypes, a mixed group consisting horned, polled both horned animals, 2 to 5 years old, 54 heads total, nine each total 6 groups with linear social were formed. The observations evaluated basis their behaviors for roughage (oat hay) placed feeders. Results: Genotype significantly affected frequency except displacement behavior feeder (P≤0.05). Aggressive biting threatening 2.36 1.78 times higher than (P≤0.0001). rate absence through goats, which displayed aggression was that (P=0.0159). flank butting differed according Total mean aggressive descending order ranked 27.73 times/h hornless, 23.47 18.48 groups. 38% horn, 16% 8% hornless (P<0.0001). Conclusion: genotype is more peaceful this peacefulness may be useful terms competition.