Veterinary › Small Animals

Animal Behavior and Welfare Studies

Works Count: 59059

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Description

This cluster of papers focuses on the assessment of animal welfare across various species, including stress indicators, emotional state, environmental enrichment, cognitive bias, hormone measurement, farm animal welfare, captive animals, lameness in animals, and behavioural assessment.

Keywords

Animal Welfare; Stress Indicators; Emotional State; Environmental Enrichment; Cognitive Bias; Hormone Measurement; Farm Animal Welfare; Captive Animals; Lameness in Animals; Behavioural Assessment

Can't stop, won't stop: is stereotypy a reliable animal welfare indicator?

2004-02-01

Georgia Mason , Naomi Latham

Abstract We estimate that stereotypies are currently displayed by over 85 million farm, laboratory and zoo animals worldwide. This paper investigates their reliability as welfare indicators, by surveying studies relating … Abstract We estimate that stereotypies are currently displayed by over 85 million farm, laboratory and zoo animals worldwide. This paper investigates their reliability as welfare indicators, by surveying studies relating stereotypy to other welfare measures and by analysing the mechanisms underlying this behaviour. Where data exist, most (approximately 68%) situations that cause/increase stereotypies also decrease welfare. Stereotypy-eliciting situations are thus likely to be poor for welfare, although exceptions exist. Within such an environment, however, most (approximately 60%) accounts link individual stereotypy performance with improved welfare (cf approximately 20% linking it with reduced welfare). Thus, in a sub-optimal environment, non-stereotyping or low-stereotyping individuals could well have the poorest welfare, although again exceptions exist. Examining the mechanisms underlying stereotypy performance, we discuss four processes that could account for these complex links between stereotypy and welfare. Beneficial consequences from performing the specific source-behaviour of the stereotypy (‘do-it-yourself enrichment’), or arising from repetition per se (‘mantra effects’), may ameliorate welfare in poor environments. In addition, stereotypies that have become centrally controlled (habit-like), or that arise from autistic-like changes in the control of all behaviour (perseveration), are likely to be unreliable indicators of current state because they can be elicited by, or persist in, circumstances that improve welfare. To refine the role of stereotypy in welfare assessment, we suggest the collection of specific additional data to reveal when any of these four processes is acting. Until such research increases our understanding, stereotypies should always be taken seriously as a warning sign of potential suffering, but never used as the sole index of welfare; non-stereotyping or low-stereotyping individuals should not be overlooked or assumed to be faring well; simple measures of frequency should not be used to compare stereotypies that differ in age, form, or the biological or experiential characteristics of the performing animal; enrichments that do not immediately reduce stereotypies should not be assumed failures with respect to welfare; and finally, stereotypies should not be reduced by means other than tackling their underlying motivations.

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Animal welfare: concepts and measurement2

1991-10-01

Donald M. Broom

The term “welfare” refers to the state of an individual in relation to its environment, and this can be measured. Both failure to cope with the environment and difficulty in … The term “welfare” refers to the state of an individual in relation to its environment, and this can be measured. Both failure to cope with the environment and difficulty in coping are indicators of poor welfare. Suffering and poor welfare often occur together, but welfare can be poor without suffering and welfare should not be defined solely in terms of subjective experiences. The situations that result in poor welfare are reviewed in this study with special reference to those in which an individual lacks control over interactions with its environment The indicators of poor welfare include the following: reduced life expectancy, impaired growth, impaired reproduction, body damage, disease, immunosuppression, adrenal activity, behavior anomalies, and self-narcotization. The uses of measures of responsiveness, stereotypies, and animal preferences in welfare assessment are discussed. The need to make direct measurement of poor welfare as well as to use sophisticated studies of animal preferences is emphasized.

Progressive Ratio as a Measure of Reward Strength

1961-09-29

William Hodos

Four rats were trained to press a lever on a ratio schedule of reinforcement in which the number of lever presses required on each consecutive run increased by a fixed … Four rats were trained to press a lever on a ratio schedule of reinforcement in which the number of lever presses required on each consecutive run increased by a fixed increment. Both concentration and volume of the reward were varied. Relationships were obtained between reward and deprivation variables and the size of the final completed ratio run.

Testing For Independence of Observations in Animal Movements

1985-08-01

Robert K. Swihart , Norman A. Slade

Many analyses of animals movements assume that an animals's position at time t + 1 is independent of its position at time t, but no statistical procedure exists to test … Many analyses of animals movements assume that an animals's position at time t + 1 is independent of its position at time t, but no statistical procedure exists to test this assumption with bivariate data. Using empirically derived critical values for the ratio of mean squared distance between successive observations to mean squared distance from the center of activity, we demonstrate a bivariate test of the independence assumption first proposed by Schoener. For cases in which the null hypothesis of independence is rejected, we present a procedure for determining the time interval at which autocorrelation becomes negligible. To illustrate implementation of the test, locational data obtained from a ratio—tagged adult female cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus) were used. The test can be used to design an efficient sampling schedule for movement studies, and it is also useful in revealing behavioral phenomena such as home range shifting and any tendency of animals to follow prescribed routes in their daily activities. Further, the test may provide a means of examining how an animal's use of space is affected by its internal clock.

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Stress Hormones in Mammals and Birds: Comparative Aspects Regarding Metabolism, Excretion, and Noninvasive Measurement in Fecal Samples

2005-04-01

Rupert Palme , Sophie Rettenbacher , Chadi Touma +2 more

A multitude of endocrine mechanisms are involved in coping with challenges. Front-line hormones to overcome stressful situations are glucocorticoids (GCs) and catecholamines (CAs). These hormones are usually determined in plasma … A multitude of endocrine mechanisms are involved in coping with challenges. Front-line hormones to overcome stressful situations are glucocorticoids (GCs) and catecholamines (CAs). These hormones are usually determined in plasma samples as parameters of adrenal activity and thus of disturbance. GCs (and CAs) are extensively metabolized and excreted afterwards. Therefore, the concentration of GCs (or their metabolites) can be measured in various body fluids or excreta. Above all, fecal samples offer the advantages of easy collection and a feedback-free sampling procedure. However, large differences exist among species regarding the route and time course of excretion, as well as the types of metabolites formed. Based on information gained from radiometabolism studies (reviewed in this paper), we recently developed and successfully validated different enzyme immunoassays that enable the noninvasive measurement of groups of cortisol or corticosterone metabolites in animal feces. The determination of these metabolites in fecal samples can be used as a powerful tool to monitor GC production in various species of domestic, wildlife, and laboratory animals.

From mice to men: What can we learn about personality from animal research?

2001-01-01

Samuel D. Gosling

The author explores the viability of a comparative approach to personality research. A review of the diverse animal-personality literature suggests that (a) most research uses trait constructs, focuses on variation … The author explores the viability of a comparative approach to personality research. A review of the diverse animal-personality literature suggests that (a) most research uses trait constructs, focuses on variation within (vs. across) species, and uses either behavioral codings or trait ratings; (b) ratings are generally reliable and show some validity (7 parameters that could influence reliability and 4 challenges to validation are discussed); and (c) some dimensions emerge across species, but summaries are hindered by a lack of standard descriptors. Arguments for and against cross-species comparisons are discussed, and research guidelines are suggested. Finally, a research agenda guided by evolutionary and ecological principles is proposed. It is concluded that animal studies provide unique opportunities to examine biological, genetic, and environmental bases of personality and to study personality change, personality-health links, and personality perception.

Environmental enrichment: Increasing the biological relevance of captive environments

1995-09-01

Ruth C. Newberry

Glutathione: interorgan translocation, turnover, and metabolism.

1979-11-01

Owen W. Griffith , A Meister

Glutathione is translocated out of cells; cells that have membrane-bound gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase can utilize translocated glutathione, whereas glutathione exported from cells that do not have appreciable transpeptidase enters the blood … Glutathione is translocated out of cells; cells that have membrane-bound gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase can utilize translocated glutathione, whereas glutathione exported from cells that do not have appreciable transpeptidase enters the blood plasma. Glutathione is removed from the plasma by the kidney and other organs that have transpeptidase. Studies in which mice and rats were treated with buthionine sulfoximine, a selective and potent inhibitor of gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase and therefore of glutathione synthesis, show that glutathione turns over at a significant rate in many tissues, especially kidney, liver, and pancreas; the rate of turnover in mouse skeletal muscle is about 60% of that in the kidney. Experiments on rats surgically deprived of one or both kidneys and treated with the gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase inhibitor D-gamma-glutamyl-(o-carboxy)phenylhydrazide establish that extrarenal gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activity accounts for the utilization of about one-third of the total blood plasma glutathione. Normal animals treated with the transpeptidase inhibitor excrete large amounts of glutathione in their urine. They also excrete gamma-glutamylcysteine, suggesting that cleavage of glutathione at the cysteinylglycine bond may be of metabolic significance. The present and earlier findings lead to a tentative scheme (presented here) for the metabolism and translocation of glutathione, gamma-glutamyl amino acids, and related compounds.

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Measuring stress in wildlife: techniques for quantifying glucocorticoids

2011-02-22

Michael J. Sheriff , Ben Dantzer , Brendan Delehanty +2 more

Current issues in fish welfare

2006-02-01

Felicity A. Huntingford , Colin E. Adams , Victoria A. Braithwaite +4 more

Human beings may affect the welfare of fish through fisheries, aquaculture and a number of other activities. There is no agreement on just how to weigh the concern for welfare … Human beings may affect the welfare of fish through fisheries, aquaculture and a number of other activities. There is no agreement on just how to weigh the concern for welfare of fish against the human interests involved, but ethical frameworks exist that suggest how this might be approached. Different definitions of animal welfare focus on an animal's condition, on its subjective experience of that condition and/or on whether it can lead a natural life. These provide different, legitimate, perspectives, but the approach taken in this paper is to focus on welfare as the absence of suffering. An unresolved and controversial issue in discussions about animal welfare is whether non‐human animals exposed to adverse experiences such as physical injury or confinement experience what humans would call suffering. The neocortex, which in humans is an important part of the neural mechanism that generates the subjective experience of suffering, is lacking in fish and non‐mammalian animals, and it has been argued that its absence in fish indicates that fish cannot suffer. A strong alternative view, however, is that complex animals with sophisticated behaviour, such as fish, probably have the capacity for suffering, though this may be different in degree and kind from the human experience of this state. Recent empirical studies support this view and show that painful stimuli are, at least, strongly aversive to fish. Consequently, injury or experience of other harmful conditions is a cause for concern in terms of welfare of individual fish. There is also growing evidence that fish can experience fear‐like states and that they avoid situations in which they have experienced adverse conditions. Human activities that potentially compromise fish welfare include anthropogenic changes to the environment, commercial fisheries, recreational angling, aquaculture, ornamental fish keeping and scientific research. The resulting harm to fish welfare is a cost that must be minimized and weighed against the benefits of the activity concerned. Wild fish naturally experience a variety of adverse conditions, from attack by predators or conspecifics to starvation or exposure to poor environmental conditions. This does not make it acceptable for humans to impose such conditions on fish, but it does suggest that fish will have mechanisms to cope with these conditions and reminds us that pain responses are in some cases adaptive (for example, suppressing feeding when injured). In common with all vertebrates, fish respond to environmental challenges with a series of adaptive neuro‐endocrine adjustments that are collectively termed the stress response. These in turn induce reversible metabolic and behavioural changes that make the fish better able to overcome or avoid the challenge and are undoubtedly beneficial, in the short‐term at least. In contrast, prolonged activation of the stress response is damaging and leads to immuno‐suppression, reduced growth and reproductive dysfunction. Indicators associated with the response to chronic stress (physiological endpoints, disease status and behaviour) provide a potential source of information on the welfare status of a fish. The most reliable assessment of well‐being will be obtained by examining a range of informative measures and statistical techniques are available that enable several such measures to be combined objectively. A growing body of evidence tells us that many human activities can harm fish welfare, but that the effects depend on the species and life‐history stage concerned and are also context‐dependent. For example, in aquaculture, adverse effects related to stocking density may be eliminated if good water quality is maintained. At low densities, bad water quality may be less likely to arise whereas social interactions may cause greater welfare problems. A number of key differences between fish and birds and mammals have important implications for their welfare. Fish do not need to fuel a high body temperature, so the effects of food deprivation on welfare are not so marked. For species that live naturally in large shoals, low rather than high densities may be harmful. On the other hand, fish are in intimate contact with their environment through the huge surface area of their gills, so they are vulnerable to poor water quality and water borne pollutants. Extrapolation between taxa is dangerous and general frameworks for ensuring welfare in other vertebrate animals need to be modified before they can be usefully applied to fish. The scientific study of fish welfare is at an early stage compared with work on other vertebrates and a great deal of what we need to know is yet to be discovered. It is clearly the case that fish, though different from birds and mammals, however, are sophisticated animals, far removed from unfeeling creatures with a 15 s memory of popular misconception. A heightened appreciation of these points in those who exploit fish and in those who seek to protect them would go a long way towards improving fish welfare.

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Terrestrial Animal Health Code 2004

2005-03-01

Heinrich Binder

The nature of discrimination learning in animals.

1936-09-01

Kaye Spence

Behavioral development in animals undergoing domestication

1999-12-01

Edward O. Price

Economic demand and essential value.

2008-01-01

Steven R. Hursh , Alan Silberberg

The strength of a rat's eating reflex correlates with hunger level when strength is measured by the response frequency that precedes eating (B. F. Skinner, 1932a, 1932b). On the basis … The strength of a rat's eating reflex correlates with hunger level when strength is measured by the response frequency that precedes eating (B. F. Skinner, 1932a, 1932b). On the basis of this finding, Skinner argued response frequency could index reflex strength. Subsequent work documented difficulties with this notion because responding was affected not only by the strengthening properties of the reinforcer but also by the rate-shaping effects of the schedule. This article obviates this problem by measuring strength via methods from behavioral economics. This approach uses demand curves to map how reinforcer consumption changes with changes in the "price" different ratio schedules impose. An exponential equation is used to model these demand curves. The value of this exponential's rate constant is used to scale the strength or essential value of a reinforcer, independent of the scalar dimensions of the reinforcer. Essential value determines the consumption level to be expected at particular prices and the response level that will occur to support that consumption. This approach permits comparing reinforcers that differ in kind, contributing toward the goal of scaling reinforcer value.

Hormones as indicators of stress

2002-07-01

Erich Möstl , Rupert Palme

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Why and how should we use environmental enrichment to tackle stereotypic behaviour?

2006-08-03

Georgia Mason , Ros Clubb , Naomi Latham +1 more

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Measuring Fecal Glucocorticoid Metabolites in Mammals and Birds: The Importance of Validation

2005-06-01

Chadi Touma , Rupert Palme

A bstract : In recent years, the noninvasive monitoring of steroid hormone metabolites in feces of mammals and droppings of birds has become an increasingly popular technique. It offers several … A bstract : In recent years, the noninvasive monitoring of steroid hormone metabolites in feces of mammals and droppings of birds has become an increasingly popular technique. It offers several advantages and has been applied to a variety of species under various settings. However, using this technique to reliably assess an animal's adrenocortical activity is not that simple and straightforward to apply. Because clear differences regarding the metabolism and excretion of glucocorticoid metabolites (GCMs) exist, a careful validation for each species and sex investigated is obligatory. In this review, general analytical issues regarding sample storage, extraction procedures, and immunoassays are briefly discussed, but the main focus lies on experiments and recommendations addressing the validation of fecal GCM measurements in mammals and birds. The crucial importance of scrutinizing the physiological and biological validity of fecal GCM analyses in a given species is stressed. In particular, the relevance of the technique to detect biologically meaningful alterations in adrenocortical activity must be shown. Furthermore, significant effects of the animals' sex, the time of day, season, and different life history stages are discussed, bringing about the necessity to seriously consider possible sex differences as well as diurnal and seasonal variations. Thus, comprehensive information on the animals' biology and stress physiology should be carefully taken into account. Together with an extensive physiological and biological validation, this will ensure that the measurement of fecal GCMs can be used as a powerful tool to assess adrenocortical activity in diverse investigations on laboratory, companion, farm, zoo, and wild animals.

Exploration of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal function as a tool to evaluate animal welfare

2007-01-17

Pierre Mormède , Stéphane Andanson , Benoît Aupérin +7 more

Segmentation and tracking of piglets in images

1995-05-01

N.J.B. McFarlane , C.P. Schofield

A critical review of fear tests used on cattle, pigs, sheep, poultry and horses

2007-03-28

Björn Forkman , Alain Boissy , M. C. Meunier‐Salaün +2 more

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Risky Theories—The Effects of Variance on Foraging Decisions

1996-09-01

Alex Kacelnik , Melissa Bateson

This paper concerns the response of foraging animals to variability in rate of gain, or risk. Both the empirical and theoretical literatures relevant to this issue are reviewed. The methodology … This paper concerns the response of foraging animals to variability in rate of gain, or risk. Both the empirical and theoretical literatures relevant to this issue are reviewed. The methodology and results from fifty-nine studies in which animals are required to choose between foraging options differing in the variances in the rate of gain available are tabulated. We found that when risk is generated by variability in the amount of reward, animals are most frequently risk-averse and sometimes indifferent to risk, although in some studies preference depends on energy budget. In contrast, when variability is in delay to reward, animals are universally risk-prone. A range of functional, descriptive and mechanistic accounts for these findings is described, none of which alone is capable of accommodating all aspects of the data. Risk-sensitive foraging theory provides the only currently available explanation for why energy budget should affect preference. An information-processing model that incorporates Weber's law provides the only general explanation for why animals should be risk-averse with variability in amount and risk-prone with delay. A theory based on the mechanisms of associative learning explains quantitative aspects of risk-proneness for delay; specifically why the delay between choice and reward should have a stronger impact on preference than delays between the reward and subsequent choice. It also explains why animals should appear to commit the "fallacy of the average," maximising the expected ratio of amount of reward over delay to reward when computing rates rather than the ratio of expected amount over expected delay. We conclude that only a fusion of functional and mechanistic thinking will lead to progress in the understanding of animal decision making.

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Recommendations for euthanasia of experimental animals: Part 1

1996-10-01

Bryony Close , Keith Banister , Vera Baumans +7 more

Working Party: Mrs Bryony Close (Chair), Dr Keith Banister, Dr Vera Baumans, Dr Eva-Maria Bernoth, Dr Niall Bromage, Dr John Bunyan, Professor Dr Wolff Erhardt, Professor Paul Flecknell, Dr Neville … Working Party: Mrs Bryony Close (Chair), Dr Keith Banister, Dr Vera Baumans, Dr Eva-Maria Bernoth, Dr Niall Bromage, Dr John Bunyan, Professor Dr Wolff Erhardt, Professor Paul Flecknell, Dr Neville Gregory, Professor Dr Hansjoachim Hackbarth, Professor David Morton & Mr Clifford Warwick Correspondence to: Mrs B Close, Battleborough Croft, Battleborough Lane, Brent Knoll, Highbridge. Somerset TA94DS, UK

A Generalized Fecal Glucocorticoid Assay for Use in a Diverse Array of Nondomestic Mammalian and Avian Species

2000-12-01

Samuel K. Wasser , Kathleen E. Hunt , Janine L. Brown +6 more

Coping styles in animals: current status in behavior and stress-physiology

1999-11-01

Jaap M. Koolhaas , S. Mechiel Korte , Sietse F. de Boer +6 more

Effects of inescapable shock upon subsequent escape and avoidance responding.

1967-01-01

J. Bruce Overmier , Martin E. P. Seligman

Exposure of dogs to inescapable shocks under a variety of conditions reliably interfered with subsequent instrumental escape-avoidance responding in a new situation. Use of a higher level of shock during … Exposure of dogs to inescapable shocks under a variety of conditions reliably interfered with subsequent instrumental escape-avoidance responding in a new situation. Use of a higher level of shock during instrumental avoidance training did not attenuate interference; this was taken as evidence against an explanation based upon adaptation to shock. Ss curarized during their exposure to inescapable shocks also showed proactive interference with escape-avoidance responding, indicating that interference is not due to acquisition, during the period of exposure to inescapable shocks, of inappropriate, competing instrumental responses. Magnitude of interference was found to dissipate rapidly in time, leaving an apparently normal S after only 48 hr.

Stereotypies: a critical review

1991-06-01

Georgia Mason

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From an animal's point of view: Motivation, fitness, and animal welfare

1990-03-01

Marian Stamp Dawkins

Abstract To study animal welfare empirically we need an objective basis for deciding when an animal is suffering. Suffering includes a wide range ofunpleasant emotional states such as fear, boredom, … Abstract To study animal welfare empirically we need an objective basis for deciding when an animal is suffering. Suffering includes a wide range ofunpleasant emotional states such as fear, boredom, pain, and hunger. Suffering has evolved as a mechanism for avoiding sources ofdanger and threats to fitness. Captive animals often suffer in situations in which they are prevented from doing something that they are highly motivated to do. The “price” an animal is prepared to pay to attain or to escape a situation is an index ofhow the animal “feels” about that situation. Withholding conditions or commodities for which an animal shows “inelastic demand” (i.e., for which it continues to work despite increasing costs) is very likely to cause suffering. In designing environments for animals in zoos, farms, and laboratories, priority should be given to features for which animals show inelastic demand. The care ofanimals can thereby be based on an objective, animal-centered assessment of their needs.

An integrative and functional framework for the study of animal emotion and mood

2010-08-04

Michael Mendl , Oliver H. P. Burman , Elizabeth S. Paul

A better understanding of animal emotion is an important goal in disciplines ranging from neuroscience to animal welfare science. The conscious experience of emotion cannot be assessed directly, but neural, … A better understanding of animal emotion is an important goal in disciplines ranging from neuroscience to animal welfare science. The conscious experience of emotion cannot be assessed directly, but neural, behavioural and physiological indicators of emotion can be measured. Researchers have used these measures to characterize how animals respond to situations assumed to induce discrete emotional states (e.g. fear). While advancing our understanding of specific emotions, this discrete emotion approach lacks an overarching framework that can incorporate and integrate the wide range of possible emotional states. Dimensional approaches that conceptualize emotions in terms of universal core affective characteristics (e.g. valence (positivity versus negativity) and arousal) can provide such a framework. Here, we bring together discrete and dimensional approaches to: (i) offer a structure for integrating different discrete emotions that provides a functional perspective on the adaptive value of emotional states, (ii) suggest how long-term mood states arise from short-term discrete emotions, how they also influence these discrete emotions through a bi-directional relationship and how they may function to guide decision-making, and (iii) generate novel hypothesis-driven measures of animal emotion and mood.

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Sources of stress in captivity

2006-07-26

Kathleen N. Morgan , Chris Tromborg

Variation of piglets’ birth weight and consequences on subsequent performance

2002-11-01

Nathalie Quiniou , J. Dagorn , Didier Gaudré

Assessment of stress during handling and transport.

1997-01-01

Temple Grandin

Fear is a very strong stressor, and the highly variable results of handling and transportation studies are likely to be due to different levels of psychological stress. Psychological stress is … Fear is a very strong stressor, and the highly variable results of handling and transportation studies are likely to be due to different levels of psychological stress. Psychological stress is fear stress. Some examples are restraint, contact with people, or exposure to novelty. In many different animals, stimulation of the amygdala with an implanted electrode triggers a complex pattern of behavior and autonomic responses that resemble fear in humans. Both previous experience and genetic factors affecting temperament will interact in complex ways to determine how fearful an animal may become when it is handled or transported. Cattle trained and habituated to a squeeze chute may have baseline cortisol levels and be behaviorally calm, whereas extensively reared animals may have elevated cortisol levels in the same squeeze chute. The squeeze chute is perceived as neutral and non-threatening to one animal; to another animal, the novelty of it may trigger intense fear. Novelty is a strong stressor when an animal is suddenly confronted with it. To accurately assess an animal's reaction, a combination of behavioral and physiological measurements will provide the best overall measurement of animal discomfort.

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Assessing the human–animal relationship in farmed species: A critical review

2006-03-14

Susanne Waiblinger , Xavier Boivin , Vivi Pedersen +4 more

The present paper focuses on six main issues. First, we briefly explain why an increased understanding of the human–animal relationship (HAR) is an essential component of any strategy intended to … The present paper focuses on six main issues. First, we briefly explain why an increased understanding of the human–animal relationship (HAR) is an essential component of any strategy intended to improve the welfare of farmed animals and their stockpersons. Second, we list the main internal and external factors that can influence the nature of the relationship and the interactions between human beings and farm animals. Third, we argue that the numerous tests that have been used to assess the HAR fall into three main categories (stationary human, moving human, handling/restraint), according to the degree of human involvement. Fourth, the requirements that any test of HAR must fulfil before it can be considered effective, and the ways in which the tests can be validated are discussed. Fifth, the various types of test procedures that have been used to assess the HAR in a range of farmed species are reviewed and critically discussed. Finally, some research perspectives that merit further attention are shown. The present review embraces a range of farmed animals. Our primary reasons for including a particular species were: whether or not general interest has been expressed in its welfare and its relationship with humans, whether relevant literature was available, and whether it is farmed in at least some European countries. Therefore, we include large and small ruminants (cattle, sheep, goats), pigs, poultry (chickens), fur animals (foxes, mink) and horses. Although horses are primarily used for sport, leisure or therapy they are farmed as draught, food or breeding animals in many countries. Literature on the HAR in other species was relatively scarce so they receive no further mention here.

The Impact of Clinical Lameness on the Milk Yield of Dairy Cows

2002-09-01

Laura Green , Virginia Hedges , Y.H. Schukken +2 more

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Auditory-nerve response from cats raised in a low-noise chamber

1978-02-01

M. Charles Liberman

A litter of four cats, born and raised in a soundproofed chamber, was studied in an attempt to determine which, if any, features of the auditory-nerve response from routinely available … A litter of four cats, born and raised in a soundproofed chamber, was studied in an attempt to determine which, if any, features of the auditory-nerve response from routinely available cats might be due to the chronic effects of noise exposure. Two features of routine-normal response were especially suspect in this regard: (1) a ’’notch’’ in the distribution of single-unit thresholds centered at characteristic frequencies (CF’s) near 3 kHz and (2) a compression of the distribution of rates of spontaneous discharge for units with CF above 10 kHz. A third feature of response in routine animals was the presence of a small number (roughly 10%) of units with virtually no spontaneous discharge and very high thresholds, sometimes 80 dB less sensitive than high-spontaneous units of similar CF. In the data from chamber-raised animals, the high-spontaneous units showed exceptionally low thresholds at all CF regions, however, there were signs of the midfrequency notch in the threshold distribution of at least two of these animals. The compression of the spontaneous rate distribution was not seen in any of the three most sensitive animals. The data suggest that there is a significant amount of ’’normal pathology’’ in the high-CF units from routine animals. Low-spontaneous, high-threshold units were present in all four chamber-raised ears with the same characteristics as in routine animals (exceptionally narrow tuning curves and exceptionally low maximum discharge rates) and at roughly the same percentage of the unit sample. A class of units with medium spontaneous rates and intermediate thresholds could also be identified. The possible significance of a classification of auditory-nerve units according to spontaneous rate is discussed.

Analysis of Repeated Measurements of Animals

1971-08-01

J. L. Gill , H. D. Hafs

An example of non-random repeated information of lactating rats is analyzed to clarify statistical procedures that avoid misleading inferences from such data. Recognition of split-plot structure and examination of heterogeneous … An example of non-random repeated information of lactating rats is analyzed to clarify statistical procedures that avoid misleading inferences from such data. Recognition of split-plot structure and examination of heterogeneous correlation of data are emphasized. Methods are outlined for testing the variance-covariance structure, and multivariate procedures are discussed for testing hypotheses about effects of repeated factors (e.g., time) and for comparing profiles of responses (over time) for two treatment groups.

Updating Animal Welfare Thinking: Moving beyond the “Five Freedoms” towards “A Life Worth Living”

2016-03-14

David J. Mellor

The Five Freedoms have had major impact on animal welfare thinking internationally. However, despite clear initial statements that the words ‘freedom from’ should indicate ‘as free as possible from’, the … The Five Freedoms have had major impact on animal welfare thinking internationally. However, despite clear initial statements that the words ‘freedom from’ should indicate ‘as free as possible from’, the Freedoms have come to be represented as absolute or fundamental freedoms, even rights, by some animal advocate and other groups. Moreover, a marked increase in scientific understanding over the last two decades shows that the Freedoms do not capture the more nuanced knowledge of the biological processes that is germane to understanding animal welfare and which is now available to guide its management. For example, the named negative experiences of thirst, hunger, discomfort and pain, and others identified subsequently, including breathlessness, nausea, dizziness, debility, weakness and sickness, can never be eliminated, merely temporarily neutralised. Each one is a genetically embedded element that motivates animals to behave in particular ways to obtain specific life-sustaining resources, avoid or reduce physical harm or facilitate recovery from infection or injury. Their undoubted negativity creates a necessary sense of urgency to respond, without which animals would not survive. Also, the temporary neutralisation of these survival-critical affects does not in and of itself generate positive experience. This questions the commonly held assumption that good animal welfare will result when these internally generated negative affects are minimised. Animals may also experience other negative affects that include anxiety, fear, panic, frustration, anger, helplessness, loneliness, boredom and depression. These situation-related affects reflect animals’ perceptions of their external circumstances. Although they are elicited by threatening, cramped, barren and/or isolated conditions, they can often be replaced by positive affects when animals are kept with congenial others in spacious, stimulus-rich and safe environments which provide opportunities for them to engage in behaviours they find rewarding. These behaviours may include environment-focused exploration and food acquisition activities as well as animal-to-animal interactive activities, all of which can generate various forms of comfort, pleasure, interest, confidence and a sense of control. Animal welfare management should aim to reduce the intensity of survival-critical negative affects to tolerable levels that nevertheless still elicit the required behaviours, and should also provide opportunities for animals to behave in ways they find rewarding, noting that poor management of survival-critical affects reduces animals’ motivation to utilize such rewarding opportunities. This biologically more accurate understanding provides support for reviewing the adequacy of provisions in current codes of welfare or practice in order to ensure that animals are given greater opportunities to experience positive welfare states. The purpose is to help animals to have lives worth living, which is not possible when the predominant focus of such codes is on survival-critical measures. Finally, an updated characterisation of animal welfare that incorporates this more accurate understanding is presented.

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Pathology of domestic animals

1986-07-01

R. H. Barlow

Nonparametric statistics for the behavioral sciences

1957-02-01

Laurence C. McGinn

Analysis of Animal Space Use and Movements

2001-01-01

Brian J. Kernohan , Robert A. Gitzen , Joshua J. Millspaugh

Guidelines for the treatment of animals in behavioural research and teaching

2011-12-08

Confounding and collinearity in regression analysis: a cautionary tale and an alternative procedure, illustrated by studies of British voting behaviour

2017-11-13

Ron Johnston , Kelvyn Jones , David Manley

Many ecological- and individual-level analyses of voting behaviour use multiple regressions with a considerable number of independent variables but few discussions of their results pay any attention to the potential … Many ecological- and individual-level analyses of voting behaviour use multiple regressions with a considerable number of independent variables but few discussions of their results pay any attention to the potential impact of inter-relationships among those independent variables-do they confound the regression parameters and hence their interpretation? Three empirical examples are deployed to address that question, with results which suggest considerable problems. Inter-relationships between variables, even if not approaching high collinearity, can have a substantial impact on regression model results and how they are interpreted in the light of prior expectations. Confounded relationships could be the norm and interpretations open to doubt, unless considerable care is applied in the analyses and an extended principal components method for doing that is introduced and exemplified.

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Farm Animal Behaviour and Welfare

1990-11-01

A.J.F. Webster

Hypothermia in newly born piglets: Mechanisms of thermoregulation and pathophysiology of death

2020-09-22

Dina Villanueva‐García , Daniel Mota‐Rojas , Julio Martı́nez-Burnes +7 more

Mortality in piglets during the perinatal period, especially the first days after birth, is frequently caused by non-infectious conditions, such as hypoglucemia or low birth weight, which can be associated … Mortality in piglets during the perinatal period, especially the first days after birth, is frequently caused by non-infectious conditions, such as hypoglucemia or low birth weight, which can be associated with hypothermia experienced at birth. The thermal stability of newborn piglets is a fundamental aspect of neonatal care, so maintaining a constant, ideal temperature will substantially reduce newborn mortality. Species-specific characteristics, such as a limited capacity for thermoregulation, low energy reserves, a lack of brown adipose tissue (BAT) (-, and environmental conditions that are adverse for the piglet around the time of birth, including the absence of a microclimate, all of them contribute to difficulties in reaching thermal homeostasis in the first hours post-birth. Shivering thermogenesis and behavioral modifications to regulate body temperature through innate mechanisms allow animals to reduce their energy expenditures. Some body postures are effective in reducing contact with the floor and also nestling are useful to avoid heat loss, and also decreases heat dissipation. Achieving optimal development of thermoregulation is a challenge that newborns must confront to successfully adapt to extrauterine life. The objectives of this review, are to discuss the adverse factors that can lead to a death event due to hypothermia by analyzing the thermoregulation mechanisms at the central and cutaneous levels, also to analyze the harmful impacts that surviving neonate piglets confront in an unfavorable thermal environment, and to describe the pathophysiological mechanisms of death caused by hypothermia.

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The 2020 Five Domains Model: Including Human–Animal Interactions in Assessments of Animal Welfare

2020-10-14

David Mellor , Ngaio J. Beausoleil , Katherine E. Littlewood +4 more

Throughout its 25-year history, the Five Domains Model for animal welfare assessment has been regularly updated to include at each stage the latest authenticated developments in animal welfare science thinking. … Throughout its 25-year history, the Five Domains Model for animal welfare assessment has been regularly updated to include at each stage the latest authenticated developments in animal welfare science thinking. The domains of the most up-to-date Model described here are: 1 Nutrition, 2 Physical Environment, 3 Health, 4 Behavioural Interactions and 5 Mental State. The first four domains focus attention on factors that give rise to specific negative or positive subjective experiences (affects), which contribute to the animal’s mental state, as evaluated in Domain 5. More specifically, the first three domains focus mainly on factors that disturb or disrupt particular features of the body’s internal stability. Each disturbed or disrupted feature generates sensory inputs which are processed by the brain to form specific negative affects, and these affects are associated with behaviours that act to restore the body’s internal stability. As each such behaviour is essential for the survival of the animal, the affects associated with them are collectively referred to as “survival-critical affects”. In contrast, Domain 4, now named Behavioural Interactions, focusses on evidence of animals consciously seeking specific goals when interacting behaviourally with (1) the environment, (2) other non-human animals and (3) as a new feature of the Model outlined here, humans. The associated affects, evaluated via Domain 5, are mainly generated by brain processing of sensory inputs elicited by external stimuli. The success of the animals’ behavioural attempts to achieve their chosen goals is reflected in whether the associated affects are negative or positive. Collectively referred to as “situation-related affects”, these outcomes are understood to contribute to animals’ perceptions of their external circumstances. These observations reveal a key distinction between the way survival-critical and situation-related affects influence animals’ aligned behaviours. The former mainly reflect compelling motivations to engage in genetically embedded behavioural responses, whereas the latter mainly involve conscious behavioural choices which are the hallmarks of agency. Finally, numerous examples of human–animal interactions and their attendant affects are described, and the qualitative grading of interactions that generate negative or positive affect is also illustrated.

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Assessment of positive emotions in animals to improve their welfare

2007-02-25

Alain Boissy , Gerhard Manteuffel , Margit Bak Jensen +7 more

The biology of animal stress: basic principles and implications for animal welfare.

2000-01-01

Gary P. Moberg , Joy A. Mench

1: Biological Response to Stress: Implications for Animal Welfare, G P Moberg, University of California, USA 2: Some Issues in the Interpretation of Behavioural Responses to Stress, J Rushen, Dairy … 1: Biological Response to Stress: Implications for Animal Welfare, G P Moberg, University of California, USA 2: Some Issues in the Interpretation of Behavioural Responses to Stress, J Rushen, Dairy and Swine Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, Canada 3: Neoroendocrine Responses to Stress, R L Matteri, J A Carroll and C J Dyer, University of Missouri, USA 4: The Metabolic Consequences of Stress: Targets for Stress and Priority of Nutrient Use, T H Elsasser et al., USDA, Agricultural Research Service, USA 5: Immune System Response to Stress, F Blecha, Kansas State University, USA 6: Hands-on and Hands-off Measurement of Stress, C J Cook et al., Horticultural and Food Research Institute of New Zealand, New Zealand 7: Accumulation and Long-Term Effects of Stress in Fish, C B Schreck, Oregon State University, USA 8: Chronic Intermittent Stress: A Model for the Study of Long Term Stressors, J Ladewig, The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Denmark 9: Quantifying Some Responses to Pain as a Stressor, D J Mellor, Massey University, New Zealand, C J Cook and K J Stafford, Horticultural and Food Research Institute of New Zealand, New Zealand 10: Multiple Factors Controlling Behaviour: Implications for Stress and Welfare, F Toates, The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK 11: Chronic Social Stress: Studies in Nonhuman Primates, S P Mendoza, J P Capitanio and W A Mason, University of California, USA 12: Consequences of Stress During Development, D C Lay Jr., Iowa State University, USA 13: Early Developmental Influences of Experience on Behaviour, Temperament, and Stress, W A Mason, University of California, USA 14: Genetic Selection to Reduce Stress in Animals, T G Pottinger, NERC Institute of Freshwater Ecology, Windermere Laboratory, Cumbria, UK 15: Human-Animal Interactions and Animal Stress, P H Hemsworth and J L Barnett, Agriculture Victoria, Australia 16: Alleviating Stress in Zoo Animals with Environmental Enrichment, K Carlstead, National Zoological Park, Washington, USA and D Shepherdson, Oregon Zoo, USA 17: Understanding the Role of Stress in Animal Welfare: Practical Considerations, T L Wolfle, formerly of the Institute for Laboratory Animal Research, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences, USA

Report of the technical committee to enquire into the welfare of animals kept under intensive livestock husbandry systems

1965-01-01

F. W. Rogers Brambell

A Scientific Conception of Animal Welfare that Reflects Ethical Concerns

1997-08-01

David Fraser , Daniel M. Weary , Edmond A. Pajor +1 more

Abstract Scientific research on ‘animal welfare’ began because of ethical concerns over the quality of life of animals, and the public looks to animal welfare research for guidance regarding these … Abstract Scientific research on ‘animal welfare’ began because of ethical concerns over the quality of life of animals, and the public looks to animal welfare research for guidance regarding these concerns. The conception of animal welfare used by scientists must relate closely to these ethical concerns if the orientation of the research and the interpretation of the findings is to address them successfully. At least three overlapping ethical concerns are commonly expressed regarding the quality of life of animals: (1) that animals should lead natural lives through the development and use of their natural adaptations and capabilities, (2) that animals should feel well by being free from prolonged and intense fear, pain, and other negative states, and by experiencing normal pleasures, and (3) that animals should function well, in the sense of satisfactory health, growth and normal functioning of physiological and behavioural systems. Various scientists have proposed restricted conceptions of animal welfare that relate to only one or other of these three concerns. Some such conceptions are based on value positions about what is truly important for the quality of life of animals or about the nature of human responsibility for animals in their care. Others are operational claims: (1) that animal welfare research must focus on the functioning of animals because subjective experiences fall outside the realm of scientific enquiry, or (2) that studying the functioning of animals is sufficient because subjective experiences and functioning are closely correlated. We argue that none of these positions provides fully satisfactory guidance for animal welfare research. We suggest instead that ethical concerns about the quality of life of animals can be better captured by recognizing three classes of problems that may arise when the adaptations possessed by an animal do not fully correspond to the challenges posed by its current environment. (I) If animals possess adaptations that no longer serve a significant function in the new environment, then unpleasant subjective experiences may arise, yet these may not be accompanied by significant disruption to biological functioning. Thus, a bucket-fed calf may experience a strong, frustrated desire to suck, even though it obtains adequate milk. (2) If the environment poses challenges for which the animal has no corresponding adaptation, then functional problems may arise, yet these may not be accompanied by significant effects on subjective feelings. Thus, a pig breathing polluted air may develop lung damage without appearing to notice or mind the problem. (3) Where animals have adaptations corresponding to the kinds of environmental challenges they face, problems may still arise if the adaptations prove inadequate. For example, an animal's thermoregulatory adaptations may be insufficient in a very cold environment such that the animal both feels poorly and functions poorly. We propose that all three types of problems are causes of ethical concern over the quality of life of animals and that they together define the subject matter of animal welfare science.

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Editorial: from Brambell to beyond: advancing pig welfare through the five freedoms framework

2025-06-24

Mari Heinonen , Elisabeth große Beilage | Porcine Health Management

Deep Learning Methods for Automatic Identification of Male and Female Chickens in a Cage-Free Flock

2025-06-24

Bidur Paneru , Ramesh Bahadur Bist , Xiao Yang +3 more | Animals

Rooster behavior and activity are critical for egg fertility and hatchability in broiler and layer breeder houses. Desirable roosters are expected to have good leg health, reach sexual maturity, be … Rooster behavior and activity are critical for egg fertility and hatchability in broiler and layer breeder houses. Desirable roosters are expected to have good leg health, reach sexual maturity, be productive, and show less aggression toward females during mating. However, not all roosters are desirable, and low-productive roosters should be removed and replaced. The objectives of this study were to apply an object detection model based on deep learning to identify hens and roosters based on phenotypic characteristics, such as comb size and body size, in a cage-free (CF) environment, and to compare the performance metrics among the applied models. Six roosters were mixed with 200 Lohmann LSL Lite hens during the pre-peak phase in a CF research facility and were marked with different identifications. Deep learning methods, such as You Only Look Once (YOLO) models, were innovated and trained (based on a comb size of up to 2500 images) for the identification of male and female chickens based on comb size and body features. The performance matrices of the YOLOv5u and YOLOv11 models, including precision, recall, mean average precision (mAP), and F1 score, were statistically compared for hen and rooster detection using a one-way ANOVA test at a significance level of p < 0.05. For rooster detection based on comb size, YOLOv5lu, and YOLOv11x variants performed the best among the five variants of each model, with YOLOv5lu achieving a precision of 87.7%, recall of 56.3%, and [email protected] of 60.1%, while YOLOv11x achieved a precision of 86.7%, recall of 65.3%, and [email protected] of 61%. For rooster detection based on body size, YOLOv5xu, and YOLOv11m outperformed other variants, with YOLOv5xu achieving a precision of 88.9%, recall of 77.7%, and [email protected] of 82.3%, while YOLOv11m achieved a precision of 89.0%, recall of 78.8%, and [email protected] of 82.6%. This study provides a reference for automatic rooster monitoring based on comb and body size and offers further opportunities for tracking the activities of roosters in a poultry breeder farm for performance evaluation and genetic selection in the future.

Motion-Status-Driven Piglet Tracking Method for Monitoring Piglet Movement Patterns Under Sow Posture Changes

2025-06-24

Aqing Yang , Shimei Li , Shuqin Tu +4 more | Veterinary Sciences

Understanding how piglets move around sows during posture changes is crucial for their safety and healthy growth. Automated monitoring can reduce farm labor and help prevent accidents like piglet crushing. … Understanding how piglets move around sows during posture changes is crucial for their safety and healthy growth. Automated monitoring can reduce farm labor and help prevent accidents like piglet crushing. Current methods (called Joint Detection-and-Tracking-based, abbreviated as JDT-based) struggle with problems like misidentifying piglets or losing track of them due to crowding, occlusion, and shape changes. To solve this, we developed MSHMTracker, a smarter tracking system that introduces a motion-status hierarchical architecture to significantly improve tracking performance by adapting to piglets’ motion statuses. In MSHMTracker, a score- and time-driven hierarchical matching mechanism (STHM) was used to establish the spatio-temporal association by the motion status, helping maintain accurate tracking even in challenging conditions. Finally, piglet group aggregation or dispersion behaviors in response to sow posture changes were identified based on the tracked trajectory information. Tested on 100 videos (30,000+ images), our method achieved 93.8% tracking accuracy (MOTA) and 92.9% identity consistency (IDF1). It outperformed six popular tracking systems (e.g., DeepSort, FairMot). The mean accuracy of behavior recognition was 87.5%. In addition, the correlations (0.6 and 0.82) between piglet stress responses and sow posture changes were explored. This research showed that piglet movements are closely related to sow behavior, offering insights into sow–piglet relationships. This work has the potential to reduce farmers’ labor and improve the productivity of animal husbandry.

Lameness and Hoof Disorders in Sheep and Goats from Small Ruminant Farms in Selangor, Malaysia

2025-06-24

Fouzia Rashid , Samsilah Roslan , Jacky Tan Lit Kai +4 more | Animals

Hoof disorders in small ruminants pose significant challenges to animal welfare and farm productivity. This study presents the first attempt to determine the prevalence of lameness and hoof disorders and … Hoof disorders in small ruminants pose significant challenges to animal welfare and farm productivity. This study presents the first attempt to determine the prevalence of lameness and hoof disorders and their associated risk factors in goat and sheep farms in Selangor, Malaysia. Locomotion scores were collected from 226 animals (126 sheep and 100 goats) across 10 farms. A hoof examination was conducted, and hoof lesions were identified through detailed photographic evaluation. On-farm assessments and interviews were conducted to gather information on management practices from the farms. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and logistic regression models. The prevalence of lameness was 42.8% (95% CI 34.2 to 51.9) in sheep and 23.0% (95% CI 16.3–38.4) in goats. Significant variation (p > 0.05) in lameness prevalence was observed across farms, ranging from 26.7% to 61.5% in sheep and 7.7% to 30.8% in goat farms. The majority of lameness and hoof lesions were observed in the hindlimbs of both species. The prevalence of hoof disorders was 91.3% (95% CI 84.6–95.4) in sheep and 43.0% in goats (95% CI 21.4–58.0). The predominant hoof disorders were overgrown wall horn, white line disease, sole bruise, and wall fissures. No hoof affections of infectious origin were observed in the sampled animals. Risk factors for lameness and hoof lesions in sheep included pregnancy, semi-intensive management, and breeds other than Damara. Higher odds of lameness were observed in exotic goat breeds and those with overgrown wall horns. In conclusion, this study revealed a high prevalence of lameness and hoof disorders in goat and sheep farms, highlighting the need to address these important welfare and economic issues. While the identified risk factors could be considered for the management of hoof disorders in small ruminant farms, a larger sample size that is representative of the sheep and goat population is recommended for more generalizable results.

Having a gander at goose behaviour. Evaluating time-activity of captive and wild geese at two different wetland sites

2025-06-21

Paul Rose , Amelia Roper , Giorgio Cattoretti +3 more | Applied Animal Behaviour Science

Socializing AI: Integrating Social Network Analysis and Deep Learning for Precision Dairy Cow Monitoring—A Critical Review

2025-06-20

Sibi Chakravathy Parivendan , Kashfia Sailunaz , Suresh Neethirajan | Animals

This review critically analyzes recent advancements in dairy cow behavior recognition, highlighting novel methodological contributions through the integration of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) techniques such as transformer models and multi-view … This review critically analyzes recent advancements in dairy cow behavior recognition, highlighting novel methodological contributions through the integration of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) techniques such as transformer models and multi-view tracking with social network analysis (SNA). Such integration offers transformative opportunities for improving dairy cattle welfare, but current applications remain limited. We describe the transition from manual, observer-based assessments to automated, scalable methods using convolutional neural networks (CNNs), spatio-temporal models, and attention mechanisms. Although object detection models, including You Only Look Once (YOLO), EfficientDet, and sequence models, such as Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (BiLSTM) and Convolutional Long Short-Term Memory (convLSTM), have improved detection and classification, significant challenges remain, including occlusions, annotation bottlenecks, dataset diversity, and limited generalizability. Existing interaction inference methods rely heavily on distance-based approximations (i.e., assuming that proximity implies social interaction), lacking the semantic depth essential for comprehensive SNA. To address this, we propose innovative methodological intersections such as pose-aware SNA frameworks and multi-camera fusion techniques. Moreover, we explicitly discuss ethical challenges and data governance issues, emphasizing data transparency and animal welfare concerns within precision livestock contexts. We clarify how these methodological innovations directly impact practical farming by enhancing monitoring precision, herd management, and welfare outcomes. Ultimately, this synthesis advocates for strategic, empathetic, and ethically responsible precision dairy farming practices, significantly advancing both dairy cow welfare and operational effectiveness.

Assessment of the Effects of Stocking Density on Laying Hens Raised in Colony Cages: Part I—The Effect of Density, Time of Day and Hen Age on Behavior and Aggression

2025-06-20

Benjamin N. Alig , Kenneth E. Anderson , Ramon D. Malheiros | Poultry

The amount of space provided to laying hens has been an animal welfare topic of concern from consumers, special interest groups, and lawmakers. The freedom to perform normal behaviors is … The amount of space provided to laying hens has been an animal welfare topic of concern from consumers, special interest groups, and lawmakers. The freedom to perform normal behaviors is one component of animal welfare, and, therefore, the objective of this study was to assess behavior at different stocking densities. Shaver White laying hens were housed in colony cages at five stocking densities. Video recordings of three cages/treatment were taken at 30, 46, and 62 weeks of age in the morning, afternoon, and night. At each age, a 20 min segment of video from each time of day was analyzed. Every minute was annotated to identify the behavior that hens spent the majority of their time performing. Data were averaged to calculate the percentage of hens engaged in each behavior per cage. The total count of aggressive bouts was recorded across the 20 min period. Data were analyzed with a general linear model utilizing the variables time of day, density, age, and the full factorial of interactions. Intermediate stocking densities displayed the lowest percentage of crouching (p = 0.009) and aggressive acts per hen (p < 0.0001). Hens stocked at 1341.93 cm2 walked the most (p < 0.0001). Hens were seen standing and preening (p < 0.0001) more in the morning, crouching and sham dust bathing (p < 0.0001) more in the afternoon, stretching less while feeding and drinking, and being more aggressive at night (p < 0.0001). Finally, as hens aged, they began to stand and crouch more (p < 0.0001) and preen (p = 0.013), walk (p < 0.0001), and demonstrate aggressive behaviors (p = 0.007) less. In conclusion, the majority of behaviors assessed were not influenced by stocking density. However, the different amounts of aggression between the treatments could indicate higher stress and frustration, which warrants more investigation.

Field Study on Sow Mortality in 15 Belgian Pig Farms

2025-06-20

Caroline Bonckaert , C. Brossé , Tamara Vandersmissen +4 more | Veterinary Sciences

Sow mortality is a critical issue in intensive pig farming, impacting animal welfare, farm sustainability, and profitability. This study investigated the occurrence and causes of sow mortality on 15 Flemish … Sow mortality is a critical issue in intensive pig farming, impacting animal welfare, farm sustainability, and profitability. This study investigated the occurrence and causes of sow mortality on 15 Flemish sow farms, focusing on management practices, housing conditions, feeding strategies, and genetics. The average sow mortality rate across the farms was 11.4% in 2022, which decreased to 8.1% in 2023 following the implementation of targeted control measures. Necropsies performed on 100 deceased sows, coming from the 15 different farms, revealed that the primary causes of mortality were positional changes in internal organs (32%), arthritis (19%), and urogenital disorders (7%). Key recommendations to reduce sow mortality included optimizing sow health and body condition, improving housing and feeding management, and addressing genetic factors. The study highlights the multifaceted nature of sow mortality and the importance of a comprehensive approach to mitigate risks and improve sow welfare and productivity.

Advancing animal welfare in Northern Ireland

2025-06-20

Arabella Gray | Veterinary Record

Changes in daily rhythms of lying behaviour are associated with foot lesions in dairy cattle measured by degree of functional coupling

2025-06-20

Matthew Thomas , Francesca Occhiuto , Jasmeet Kaler | Preventive Veterinary Medicine

A review of existing scientific literature on welfare assessment of farmed species applied in commercial practice: identification of strengths, weaknesses, and areas for further development

2025-06-19

I.C. de Jong , W. Ouweltjes , Pol Llonch +4 more | Frontiers in Veterinary Science

In the last decades, significant progress in welfare assessment of commercially farmed species has been achieved. Since then, various initiatives applied and improved existing protocols, or developed new ones for … In the last decades, significant progress in welfare assessment of commercially farmed species has been achieved. Since then, various initiatives applied and improved existing protocols, or developed new ones for species like farmed rabbits or fish. This has resulted in a wide range of protocols, indicators and measures potentially lacking standardization and harmonization. However, standardized protocols are crucial for generating quantitative and comparable welfare data. In this literature review we (i) provide the state-of-the-art regarding application of welfare assessment protocols under commercial conditions for farmed species, (ii) their representation of the five welfare domains, and (iii) which animal-based welfare indicators have been applied. Further, (iv) we evaluate the alignment of welfare indicators as applied in scientific publications with highly relevant welfare consequences as defined by European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for dairy cattle, pigs, broilers, and laying hens. Based on this, we (v) identify strengths and weaknesses regarding the domains covered and use of animal-based indicators, and define areas for further development. Most scientific publications focused on dairy cattle, followed by broilers, pigs and sheep. No publications were found for aquatic invertebrates, insects, fish species other than salmonids, and quails, highlighting the need for welfare assessment protocols for these species. Dairy cattle, horses, and sheep accounted for the highest number of unique indicators. Protocols generally covered all five welfare domains, with health indicators dominating. Animal-based welfare indicators were most prevalent. Common indicators across species were extracted and can be a starting point for the development of assessment protocols for novel species. Highly relevant welfare consequences as defined by EFSA were addressed. In conclusion, while welfare assessment protocols have been developed and tested under commercial conditions for many farmed species, assessment protocols for small-scale farmed species need attention. The wide variety of indicators extracted shows a lack of standardization and harmonization, risking divergence in indicators assessed between protocols. Attention should be given to define standardized welfare indicators per species, enabling comparable data collection related to important welfare issues and benchmarking to improve farm animal welfare.

Temporal evolution of Sow herd age structure and its impact on the performance of Spanish commercial farms

2025-06-19

Santos Sanz-Fernández , Cipriano Díaz-Gaona , João Simões +5 more | Porcine Health Management

Abstract Background Efficient herd management is crucial for maintaining constant pig production. This study analysed the evolution of census structure over time and how productive performance variables related to farm … Abstract Background Efficient herd management is crucial for maintaining constant pig production. This study analysed the evolution of census structure over time and how productive performance variables related to farm efficiency are affected and evolved, using data from 427 Spanish commercial pig farms over three years (2020–2022). Farms were classified into three types of herd age structures based on the first coefficient of a quadratic function representing sow parity distribution. A longitudinal analysis was performed to evaluate changes in herd age structure and productivity over time, applying repeated measures ANOVA. Results The herd age structure types in 2020 were: HS1 (with a downward-concave trend), HS2 (with a trend close to a straight line), and HS3 (with an upward-concave trend). HS1 farms had the highest productivity over time, maintaining superior performance compared to HS2 and HS3 ( p < 0.01), with 31.4 piglets weaned per sow per year in 2021 and 30.9 in 2022. However, HS1 farms showed moderate consistency in herd parity structure over time, with 48.6% remaining in the same group in 2021 and 43% in 2022. HS2 farms showed the greatest herd parity structure stability over time, with 60.1% and 54.5% of farms remaining in this group in 2021 and 2022, respectively. HS3 farms were the least stable, with only 29% retaining their classification by 2022, and had the lowest productivity. Conclusions Classifying farms by herd age structure provides valuable insights into how parity distribution influences farm productivity over time and how herd parity structure evolves. HS1 farms achieved the best productivity over the study but require specific management practices to maintain their stability. HS2 remained with the most stable herd structure over time, with intermediate productivity, while HS3 farms showed the worst stability and performance. Thus, HS1 is recommended as the optimal herd age structure for maximizing productivity in the short and medium term. Further research should focus on identifying specific management factors to optimize productivity and ensure long-term herd structure stability of HS1.

Fecal corticosterone metabolite levels in two closely related rodent species in a sub‐Mediterranean environment

2025-06-19

Carlo Cinque , Cristina Bencini , Paola Bartolommei +4 more | Wildlife Biology

Glucocorticoids regulate many physiological functions and play an important role in coping with challenging stimuli. The non‐invasive assessment of glucocorticoids is increasingly used as a tool to evaluate individual and … Glucocorticoids regulate many physiological functions and play an important role in coping with challenging stimuli. The non‐invasive assessment of glucocorticoids is increasingly used as a tool to evaluate individual and population health status in wild animals. Given the crucial role of rodents in forest ecosystems, it may be useful to study the glucocorticoid profile of these species to find possible links with the characteristics of the environment in which they live and facilitate the development of biodiversity management plans. We studied two closely related species that are the main representatives of the ground‐dwelling rodent communities in sub‐Mediterranean forested areas: Apodemus sylvaticus and A. flavicollis . The fecal corticosterone metabolite (FCM) levels of animals captured in a Mediterranean agroforestry system were measured, taking into account the evidence of methodological assessments to evaluate hormone metabolite differences between feces excreted at different times under captive conditions and the stability of these metabolites. We found that A. sylvaticus males excreted lower FCM levels than females, while A. flavicollis males showed higher FCM levels than females. Males of the two species excreted similar FCM levels, while higher FCM levels were recorded in A. sylvaticus females than in their A. flavicollis counterparts. The FCM levels in both species were similar between breeding conditions, seasons and habitat types. The results of our exploratory investigation suggest that traditional silviculture may not trigger the activity of the hypothalamus‐pituitary‐adrenal axis. Further studies are required for a more detailed examination of how environmental factors affect FCM levels. Long‐term studies may disclose possible effects of interannual environmental factor variability in ground‐dwelling rodents.

Happiness and Personality in Animals

2025-06-18

Lauren M. Robinson , Alexander Weiß | CABI eBooks

Promoting a Good Life for Farmed Animals

2025-06-18

Siobhan Mullan | CABI eBooks

Mental Health and Well-being in Reptiles

2025-06-18

Clifford Warwick | CABI eBooks

The Mental Health and Well-being Benefits of Personal Control in Animals

2025-06-18

Franklin D. McMillan | CABI eBooks

Assessing Affective States in Animals

2025-06-18

Michael Mendl , Elizabeth S. Paul | CABI eBooks

The Philosophical and Biological Evolution of Feelings in Well-being

2025-06-18

I.J.H. Duncan | CABI eBooks

Quality of Life of Animals in Veterinary Medical Practice

2025-06-18

James Yeates | CABI eBooks

Psychological Well-being of Animals in Zoos and Aquariums

2025-06-18

Stephanie Allard , David Shepherdson , Kathy Carlstead | CABI eBooks

Positive Reinforcement Training Improves Behaviour and Welfare of Captive Indian Leopards ( <i>Panthera pardus fusca</i> )

2025-06-18

Akshaya Mohan Mane , Ajay Deshmukh , Brij K. Gupta | Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science

Rescued animals, including leopards, often experience stress from routine husbandry practices such as feeding, movement, and regrouping. Positive Reinforcement Training (PRT) has emerged as a valuable tool for reducing stress … Rescued animals, including leopards, often experience stress from routine husbandry practices such as feeding, movement, and regrouping. Positive Reinforcement Training (PRT) has emerged as a valuable tool for reducing stress and enhancing the welfare of captive animals. This study investigated behavioral changes in rescued leopards during structured PRT. Using continuous focal animal sampling, data on individual and social behaviors were collected during five-minute sessions conducted three times weekly over a period of 12-16 weeks. Twelve leopards were observed across five phases: Baseline, Pre-Training, During Training, Post-Training, and Trained. Statistical analysis using the Kruskal-Wallis test revealed significant behavioral changes across phases. Leopards required an average of 2.1 sessions (SD ± 4.43 days, N = 29 observations) to retrieve rewards consistently. Structured training led to significant reductions in undesirable behaviors, including aggression (H(2) = 27.32, p < 0.0001) and stereotypical pacing (H(2) = 88.32, p < 0.0001), while engagement behaviors such as locomotion and exploration increased. Affiliative interactions with caregivers also rose, indicating stronger bonds. A decline in out-of-sight behavior showed improved focus, while increased alertness and maintenance behaviors suggested enhanced cognitive flexibility. Overall, PRT fosters positive behavioral changes, improves emotional well-being, and strengthens human-animal bonds.

Influences of Double Versus Snaffle Bridles on Equine Behaviour at Dressage Competitions and Factors That Interact with Their Effect

2025-06-17

Rifka Faithfull , Kate Lewis , Emily Drury +1 more | Animals

Despite welfare concerns, conflict behaviours (indicative of momentary states of acute stress) are common in horses during dressage competitions. Identifying factors that affect conflict behaviours during competition therefore has the … Despite welfare concerns, conflict behaviours (indicative of momentary states of acute stress) are common in horses during dressage competitions. Identifying factors that affect conflict behaviours during competition therefore has the potential to improve equine welfare. The aim of this exploratory study was to assess the effect of bridle type (double versus snaffle) in relation to other potential affecting factors (e.g., average head angle, competition level and type, tack variation) on conflict behaviours during dressage competition. An ethogram was created to analyse the conflict behaviour of horses (n = 135) at dressage competitions. Behaviours were reduced into nine components using principal component analysis. The effects of bridle type and its interaction with other additional factors (competition level, competition type, average head angle) on component scores were analysed using multilevel Bayesian regression models. The results demonstrated a multifaceted interaction between bridle type, inferred rider skill level, and ridden head angle. The results also demonstrated that during dressage tests, 100% of horses performed the conflict behaviours of mouth opening and 86.7% of horses performed tail swishing. The ethological and welfare implications of these findings are discussed.

Att tämja den vilda hästen

2025-06-17

Anna Cavallin | Linköping electronic conference proceedings

Microencapsulated sodium nitrite is a humane solution for domestic grower pig depopulation during an emergency animal disease response

2025-06-16

K. Sylvia Richards , Yvette Pollock , Ravi Shankar +6 more | Australian Veterinary Journal

Methods of domestic pig destruction that require individual handling cause distress, carry a risk of ineffective or painful stunning or wounding, and pose physical and psychosocial safety risks to operators. … Methods of domestic pig destruction that require individual handling cause distress, carry a risk of ineffective or painful stunning or wounding, and pose physical and psychosocial safety risks to operators. Oral intoxication of pigs via feed offers an alternative approach that reduces these risks. An experiment was conducted to validate the oral administration of microencapsulated sodium nitrite (meSN) to group‐housed domestic grower pigs and assess the suitability of meSN as a mass destruction method for application during an emergency animal disease (EAD) response. Twenty‐four individually identified pigs were administered a pre‐feeding regimen followed by delivery of 10% (w/w) meSN paste (Treatment 1) or 100% meSN as a top‐dress on standard pig feed (Treatment 2). Pigs ingested both treatments and presented with no visual signs of distress and demonstrated post‐feeding and exploratory behaviors consistent with those of group‐housed pigs for 20–40 min after consumption of the toxic substrate. Intoxication presented as a visible reduction in movement/activity followed by recumbency, dullness, loss of responsiveness, and eventually death. All treated pigs died. The welfare compromise requiring intervention was not observed by the attending veterinarians. Our findings suggest that after meSN application, pigs may be safely moved for about 15 min when using paste or for about 30 min when using top‐dress granules. After this time, pigs will start to lose posture and will have difficulty standing or walking. No clinically significant gross or histological post‐mortem tissue changes were detected. Tissue and intestinal content residues indicated that the risk of secondary nitrite/nitrate poisoning to carcass scavengers is negligible. Critical contributors to successful lethal outcomes are considered to include: sodium nitrite stability and palatability offered by microencapsulation; successful transition to a placebo paste before application if a paste formulation is used; consumption of a lethal dose that accounts for wastage and uneven consumption by pigs sharing feed; and consumption being sufficiently rapid to overwhelm toxin metabolism pathways and cause death.

Tracking molar wear in captive baboons: sex and age effects using a modified Scott scoring system

2025-06-15

Kristin L. Krueger , Ian Towle , Gregory J. Matthews +2 more | bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)

Objectives: This study evaluates molar wear progression in a captive baboon population under controlled dietary and environmental conditions. By comparing the dentin exposure ratio (DER) with a newly developed quadrant-based … Objectives: This study evaluates molar wear progression in a captive baboon population under controlled dietary and environmental conditions. By comparing the dentin exposure ratio (DER) with a newly developed quadrant-based modification of Scott's dental wear scoring system (Krueger-Scott method), we evaluate how wear patterns vary by age, sex, and occlusal region. Materials and Methods: Mandibular second molars (M 2 ) were assessed at two timepoints, during life and postmortem, in 201 captive baboons from the Southwest National Primate Research Center. Krueger-Scott and DER data were collected from 3D intraoral scans processed in MEDIT Link software. The Krueger-Scott scores assigned ordinal scores (1-10) to four equal quadrants of each M 2 based on enamel facet development and dentin exposure. Statistical analyses tested relationships between wear progression, quadrant location, sex, and age. Results: Krueger-Scott scores and DER values increased significantly between timepoints, indicating wear progression. However, Krueger-Scott scores revealed strong functional patterning: buccal and lingual cusps showed high within-group correlations and weaker cross-group correlations. Males showed significantly higher wear than females, despite being younger on average. The relationship between age and wear progression differed by sex. Discussion: The Krueger-Scott method provided a more anatomically informative and efficient approach to tracking occlusal wear than DER. It captured regional wear variation and functional asymmetries that DER could not detect. Even under controlled conditions, sex-based differences in wear emerged, likely reflecting behavioral, morphological, or enamel structural variation. These findings offer a comparative baseline and demonstrate the utility of quadrant-level scoring for interpreting wear in extant and extinct taxa.

Impact of Feeder Access and Stocking Density on Tail Injuries and Performance in Weaned Piglets

2025-06-13

Anne Maria Stevina Huting , Francesc Molist , P. van der Aar | Animals

The effects of stocking density (SD) and feeder access (FA) on the performance and damaging behaviour of weaned piglets are not well understood. Three experiments (Ts) were conducted. T1 compared … The effects of stocking density (SD) and feeder access (FA) on the performance and damaging behaviour of weaned piglets are not well understood. Three experiments (Ts) were conducted. T1 compared low SD (LSD) (0.55 m2/piglet) and moderate SD (MSD) (0.37 m2/piglet), T2 compared low FA (LFA1) (1.33 piglets/feeder; partially slatted floor) and high FA (HFA1) (0.66 piglets/feeder; fully slatted floor), and T3 compared LFA2 (2.33 piglets/feeder) and HFA2 (1.00 piglets/feeder). T1 included 24 replicates, while T2 and T3 each had 12 replicates. In total, 576 piglets were weighed at days (d) 0, 14, and 35 post-weaning (PW). Faecal consistency (FC) was recorded multiple times per week. Tail and ear injuries were scored at d35 PW. Piglets housed under LSD grew faster throughout the experiment (p < 0.05) and had a lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) between d0 and 14 PW (p = 0.02) than those in MSD. Tail injuries were not significantly affected (p = 0.14). HFA1 piglets had higher FC between d0 and 14 PW (p = 0.01) and overall (p = 0.02), but fewer intact tails at d35 PW (p = 0.01) compared with LFA1. In T3, LFA2 piglets had a lower average daily gain (p = 0.03), higher FCR between d14 and 35 PW (p = 0.04), and fewer intact tails (p < 0.01) than HFA2 piglets. These results suggest that both FA and SD can influence piglet performance, FC, and damaging behaviour.

Self-directed behavior reflects social stress in captive Asian elephants

2025-06-13

Sofia Vilela , Peini Chen , S. MURAKAMI +2 more | Frontiers in Veterinary Science

Self-directed behaviors (SDBs), such as scratching, self-grooming, and body shaking, have been widely used as indicators of anxiety and social stress in non-human primates. However, research focused on SDB outside … Self-directed behaviors (SDBs), such as scratching, self-grooming, and body shaking, have been widely used as indicators of anxiety and social stress in non-human primates. However, research focused on SDB outside the primate range is still in infancy. Expanding this topic to other species can support animal welfare assessments and enhance comparative social studies. This study investigates whether SDB levels can reflect the social stress experienced in Asian elephants ( Elephas maximus ). Using all-occurrences and focal sampling on four captive individuals, we compared post-conflict SDB levels in victims to their baseline levels. Furthermore, changes in group composition during the study allowed us to examine whether individual baseline SDBs varied with social stress, measured as victimization rates across settings. Finally, we assessed whether there was any relation between levels of SDBs and stereotypic behavior. Results showed an increase in SDB levels in the victims after aggression compared to baselines, especially for behaviors recorded as counts. An estimated 39.8% increase in expected SDB counts was associated with the post-conflict context (E = 0.335, p = 0.024). The SDBs that differed more prominently were touch mouth, head shake, dust bathing, and trunk curled inwards ( p &lt; 0.05). Regarding baselines, two individuals increased their basal SDB levels when their rates as victims were the highest, although only one reached marginal significance. An individual who was never recorded as the recipient of aggression revealed remarkably low SDB levels. This study identified specific SDBs induced by social stress in Asian elephants and suggests SDB as a potential good indicator of their wellbeing.

Predicting and explaining high dead-on-arrival outcomes in meat-type ducks using deep learning: A path to improved welfare management

2025-06-13

Chalita Jainonthee , Phutsadee Sanwisate , Panneepa Sivapirunthep +5 more | Poultry Science

Veteriner doğum ve jinekoloji araştırmalarında kullanılan moleküler analizler için doku örnekleme, saklama ve taşıma yöntemleri

2025-06-13

Muhammed Albayrak , Ali Reha Ağaoğlu | Veteriner Hekimler Derneği Dergisi

Veteriner doğum ve jinekoloji alanında yapılan moleküler çalışmalar hem temel hem de klinik bilimler açısından büyük bir öneme sahiptir. Bu alanda gerçekleştirilen araştırmalar, fizyolojik süreçlerin moleküler mekanizmalarını aydınlatmak bakımından önemli … Veteriner doğum ve jinekoloji alanında yapılan moleküler çalışmalar hem temel hem de klinik bilimler açısından büyük bir öneme sahiptir. Bu alanda gerçekleştirilen araştırmalar, fizyolojik süreçlerin moleküler mekanizmalarını aydınlatmak bakımından önemli bir rol oynamaktadır. Yapılan bu çalışmaların başarısı, doku örneklerinin doğru bir şekilde ve araştırma hipotezine uygun olan fonksiyonel organ bölümünden alınması, muhafazası ve laboratuvara ulaştırılmasına bağlıdır. Alınan doku örneklerinin zarar görmeden muhafaza edilmesi ileride yapılacak olan moleküler analizlerin güvenilirliğini artırmakta ve elde edilen sonuçların doğruluğunu sağlamada belirleyici bir etken olmaktadır. Bu derlemede, veteriner doğum ve jinekoloji alanındaki moleküler çalışmalar için doku örneği alma yöntemleri, dokuların muhafaza yöntemleri, bu örneklerin laboratuvara ulaştırılması sürecine ilişkin bilgiler verilmesi amaçlanmıştır. Ayrıca, bu süreçte örnek toplama ve taşıma aşamalarında karşılaşılan zorluklar, örneklerin taşınması sırasında dikkat edilmesi gereken hususlar ve laboratuvar sonuçlarının doğruluğunu sağlamak için alınması gereken önlemler de ele alınmıştır. Sonuç olarak bu makalede, araştırmaların kalitesi ve elde edilecek verilerin doğruluğu için örnek toplama, muhafaza ve taşınma protokollerinin titizlikle uygulanması gerekliliği üzerinde durulmuştur.

Detecting Lameness in Dairy Cows Based on Gait Feature Mapping and Attention Mechanisms

2025-06-13

Kang Xi , Junjie Liang , Qian Li +1 more | Agriculture

Lameness significantly compromises dairy cattle welfare and productivity. Early detection enables prompt intervention, enhancing both animal health and farm efficiency. Current computer vision approaches often rely on isolated lameness feature … Lameness significantly compromises dairy cattle welfare and productivity. Early detection enables prompt intervention, enhancing both animal health and farm efficiency. Current computer vision approaches often rely on isolated lameness feature quantification, disregarding critical interdependencies among gait parameters. This limitation is exacerbated by the distinct kinematic patterns exhibited across lameness severity grades, ultimately reducing detection accuracy. This study presents an integrated computer vision and deep-learning framework for dairy cattle lameness detection and severity classification. The proposed system comprises (1) a Cow Lameness Feature Map (CLFM) model extracting holistic gait kinematics (hoof trajectories and dorsal contour) from walking sequences, and (2) a DenseNet-Integrated Convolutional Attention Module (DCAM) that mitigates inter-individual variability through multi-feature fusion. Experimental validation utilized 3150 annotated lameness feature maps derived from 175 Holsteins under natural walking conditions, demonstrating robust classification performance. The classification accuracy of the method for varying degrees of lameness was 92.80%, the sensitivity was 89.21%, and the specificity was 94.60%. The detection of healthy and lameness dairy cows’ accuracy was 99.05%, the sensitivity was 100%, and the specificity was 98.57%. The experimental results demonstrate the advantage of implementing lameness severity-adaptive feature weighting through hierarchical network architecture.

Outdated reproductive norms, the naturalistic fallacy, and misunderstandings of welfare in recent call for zoo breed-and-feed programs

2025-06-13

Kristy M. Ferraro , Anthony L. Ferraro , Julia D. Monk +1 more | Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Analysis of Pig Tendencies to Stay Specific Sections Within the Pig Barn According to Environmental Parameters and Facilities Features

2025-06-13

Dae Yeong Kang , Byeong Eun Moon , Myeong Yong Kang +5 more | Agriculture

Pork accounts for 34% of global meat consumption, following poultry and beef. Intensive pig farming has expanded to meet increasing demand, but space constraints and poor environmental conditions can negatively … Pork accounts for 34% of global meat consumption, following poultry and beef. Intensive pig farming has expanded to meet increasing demand, but space constraints and poor environmental conditions can negatively affect pig welfare. This study aimed to investigate pigs’ spatial preferences in response to environmental factors in an experimental pig barn. Six 60-day-old Yorkshire pigs were observed for 60 days. Indoor temperature (IT), relative humidity (IRH), and CO2 concentration (ICO2) were measured hourly, and pig positions were recorded using an RGB 2D-IP camera. Pearson correlation analysis was performed using SPSS. IT ranged from 14.3 °C to 25.1 °C, IRH from 78.9% to 96.5%, and ICO2 from 1038 to 1850 ppm. A strong negative correlation was found between IT and IRH (r = −0.89), while IT and ICO2 were uncorrelated (r = −0.01). Pigs showed a clear preference for sections with lower IT, supporting previous findings on thermal preference. Structural features, such as two-wall enclosures, also influenced stay frequency. These results suggest that optimizing barn structure and improving ventilation and manure management can support thermal comfort and improve welfare in intensive pig farming systems.

Bacterial flora and antibiogram sensitivity in the preputium samples of healthy rams

2025-06-13

Selahattin Konak , Fatih Avdatek | Polish Journal of Veterinary Sciences

This study was conducted to determine the presence of bacterial flora in the preputium samples of healthy rams in the province of Afyonkarahisar and identify the antibiotic sensitivity of the … This study was conducted to determine the presence of bacterial flora in the preputium samples of healthy rams in the province of Afyonkarahisar and identify the antibiotic sensitivity of the isolates. Preputial swab samples were collected from a total of 50 healthy 2-3-year-old rams in the center, districts, and villages of Afyonkarahisar, including 20 Merino, 10 Hampshire, and 20 Pirlak breed rams. Seventy-eight isolates obtained from the 50 clinically healthy rams were identified using standard microbiological and biochemical methods, as well as the VITEK-2 automated system device. Forty-four isolates were Gram-positive bacteria (56.4%), 29 isolates were Gram-negative bacteria (37.2%), and 5 isolates were yeasts (6.4%). Seventeen genera consisting of Acinetobacter lwoffii, Aerococcus viridans, Aeromonas hydrophila, Bacillus spp., Candida spp., Escherichia coli, Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, Kocuria kristinae, Kocuria rosea, Kytococcus sedentarius, Lactococcus lactis, Mannheimia haemolytica, Neisseria animaloris, Salmonella enterica ssp. diarizonae, Sphingobacterium thalpophilum, Sphingomonas paucimobilis, Staphylococcus capitis, Staphylococcus cohnii spp. urealyticus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus lentus, Staphylococcus xylosus, Streptococcus ovis, and Streptococcus thoraltensis were isolated. The most frequently isolated species in the tested animals were Staphylococcus spp. (25.6%), E. coli (21.8%), Streptococcus spp. (7.7%), A. viridans (6.4%), Lactococcus lactis ssp. (6.4%), and Candida spp. (6.4%). The susceptibility of the isolates to ampicillin, enrofloxacin, erythromycin, florfenicol, gentamicin, tetracycline, ceftiofur, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was tested using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method (Bauer et al. 1966). Most isolates were susceptible to ceftiofur, enrofloxacin, gentamicin, and florfenicol, while most were resistant to erythromycin, tetracycline, and ampicillin.

Comparison of removal and spatial mark‐resight models for estimating wild pig density

2025-06-12

Charles R. Taylor , Kim M. Pepin , Ryan S. Miller +2 more | Journal of Wildlife Management

Abstract Density estimation is critical to effectively manage invasive species and elucidate areas of highest concern. For wild pigs ( Sus scrofa ), the ability to estimate density is complicated … Abstract Density estimation is critical to effectively manage invasive species and elucidate areas of highest concern. For wild pigs ( Sus scrofa ), the ability to estimate density is complicated because of their variable home range sizes and social structure. Common methods for estimating density (e.g., mark‐recapture) may be unsuitable in management applications because additional data needs to be collected before and after management. Removal models offer a suitable alternative to estimate density changes following management and can be applied broadly across areas where management of wild pigs is ongoing. We collected wild pig removal and camera trap data from 25 private properties ranging in size from approximately 0.5 km 2 to 95 km 2 across 3 ecoregions in South Carolina, USA, from 2020–2023. We compared factors affecting consistency and precision of property‐level density estimates between removal and spatial mark‐resight (SMR) models. In general, excluding 1 large outlier, density estimates from removal models were between 0.60 and 15.85 wild pigs/km 2 (median = 5.34) with a median coefficient of variation (CV) of 0.76 and 95% confidence intervals for the CV between 0.70 and 0.94. Similarly, excluding 1 large outlier, density estimates from SMR were between 0.22 and 30.97 wild pigs/km 2 (median = 5.48) with a median CV of 0.39 and 95% confidence intervals for the CV between 0.38 and 1.20. We found the precision of removal models was affected primarily by the number of wild pigs dispatched in the removal period (3 months) and the ecoregion in which they were removed. None of the covariates, including the number of recaptures (a corresponding measure of sample size), influenced precision of the SMR models, although recaptures did influence the density estimates. At the individual property level, density estimates from our 2 estimators were dissimilar from each other in approximately 80% of instances, although none of the covariates we examined influenced dissimilarity. Our results provide unique insight into how sample size affects density estimates using 2 common methods and into novel SMR models that incorporate both marked and unmarked detections. In addition, the density estimates in this study can be used as a reference for wild pig densities in common land cover types throughout the southeastern United States.

Real-time detection of vehicle hunting performance using a newly proposed evaluation indicator: Methodology and experimental validation

2025-06-12

Qunsheng Wang , Hao Gao , Huailong Shi +3 more | Measurement

Integrating three genetic dimensions relating to piglet birth weight: direct and maternal effects on the mean and genetic control of residual variance

2025-06-12

Ewa Sell‐Kubiak , Claudia Kasper , A.A. Lepori +4 more | bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)

Abstract Uniformity of production traits is desired for different traits in livestock species, including the uniformity of within-litter birth weights in piglets. Birth weight (BW) in pigs is associated with … Abstract Uniformity of production traits is desired for different traits in livestock species, including the uniformity of within-litter birth weights in piglets. Birth weight (BW) in pigs is associated with increased vitality and survival until weaning. However, as uniformity of BW increases, the importance of initial weight decreases as competition between piglets decreases. The aim of this study was to estimate the direct and maternal genetic components of BW, jointly with the maternal genetic component of the residual variance for within-litter BW, and their genetic correlations. We used two distinct datasets of Swiss Large White pigs: 1) the experimental farm dataset and 2) the commercial farms dataset, comprising 43,135 and 23,313 records of individual piglet birth weight, respectively. For statistical analysis, the heteroscedastic (or canalising selection) model was used. This model assumes that both the mean BW and the residual variance are affected by systematic and random effects, with the residual variance being heterogeneous and partially under genetic control. Despite the best fitting model was the most complex one including both genetic effects for the mean trait, the results indicated that direct genetic effects, or correlations with such effects, are negligible. The genetic environmental variance for BW ranged between 0.071 and 0.131 for experimental farm and 0.037 to 0.094. The genetic correlation between the mean BW and its variability was always positive and ranged between 0.149 and 0.307 for the experimental farm and between 0.220 and 0.589 for the commercial farms. It is thus sufficient to model BW and its variability by including only the maternal genetic effect for both traits. In addition, even though moderate genetic correlations exist between the mean and the variance of BW, focusing selection on BW uniformity within litters would be preferable to creating a selection index for both traits simultaneously. Implications Monitoring within-litter birth weight variability is important for efficient piglet production and welfare. Our findings suggest that maternal genetic effects are sufficient to model birth weight and its variability as genetic components of environmental variance. For both traits, direct genetic variance and its correlations with other components are negligible. However, since there are moderate genetic correlations between the mean and variance of birth weight, it is preferable to focus solely on selecting for within-litter birth weight uniformity rather than combining both traits in the selection index. This approach simplifies breeding strategies while maintaining the goal of improving piglets’ welfare. Highlights Data on individual piglet birth weight were collected on Swiss farms over 18 years Heteroscedastic animal models integrated three dimensions of genetic components The direct genetic effect and its correlations are minimal and irrelevant for selection Maternal genetic effects are crucial for birth weight and its variability Selection for uniformity is preferable to selection for both traits simultaneously

Effect of KIT gene polymorphism on the reproductive ability of mini pigs

2025-06-11

К. С. Шатохин , С. В. Никитин , Nikolai Kochnev +2 more | International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences

Fertility rate is crucial for agriculture and biomedical research using animal models, including mini pigs, which are valued for their physiological similarities to humans. However, reproductive challenges like low fertility … Fertility rate is crucial for agriculture and biomedical research using animal models, including mini pigs, which are valued for their physiological similarities to humans. However, reproductive challenges like low fertility and small litter sizes hinder their breeding and research utility. The study evaluated the relationship between coat color and two reproductive characteristics, litter size (prolificacy) and piglet birth weight (piglet weight), in laboratory mini pigs. The study aimed to determine whether the observed increase in fertility in white sows leads to a decrease in the individual weight of piglets or whether the color of the coat directly affects these reproductive characteristics. The study used a breeding group of laboratory mini pigs from the Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences to analyze data on 2,484 piglets born between 2013 and 2020. White sows and white sows with black spots showed significantly higher fertility, with 1-2 piglets more in the litter compared to colored sows (agouti, black, and spotted). However, piglets from white sows and white sows with black spots had significantly lower (about 30 g) birth weights than piglets from colored sows. The analysis showed that higher fertility in white sows may be due to genetic factors related to the KIT gene, which regulates pigmentation. The results support the hypothesis that coat color, especially in white sows, affects reproductive traits due to genetic mechanisms.

<scp>FInCH</scp>: Fast statistical inference for continuous‐time animal movement

2025-06-09

Dominic Grainger , Paul G. Blackwell | Methods in Ecology and Evolution

Abstract It is common for movement ecologists to model individual‐level animal movement in discrete time using methods such as hidden Markov models (HMMs). Although often the fitting of HMMs is … Abstract It is common for movement ecologists to model individual‐level animal movement in discrete time using methods such as hidden Markov models (HMMs). Although often the fitting of HMMs is computationally efficient, the key assumptions required to model in discrete time become limiting when dealing with temporally irregular data or an animal that changes behaviour frequently, or when comparing separate analyses on different timescales. Continuous‐time models of animal movement, which can be formulated in a scale‐invariant way, avoid these complications but typically lack computational efficiency. Most continuous‐time methods only allow for inference in a Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) framework, sampling from a parameter space of high dimensionality, which has rendered them inaccessible to biologists, inhibiting their uptake. In this work, we seek to address this inaccessibility by rigorously approximating existing inference methods for a class of spatially homogeneous continuous‐time models. We have developed a methodology that involves limiting the number of switches in behavioural state and then integrating out the times of those switches, using a combination of analytical and numerical methods, known as the fast integrated continuous‐time HMM (FInCH) approach. Our method allows for rapid evaluation of the likelihood, permitting direct maximisation of the likelihood or the posterior density, or the use of off‐the‐shelf fixed‐dimension MCMC. We demonstrate this approach using a range of simulated and real data, showing that the FInCH approach competes with its discrete‐time counterparts in terms of efficiency while improving accuracy. By using spline‐based interpolation of terms in the likelihood, the method extends to large datasets while remaining competitive. We include examples with up to 100,000 observations.