1
|
Rørvang MV, Schild SLA, Stenfelt J, Grut R, Gadri MA, Valros A, Nielsen BL, Wallenbeck A. Odor exploration behavior of the domestic pig ( Sus scrofa) as indicator of enriching properties of odors. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1173298. [PMID: 37214639 PMCID: PMC10196037 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1173298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction and aim Although the sense of smell in pigs is widely recognized as being highly developed, surprisingly little is known about their sensory ability. This study aimed to (a) identify which non-social odors pigs were able to detect and distinguish between, (b) investigate the types of behavior expressed when exploring odors and, (c) compare pigs' responses to the different odors to evaluate their interest in the odors. Methods Growing pigs (N = 192) of crossbred commercial breeds were enrolled in the experiment (32-110 days of age, weighing 64.9 ± 10.1kg). Littermate pairs of opposite sex were tested in test pens with two odor insertion points in the pen wall, 55 cm apart. All pigs were habituated to the test pens and experimenters. Twelve odors were tested (eight essential oils and four synthetic perfumes) in groups of three odors, with each pig pair tested once with one set of three odors (all possible orders of the three odors were tested on 24 pairs in total), always against a non-odor control (demineralized water). In a test, each of the three odors were presented during three trials in a row (a total of 9 trials per test; trial duration: 1 min; inter-trial breaks: 2 min; total test duration: 25 min). Response variables included: duration of sniffing, feeding-related behavior (licking, biting and rooting), agonistic behavior (biting, displacement and pushing) and no approach of the odor or control, recorded throughout each 1-min odor presentation. Results All pigs sniffed an odor less when repeatedly presented (LMM: all odors P < 0.05), and significantly longer at the subsequent presentation of a new odor [LMM (3rd vs. 1st presentations): P < 0.001]. Specific odor and odor type (essential oil vs. synthetic perfume) had no significant effect on sniffing duration. Overall, feeding-related behavior and agonistic behavior were expressed significantly more when pigs explored the odor compared with the control insertion point (Paired t-tests: P < 0.001), and specific odor only affected the expression of feeding-related behavior. Conclusion Collectively, pigs express sniffing, agonistic, and feeding-related behavior when exploring odors, which suggests that pigs perceive odors of non-social origin as a resource. Odors may thus constitute relevant enrichment material for pigs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Vilain Rørvang
- Department of Biosystems and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lomma, Sweden
| | | | - Johanna Stenfelt
- Department of Biosystems and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lomma, Sweden
| | - Rebecca Grut
- Department of Biosystems and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lomma, Sweden
| | - Moses A. Gadri
- Department of Biosystems and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lomma, Sweden
| | - Anna Valros
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Centre for Animal Welfare, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Birte L. Nielsen
- Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW), Wheathampstead, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Wallenbeck
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Skara, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cannas S, Alessi S, Scarpazza F, Palestrini C. Assessment of cats’ behavior during a cat show. J Vet Behav 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2023.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
|
3
|
Zhang L, Bian Z, Liu Q, Deng B. Dealing With Stress in Cats: What Is New About the Olfactory Strategy? Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:928943. [PMID: 35909687 PMCID: PMC9334771 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.928943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Domestic cats are descended from solitary wild species and rely heavily on the olfaction system and chemical signals for daily activities. Cats kept as companion animals may experience stress due to a lack of predictability in their physical or social environment. The olfactory system is intimately connected to the brain regions controlling stress response, thus providing unique opportunities for olfactory strategies to modify stress and related behavioral problems in cats. However, the olfactory intervention of stress in cats has been mainly focused on several analog chemical signals and studies often provide inconsistent and non-replicable results. Supportive evidence in the literature for the potentially effective olfactory stimuli (e.g., cheek and mammary gland secretions, and plant attractants) in treating stress in cats was reviewed. Limitations with some of the work and critical considerations from studies with natural or negative results were discussed as well. Current findings sometimes constitute weak evidence of a reproducible effect of cat odor therapy for stress. The welfare application of an olfactory stimulus in stress alleviation requires a better understanding of its biological function in cats and the mechanisms at play, which may be achieved in future studies through methodological improvement (e.g., experiment pre-registration and appropriate control setting) and in-depth investigation with modern techniques that integrate multisource data. Contributions from individual and environmental differences should be considered for the stress response of a single cat and its sensitivity to olfactory manipulation. Olfactory strategies customized for specific contexts and individual cats can be more effective in improving the welfare of cats in various stressful conditions.
Collapse
|
4
|
|
5
|
Fugazza C, Sommese A, Pogány Á, Miklósi Á. Did we find a copycat? Do as I Do in a domestic cat (Felis catus). Anim Cogn 2021; 24:121-131. [PMID: 32948970 PMCID: PMC7829234 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-020-01428-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
This study shows evidence of a domestic cat (Felis catus) being able to successfully learn to reproduce human-demonstrated actions based on the Do as I Do paradigm. The subject was trained to reproduce a small set of familiar actions on command "Do it!" before the study began. To test feature-contingent behavioural similarity and control for stimulus enhancement, our test consisted of a modified version of the two-action procedure, combined with the Do as I Do paradigm. Instead of showing two different actions on an object to different subjects, we applied a within-subject design and showed the two actions to the same subject in separate trials. We show evidence that a well-socialized companion cat was able to reproduce actions demonstrated by a human model by reproducing two different actions that were demonstrated on the same object. Our experiment provides the first evidence that the Do as I Do paradigm can be applied to cats, suggesting that the ability to recognize behavioural similarity may fall within the range of the socio-cognitive skills of this species. The ability of reproducing the actions of a heterospecific human model in well-socialized cats may pave the way for future studies addressing cats' imitative skills.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Fugazza
- Department of Ethology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Andrea Sommese
- Department of Ethology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ákos Pogány
- Department of Ethology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ádám Miklósi
- Department of Ethology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- MTA-ELTE Comparative Ethology Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Vojtkovská V, Voslářová E, Večerek V. Methods of Assessment of the Welfare of Shelter Cats: A Review. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10091527. [PMID: 32872242 PMCID: PMC7552334 DOI: 10.3390/ani10091527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
At any moment, there are millions of cats housed in foster care facilities for abandoned and stray animals for various reasons worldwide. Care, management and regulation among these facilities differ. Moreover, shelters can never substitute the full comfort of a good home for the animal, and the welfare of cats in shelters is a subject of discussion in many respects. Cats are animals sensitive to changes; for most of them, placement in a shelter is a stressful experience because of changes in routine, environment and the presence of other animals. Stress is reflected in changes in behaviour, causes fluctuations in physiological values and disrupts the immune system, which is a predisposition to the development or reactivation of disease. Evaluation of the presence and intensity of negative impacts is possible through the use of evaluation tools based on indicators that help set the environment and management of keeping so as to disrupt the quality of life as little as possible. Although a comprehensive and valid welfare tool that would evaluate animal-based and at the same time resource-based (or management-based) indicators of cats in shelters is not currently available, it is possible to use partial evaluation of individual welfare indicators to assess welfare. This review aims to provide the readers with an insight into current options of assessment of the welfare of cats in shelters with an emphasis on behavioural, physiological and health indicators with an application in both practical and scientific contexts.
Collapse
|
7
|
Damasceno J, Genaro G, Quirke T, McCarthy S, McKeown S, O'Riordan R. The effects of intrinsic enrichment on captive felids. Zoo Biol 2017; 36:186-192. [PMID: 29165868 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Revised: 04/02/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Environmental enrichment is a well-known technique, which has been used to enhance the welfare of captive animals. The aim of this study is to investigate how three different forms of intrinsic enrichment, namely, a hay ball without scent, a hay ball with catnip, and a hay ball with cinnamon, influenced the behavior of six cheetah and two Sumatran tigers at Fota Wildlife Park, Ireland. Enrichment-directed behaviors, as well as pacing, locomotion, inactive, and exploratory behaviors were investigated. The results indicated that the three forms of enrichment had similar effects, in terms of enrichment-directed behavior, with cinnamon resulting in the highest levels of enrichment-directed behaviors. The cinnamon treatment resulted in a significant decrease in pacing behavior when compared with baseline observations. No evidence of habituation (i.e., a significant reduction in enrichment-directed behaviors) was observed for any of the three enrichments. This means that these low cost, easy to apply, practical forms of enrichment could be frequently applied for these species as part of an enrichment regime.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Damasceno
- Postgraduate Program in Psychobiology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Languages of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.,The School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences and Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Gelson Genaro
- Centro Universitário Barão de Mauá, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thomas Quirke
- The School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences and Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Shannen McCarthy
- The School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences and Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Sean McKeown
- Fota Wildlife Park, Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork, Ireland
| | - Ruth O'Riordan
- The School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences and Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bashaw MJ, Gibson MD, Schowe DM, Kucher AS. Does enrichment improve reptile welfare? Leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius) respond to five types of environmental enrichment. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2016.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
9
|
Daulatzai MA. Dysfunctional Sensory Modalities, Locus Coeruleus, and Basal Forebrain: Early Determinants that Promote Neuropathogenesis of Cognitive and Memory Decline and Alzheimer’s Disease. Neurotox Res 2016; 30:295-337. [DOI: 10.1007/s12640-016-9643-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Revised: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
|
10
|
Hall CM, Adams NA, Bradley JS, Bryant KA, Davis AA, Dickman CR, Fujita T, Kobayashi S, Lepczyk CA, McBride EA, Pollock KH, Styles IM, van Heezik Y, Wang F, Calver MC. Community Attitudes and Practices of Urban Residents Regarding Predation by Pet Cats on Wildlife: An International Comparison. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0151962. [PMID: 27050447 PMCID: PMC4822884 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
International differences in practices and attitudes regarding pet cats' interactions with wildlife were assessed by surveying citizens from at least two cities in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, the USA, China and Japan. Predictions tested were: (i) cat owners would agree less than non-cat owners that cats might threaten wildlife, (ii) cat owners value wildlife less than non-cat owners, (iii) cat owners are less accepting of cat legislation/restrictions than non-owners, and (iv) respondents from regions with high endemic biodiversity (Australia, New Zealand, China and the USA state of Hawaii) would be most concerned about pet cats threatening wildlife. Everywhere non-owners were more likely than owners to agree that pet cats killing wildlife were a problem in cities, towns and rural areas. Agreement amongst non-owners was highest in Australia (95%) and New Zealand (78%) and lowest in the UK (38%). Irrespective of ownership, over 85% of respondents from all countries except China (65%) valued wildlife in cities, towns and rural areas. Non-owners advocated cat legislation more strongly than owners except in Japan. Australian non-owners were the most supportive (88%), followed by Chinese non-owners (80%) and Japanese owners (79.5%). The UK was least supportive (non-owners 43%, owners 25%). Many Australian (62%), New Zealand (51%) and Chinese owners (42%) agreed that pet cats killing wildlife in cities, towns and rural areas was a problem, while Hawaiian owners were similar to the mainland USA (20%). Thus high endemic biodiversity might contribute to attitudes in some, but not all, countries. Husbandry practices varied internationally, with predation highest where fewer cats were confined. Although the risk of wildlife population declines caused by pet cats justifies precautionary action, campaigns based on wildlife protection are unlikely to succeed outside Australia or New Zealand. Restrictions on roaming protect wildlife and benefit cat welfare, so welfare is a better rationale.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine M. Hall
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Nigel A. Adams
- Department of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Social and Health Sciences, Unitec Institute of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - J. Stuart Bradley
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kate A. Bryant
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Alisa A. Davis
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, United States of America
| | - Christopher R. Dickman
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tsumugi Fujita
- College of Bio-resource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Japan
| | | | - Christopher A. Lepczyk
- School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States of America
| | - E. Anne McBride
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Kenneth H. Pollock
- Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States of America
| | - Irene M. Styles
- Graduate School of Education, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia
| | - Yolanda van Heezik
- Zoology Department, University of Otago, PO Box 54, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Ferian Wang
- College of Bio-resource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Michael C. Calver
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Daulatzai MA. Olfactory dysfunction: its early temporal relationship and neural correlates in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2015; 122:1475-97. [DOI: 10.1007/s00702-015-1404-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
|
12
|
Jackson A. Ebola, dogs and a vaccine. Aust Vet J 2015; 92:N8. [PMID: 25577809 DOI: 10.1111/avj.12276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|