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Puruleia A, Nanvonamuquitxo C, Ernesto M, Jamal A, Amade I, Monia W, Massingue Y, Verburgt L, Faurby S, Antonelli A, Perrigo A, Farooq H. Rediscovery of the lost skink Proscelotes aenea and implications for conservation. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11261. [PMID: 37438413 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38286-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Biodiversity loss is recognized as a grand challenge of the twenty-first century but ascertaining when a species is "lost" can be incredibly difficult-since the absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. This may be a relatively easy task for large and conspicuous animals, but extremely difficult for those living hidden lives or at low population sizes. We showcase this challenge by focusing on Africa's montane skink, Proscelotes aenea (Barbour & Loveridge 1928). In this study, we embarked on a year-long intensive survey to find this fossorial species in Lumbo, Northern Mozambique, the only remaining location where it may still occur but was recorded for the last time over 100 years ago. We located the species already after 20 days of intensive and targeted searching by five members of our team. The finding allowed us to describe, for the first time, details on the biology and ecology of the species, alongside photos and videos of live specimens (including a pregnant female), and to sequence DNA from the species, which we used to infer the phylogenetic placement. Our combined 12S and 16S phylogenetic analysis weakly suggest that the genus Proscelotes may not be monophyletic and therefore requires further phylogenetic work and potentially taxonomic revision. We also gathered evidence of a possible decrease in population abundance and, based on the species' ecology, we identified urbanization as a potential key threat, which could lead to the local or global extirpation of the species. We call for urgent conservation actions that help protect the future of the montane skink, and additional surveys to map its full distribution. As countries now work towards implementing the goals and targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, our study demonstrates the need for proper investments in biodiversity inventories and monitoring in order to halt species extinctions by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Puruleia
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Lúrio University, Pemba, Cabo Delgado, Mozambique.
| | | | - Milagre Ernesto
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Lúrio University, Pemba, Cabo Delgado, Mozambique
| | - Abdurabe Jamal
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Lúrio University, Pemba, Cabo Delgado, Mozambique
| | - Iassine Amade
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Lúrio University, Pemba, Cabo Delgado, Mozambique
| | - Wilson Monia
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Lúrio University, Pemba, Cabo Delgado, Mozambique
| | - Yasalde Massingue
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Lúrio University, Pemba, Cabo Delgado, Mozambique
| | - Luke Verburgt
- Enviro-Insight CC, Unit 8 Oppidraai Office Park, Pretoria, 0050, South Africa
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
| | - Søren Faurby
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Alexandre Antonelli
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, UK
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Allison Perrigo
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Botanical Garden, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Harith Farooq
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Lúrio University, Pemba, Cabo Delgado, Mozambique
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Gothenburg Global Biodiversity Centre, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate, Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Malinovska V, Kuklina I, Grabicová K, Buřič M, Kozák P. Short-term effects of an environmentally relevant concentration of organic UV filters on signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 259:115012. [PMID: 37209570 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Personal care products, including organic UV filters, are considered emerging contaminants, with their toxic effects being a concern in recent decades. UV filters continually enter surface waters via wastewater and human activity. Despite the presence of organic UV filters in the freshwater environment, little is known of their impact on aquatic biota. In this study, we evaluated the cardiac and locomotor responses of signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of either 2-Phenylbenzimidazole-5-sulfonic acid (PBSA, 3 µg/L) or 5-Benzoyl-4-hydroxy-2-methoxybenzenesulfonic acid (BP4, 2.5 µg/L). Specimens exposed to the tested compounds for 30 min exhibited significantly greater changes in distance moved and time active than did unexposed controls. Significant differences of mean heart rate change compared to control were detected in both PBSA and BP4 experimental groups. Such behavior and physiological alterations demonstrate ecological effects of personal care products with the tested sunscreen compounds even with a short exposure. Evidence of the consequences of organic UV filters on aquatic organisms is scarce and is an important topic for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoriia Malinovska
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25 Vodňany, Czech Republic.
| | - Iryna Kuklina
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25 Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Grabicová
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25 Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Miloš Buřič
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25 Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Kozák
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25 Vodňany, Czech Republic
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Wilson A, Phillips CJC. Behaviour and welfare of African lion ( Panthera leo) cubs used in contact wildlife tourism. Anim Welf 2023; 32:e34. [PMID: 38487433 PMCID: PMC10936262 DOI: 10.1017/awf.2023.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Lion (Panthera leo) cubs are used in wildlife interaction tourism but the effects on cub welfare are unknown. We assessed the behaviour of three cohorts of lion cubs, twelve animals in total, at three different interaction facilities, using continuous and scan-sampling methodologies for the entire duration of cub utilisation for human interactions. Cubs spent most time inactive (62%), particularly sleeping (38%), but also spent a substantial amount of time playing (13%) and being alert (12%). A generalised linear mixed model revealed that cub behaviour was similar in two facilities but different from cubs in the third. In these two similar facilities, as human interactions increased, the time spent resting, sleeping and playing with other cubs decreased, and alert behaviour, grooming of humans and flight responses increased. In the third facility, cubs had an abnormal activity budget, with high levels of inactivity (80%) accompanied by a lack of response to human interactions. We conclude that in some facilities normal cub behaviour cannot be achieved and may be compromised by a high frequency of human interactions, which therefore needs to be controlled to limit adverse effects on cub behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Wilson
- AW Applied Behavioural Ecology and Ecosystem Research Unit, Department of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Florida, South Africa
| | - Clive JC Phillips
- CJCP Estonian University of Life Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Kreutzwalki 1, Tartu 51014, Estonia and Curtin University Sustainability Policy (CUSP) Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia 6845, Australia
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Iyasere OS, Durosaro SO, Oyeniran VJ, Daramola JO. Is an increase of glucocorticoid concentrations related to the degree of arousal or valence experienced by an animal to a stimulus? Domest Anim Endocrinol 2022; 81:106752. [PMID: 35868218 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2022.106752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Animal welfare is the quality of life as perceived by the animal itself. It is also the state of an animal in its attempt to cope with its environment. Animal welfare has high ethics and economic importance. Thus the need to develop parameters for assessing animal welfare. An acute increase in glucocorticoid (GC) concentration is necessary for adaptation to a stressful situation. Glucocorticoids also play a significant role in metabolic, cardiovascular, and immune systems. Glucocorticoid enhances effective learning through the hippocampus and other normal body functions. That is why we remember events (either positive or negative) associated with strong emotions. Long-term secretion of GCs has catabolic effects. Thus, affecting animal health. Measuring GC is one of the ways of assessing animal welfare. But, high GC concentration does not only indicate pain or suffering. We report that stress and emotion trigger similar physiological responses. So, measuring GC levels cannot differentiate between positive and negative states. We conclude that GC shows circadian rhythms and episodic spikes in some species. Values from a single sample point are not reliable to make conclusions about a condition. Training animals for blood collection may reduce stress. Thus not causing bias in the GC concentration measured.
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Affiliation(s)
- O S Iyasere
- Department of Animal Physiology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State Nigeria.
| | - S O Durosaro
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - V J Oyeniran
- Department of Animal Physiology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State Nigeria
| | - J O Daramola
- Department of Animal Physiology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State Nigeria
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Supplementing Citrus aurantium Flavonoid Extract in High-Fat Finishing Diets Improves Animal Behavior and Rumen Health and Modifies Rumen and Duodenum Epithelium Gene Expression in Holstein Bulls. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12151972. [PMID: 35953962 PMCID: PMC9367586 DOI: 10.3390/ani12151972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
One hundred and forty-six bulls (178.2 ± 6.64 kg BW and 146.0 ± 0.60 d of age) were randomly allocated to one of eight pens and assigned to control (C) or citrus flavonoid (BF) treatments (Citrus aurantium, Bioflavex CA, HTBA, S.L.U., Barcelona, Spain, 0.4 kg per ton of Bioflavex CA). At the finishing phase, the dietary fat content of the concentrate was increased (58 to 84 g/kg DM). Concentrate intake was recorded daily, and BW and animal behavior by visual scan, fortnightly. After 168 d, bulls were slaughtered, carcass data were recorded, and rumen and duodenum epithelium samples were collected. Performance data were not affected by treatment, except for the growing phase where concentrate intake (p < 0.05) was lesser in the BF compared with the C bulls. Agonistic and sexual behaviors were more frequent (p < 0.01) in the C than in the BF bulls. In the rumen epithelium, in contrast to duodenum, gene expression of some bitter taste receptors (7, 16, 39) and other genes related to behavior and inflammation was higher (p < 0.05) in the BF compared with the C bulls. Supplementing citrus flavonoids in high-fat finishing diets to Holstein bulls reduces growing concentrate consumption and improves animal welfare.
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Ingenbleek PTM, Krampe C. The End of Animal Welfare Labelling as We Know It? Persisting Problems at the Consumer Level and PLF-Based Solutions. FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2022.819893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last few decades, animal welfare (AW) labels have become permanent factors in consumer markets for animal-based food products across Europe. During this time, scholarly thinking about consumer perspectives on AW labelling has identified problems that hinder the effectiveness of labels, pertaining to (i) consumers’ trust in labels, (ii) the number of labels present in the market, (iii) confusion about the meaning of labels, (iv) trade-offs between AW labels and price, (v) consistency between the AW standards and consumers’ individual opinions about AW and (vi) the ability of animal-based sectors to innovate in AW labelling. Based on these insights, this study explores the current state of these problems by questioning 2.433 consumers from four countries in the European Union (Finland, the Netherlands, Spain, and Italy) about these issues. The results show that, while opinions differ between countries and cross-border consumer segments, these issues persist for many consumers. These results cast doubt on the idea that AW labels in their traditional form can substantially increase their effect on the market. The study therefore explores potential data-based solutions to persistent consumer problems by drawing on precision livestock and e-commerce technologies. It extends current data use, which is often limited to farms and value chain actors but rarely reaches consumers. We argue that innovative technologies create opportunities to influence consumers in the often neglected pre- and post-purchase stages, through a selection system where consumers can indicate their AW preferences, receive feedback, and transparently provide insight into their preferences to other value chain actors.
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Grillaert K. Aggression, Erection, and Masturbation in Feral Pottoka Ponies and Implications for Equine Welfare. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12040421. [PMID: 35203129 PMCID: PMC8868564 DOI: 10.3390/ani12040421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Horse trainers and handlers have expressed concerns that equine erection and masturbation may be associated with unwanted or dangerous behaviors. Such concerns and attitudes may guide decisions that affect the welfare of male horses. In this study, male feral ponies were observed before, during, and after natural occurrences of erection and masturbation. Erection and masturbation were not associated with reproductive or aggressive behavior, and they did not predict a change in intensity or energy of behavior. Rather, they were often performed in relaxed moments, with the pony displaying calm behaviors. Understanding the natural presentation of these behaviors can help handlers and trainers to interpret them when in the context of horse-human interactions. Abstract Erection and masturbation in horses are considered unwanted behaviors in training contexts, despite recognition that these are naturally occurring behaviors that are integral to the welfare of male horses. Equestrians, especially those who use positive reinforcement in their training, expressed concern that the presence of such behaviors might be associated with aggressive or sexual behaviors aimed at humans participating in horse-human interactions. The implications of such attitudes could negatively affect male horses by excluding them from welfare-friendly training systems. In this study, feral stallions were observed to describe and quantify behaviors that occurred before, during, and after erection and masturbation, and to identify change in arousal. This study did not find evidence that erection and masturbation are associated with increases in arousal, or to sexual or aggressive behavior toward other horses. The possible presence or induction of erection or masturbation alone might not limit male horses from participating in certain handling, training, or riding contexts. These findings, along with further research, may be used to inform interpretations of horse–human interactions that involve erection or masturbation.
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Schnaider MA, Heidemann MS, Silva AHP, Taconeli CA, Molento CFM. Vocalization and other behaviors indicating pain in beef calves during the ear tagging procedure. J Vet Behav 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2021.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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The Correlation between Play Behavior, Serum Cortisol and Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Welfare Assessment of Dairy Calves within the First Month of Life. DAIRY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/dairy3010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Welfare assessment of dairy calves is commonly conducted through the observation of their behavior and the analysis of physiological parameters. Despite the large number of studies on this topic, there is a lack of research on the possible correlation between the physiological parameters and behavior at basal level in dairy calves. For this reason, the present study aimed to investigate the possible correlations between serum cortisol, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (N/L) and locomotor play behavior in 21 Friesian dairy calves within their first month of life. Every week, an arena test after blood collection was performed. A significant positive correlation between serum cortisol levels and N/L (rrm = 0.381; 95% CI = 0.083, 0.617; p = 0.012) and a negative correlation between time spent running and N/L (rrm = −0.351; 95% CI = −0.575, −0.077; p = 0.012) were found. On the contrary, no significant correlation between time spent running and cortisol levels was detected. Cortisol levels and N/L were higher in the newborn and had a constant decrease until reaching a stable value after the 24th day of life. These findings suggest a better predictivity of N/L, compared to serum cortisol, on locomotor play behavior.
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Probert R, Bastian A, Elwen SH, James BS, Gridley T. Vocal correlates of arousal in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops spp.) in human care. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250913. [PMID: 34469449 PMCID: PMC8409691 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Human-controlled regimes can entrain behavioural responses and may impact animal welfare. Therefore, understanding the influence of schedules on animal behaviour can be a valuable tool to improve welfare, however information on behaviour overnight and in the absence of husbandry staff remains rare. Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops spp.) are highly social marine mammals and the most common cetacean found in captivity. They communicate using frequency modulated signature whistles, a whistle type that is individually distinctive and used as a contact call. We investigated the vocalisations of ten dolphins housed in three social groups at uShaka Sea World dolphinarium to determine how patterns in acoustic behaviour link to dolphinarium routines. Investigation focused on overnight behaviour, housing decisions, weekly patterns, and transitional periods between the presence and absence of husbandry staff. Recordings were made from 17h00 - 07h00 over 24 nights, spanning May to August 2018. Whistle (including signature whistle) presence and production rate decreased soon after husbandry staff left the facility, was low over night, and increased upon staff arrival. Results indicated elevated arousal states particularly associated with the morning feeding regime. Housing in the pool configuration that allowed observation of staff activities from all social groups was characterised by an increase in whistle presence and rates. Heightened arousal associated with staff presence was reflected in the structural characteristics of signature whistles, particularly maximum frequency, frequency range and number of whistle loops. We identified individual differences in both production rate and the structural modification of signature whistles under different contexts. Overall, these results revealed a link between scheduled activity and associated behavioural responses, which can be used as a baseline for future welfare monitoring where changes from normal behaviour may reflect shifts in welfare state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Probert
- Department of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Sea Search Research and Conservation NPC, Cape Town, South Africa
- * E-mail:
| | - Anna Bastian
- Department of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Simon H. Elwen
- Sea Search Research and Conservation NPC, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Bridget S. James
- Sea Search Research and Conservation NPC, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Tess Gridley
- Sea Search Research and Conservation NPC, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Department of Statistical Sciences, Centre for Statistics in Ecology, Environment and Conservation, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
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Zhuchaev K, Orlov D, Borisenko E, Kochneva M, Hart V. Ethological evaluation of pig welfare under different keeping technologies in Siberian conditions. BIO WEB OF CONFERENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1051/bioconf/20213606038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The authors found that the system of keeping gestating sows on a breeding farm increases the risk of animal welfare related to technological problems and insufficient staff training (contamination, human fear, local infections, inflammation of joints). The negative impact of industrial technology on the welfare of gestating sows is manifested in the increased frequency of torso injuries and fear of humans. Limb problems in sows on a farm kept without walking are related to a low management level, as no such problems were observed in the industrial complex. The welfare of sows on small farms can be ensured by improving the technological level of production and the skills of maintenance personnel.
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Li C, Schallier S, Lamberigts C, Lesuisse J, Everaert N, Merckx W, Buyse J. Management factors resulting in a severe reduction in feed intake-induced spiking mortality syndrome in young broiler chicks. Poult Sci 2020; 99:4939-4946. [PMID: 32988530 PMCID: PMC7598127 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2020.06.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to induce spiking mortality syndrome (SMS) in 10-day-old broiler chicks by changing feed particle size (crumble feed to pellet feed) and/or feed source location (from a small feeder at the pen's center to a large feeder at the front of the pen), followed by full day feed deprivation of all broiler chicks on day 11. In total, 396-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 4 treatments (Con: without change in feed particle size and feed source location; Par: changing crumble feed to pellet feed on day 10; Loc: changing feed source location on day 10; LocPar: changing both feed particle size and feed source location on day 10). Each treatment consisted of 9 replicate pens with 11 chicks each. Each treatment was applied at 09:00 on days 10 and 11. On both days, chicks with SMS were identified based on clinical symptoms (down in sternal or lateral recumbency, hyperventilation). Plasma glucose, 3, 3′, 5-triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) concentrations, insulin, and liver glycogen concentrations of chicks without (normal) and with SMS were measured. Proportional organ and digestive tract including content weights were recorded. Broiler behavior was assessed hourly from 08:30 to 17:30 on day 10. On day 10, the Par, Loc, and LocPar groups spent significantly less time feeding and more time lying down compared with the Con group. On days 10 and 11, SMS clinical signs were observed around 2.5 to 3.5 h after the initiation of treatments, and the Loc group had the most SMS morbidity level. Spiking mortality syndrome chicks had significantly less digestive tract contents compared with Normal chicks on day 10. Spiking mortality syndrome was induced successfully with the treatments, according to their significantly reduced plasma glucose, insulin, T3 and T4 concentrations as well as liver glycogen content. A significant correlation between plasma glucose and liver glycogen was observed in SMS chicks. In conclusion, management factors inducing the reduction or absence of feed intake on day 10 or day 11 can trigger the occurrence of SMS in young broiler chicks.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Li
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 100193 Beijing, P. R. China
| | - S Schallier
- Laboratory of Livestock Physiology, Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - C Lamberigts
- Laboratory of Livestock Physiology, Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - J Lesuisse
- Laboratory of Livestock Physiology, Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - N Everaert
- Precision Livestock and Nutrition Unit, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, B-5030 Gembloux, Belgium
| | - W Merckx
- Engineering and Technology Group, Pilot Facilities Science, TransFarm KU Leuven, 3360 Lovenjoel, Belgium
| | - J Buyse
- Laboratory of Livestock Physiology, Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, 3001 Leuven, Belgium.
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Paniagua M, Crespo J, Arís A, Devant M. Citrus aurantium flavonoid extract improves concentrate efficiency, animal behavior, and reduces rumen inflammation of Holstein bulls fed high-concentrate diets. Anim Feed Sci Technol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2019.114304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Welfare Challenges Influence the Complexity of Movement: Fractal Analysis of Behaviour in Zebrafish. FISHES 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/fishes4010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The ability to assess welfare is an important refinement that will ensure the good condition of animals used in experimentation. The present study investigated the impact of invasive procedures on the patterns of movement of zebrafish (Danio rerio). Recordings were made before and after fin clipping, PIT tagging and a standard pain test and these were compared with control and sham handled zebrafish. The fractal dimension (FD) from the 3D trajectories was calculated to determine the effect of these treatments on the complexity of movement patterns. While the FD of zebrafish trajectories did not differ over time in either the control or sham group, the FDs of the treatment groups reduced in complexity. The FD of fish injected with different strengths of acetic acid declined in a dose-dependent manner allowing us to develop an arbitrary scale of severity of the treatments. The 3D trajectory plots from some groups indicated the presence of repetitive swimming patterns akin to stereotypical movements. When administered with lidocaine, which has analgesic properties, the movement complexity of fin clipped fish reverted to a pattern that resembled that of control fish. Fractal analysis of zebrafish locomotion could potentially be adopted as a tool for fish welfare assessment.
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An ultra-high frequency radio frequency identification system for studying individual feeding and drinking behaviors of group-housed broilers. Animal 2019; 13:2060-2069. [PMID: 30630541 PMCID: PMC6700711 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731118003440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology offers a real-time solution to monitor behavioral responses of individual animals to various stimuli, which provides crucial implications on farm management and animal well-being. The objectives of this study were to (1) develop and describe an ultra-high frequency radio frequency identification (UHF-RFID) system for continuously monitoring feeding and drinking behaviors of individual broilers in group settings; and (2) validate the performance of the UHF-RFID system against video analysis in determining the instantaneous bird number (IBN) and time spent (TS) at feeder and drinker. The UHF-RFID system consisted of cable-tie tags, antennas, a reader and a data acquisition (DAQ) system. The antennas generated electromagnetic fields where tags were detected and registered by the DAQ system. Electromagnetic fields of the antennas were modified to cover areas of concern (i.e. tube feeders and nipple drinkers) through a series of system evaluations and customizations including tag sensitivity test, power adjustment, radio wave shielding, and assessment of interference by add-ons (e.g. plastic wraps for protecting antennas and an empty carton box for zoning out broilers) and feed/feeder. System validation was performed in two experimental rooms, each with 60 tagged broilers. The results showed that the max reading distances of tags with an identical manufacturer’s specification were markedly different, indicating large variations in sensitivity among the tags. Desired electromagnetic fields could be achieved by adjusting the power supplied to antennas and by partially shielding antennas with customized stainless steel sheets. The protection materials and fully loaded feeder had little effect on electromagnetic fields of the antennas. The accuracies of the UHF-RFID system for determining IBN and TS were, respectively, 92.5±4.2% and 99.0±1.2% by the feeder antennas and 94.7±4.2% and 93.7±6.9% by the drinker antennas. It is concluded that the UHF-RIFD system can accurately detect and record feeding and drinking behaviors of individual broilers in group settings and thus is a useful tool for investigating impacts of resource allocations and management practices on these behaviors.
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Paniagua M, Crespo J, Bach A, Devant M. Effects of flavonoids extracted from Citrus aurantium on performance, eating and animal behavior, rumen health, and carcass quality in Holstein bulls fed high-concentrate diets. Anim Feed Sci Technol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2018.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Kasimanickam VR, Staker C, Williams HM, Kastelic JP, Kasimanickam RK. Aggressive attempted escape behavior during head-lock restraint reduced reproductive performances in Holstein heifers. Theriogenology 2018; 121:147-152. [PMID: 30149260 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.07.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The objective was to determine associations between behavior during head-lock restraint and reproductive performance in dairy heifers. Behavior of 817 Holstein heifers from four farms was evaluated at feeding (Days 0 and 7) while restrained in a self-locking stanchion. All heifers were assigned a body condition score (BCS; 1, emaciated to 5, obese) on Day 0. Heifers were timed-inseminated on a maximum of three occasions to determine impact of behavior for first service pregnancy per AI (FS-P/AI) and cumulative P/AI (C-P/AI). Ovulation was synchronized with an Ovsynch synchronization protocol for first service and thereafter either Ovsynch and/or prostaglandin F2α-based protocols. More heifers displayed calm escape behavior (P < 0.05) compared with mild or aggressive escape behaviors (45.2, 28.2 and 26.6%, respectively). Adjusting for BCS (P < 0.05), FS-P/AI was greater (P < 0.05) for calm heifers compared with aggressive escape behavior, 58.0% (214/369) vs 48.2% (105/218), with FS-P/AI of heifers with mild aggressive behavior [53.5% (123/230)] intermediate and did not differ from other means. Adjusting for BCS (P < 0.0001), C-P/AI was greater (P < 0.0001) for heifers with calm compared with mild or aggressive escape behaviors [84.8% (313/369), 71.3% (164/230) and 64.7% (141/218), respectively]. Serum cortisol concentrations were not different among behavior categories, but serum substance P concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) in aggressive heifers compared with mild or calm heifers, 97.1 ± 4.9, 58.4 ± 2.9 and 52.3 ± 2.6 ng/mL, respectively. In conclusion, Holstein heifers with aggressive escape behavior during head-lock restraint had significantly reduced reproductive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanmathy R Kasimanickam
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Chase Staker
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Hallie M Williams
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - John P Kastelic
- Department of Production Animal Health, University of Calgary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Ramanathan K Kasimanickam
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA.
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Buller H, Blokhuis H, Jensen P, Keeling L. Towards Farm Animal Welfare and Sustainability. Animals (Basel) 2018; 8:ani8060081. [PMID: 29799456 PMCID: PMC6025272 DOI: 10.3390/ani8060081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The protection and enhancement of farm animal welfare has become an increasingly important component of livestock systems and animal-based food supply chains in many of the more economically developed countries around the world. With the growth of debates around environmental sustainability and food security at the international and global scale, this paper explores the ways in which farm animal welfare, as a public concern, as a science, and as a policy and regulatory area can articulate with these other debates in a comprehensive and holistic manner. Abstract As farm animal welfare becomes an increasingly important component of contemporary global livestock production, animal welfare science and animal welfare policy-making need to find new ways of entering global debates over food security and sustainability. In this paper, we explore the means by which both animal welfare science and policy should articulate with these emerging global debates. Having first established the important gains in animal welfare policy and the maturity of animal welfare science, we identify and explore the potential impact of these current debates and argue that they have the potential for profound change in our understanding of, and our response to, the welfare of animals. We conclude the paper with a number of possible recommendations for how a scientifically informed, sustainable animal welfare policy might flourish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Buller
- Department of Geography, University of Exeter, Devon EX4 4RJ, UK.
| | - Harry Blokhuis
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7068, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Per Jensen
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linkoping University, SE-581 83 Linkoping, Sweden.
| | - Linda Keeling
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7068, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden.
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Robbins J, Franks B, von Keyserlingk MAG. 'More than a feeling': An empirical investigation of hedonistic accounts of animal welfare. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0193864. [PMID: 29529090 PMCID: PMC5846737 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Many scientists studying animal welfare appear to hold a hedonistic concept of welfare -whereby welfare is ultimately reducible to an animal's subjective experience. The substantial advances in assessing animal's subjective experience have enabled us to take a step back to consider whether such indicators are all one needs to know if one is interested in the welfare of an individual. To investigate this claim, we randomly assigned participants (n = 502) to read one of four vignettes describing a hypothetical chimpanzee and asked them to make judgments about the animal's welfare. Vignettes were designed to systematically manipulate the descriptive mental states the chimpanzee was described as experiencing: feels good (FG) vs. feels bad (FB); as well as non-subjective features of the animal's life: natural living and physical healthy (NH) vs. unnatural life and physically unhealthy (UU); creating a fully-crossed 2 (subjective experience) X 2 (objective life value) experimental design. Multiple regression analysis showed welfare judgments depended on the objective features of the animal's life more than they did on how the animal was feeling: a chimpanzee living a natural life with negative emotions was rated as having better welfare than a chimpanzee living an unnatural life with positive emotions. We also found that the supposedly more purely psychological concept of happiness was also influenced by normative judgments about the animal's life. For chimpanzees with positive emotions, those living a more natural life were rated as happier than those living an unnatural life. Insofar as analyses of animal welfare are assumed to be reflective of folk intuitions, these findings raise questions about a strict hedonistic account of animal welfare. More generally, this research demonstrates the potential utility of using empirical methods to address conceptual problems in animal welfare and ethics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse Robbins
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Becca Franks
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Environmental Studies, New York University, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Marina A. G. von Keyserlingk
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Devant M, Penner GB, Marti S, Quintana B, Fábregas F, Bach A, Arís A. Behavior and inflammation of the rumen and cecum in Holstein bulls fed high-concentrate diets with different concentrate presentation forms with or without straw supplementation. J Anim Sci 2017; 94:3902-3917. [PMID: 27898891 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2016-0594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Twenty-four individually housed Holstein bulls (395 ± 7.3 kg BW and 252 ± 3.1 d age) were exposed to a 2 × 2 factorial design (meal vs. pellets; with vs. without straw) to evaluate the effect of concentrate form and provision of straw in finishing diets on behavior and expression of rumen and cecum epithelium genes related to inflammation and behavior. Concentrate and straw consumption were recorded monthly and behavior (self-grooming, social, oral nonnutritive, tongue rolling, eating, drinking, ruminating, and lying) was recorded every two weeks. Bulls were slaughtered after 64 d of exposure to treatments, lesions on the rumen and liver were assessed, and samples of the rumen and cecum were collected. Straw supplementation tended ( = 0.08) to increase concentrate intake (8.0 vs. 7.4 ± 0.26 kg/d), increased ( < 0.01) the proportion of time ruminating (9.4 vs. 3.1 ± 1.02%), and decreased ( < 0.01) the occurrence of oral nonnutritive behaviors (0.52 vs. 1.34 ± 0.123 times/15 min) relative to bulls deprived of straw. Provision of straw increased ruminal pH, but the magnitude of the change was greater when the concentrate was provided as meal compared with pellets (interaction, < 0.05). When straw was not supplemented, all rumen samples had papillae fusion, whereas only 16.7% of bulls fed pellets and straw had papillae fusions (interaction, < 0.05). Vacuole grading of the rumen papillae was less ( < 0.01) in bulls provided straw compared with bulls without straw. For the ruminal epithelium, straw provision tended to increase the relative expression ratio of (which stimulates peptide YY, PYY, and serotonin secretion; = 0.06) and α (which modulates immune reactions and behavior; = 0.09) and increased and (tight junction proteins; < 0.05), along with β and (proinflammatory cytokines; < 0.01) and ( < 0.01) in the rumen. Moreover, it also tended to increase the relative gene expression ratio of β (an antimicrobial peptide; = 0.10) and ( = 0.10). Bulls fed pellets had a decreased ruminal relative expression ratio of α ( < 0.05). Bulls without straw had increased ( < 0.05) the cecum relative expression ratio of β. In conclusion, the lack of straw supplementation in bulls fed high-concentrate diets modifies behavior and affects rumen macroscopic morphology and expression of epithelial genes that could be related to behavior and inflammation.
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Lord LK, Millman ST, Carbone L, Cook N, Fisher A, McKeegan D, Morton D, Pajor E, Peralta JM, Robertson SA, Siegford J, Egrie PG, Mashima TY, Turner PV, Golab GC, Patterson-Kane E. A model curriculum for the study of animal welfare in colleges and schools of veterinary medicine. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2017; 250:632-640. [DOI: 10.2460/javma.250.6.632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Jaborek J, Lowe G, Fluharty F. Effects of pen flooring type and bedding on lamb growth and carcass characteristics. Small Rumin Res 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2016.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Regan FH, Hockenhull J, Pritchard JC, Waterman-Pearson AE, Whay HR. Behavioural repertoire of working donkeys and consistency of behaviour over time, as a preliminary step towards identifying pain-related behaviours. PLoS One 2014; 9:e101877. [PMID: 25076209 PMCID: PMC4116118 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0101877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2012] [Accepted: 06/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The donkey has a reputation for stoicism and its behavioural repertoire in clinical contexts is under-reported. Lack of understanding of the norms of donkey behaviour and how it may vary over time can compromise use of behavioural measures as indicators of pain or emotional state. The objective of this study was to find out whether the behaviour of working donkeys was influenced by gender, the time of day or differed between days with a view to assessing how robust these measures are for inclusion in a working donkey ethogram. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Frequency and consistency of postural and event behaviours were measured in 21 adult working donkeys (12 females; 9 males). Instantaneous (scan) and focal sampling were used to measure maintenance, lying, ingestive and investigative behaviours at hourly intervals for ten sessions on each of two consecutive days. High head carriage and biting were seen more frequently in male donkeys than females (P<0.001). Level head carriage, licking/chewing and head-shaking were observed more frequently in female donkeys (P<0.001). Tail position, ear orientation, foot stamping, rolling/lying and head-shaking behaviours were affected by time of day (P<0.001). However, only two variations in ear orientation were found to be significantly different over the two days of observations (P<0.001). Tail swishing, head shaking, foot stamping, and ears held sideways and downwards were significantly correlated (P<0.001) and are assumed to be behaviours to discourage flies. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE All donkeys expressed an extensive behavioural repertoire, although some differences in behaviour were evident between genders. While most behaviours were consistent over time, some behaviours were influenced by time of day. Few behaviours differed between the two test days. The findings can be used to inform the development of a robust, evidence-based ethogram for working donkeys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fran H. Regan
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford, North Somerset, United Kingdom
| | - Jo Hockenhull
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford, North Somerset, United Kingdom
| | - Joy C. Pritchard
- Animals in International Development, Banwell, North Somerset, United Kingdom
- The Brooke, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Helen R. Whay
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford, North Somerset, United Kingdom
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Gieling ET, Mijdam E, van der Staay FJ, Nordquist RE. Lack of mirror use by pigs to locate food. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2014.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Batzina A, Sotirakoglou K, Karakatsouli N. The preference of 0+ and 2+ gilthead seabream Sparus aurata for coloured substrates or no-substrate. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2013.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Theurer ME, Anderson DE, White BJ, Miesner MD, Mosier DA, Coetzee JF, Lakritz J, Amrine DE. Effect of Mannheimia haemolytica pneumonia on behavior and physiologic responses of calves during high ambient environmental temperatures1. J Anim Sci 2013; 91:3917-29. [DOI: 10.2527/jas.2012-5823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M. E. Theurer
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan 66506
| | - D. E. Anderson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Kansas State University, 1800 Denison Avenue, Manhattan 66506
| | - B. J. White
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Kansas State University, 1800 Denison Avenue, Manhattan 66506
| | - M. D. Miesner
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Kansas State University, 1800 Denison Avenue, Manhattan 66506
| | - D. A. Mosier
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan 66506
| | - J. F. Coetzee
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Kansas State University, 1800 Denison Avenue, Manhattan 66506
| | - J. Lakritz
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus 43210
| | - D. E. Amrine
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan 66506
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Indirect genetic effects and housing conditions in relation to aggressive behaviour in pigs. PLoS One 2013; 8:e65136. [PMID: 23762299 PMCID: PMC3675128 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0065136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2013] [Accepted: 04/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Indirect Genetic Effects (IGEs), also known as associative effects, are the heritable effects that an individual has on the phenotype of its social partners. Selection for IGEs has been proposed as a method to reduce harmful behaviours, in particular aggression, in livestock and aquaculture. The mechanisms behind IGEs, however, have rarely been studied. The objective was therefore to assess aggression in pigs which were divergently selected for IGEs on growth (IGEg). In a one generation selection experiment, we studied 480 offspring of pigs (Sus scrofa) that were selected for relatively high or low IGEg and housed in homogeneous IGEg groups in either barren or enriched environments. Skin lesion scores, a proxy measure of aggression, and aggressive behaviours were recorded. The two distinct IGEg groups did not differ in number of skin lesions, or in amount of reciprocal fighting, both under stable social conditions and in confrontation with unfamiliar pigs in a 24 h regrouping test. Pigs selected for a positive effect on the growth of their group members, however, performed less non-reciprocal biting and showed considerably less aggression at reunion with familiar group members after they had been separated during a 24 h regrouping test. The enriched environment was associated with more skin lesions but less non-reciprocal biting under stable social conditions. Changes in aggression between pigs selected for IGEg were not influenced by G×E interactions with regard to the level of environmental enrichment. It is likely that selection on IGEg targets a behavioural strategy, rather than a single behavioural trait such as aggressiveness.
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Borges T, Sans E, Braga J, Machado M, Molento C. Ensino de bem-estar e dor animal em cursos de medicina veterinária no Brasil. ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2013. [DOI: 10.1590/s0102-09352013000100005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Currículos de medicina veterinária devem disponibilizar ferramentas para que os futuros profissionais atendam a demanda da sociedade, que inclui preocupações diretas com os animais. O objetivo deste trabalho foi traçar um perfil do panorama geral do ensino da medicina veterinária em relação a questões de bem-estar e dor animal. O método utilizado foi análise de documentos disponíveis online e coleta de dados via aplicação de questionários para coordenadores de curso de medicina veterinária. A descrição do curso, sua grade curricular e ementário foram estudados. Observou-se que 46% das 94 instituições estudadas apresentavam a disciplina de bem-estar animal e 26% ofereciam a disciplina de etologia. Houve evidência de que há uma pronta relação com a esfera física do bem-estar animal, sendo que as outras duas esferas, comportamental e psicológica, não recebem atenção similar ao longo dos cursos. Na avaliação do ementário, o termo "bem-estar animal" é empregado com caráter difuso e o termo "dor" encontra-se presente em 54% dos cursos estudados, relacionado principalmente a disciplinas de patologia, fisiologia, farmacologia e anestesiologia. Conclui-se que o ensino brasileiro de medicina veterinária enfatiza a esfera física do bem-estar animal, sendo importante o enriquecimento em relação às esferas comportamental e psicológica e ao ensino da dor.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - J.S. Braga
- Universidade Federal do Paraná (LABEA/UFPR)
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Theurer ME, Amrine DE, White BJ. Remote noninvasive assessment of pain and health status in cattle. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2012; 29:59-74. [PMID: 23438400 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2012.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cattle behavior is frequently monitored to determine the health of the animal. This article describes potential benefits and challenges of remotely monitoring cattle behavior with available methodologies. The behavior of interest, labor required, and monitoring expenses must be considered before deciding which remote behavioral monitoring device is appropriate. Monitoring the feeding behavior of an animal over time allows establishment of a baseline against which deviations can be evaluated. Interpretation of multiple behavioral responses as an aggregate indicator of animal wellness status instead of as individual outcomes may be a more accurate measure of true state of pain or wellness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miles E Theurer
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
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Lyst SJ, Davis K, Gigg J, Hager R. Effects of increased spatial complexity on behavioural development and task performance in Lister Hooded rats. PLoS One 2012; 7:e47640. [PMID: 23091636 PMCID: PMC3473045 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0047640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2012] [Accepted: 09/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Enhancing laboratory animal welfare, particularly in rodents, has been achieved through environmental enrichment in caging systems. Traditional enrichment such as adding objects has shown to impact development, reproductive and maternal performance as well as cognition. However, effects of increased spatial complexity as part of larger novel caging systems have not been investigated. While adoption of caging systems with increased spatial complexity seems uncontroversial from a welfare perspective, effects of such housing on the development and task performance of experimental animals remains unclear. In this study, we investigate differences in key behaviours and cognitive performance between Lister Hooded rats housed in traditional (single-shelf) cages (‘basic’) and those housed in larger cages with an additional shelf (‘enriched’). We found minor differences in maternal behaviour, such as nursing and offspring development. Further, we compared task performance in females, using a hippocampus-dependent task (T-maze) and a hippocampus-independent task (Novel Object Recognition, NOR). While in the T-maze no differences in either the rate of learning or probe trial performance were found, in the NOR task females housed in enriched cages performed better than those housed in basic cages. Our results show that increased spatial complexity does not significantly affect development and maternal performance but may enhance learning in females for a non-spatial task. Increased spatial complexity does not appear to have the same effects on behaviour and development as traditional enrichment. Thus, our results suggest no effect of housing conditions on the development of most behaviours in experimental animals housed in spatially enriched caging systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie J Lyst
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.
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Costa LS, Pereira DF, Bueno LGF, Pandorfi H. Some aspects of chicken behavior and welfare. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF POULTRY SCIENCE 2012. [DOI: 10.1590/s1516-635x2012000300001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - H Pandorfi
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco - UFRPE
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Magistrelli D, Aufy AA, Pinotti L, Rosi F. Analysis of weaning-induced stress in Saanen goat kids. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2012; 97:732-9. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0396.2012.01315.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Theurer ME, White BJ, Coetzee JF, Edwards LN, Mosher RA, Cull CA. Assessment of behavioral changes associated with oral meloxicam administration at time of dehorning in calves using a remote triangulation device and accelerometers. BMC Vet Res 2012; 8:48. [PMID: 22546492 PMCID: PMC3485124 DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-8-48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2012] [Accepted: 04/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dehorning is common in the cattle industry, and there is a need for research evaluating pain mitigation techniques. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of oral meloxicam, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, on cattle behavior post-dehorning by monitoring the percent of time spent standing, walking, and lying in specific locations within the pen using accelerometers and a remote triangulation device. Twelve calves approximately ten weeks of age were randomized into 2 treatment groups (meloxicam or control) in a complete block design by body weight. Six calves were orally administered 0.5 mg/kg meloxicam at the time of dehorning and six calves served as negative controls. All calves were dehorned using thermocautery and behavior of each calf was continuously monitored for 7 days after dehorning using accelerometers and a remote triangulation device. Accelerometers monitored lying behavior and the remote triangulation device was used to monitor each calf’s movement within the pen. Results Analysis of behavioral data revealed significant interactions between treatment (meloxicam vs. control) and the number of days post dehorning. Calves that received meloxicam spent more time at the grain bunk on trial days 2 and 6 post-dehorning; spent more time lying down on days 1, 2, 3, and 4; and less time at the hay feeder on days 0 and 1 compared to the control group. Meloxicam calves tended to walk more at the beginning and end of the trial compared to the control group. By day 5, the meloxicam and control group exhibited similar behaviors. Conclusions The noted behavioral changes provide evidence of differences associated with meloxicam administration. More studies need to be performed to evaluate the relationship of behavior monitoring and post-operative pain. To our knowledge this is the first published report demonstrating behavioral changes following dehorning using a remote triangulation device in conjunction with accelerometers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miles E Theurer
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, USA
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Kanaan VT, Lay DC, Richert BT, Pajor EA. Increasing the Frequency of Co-Mingling Piglets During the Lactation Period Alters the Development of Social Behavior Before and After Weaning. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2012; 15:163-80. [DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2012.658333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Goldfish in a tank: the effect of substrate on foraging behaviour in aquarium fish. Anim Welf 2011. [DOI: 10.1017/s0962728600002876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
AbstractThe welfare of captive animals is influenced by their ability to express natural behaviours. Foraging is one behaviour that may be particularly important in this respect; many species will continue to work for food even when it is freely available. The role of substrate, and in particular particle size, on the foraging behaviour of goldfish (Carassius auratus) was examined through three repeated measures experiments. In the first, tanks were set up with five uniform substrates: plastic grid, coarse sand, fine gravel, pebbles, and cobbles. In the second, fish were provided with a choice between coarse sand and fine gravel, fine gravel and pebbles, and pebbles and cobbles. In the third, they were provided with two choices between coarse sand and cobbles, one where the sand contained more food and one where the cobbles did. Our results show that particle size significantly affected the amount of time goldfish spent foraging, and that goldfish exhibited foraging behaviour even in the absence of a substrate they can manipulate. Goldfish foraged longest when provided with coarse sand. Fish foraged significantly longer over smaller particle size substrates when given a choice, although they did not distinguish between the two finest substrates, coarse sand and gravel. Increases in total time spent foraging were achieved through more, rather than longer, bouts. Food density did not significantly alter preference for smaller particle substrates. In general, coarse sand (1.5 mm) was found to be the most appropriate substrate in terms of facilitating natural foraging behaviours. These findings are discussed with respect to the welfare and husbandry of goldfish and aquarium fish in general.
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Patterson-Kane EG, Kirkden RD, Pajor EA. Measuring Motivation in Swine: The Food-Metric Scale. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2011; 14:175-86. [DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2011.575739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Johnson AK. ASAS centennial paper: Farm animal welfare science in the United States. J Anim Sci 2009; 87:2175-9. [PMID: 19251918 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2008-1519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Compared with the more traditional sciences of nutrition, physiology, and reproduction, the acceptance of animal welfare science in its own right is still relatively new. Seven colleagues, who had an average of 10 yr experience with beef (n = 5), swine (n = 5), dairy (n = 2), poultry (n = 1), and sheep (n = 1) were asked several questions on the opportunities and challenges facing the field. The information collected was pooled for anonymity. General challenges identified by the group were (1) are we making progress and how can this be defined, (2) demand for information has outpaced the science, and (3) pressures from stakeholders. Solutions were (1) to continue providing sound science that has been validated, measured objectively, and is reliable; and (2) to continue to have animal science and veterinary medicine departments employ faculty trained in farm animal welfare. Highlights for the future were willingness for animal welfare scientists to work across disciplines and across departments, within the same institution, and enthusiastically across state lines, and expansion of new teaching models. In conclusion, new and innovative tools, personalities, and dedication to the field of animal welfare will continue to provide scientific information and direction for farm animal welfare science.
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Affiliation(s)
- A K Johnson
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011-3150, USA.
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Williams TD, Readman GD, Owen SF. Key issues concerning environmental enrichment for laboratory-held fish species. Lab Anim 2008; 43:107-20. [PMID: 19015173 DOI: 10.1258/la.2007.007023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
An improved knowledge and understanding of the fundamental biological requirements is needed for many of the species of fish held in captivity and, without this knowledge it is difficult to determine the optimal conditions for laboratory culture. The aim of this paper is to review the key issues concerning environmental enrichment for laboratory-held fish species and identify where improvements are required. It provides background information on environmental enrichment, describes enrichment techniques currently used in aquatic ecotoxicology studies, identifies potential restrictions in their use and discusses why more detailed and species-specific guidance is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- T D Williams
- AstraZeneca, Safety, Health and Environment, Brixham Environmental Laboratory, Freshwater Quarry, Brixham, Devon TQ5 8BA, UK.
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Greiveldinger L, Veissier I, Boissy A. Emotional experience in sheep: Predictability of a sudden event lowers subsequent emotional responses. Physiol Behav 2007; 92:675-83. [PMID: 17588624 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2007.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2006] [Revised: 03/29/2007] [Accepted: 05/10/2007] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The study of emotions in animals can be approached thanks to a framework derived from appraisal theories developed in cognitive psychology, according to which emotions are triggered when the individual evaluates challenging events. This evaluation is based on a limited number of criteria such as the familiarity and the predictability of an event. If animals are able to experience emotions rather than simply displaying reflex responses to their environment, then their appraisal of events should, as in humans, modulate their emotional responses. We tested this hypothesis by comparing vocalisations, feeding behaviour, and the startle and cardiac responses of lambs submitted to a sudden event that could or could not be predicted. Lambs able to predict the sudden event thanks to a light cue (associative predictability) showed weaker suddenness-induced startle and cardiac responses and spent more time feeding than their counterparts, thus supporting the existence of an emotional experience in these animals. Furthermore, lambs submitted to the regular appearance of the sudden event (temporal regularity) vocalised less and left less unconsumed food deliveries than lambs submitted to random appearances of the sudden event (controls). These results underline that the cognitive abilities of animals should be taken into account when assessing their emotional experiences and more generally their mood states, which are underlying factors of animal welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucile Greiveldinger
- INRA, UR1213 Herbivores, Centre de Clermont-Ferrand/Theix, Adaptation et Comportements Sociaux, F-63122 Saint-Genès Champanelle, France.
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Aparicio Tovar M, Vargas Giraldo J. Considerations on ethics and animal welfare in extensive pig production: Breeding and fattening Iberian pigs. Livest Sci 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2006.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Barreto RE, Volpato GL. Caution for using ventilatory frequency as an indicator of stress in fish. Behav Processes 2004; 66:43-51. [PMID: 15062970 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2004.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2003] [Revised: 12/18/2003] [Accepted: 01/02/2004] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This study tested the use of ventilatory frequency (VF) as an indicator of stress in the Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.). Firstly, we tested the relationship between VF and plasma cortisol after confinement. Confined fish showed higher VF and plasma cortisol levels, but the latter continued to increase significantly for longer time than VF. Secondly, we conducted another experiment to test the use of VF as indicator of fish stress. In four out of six treatment, we confined the fish for different intervals (30 s, 5, 15 or 30 min). The others were used as control. In one, no handling was imposed. The other control consisted of introducing the partition (the same used to perform the confinement) into the aquarium for less than 4 s, without confinement and immediately removing the partition (partition control). Ventilatory frequency was increased for the partition control as much as for the longer duration of confinement. This clearly indicates that VF is a very sensitivity response to disturbance, but of limited use because this parameter does not reflect the severity of the stimulus. Thus, although VF is a non-invasive technique that does not require sophisticated recording equipment, its usefulness is limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Egydio Barreto
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Behavior, Research Center on Animal Welfare-RECAW, Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, UNESP, 18618-000, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
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Sneddon LU, Braithwaite VA, Gentle MJ. Do fishes have nociceptors? Evidence for the evolution of a vertebrate sensory system. Proc Biol Sci 2003; 270:1115-21. [PMID: 12816648 PMCID: PMC1691351 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2003.2349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Nociception is the detection of a noxious tissue-damaging stimulus and is sometimes accompanied by a reflex response such as withdrawal. Pain perception, as distinct from nociception, has been demonstrated in birds and mammals but has not been systematically studied in lower vertebrates. We assessed whether a fish possessed cutaneous nociceptors capable of detecting noxious stimuli and whether its behaviour was sufficiently adversely affected by the administration of a noxious stimulus. Electrophysiological recordings from trigeminal nerves identified polymodal nociceptors on the head of the trout with physiological properties similar to those described in higher vertebrates. These receptors responded to mechanical pressure, temperatures in the noxious range (more than 40 degrees C) and 1% acetic acid, a noxious substance. In higher vertebrates nociceptive nerves are either A-delta or C fibres with C fibres being the predominating fibre type. However, in the rainbow trout A-delta fibres were most common, and this offers insights into the evolution of nociceptive systems. Administration of noxious substances to the lips of the trout affected both the physiology and the behaviour of the animal and resulted in a significant increase in opercular beat rate and the time taken to resume feeding, as well as anomalous behaviours. This study provides significant evidence of nociception in teleost fishes and furthermore demonstrates that behaviour and physiology are affected over a prolonged period of time, suggesting discomfort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynne U Sneddon
- Roslin Institute, Welfare Biology, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9PS, UK.
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de Miranda Cabral Gontijo AM, Barreto RE, Speit G, Valenzuela Reyes VA, Volpato GL, Favero Salvadori DM. Anesthesia of fish with benzocaine does not interfere with comet assay results. Mutat Res 2003; 534:165-72. [PMID: 12504765 DOI: 10.1016/s1383-5718(02)00276-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Fish blood erythrocytes are frequently used as sentinels in biomonitoring studies. Usually, fish blood is collected by painful cardiac or caudal vein punctures. Previous anesthesia could decrease animal suffering but it is not known at present whether anesthesia can cause confounding effects. Therefore, using the alkaline single cell gel (SCG)/comet assay with blood erythrocytes of the cichlid fish Nile tilapia, we tested for a possible modulation of induced DNA damage (methyl methanesulfonate; MMS) by the anesthetic benzocaine administered by bath exposure (80mg/l for approximately 10min). Furthermore, benzocaine (80-600mg/l) was tested for its genotoxic potential on fish erythrocytes in vitro and for potential interactions with two known genotoxins (MMS and hydrogen peroxide). Our results did neither indicate a significant increase in the amount of DNA damage (even after a 48h follow-up), nor indicated interactions with MMS-induced DNA damage when fish were exposed to benzocaine in vivo. There was also no increase in DNA damage after in vitro exposure of fish erythrocytes to benzocaine. Clear concentration-related effects were observed for the two genotoxins in vitro, which were not significantly altered by the presence of benzocaine. These results suggest that anesthesia of fish does not confound comet assay results and the use of blood samples from anesthetized fish can be recommended with regard to animal welfare.
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Elston JJ, Beck M, Alodan MA, Vega-Murillo V. Laying hen behavior 2. Cage type preference and heterophil to lymphocyte ratios. Poult Sci 2000; 79:477-82. [PMID: 10780641 DOI: 10.1093/ps/79.4.477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies were conducted to determine hen preference for and stress response to cage type. By using a plywood (1.25 cm) test apparatus with open- and solid-sided compartments and a plexiglass divider at the entrance for controlling passage, birds (n = 20) were evaluated as to their choice of compartment after training and acclimation. For each test, after training, an individual bird was placed in the start box and given 1 min to acclimate before making a choice. The experiment was repeated after rotating the apparatus 180 degrees. In Experiment 1, the open-sided compartment was chosen by 45% of the hens, and the solid-sided compartment by 25% (P = 0.02); 30% chose neither. In Experiment 2, the compartment with open sides was chosen by 70% of the hens, and that with solid sides was chosen by 15% (P = 0.004); 15% chose neither. The length of time required to choose one compartment over the other did not differ in either experiment (P = 0.29; P = 0.76). In Experiment 3, tests were videotaped from 0830 h to 1330 h, and tapes were scored for time spent in each compartment. Birds were observed to spend more time in open- compared with solid-sided compartments (P = 0.02). To assess stress level of birds exposed to each type of enclosure, blood was collected from 24 commercial Hy-Line W36 hens housed long-term in either open (n = 12) or solid (n = 12) cages, and heterophil:lymphocyte (H:L) ratios were determined. Birds in solid cages had higher H:L ratios than did birds in open cages (P = 0.02), indicating a greater stress response. These data would suggest that hens may prefer greater visual access to their surroundings afforded by open cages.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Elston
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln 68583-0908, USA
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A review of the animal needs index (ANI) for the assessment of animals’ well-being in the housing systems for Austrian proprietary products and legislation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1999. [DOI: 10.1016/s0301-6226(99)00067-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Mononen J, Harri M, Sepponen J, Ahola L. A note on the effects of an unobstructed view on cage choices in farmed foxes. Appl Anim Behav Sci 1998. [DOI: 10.1016/s0168-1591(98)00180-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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