Physiological correlates of social behaviour in Bighorn sheep: a field study using electrocardiogram telemetry

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Abstract
Telemetered heart rates (HR) were correlated with social interactions of adult free‐ranging Bighorn sheep (0vi.s canadensis canadensis). Minimal cardiac responses suggest that economy of expression is a pervasive feature of social behaviour in this species. Commonly performed courtship, dominance and agonistic displays elicited few HR responses in either sender or receiver; those that did occur, were transitory and usually accompanied motor reactions by the subject. Intense behavioural acts that occurred infrequently, such as mount attempts, rush‐charges and clashes, evoked maximal HR increases in both performer and receiver. These findings are consistent with the complex social behaviour of Bighorn sheep and a life‐strategy demanding frugal investment of resources in maintenance, in order to maximize growth and reproduction.