SEXUAL PREFERENCE OF MARES (EQUUS-CABALLUS) FOR INDIVIDUAL STALLIONS

Eight mares were tested to determine if they remained near one of two stallions longer than would be expected if association was random. Six stallions were paired in 30 combinations and each mare was tested 30 times. The mares (Equus caballus) demonstrated a definite preference f or individual stallions throughout the breeding season. This preferenc e was influenced by the estrous state of the mare. During estrus, mare s' preferences for stallions were positively correlated with the rate at which a given stallion vocalized. During diestrus, mares spent sign ificantly less-time in the proximity of stallions and did not exhibit any preference for individual stallions.