SOCIAL EVENTS FOLLOWING THE INTRODUCTION OF UNFAMILIAR DOES TO A CAPTIVE FERAL GOAT (CAPRA-HIRCUS L) HERD

A descriptive and quantitative account is given of agonistic and exploratory behaviour following the introduction of unfamiliar does into an established feral goat herd. Social interactions between herd members and new entrants were classed into four behavioural categories: exploratory, threat, overt aggression, and submissive behaviour. Exploratory behaviour was the most common action of herd members toward new entrants. A peak of agonism and exploratory behaviour occurred within the first hour following introduction of each new entrant then decreased rapidly. Response of the herd may be influenced by the season of introduction, and social status of the new entrant. The work demonstrates that new immigrant goats can be accepted by a captive feral herd with infrequent agonistic encounters after 24 h.