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Animal Welfare - Content and Abstracts
Volume 11 Abstracts
THE PUSH-DOOR FOR MEASURING MOTIVATION IN HENS: AN ADAPTATION AND A CRITICAL DISCUSSION OF THE METHOD
I A S Olsson*, L J Keeling and T M McAdie**
Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P O Box 234, SE 532 23 Skara, Sweden
* Present address: Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, Rua Campo Alegre 823, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal
** Present address: Behavioural Sciences Department, School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire HD1 3DH, UK
* Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints
Abstract Animal Welfare 2002, 11: 1-10
Animals should be given the opportunity to perform behaviours that they are motivated to show if we are to maximise their welfare. Research studies into motivation and appropriate methods of studying it are therefore important. Different factors may need to be taken into consideration depending on the form of the behaviour being studied. Certain commodities, such as a perch for night-time roosting, have a value only if the animal is given full access to them until it has completed the behaviour. For other commodities, such as food and water, the amount can be varied along a continuous scale without affecting the animalsí demand for that resource. The commonly used operant techniques generating demand curves are based on the assumption that demand is not affected by the size of the reward (ie how much of the commodity the animal gains access to). As a consequence, these techniques are appropriate only for assessing motivation for resources of which the size can be varied. Resources of the ëall-or-noneí type, on the other hand, require a different approach. We discuss different adaptations of the push-door technique as a measure of motivation, and we present results that validate a version with fixed, individually adapted levels of resistance. The method was validated using laying hens (Gallus gallus domesticus) tested at different levels of food deprivation and exposed to two series of increasing door resistances. The results show that the level of food-deprivation affects the amount of resistance that is overcome. We conclude that this method could be used to study hensí motivation for commodities of the ëall-or-noneí type.
Keywords: animal welfare, behaviour, demand, motivation, operant, poultry, EEG
THE PUSH-DOOR FOR MEASURING MOTIVATION IN HENS: LAYING HENS ARE MOTIVATED TO PERC AT NIGHT
I A S Olsson* and L J Keeling
Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P O Box 234, SE 532 23 Skara, Sweden
* Present address: Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, Rua Campo Alegre 823, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal
* Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints
Abstract Animal Welfare 2002, 11: 11-19
Free-living hens perch on branches in trees and domestic hens (Gallus gallus domesticus) show signs of unrest if they cannot reach a perch, suggesting that night-time perching is a behaviour that hens are motivated to perform. This motivation was quantified in two experiments using a weighted push-door that hens had to push open in order to gain access to a perch. First, the motivation of individual birds to perch, and second, the effect of a companion bird on perching motivation, were measured. Eight adult laying hens (Lohmann Selected Leghorn) were trained to push through the door at increasing resistances, and the individual capacity of each hen was determined. Hens were then tested once per day, at lights-off, in a test pen where pushing through the push-door gave access to the resource. Two consecutive series of increasing resistances were used in the experiment: 25, 50, 75 and 100 per cent of each birdís maximum capacity. In the first experiment, the resources offered were either a perch (treatment) or a ësham perchí that could not be used for perching (control). Hens opened significantly heavier doors in order to gain access to a perch than to gain access to the sham perch. In the second experiment, pushing through the door gave access either to a perch with a companion hen already perching on it (treatment) or to a perch and a companion hen roosting on the floor (control). In this comparison, four of the hens did not push through the door, probably because of aggressive interactions with the companion, and no significant differences between treatments were found. We conclude that hens are motivated to use a perch for night-time roosting and that they should be housed in systems with perches.
Keywords: animal welfare, behaviour, motivation, perches, poultry, roosting
THE ABILITY OF CATTLE TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN, AND THEIR PREFERENCE FOR, FLOORS WITH DIFFERENT LEVELS OF FRICTION, AND THEIR AVOIDANCE OF FLOORS CONTAMINATED WITH EXCRETA
C J C Phillips*** and I D Morris**
* Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK
** School of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, University of Wales, Bangor LL57 2UW, UK
* Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints
Abstract Animal Welfare 2002, 11: 21-29
The ability of dairy cows to discriminate between floors with a smooth epoxy resin surface or with surface-applied bauxite aggregates of mean diameters 0.5 mm, 1.2 mm or 2.5 mm (having coefficients of static friction of 0.35, 0.42, 0.49 and 0.74, respectively) was recorded when they were offered the opportunity to walk down paired floor surfaces to receive a food reward. Following training, one half of the cows were rewarded when they selected the floor with the greater friction and the other half were rewarded when they selected the floor with the least friction. The cows were able to distinguish between the different floor surfaces ó even between surfaces with 0.5 mm and 1.2 mm aggregates, which humans found difficult to distinguish. Eight similar cows were then offered a choice of walking down passageways of paired floors with an equal reward at the end of each passageway. There were no consistent preferences for floor type, and when the reward was offered only on the side least favoured by each cow in the initial test, the random pattern of selection was still evident. A final choice test offered the cows the opportunity to traverse passageways of either wet concrete or concrete covered with excreta. All cows avoided the passageway with excreta completely, even when the reward was increased in this passageway and removed from the wet concrete passageway. This avoidance was attributed to the cowsí lack of contact with slurry, as they were at pasture for most of the day, in contrast to the cows used in previous work, which were housed in buildings with passageways covered in excreta and showed little avoidance behaviour of such passageways.
Keywords: animal welfare, cattle, friction, floor, excreta, slurry
ASSESSING PAIN IN ANIMALS
K M D Rutherford
University of Edinburgh Animal Welfare Research Group, Roslin Biocentre, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9PS, Scotland, UK; kenneth.rutherford@bbsrc.ac.uk
Present address: Welfare Biology Group, Roslin Institute (Edinburgh), Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9PS, Scotland, UK
Abstract Animal Welfare 2002, 11: 31-53
Assessing the experience of pain in animals is a difficult task, yet one that is important in animal welfare research. Some approaches to pain assessment in animals are reviewed here. General qualities of pain scales and specific parameters suitable for clinical and experimental pain assessments are discussed. It is argued that pain assessment will progress through an integration of objective and subjective observations of behaviour coupled with multiple measures in various other areas. Such multidimensional pain scales allow an adequate characterisation of the complexity of an individual animalís pain experience to be made. This knowledge improves the recognition and treatment of pain and will allow informed moral debate on the acceptability of practices such as castration and tail-docking of lambs.
Keywords: animal pain, animal welfare, beak trimming, canine ovariohysterectomy, lamb castration, pain assessment
WELFARE OF MALE AND FEMALE BROILER CHICKENS IN RELATION TO STOCKING DENSITY, AS INDICATED BY PERFORMANCE, HEALTH AND BEHAVIOUR
J A McLean*, C J Savory and N H C Sparks
Avian Science Research Centre, Scottish Agricultural College, Ayr KA6 5HW, Scotland
* Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints: J.Mclean@au.sac.ac.uk
Abstract Animal Welfare 2002, 11: 55-73
The purpose of this experiment was to provide information relevant to the current debate concerning the optimisation of terminal stocking density for commercial broiler production. In a modern, controlled-environment house with 24 floor pens (each 11.4 m2), 4020 day-old broilers (Ross 308) were allocated to three terminal (42 days) stocking densities (28, 34 and 40 kg mñ2) x two sexes x four replicates, according to a randomised block design. Group sizes varied from 130 to 208. Husbandry conditions were in accordance with normal commercial practice. Performance and behaviour were measured systematically during each of the six weeks of life, and additional measurements were made of leg health and litter condition. Data were analysed using ANOVA to determine the effects of stocking density, sex and age. The realised mean terminal stocking densities were 28.2, 33.5 and 38.5 kg mñ2. The main significant effects of stocking density treatment were a linear decline in food intake with increasing density during week six (the final week), and a reduced proportion of time spent panting deeply during weeks five and six at the lowest density. Increased (shallow and deep) panting shown by females in weeks two to five suggests that if thermal discomfort becomes a problem at higher stocking densities later in the growing period, it may do so earlier in females. There was no conclusive evidence from this study that broiler welfare is compromised any more at 40 than at 34 kg mñ2. The fact that the proportion of time spent panting deeply in week six was considerably lower at 28 kg mñ2 than at 34 and 40 kg mñ2 suggests that thermal comfort (and hence welfare) at this age may be improved at densities of less than 34 kg mñ2. However, the significant effects of age, age x density, and age x sex on time spent panting deeply suggest that the age at slaughter and the sex of birds in single-sex flocks should be taken into account in future considerations of optimal maximum terminal stocking density.
Keywords: animal welfare, behaviour, broiler, performance, stocking density, thermoregulation
EFFECT OF ACCESS TO ROUGHAGE AND SHELTER ON SELECTED BEHAVIOURAL INDICATORS OF WELFARE IN PIGS HOUSED IN A COMPLEX ENVIRONMENT
A W Olsen¹*, H B Simonsen² and L Dybkjær¹
1. Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Animal Health and Welfare, Research Centre Foulum, P O Box 50, DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark
2 The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Department of Animal Science and Health, Grønnegårdsvej 8, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
* Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints: Anne.Olsen@agrsci.dk
Abstract Animal Welfare 2002, 11: 75-87
The aim of this study was to examine the effects of roughage and shelter on certain welfare indicators in growing pigs that have access to ample straw and space. The effects of the two treatments were evaluated both by recording the pigsí use of the various areas of the pen and by measuring the frequency of two specific behaviours, ëaggressioní and ëplayí, that are considered to be significant indicators of welfare in pigs. Seven replicates were used, each involving 96 pigs. The pigs were randomly allocated to eight experimental pens at 10 weeks of age, and were observed from 13 to 22 weeks of age. The two treatments, roughage and shelter, were distributed according to a 2 x 2 design in the pigsí outdoor runs, four of which were located on each side of the barn (north side versus south side). The pigs spent most of their time in the straw-provided areas, and the frequency of their aggressive behaviour was also the highest in these areas, suggesting that these locations were the most attractive to the pigs. The pigs with access to roughage showed a lower frequency of aggression (P < 0.05) and spent more time in the outdoor area where the roughage was placed than those pigs with no access to roughage (P < 0.05). No other effects of treatment were found on the length of time spent in the different pen locations. Play frequency decreased with age (P < 0.05) and with increasing temperature (P < 0.01). Moreover, when housed on the south side of the building, the pigs with access to shelter played more than those without (2.0 versus 1.0 events per hour [SE = 0.3]; P < 0.05); this suggests that the opportunity to regulate the body temperature by use of shade results in improved welfare. In conclusion, the pigsí behaviour indicated that their welfare was improved by free access to roughage and shelter.
Keywords: animal welfare, behaviour, housing, pigs, roughage, temperature
DEHYDRATION AND LAMENESS IN A BROILER FLOCK
A Butterworth***, C A Weeks*, P R Creaá and S C Kestin*
* Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol Veterinary School, Langford, N Somerset BS40 5DU, UK
á Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Quantock House, Taunton, Somerset TA1 3NX, UK
** Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints
Abstract Animal Welfare 2002, 11: 89-94
A case study is described in which a high incidence of lameness in broiler chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) is associated with rearing to 84 days of age; broilers are normally slaughtered at less than 50 days of age. A sample of 185 birds was scored for walking ability, and 24 birds from this group were assessed for dehydration by measuring plasma osmolality. The proportion of the group having gait abnormalities was compared with that recorded during a recent survey of Danish flocks and was found to be higher. A relationship is established between the degree of gait impairment and the level of dehydration. The degree of dehydration is related to the findings for plasma osmolality from previous research, and the results indicate that some of the birds in this case may have been deprived of access to water for periods in excess of 60 hours.
Keywords: animal welfare, broiler chicken, leg weakness, lameness, dehydration, slaughter age
Rapid behavioural adjustments to unfavourable light conditions in European Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris)
S A Maddocks, A T D Bennett and I C Cuthill*
Centre for Behavioural Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1UG, UK
* Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints: i.cuthill@bristol.ac.uk
Abstract Animal Welfare 2002, 11: 95-101
Although it is known that many birds possess ultraviolet (UV)-sensitive vision, most commercially housed poultry species, as well as species held in zoos, laboratories, or bred for show, are maintained under lighting that is deficient in UV wavelengths compared with normal daylight. UV-sensitive vision has been shown to be important in both foraging and mate-choice decisions. UV-poor conditions, in which information in this waveband is eliminated, could, therefore, present an important welfare issue. Eight European starlings were given a series of preference tests (eight hours per trial, for six days), in which they could choose to feed in one of four channels. Four experimental trials were carried out, during which the channels were covered in either UV-transmitting (UV+) or UV-blocking (UVñ) filters, to determine whether birds had an initial preference for feeding in UV-rich environments and whether there was any change in their preference over time. There was an initial preference for the UV+ environment, but this preference declined very rapidly with familiarity, and was absent by the final trial. These results imply that starlings can rapidly adjust their feeding behaviour if faced with unfamiliar light environments and that any initial behavioural changes attributable to UV-deficient environments may be short-lived. However, further work is necessary to establish whether these adjustments occur across a range of species and contexts before any welfare concerns can be ruled out.
Keywords: animal welfare, foraging behaviour, light environment, European starling, ultraviolet vision
THE EFFECT OF TRANSPORT ON CORE AND PERIPHERAL BODY TEMPERATURES AND HEART RATE OF SHEEP
J R Ingram, C J Cook* and P J Harris
Technology Development Group, HortResearch, Private Bag 3123, Hamilton, New Zealand
* Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints
Abstract Animal Welfare 2002, 11: 103-112
The effect of transport on core and peripheral body temperatures and heart rate was assessed in ten 18-month-old Coopworth ewes (Ovis aries). Manual recordings of core (rectal) temperatures were obtained, and automated logging of peripheral (external auditory canal and pinna) temperatures and heart rate was carried out on the day prior to (day 1) and during (day 2) a standardised transport procedure. Transport produced a significant increase in the rectal temperature, which declined following unloading. Peripheral measures of body temperature also exhibited changes with transport. However, both ear-canal and pinna temperatures declined during actual transport, reflecting to some extent the decline in ambient temperatures recorded externally by sensors on the ear tags of the animals. Peripheral measurement of temperature, particularly at the readily accessible ear canal, may offer potential as a technique for the long-term monitoring of thermal responses to stress. However, further research is required into the potentially confounding effects of ambient temperature and wind chill factors.
Keywords: animal welfare, body temperature, heart rate, sheep, transport
THE ETHICAL REVIEW PROCESS IN THE UK AND AUSTRALIA: THE AUSTRALIAN EXPERIENCE OF IMPROVED DIALOGUE AND COMMUNICATION
R H Bradshaw
Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK
Abstract Animal Welfare 2002, 11: 141-156
A study was carried out in Australia and the UK of the legislation and procedures relating to the welfare and use of animals in scientific research. In Australia, a National Code of Practice for the Care and Treatment of Laboratory Animals has been adopted and it is a legal obligation for all Institutions to adhere to the Code. Each institution has an Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) responsible for ethical review and animal welfare which must include, within certain stipulated parameters, a veterinarian, a research scientist, a member of a rights/welfare organisation and an additional lay member. In the UK the situation is different, as the Home Office directly administers the law regarding the use of animals in research. In April 1999 the Ethical Review Process (ERP) was introduced; every Institution must establish an ERP which must include a named veterinarian and representatives from the Animal Care and Welfare Officers and others. In both countries great emphasis is placed on the principles of replacement, reduction and refinement in experimental research. Substantial differences in culture and ethical review structure between the two countries are identified. However, various recommendations are outlined, based on the Australian experience, to build on existing structures and further develop the UK ERP. These recommendations should be seen as long-term aims and seek to further improve animal welfare through facilitating communication, increasing accountability and creating an environment conducive to open discussion.
Keywords: animal welfare, Australia, communication, ethical, laboratory, review, UK
THE WELFARE IMPLICATIONS OF SHEPHERDING DURING LAMBING IN EXTENSIVE NEW ZEALAND FARMING SYSTEMS
M W Fisher* and D J Mellor**
* AgResearch Poukawa, PO Box 8144, Havelock North, New Zealand
** Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Human Health, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand
* Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints: mark.fisher@agresearch.co.nz
Abstract Animal Welfare 2002, 11: 157-170
A review of the literature was undertaken to consider the possible effects of human intervention (shepherding) at around the time of parturition in extensively farmed sheep. There is little clear empirical evidence to suggest that shepherding ensures either easy births or the integrity of eweñlamb contact ó factors closely linked to the welfare of the animals at this time. There is similarly no clear support for shepherding being harmful. However, the following suggestions are made: first, human presence can inhibit or delay parturition; second, extended parturition can increase the risk of, or is associated with, dystocia; and third, disturbance at birth can compromise eweñlamb bonding and consequently lamb survival. Furthermore, sheep populations that have undergone rigorous selection for ease of lambing and minimal shepherding in extensive environments have well-documented physical and behavioural traits underlying their predisposition for enhanced lamb survival. Although our cultural legacy may impose a duty to intensively monitor animals at lambing, it is concluded that, at least in some situations, shepherding may not be entirely beneficial. The commonly held view of the necessity for some human intervention in extensive livestock systems is perhaps overly paternalistic, and requires a more comprehensive appraisal.
Keywords: animal welfare, disturbance, easy-care, lambing, sheep, shepherd
REGULATION OF FREE-ROAMING CAT (FELIS SILVESTRIS CATUS) POPULATIONS: A SURVEY OF THE LITERATURE AND ITS APPLICATION TO ISRAEL
I Gunther and J Terkel
ëAnimals and Society Projectí, Zoology Department, George S Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Israel
Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints: josepht@tauex.tau.ac.il
Abstract Animal Welfare 2002, 11: 171-188
Following domestication of the cat about 5000 years ago, it followed man into many areas of the world. The vast resources available in urban environments have led to increasing numbers of free-roaming cats on the streets. The high population density of these cats and, in many cases, the lack of suitable nourishment and veterinary care, is conducive to their poor condition of health. They are frequently perceived as a nuisance to human society. This article surveys the different methods of management of free-roaming cat populations, focusing on the urban environment, and discusses the animal welfare implications and the advantages and disadvantages of each method.
Keywords: animal welfare, domestic cat, eradication, population control, sterilisation
EFFECTS OF BROWSE, HUMAN VISITORS AND NOISE ON THE BEHAVIOUR OF CAPTIVE ORANG UTANS
L Birke
Animal Division, Chester Zoo, Chester, CH2 1LH, UK
Abstract Animal Welfare 2002, 11: 189-202
This paper reports a study of the behaviour of captive orang utans (Pongo pygmaeus) at Chester Zoo, UK. The study addressed two questions: what is the effect of the presence of fresh browse on the animalsí behaviour; and what is the effect of the presence of visitors? The first part of the study analysed the animalsí time budgets. The results indicated that the provision of fresh browse led to a decrease in the time spent sitting inactive by both adults and infants; it also led to an increase in the time spent by adults foraging for small food items in the woodchip floor-covering beneath the branches of browse. The time-budget data also showed differences in the animalsí behaviour between periods when large groups of visitors arrived and other periods on the same days when visitors were fewer. Specifically, adults used available paper sacks to cover their heads more during periods of high visitor density, and infants held onto adults more. The second part of the study comprised an experiment in which visitor behaviour was manipulated. Visitor groups of similar sizes were asked to behave either quietly or noisily (making vocal noise), in order to determine whether the observed effects of visitors were attributable to group size or to the fact that larger groups tend to be noisier. The experiment indicated that the animals responded particularly to noise: when confronted with noisy groups, all animals looked more at the visitors, and infants approached and held onto adults more. The findings suggest that zoo managers may need to take visitor behaviour into account in order to promote orang utan welfare.
Keywords: environmental enrichment, orang utan, responses to zoo visitors, zoo animal welfare
BEHAVIOURAL RESPONSES TO CASTRATION IN LAMBS
P D Thornton and A E Waterman-Pearson
Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol, BS40 5DU, UK
Abstract Animal Welfare 2002, 11: 203-212
We examined the effects of two different methods of castration on the behaviour of lambs of two age groups. Rubber ring castration and combined rubber ring and Burdizzo clamp castration were compared in groups of one-week-old lambs and four- to six-week-old lambs. Behaviour was assessed by examining time-lapse video recordings made continuously over four days. Postures and behavioural states were instantaneously sampled and the mean daily frequencies of these behaviours calculated. Behaviours were assigned to different groups: standing still, moving, eating, lying, playing and abnormal postures. The times spent performing each group of behaviours on the days following castration (days 2, 3 and 4) were compared to those on the day preceding castration (day 1). Castration resulted in significant reductions in the times spent performing play behaviour in one-week-old lambs and lying behaviour in four- to six-week-old lambs. There was also a significant increase in abnormal postures following castration in four- to six-week-old lambs. There were no detectable differences between castration methods. The results show that lambs exhibit changes in behaviour over the three-day observation period that are suggestive of the presence of prolonged acute pain. These results have important implications regarding the sheep welfare recommendations of the Farm Animal Welfare Council, which propose to extend the maximum legal age for rubber ring castration from one week to six weeks of age.
Keywords: animal welfare, behaviour, castration, lambs, pain, time-lapse video recording
A COMPARISON OF THE ACTIVITY BUDGETS OF WILD AND CAPTIVE SULAWESI CRESTED BLACK MACAQUES (MACACA NIGRA)
V A Melfi* and A T C Feistner**
* Department of Zoology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
** Research Department, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Les AugrËs Manor, Trinity Jersey JE3 5BP, Channel Islands
* Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints: vmelfi@supanet.com
Abstract Animal Welfare 2002, 11: 213-222
One aim of environmental enrichment techniques is to replicate ëwild-likeí behaviour in captivity. In this study, three captive troops of Sulawesi crested black macaques (Macaca nigra) were each observed for 100 h in large naturalistic enclosures. Activity budgets constructed from these observations were compared with published data collected from wild troops in the DuaSudara Nature Reserve, Sulawesi (OíBrien & Kinnaird 1997). No significant difference was found between the activity budgets of the wild and the captive macaques, although social, resting and feeding behaviours were significantly different between zoos. There was more rest and less movement and feeding in captivity, although these differences were not significant. The relatively large number of individuals, the wide variety of ageñsex classes and the large and complex naturalistic enclosures provided for them may have been important factors in promoting wild-like behaviour. This study shows that captive primates can exhibit wild-type activity budgets.
Keywords: activity budgets, animal welfare, enclosure design, Sulawesi crested black macaque, wild versus captive
BEHAVIOURAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF SUCKLING LAMBS TO TRANSPORT AND LAIRAGE
M Ib·Òez, J De la Fuente, J Thos and E Gonz·lez de Chavarri*
Departamento de ProducciÛn Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
* Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints
Abstract Animal Welfare 2002, 11: 223-230
The effects on suckling lambs of two stocking densities during transport (high stocking density: eight lambs per m2; low stocking density: four lambs per m2) and two periods of lairage before slaughter (1.5 h and 3 h) were studied. The behaviour of lambs transported for short-duration journeys at the two stocking densities was recorded. At slaughter, blood samples were obtained after a lairage period and some physiological parameters related to stress were analysed: lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), calcium (Ca2+), cortisol, and packed cell volume (PCV). There was a significant effect of stocking density on lambsí behaviour during transit. The number of lambs walking was greater at low than at high density (84 and 20 observations, respectively; P < 0.001) whilst the number standing was lower at low density (852 and 366 observations, respectively). There was a significant effect (P < 0.001) of stocking density on the plasma concentration of LDH. The length of the period of lairage significantly affected plasma concentrations of LDH (P < 0.001), CK (P < 0.05), Ca2+ (P < 0.001) and cortisol (P < 0.05), as well as PCV (P < 0.01). The results show that stocking density affects the lambsí behaviour during transport. After the longer lairage period, plasma cortisol concentration is lower; meanwhile, the activity of LDH and CK is higher.
Keywords: animal welfare, lairage, stocking density, suckling lambs,
STEREOTYPIC BEHAVIOUR AND TAIL BITING IN FARMED MINK (MUSTELA VISON) IN A NEW HOUSING SYSTEM
C M Vinke¹*, N C Eenkhoorn¹, W J Netto², P C J Fermont¹ and B M Spruijt¹
1. Centre of Ethology and Animal Welfare, Department of Animals and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Utrecht, Yalelaan 17, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
2. Advisor of the Faculty of Biology, University of Utrecht, Sorbonnelaan 16, 3584 CA Utrecht, The Netherlands
* Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints
Abstract Animal Welfare 2002, 11: 231-245
Farmed mink are known for showing stereotypies and tail biting, behaviours that are mostly viewed as indicators of reduced welfare. Among the factors that are often described as being relevant for the welfare of mink are food management systems, age at weaning, and type/presence of nest boxes and bedding. In the present study of commercially farmed mink, all of these factors have been integrated in one housing system. The occurrence of stereotypies and tail biting were observed at six Dutch mink farms, which differed from one another with respect to the number of modifications and the time since the introduction of these modifications. On each farm, 60 non-lactating female mink were observed during winter and 50 lactating female mink (with kits) were observed during summer. Mink on the farm with the most modifications spent 4.1% and 0.8% of their time performing stereotypies in winter and in summer, respectively. Mink on the farm with the least modifications spent 32% and 10.9% of their time performing stereotypies in winter and in summer, respectively. The occurrence of stereotypic behaviour in winter gradually increased as feeding time approached. This gradual increase was not observed at the farm with the least modifications. In general, mink spent less time performing stereotypies in summer than in winter. No clear differences were found between the farms for the occurrence of tail biting in relation to the modifications of the new system, although one farm showed a lower percentage (4%) of tail biters during summer. In conclusion, the farms that had introduced more modifications into their husbandry system housed animals showing less stereotypic behaviour. The results of this field study demonstrate an inverse relationship between the number of modifications and the occurrence of stereotypies; because of the experimental design, however, a causal relationship is not implied. Further work is required to investigate the impact of each measure both in isolation and in the integrated system under more carefully standardised conditions.
Keywords: animal welfare, enrichment, housing, management, mink, stereotypies
METHODS USED TO KILL FISH: FIELD OBSERVATIONS AND LITERATURE REVIEWED
D H F Robb* and S C Kestin
Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK
*Current address: EWOS Innovation, 4335 Dirdal, Norway
*Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints: dave.robb@ewos.com
Abstract Animal Welfare 2002, 11: 269-282
This paper reviews the impact on fish welfare of a wide range of slaughter methods used commercially around the world. Because the end result of the slaughter is a food product, and because of the well-known relationship between an animalís welfare and subsequent meat quality, the effects of the slaughter methods on the quality of the flesh are also reviewed where possible. Fish slaughter methods are incredibly diverse, but fall into two broad categories: those that induce loss of sensibility slowly, and those that achieve this rapidly. This paper shows that, in general, the methods that induce loss of sensibility over a long period of time tend to impinge more on the welfare of the animal and are detrimental to the overall quality of the carcass. Methods that cause a rapid loss of sensibility result in the best welfare, providing that they are carried out correctly. They may also produce the highest quality product from the stock of fish.
Keywords: animal welfare, fish, harvest, killing, quality, slaughter
PHILOSOPHICAL DEBATE ON THE NATURE OF WELL-BEING: IMPLICATIONS FOR ANIMAL WELFARE
M C Appleby* and P Sand¯e**
* Humane Society of the United States, 2100 L Street, NW Washington, DC 20037, USA
** Centre for Bioethics and Risk Assessment, The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Copenhagen, Denmark
* Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints: mappleby@hsus.org
Abstract Animal Welfare 2002, 11: 283-294
There has been much consideration of well-being in philosophy, especially of human well-being, which contributes to our understanding of animal welfare. Three common approaches to well-being are presented here, which map approximately onto three possible ideas about animal welfare. Perfectionism and other forms of ëobjective listí theories suggest that there are various values that should be realised or various things that an individual ought to have for his life to be a good life. In the case of humans, this is based on the concept of human nature. This approach is reflected in two ideas about animal welfare: first, that animals should live natural lives (which includes consideration of an animalís nature or ëtelosí), and second, that welfare is concerned with functioning or fitness of animals. The two other approaches are subjective; in other words, they relate solely to the mental processes of the subject. The first, desire fulfilment, suggests that well-being is defined by the satisfaction of desires or preferences. The other, hedonism, states that well-being is the presence of pleasant mental states and the absence of unpleasant ones. These two approaches are both relevant to the idea that the welfare of animals relates solely to their feelings. That idea corresponds most closely to hedonism, so it may be that preferences are most relevant in helping to reveal feelings. However, it is sometimes implied that satisfaction of preferences is itself part of feelings. It would also be possible to maintain, as in the desire fulfilment approach to human well-being, that animal welfare consists of preference satisfaction itself. These possibilities need to be more clearly distinguished. Arguments for and against each approach to well-being are presented, so that scientists may be more aware of the strengths and weaknesses of their own ideas about animal welfare.
Keywords: animal welfare, feelings, functioning, hedonism, philosophy, preferences
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ROOTING BEHAVIOUR AND FORAGING IN GROWING PIGS
V E Beattie* and N E OíConnell**
*** Agricultural Research Institute of Northern Ireland, Large Park, Hillsborough, County Down BT26 6DR, Northern Ireland
* Present address: Devenish Nutrition, 96 Duncrue Street, Belfast, County Antrim BT3 9AR, Northern Ireland
** Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints: niamh.oíconnell@dardni.gov.uk
Abstract Animal Welfare 2002, 11: 295-303
The objective of the present study was to investigate the relationship between rooting behaviour and foraging in growing pigs. In study 1, forty-eight 11-week-old pigs were housed in eight groups of six with access to a rooting substrate in the form of spent mushroom compost. In half of the groups the rooting substrate contained food rewards, and in the other half of the groups it did not. All pigs had ad libitum access to feed. In study 2, one hundred and ninety-two 11-week-old pigs were housed in thirty-two groups of six, all with access to spent mushroom compost, and eight groups were each fed to 70, 80, 90 or 100% appetite. Treatments were applied over a two-week period in both studies. The number of pigs involved in active rooting (rooting in substrate while standing), inactive rooting (rooting in substrate while sitting or lying) or non-rooting activity (standing in substrate area and involved in any activity except rooting) was recorded by scan sampling. These behaviours tended to reach a peak in the morning and again in the afternoon. Inactive rooting was not significantly affected by treatments in study 1 or study 2. Food rewards in the rooting substrate led to a significant reduction in active rooting behaviour and in non-rooting activity during peak periods of the day (P < 0.05). It is suggested that learned associations between rooting behaviour and acquisition of food caused the pigs to stop rooting when all the food rewards had been consumed. The fact that rooting was performed in the absence of nutritive feedback suggests that this behaviour is performed independently of its appetitive foraging function. Restricting feed levels to 70 or 80% of appetite led to a significant increase in active rooting and in non-rooting activity during peak periods (P < 0.05). The relationship between feed restriction and active rooting behaviour tended to be linear (P < 0.08). This suggests that levels of rooting behaviour are flexible in response to nutritional needs.
Keywords: animal welfare, feed restriction, food rewards, pigs, rooting behaviour
AN EXAMINATION OF SOME PHYSIOLOGICAL VARIABLES FOR ASSESSING THE WELFARE OF BEEF CATTLE IN FEEDLOTS
S C Wilson*ß, L R Fell**, I G Colditzá and D P Collins*
* Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Texas Tech University, 3601 4th Street, Lubbock, Texas 79430-6591, USA
** Co-operative Research Centre for Cattle and Beef Quality, University of New England, Armidale, 2350 NSW, Australia
á CSIRO Livestock Industries, Pastoral Research Laboratory, Armidale, 2350 NSW, Australia
ß Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints: stewilso@ttacs.ttu.edu
Abstract Animal Welfare 2002, 11: 305-316
Some physiological variables which could aid in assessing the welfare of beef cattle in feedlots were screened in this exploratory study. In two experiments, each of 42 days duration, the physiological responses of Bos taurus steers to three treatments were investigated: pasture (rotation between 1.5 hectare paddocks); a feedlot yard stocked at 12.0 m2 per head with a dry, firm pen surface; and a ëhigh-densityí feedlot yard stocked at 6.0 m2 per head with a wet and muddy pen surface. Fourteen steers were used per group per experiment. Relative adrenal mass in both feedlot groups was 8ñ10% higher than in the pasture group, and this finding was supported by morphological measurements of the adrenal glands. Out of 17 immune variables examined, only serum IgA and the T-cell lymphocytes subpopulation WC+1 showed consistent differences between the feedlot and pasture groups. Interestingly, no differences were observed between the two feedlot treatments. It was concluded that although there may have been some disruption of epithelial/mucosal immunity, more support was required from other immune variables before it could be stated that the immune system was depressed and that pre-pathological states existed in the feedlot groups. However, measures of relative adrenal weight, adrenal index, serum IgA and WC1+ lymphocytes are good candidates for use in future welfare investigations of feedlot cattle.
Keywords: animal welfare, cattle, feedlot, physiological indices
THE INFLUENCE OF LENGTH OF TIME IN A RESCUE SHELTER ON THE BEHAVIOUR OF KENNELLED DOGS
D L Wells*, L Graham and P G Hepper
Canine Behaviour Centre, School of Psychology, Queenís University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, Northern Ireland, UK
*Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints: d.wells@qub.ac.uk
Abstract Animal Welfare 2002, 11: 317-325
Animal rescue shelters provide temporary housing for thousands of stray and abandoned dogs every year. Many of these animals fail to find new homes and are forced to spend long periods of time in kennels. This study examined the influence of the length of time spent in a rescue shelter (5 years) on the behaviour of 97 dogs. The dogsí position in their kennels (front, back), their activity (moving, standing, sitting, resting, sleeping), and their vocalisation (barking, quiet, other) were recorded over a 4 h period at 10 min intervals. The dogsí behaviour was significantly related to the length of time the animals had spent in the rescue shelter. Dogs housed in the shelter for over five years spent more of their time at the back of their kennels, more time resting, and less time barking than dogs housed in the shelter for shorter periods of time. The age of the dog could not account for the significant results found, suggesting that environmental factors were responsible for the change in the dogsí behaviour. The findings suggest that lengthy periods of time spent in a captive environment may encourage dogs to behave in a manner that is generally considered unattractive by potential buyers. This may decrease the chances of such dogs being adopted, resulting in longer periods of time spent in the kennel environment and the possible development of further undesirable behaviours.
Keywords: animal welfare, behaviour, canines, captivity, dogs, rescue shelters
RATS DEMAND SOCIAL CONTACT
E G Patterson-Kane*, M Hunt and D Harper
* Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Agricultural Science, University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
* Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints: rattitude@angelfire.com
Abstract Animal Welfare 2002, 11: 327-332
There is some evidence that rats benefit from social housing and from some forms of environmental enrichment, such as platforms and shelters. It is less clear whether they benefit from more spacious cages. There is a lack of information about the relative benefits of social contact, enrichment and increased space, because existing studies tend to concentrate on only one of these variables at a time. The current experiment used economic demand procedures as a method to compare, on a single scale, qualitatively different environments with a standard home cage. The data indicate that rats show a high demand for social contact, and a low demand for a larger cage or one containing pillars or novel objects. This finding suggests that social housing of laboratory rats should be strongly advocated.
Keywords: animal welfare, caging, demand, enrichment, rats, social contact
ASSESSMENT OF RETURN TO CONSCIOUSNESS AFTER ELECTRICAL STUNNING IN LAMBS
A Velarde*, J L Ruiz-de-la-Torre**, C RosellÛ**, E Fýbrega**, A Diestre* and X Manteca**á
* Centre de Tecnologia de la Carn, Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentýries, Granja Camps i Armet, 17121 Monells (Girona), Spain
** Unitat de Fisiologia Animal, Facultat de Veterinýria, Universitat AutÚnoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra (Barcelona), Spain
á Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints: xavier.manteca@uab.es
Abstract Animal Welfare 2002, 11: 333-341
The return to consciousness of 24 electrically stunned lambs was assessed by measurement of physiological reflexes and electroencephalography (EEG) recordings. The physical activity of the lambs after head-only electrical stunning included one tonic phase and two clonic phases. The tonic phase began immediately after the stun and ended 10 s after the stun; the first clonic phase started immediately after the tonic phase and ended 36 s after the stun, and the second clonic phase started immediately after the first clonic phase and ended 70 s after the stun. During the tonic phase and the first clonic phase, electrical activity recordings of the brain showed a dramatic increase in the relative power spectra of alpha and beta frequencies. Both frequencies returned to pre-stun levels with the end of the first clonic phase. During the second clonic phase, the relative power spectrum of theta frequency was higher than that before stunning. These results suggest that during the tonic phase and the first clonic phase, the animal was unconscious, whereas during the second clonic phase the return of some conscious function began. Spontaneous breathing returned at about 29 s post-stun, whereas the corneal reflex returned at about 38 s. It is therefore suggested that the return of spontaneous breathing is the safest indicator that the animal is close to recovering consciousness.
Keywords: animal welfare, EEG, physiological reflexes, sheep, slaughter, stunning
SHORT COMMUNICATION
COMMENTS FROM THE AZA CONTRACEPTION ADVISORY GROUP ON EVALUATING THE SUITABILITY OF CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS IN GOLDEN-HEADED LION TAMARINS (LEONTOPITHECUS CHRYSOMELAS)
K E DeMatteo*, I J Porton** and C S Asaá
* CAG Database Manager, Saint Louis Zoo, Research Department, 1 Government Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
** Co-chair CAG, Saint Louis Zoo, Animal Division, 1 Government Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
á Co-chair CAG, Saint Louis Zoo, Research Department, 1 Government Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
* Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints: KDeMatteo@aol.com
Abstract Animal Welfare 2002, 11: 343-348
Reversible contraceptives, such as melengestrol acetate (MGA) implants, have become an invaluable tool that captive-animal managers use to maintain various species in social groupings while avoiding unwanted pregnancies. The American Zoo and Aquarium Contraception Advisory Group (AZA CAG) monitors the efficacy, reversibility, and safety of contraceptives used in captive exotic mammals worldwide. Because so few data exist on contraceptive efficacy and safety in exotic species, it is critical that evaluations reflect an understanding of the mechanism of action of the active ingredient as well as of the delivery system. The following discussion addresses the concerns of the CAG over the manner in which De Vleeschouwer et al (Animal Welfare 2000, 9: 251ñ271) analysed MGA implant reversibility data in golden-headed lion tamarins.
Keywords: animal welfare, Callitrichidae, contraception, golden-headed lion tamarin, melengestrol acetate, reversibility
ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF A 12% SUCROSE SOLUTION DID NOT DECREASE BEHAVIOURAL INDICATORS OF DISTRESS IN PIGLETS UNDERGOING TAIL DOCKING, TEETH CLIPPING AND EAR NOTCHING
J S Rand*ß, G J Noonan*, J Priest**, J Ainscow* and J K Blackshawá
* Companion Animal Sciences, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland,
St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
** School of Land and Food, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
á Farm Animal Medicine and Production, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
ß Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints: j.rand@mailbox.uq.edu.au
Abstract Animal Welfare 2002, 11: 395-404
Sucrose has been shown to attenuate the behavioural response to painful procedures in human infants undergoing circumcision or blood collection via heelstick. Sucrose has also been found to have a behaviour-modifying effect in neonatal rats exposed to a hot plate. The effect was abolished in neonatal rats by injection of the opioid antagonist naltrexone, suggesting that it was mediated by endogenous opioids. In this experiment, the behaviour of 571 newborn Large White × Landrace hybrid piglets in a specific-pathogen-free piggery of the University of Queensland was recorded during and after the routine management practices of tail docking, ear notching and teeth clipping. Piglets were randomly assigned to receive 1.0 ml of a 12% sucrose solution (treatment group) or a placebo (1.0 ml of air) administered via syringe in the mouth, 60 s before commencement of one of the management procedures. Behaviours were recorded at the time of the procedure, and then 2 min after completion of the procedure. Piglets that received the sucrose solution did not behave significantly differently from piglets receiving the placebo. Regardless of whether sucrose or placebo was administered, piglets undergoing the routine management procedures showed significantly greater behavioural responses than piglets undergoing no procedure. It was concluded that under commercial conditions, a 12% sucrose solution administered 1 min prior to surgery was not effective in decreasing the behavioural indicators of distress in piglets undergoing routine management procedures. Further research into methods of minimising distress caused to piglets by these procedures is recommended.
Keywords: analgesia, animal welfare, piglets, sucrose, tail docking, teeth clipping
THE INFLUENCE OF AUDITORY STIMULATION ON THE BEHAVIOUR OF DOGS HOUSED IN A RESCUE SHELTER
D L Wells*, L Graham and P G Hepper
Canine Behaviour Centre, School of Psychology, Queenís University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, Northern Ireland, UK
* Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints: d.wells@qub.ac.uk
Abstract Animal Welfare 2002, 11: 385-393
This study explored the influence of five types of auditory stimulation (human conversation, classical music, heavy metal music, pop music, and a control) on the behaviour of 50 dogs housed in a rescue shelter. The dogs were exposed to each type of auditory stimulation for 4 h, with an intervening period of one day between conditions. The dogsí position in their kennels (front, back), their activity (moving, standing, sitting, resting, sleeping), and their vocalisation (barking, quiet, other) were recorded over 4 h at 10 min intervals during each condition of auditory stimulation. The dogsí activity and vocalisation were significantly related to auditory stimulation. Dogs spent more time resting and less time standing when classical music was played than when any of the other stimuli were played. Exposure to heavy metal music encouraged dogs to spend significantly more of their time barking than did other types of auditory stimulation. Classical music resulted in dogs spending significantly more of their time quiet than did other types of auditory stimulation. It is suggested that the welfare of sheltered dogs may be enhanced through exposure to appropriate forms of auditory stimulation. Classical music appears particularly beneficial, resulting in activities suggestive of relaxation and behaviours that are considered desirable by potential buyers. This form of music may also appeal to visitors, resulting in enhanced perceptions of the rescue shelterís environment and an increased desire to adopt a dog from such a source.
Keywords: animal welfare, behaviour, captivity, dogs, enrichment, music, rescue shelters
ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF A 12% SUCROSE SOLUTION I DID NOT DECREASE REBA VIOURAL INDICATORS OF DISTRESS IN PIGLETS UNDERGOING TAIL DOCKING, TEETH CLIPPING AND EAR NOTCillNG
J S Rand*ß, G J Noonan*, J Priestt, J Ainscow* and J K Blackshawt
* Companion Animal Sciences, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, 1St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
t School of Land and Food, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
~t Farm Animal Medicine and Production, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
ß Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints: j.rand@mailbox.uq.edu.au
Abstract Animal Welfare 2002, 11: 395-404
Sucrose has been shown to attenuate the behavioural response to painful procedures in human infants undergoing circumcision or blood collection via heelstick. Sucrose has also been found to have a behaviour-modifying effect in neonatal rats exposed to a hot plate. The effect was abolished in neonatal rats by injection of the opioid antagonist naltrexone, suggesting that it was mediated by endogenous opioids. In this experiment, the behaviour of 571 newborn Large White x Landrace hybrid piglets in a specific-pathogen-free piggery of the University of Queensland was recorded during and after the routine management practices of tail docking, ear notching and teeth clipping. Piglets were randomly assigned to receive 1.0 ml of a 12% sucrose solution (treatment group) or a placebo (1.0 ml of air) administered via syringe in the mouth, 60 s before commencement of one of the management procedures. Behaviours were recorded at the time of the procedure, and then 2 min after completion of the procedure. Piglets that received the sucrose solution did not behave significantly differently from piglets receiving the placebo. Regardless of whether sucrose or placebo was administered, piglets undergoing the routine management procedures showed significantly greater behavioural responses than piglets undergoing no procedure. It was concluded that under commercial conditions, a 12% sucrose solution administered 1 min prior to surgery was not effective in decreasing the behavioural indicators of distress in piglets undergoing routine management procedures. Further research into methods of minimising distress caused to piglets by these procedures is recommended.
Keywords: analgesia, animal welfare, piglets, sucrose, tail docking, teeth clipping
TRANSPORT STRESS IN ROE DEER (CAPREOLUS CAPREOLUS): EFFECT OF A SHORT-ACTING ANTIPSYCHOTIC
J MontanÈ, I Marco, J LÛpez-Olvera, X Manteca* and S LavÌn**
Servei díEcopatologia de Fauna Salvatge, Facultat de Veterinýria, Universitat AutÚnoma de Barcelona, 08193-Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
* Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Facultat de Veterinýria, Universitat AutÚnoma de Barcelona, 08193-Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
** Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints: Santiago.Lavin@uab.es
Abstract Animal Welfare 2002, 11: 405-417
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a short-acting antipsychotic (acepromazine) on the stress response to transport in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). Twenty-one roe deer were submitted to a nine-hour road journey in order to reintroduce and restock this species into Catalonia (north-eastern Spain). The animals were divided into two groups: animals in the treatment group received an intramuscular injection of acepromazine (0.13 mg kgñ1 in 0.5 ml; n = 9) while animals in the control group received the same volume of saline (n = 12). Clinical (heart rate and body temperature, measured during transport using remote devices), haematological, and biochemical indicators of stress were used to evaluate the effect of the antipsychotic. Heart rate increased during transportation, but no differences were found between groups. Body temperature decreased during transportation in both groups, but this reduction was faster in acepromazine-treated animals. Comparison of blood parameters before and after transport revealed significantly lower red blood cell counts and haemoglobin concentrations after transport in treated animals compared with control animals; a reduction in lymphocyte count, eosinophil count and serum creatinine levels over transport in treated animals; a decrease in serum potassium levels over transport in the control group; an increase in serum creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities over transport in control animals; an increase in serum urea and chloride concentrations over transport in both groups; and finally, a decrease in serum glucose concentrations in both groups. These results demonstrate the suitability of acepromazine in transport operations in order to reduce the stress response and prevent its adverse effects in roe deer.
Keywords: animal welfare, antipsychotic, road transport, roe deer, stress
EARLY LIFE EXPERIENCES: ACTIVITY LEVELS AND ABNORMAL BEHAVIOURS IN RESOCIALISED CHIMPANZEES
J E Martin
Bolton Primate Research Team, Psychology and Life Sciences, Bolton Institute,
Deane Road, Bolton BL3 5AB, UK
* Present address: Moulton College, Moulton, Northampton NN3 7RR, UK
* Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints: JoM@moulton.ac.uk
Abstract Animal Welfare 2002, 11: 419-436
Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) that are kept in captivity come from a wide variety of backgrounds, and a proportion of them have been subjected to maternal separation and social deprivation during development. The long-term effects of such practices have received little investigation. This study investigates whether the removal of infants from their mothers and/or other chimpanzees affects their activity levels and abnormal behaviours later in life. A total of 69 resocialised chimpanzees were studied at six zoos in the United Kingdom. Chimpanzees were categorised into one of three rearing conditions: reared by their mother in a group of conspecifics (MGR); reared with other conspecifics but separated from their mothers (RO); and reared apart from their mother or other conspecifics for a period of time during infancy (RA). Results indicate that ësocially deprivedí individuals show reduced levels of normal activity, elevated levels of abnormal behaviours and a wider repertoire of abnormal behaviours. These differences were more pronounced in younger individuals, with adults from the three different rearing conditions performing abnormal behaviour patterns at comparable levels. It is concluded that human-rearing, either alone or with conspecifics, influences behaviour through suppression of normal activity levels as a result of separation and elevation of levels of abnormal behaviours as a mechanism for coping with maternal loss and restricted rearing. However, these effects are not irreversible and recovery of ënormalí behaviours may occur with access to an enriched social environment.
Keywords: abnormal behaviours, activity, animal welfare, chimpanzees, early experience
CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS ANIMAL ISSUES: A COMPARISON OF YOUNG ADULTS IN JAPAN AND THE UK
A Miura***, J W S Bradshaw**á and H Tanida**
* Anthrozoology Institute, School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 7PX, UK
** Faculty of Applied Biological Science, Hiroshima University, 1-4-4, Higashi-Hiroshima,
739-8528, Japan
á Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints: jwsb@soton.ac.uk
Abstract Animal Welfare 2002, 11: 437-448
Childhood experiences of animals and current attitudes towards animals were assessed using a questionnaire, which was completed by 227 Japanese students and 174 British students. Pet ownership in childhood, as well as contact with other animals and negative experiences of pets, were used as the independent variables; current attitudes towards pets and other animals were the dependent variables. There were some differences between Japan and the UK: in childhood, the British students had had significantly more pets and more animal-related experiences, such as visiting animal shelters and livestock farms, than had the Japanese students. Their current attitudes were also more positive, and they showed a greater interest in animal welfare issues than did the Japanese students. In both countries there was a positive association between childhood pet-keeping and current favourable attitudes to pets, as measured by the Pet Attitude Scale. Open-ended responses also suggested that the roles of pets for children are perceived in similar ways in Japan and the UK. Adult attitudes to pets and interest in animal welfare seem to be greatly influenced in both countries by childhood experiences of animals, including pets, and may therefore be a general phenomenon.
Keywords: animal welfare, cross-cultural, humane attitudes, Pet Attitude Scale, pet keeping, questionnaire
SHORT COMMUNICATION
EFFECT OF THE HALOTHANE GENE ON PRE-SLAUGHTER MORTALITY IN TWO SPANISH COMMERCIAL PIG ABATTOIRS
E Fýbrega*, A Diestre*, D CarriÛn**, J Fontá and X Mantecaß
* Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentýries, Centre de Tecnologia de la Carn, Monells, Spain
** Pig Improvement Company Europe, Sant Cugat del VallËs, Spain
á Pinsos Baucells, Tona, Spain
ß Unitat de Fisiologia Animal, Facultat de Veterinýria, Universitat AutonÚma de Barcelona, 08193-Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
ß Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints: xavier.manteca@uab.es
Abstract Animal Welfare 2002, 11: 449-452
A total of 107 ear samples from all the pigs that died during transport or lairage at two commercial abattoirs were collected during two months (February and July), in order to determine their halothane genotype (NN, Nn or nn). The frequencies of the three halothane genotypes among dead pigs were significantly different (P < 0.001), being 4.7%, 24.3% and 71.0% for NN, Nn and nn individuals, respectively. The frequencies of pre-slaughter deaths within each genotype were estimated to be 0.02%, 0.09% and 2.29% for NN, Nn and nn genotypes, respectively. According to these results, the removal of both nn and Nn genotypes would give rise to an eleven-fold reduction in the pre-slaughter mortality rate (from 0.22% to 0.02%). It is therefore suggested that, from an animal welfare point of view, the elimination of the halothane gene in existing breeding schemes would have a major beneficial impact.
Keywords: animal welfare, halothane gene, lairage, mortality rate, pig, transport
TECHNICAL CONTRIBUTION
ANIMAL WELFARE AND ETHICS EVALUATIONS IN SOUTH EAST ASIAN ZOOS: PROCEDURES AND PROSPECTS
G Agoramoorthy
Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, P O Box 59-157, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan; and Wildlife Reserves Singapore, Republic of Singapore
Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints: agoram@mail.nsysu.edu.tw
Abstract Animal Welfare 2002, 11: 453-457
The rise in public interest in animal rights and welfare during the last two decades has been dramatic, and concern for zoo animals is evident throughout society in many South East Asian countries. It is essential that problems related to animal welfare are understood in order for zoos to make significant improvements in their professional and ethical standards. In this paper, I describe in detail the procedures of welfare and ethics evaluations in South East Asian zoos. Zoo evaluation is an ongoing process and is carried out on behalf of the South East Asian Zoos Association to evaluate the members of this organisation. During recent evaluations, several major and minor problems have been identified and constructive suggestions have been provided to zoo authorities which have in turn significantly improved the standards of animal welfare and ethics. Thus, the welfare evaluation procedures outlined in this paper could serve as a model for other zoos to follow - locally, regionally and globally.
Keywords: animal rights, animal welfare, ethical issues, evaluation methods, South East Asia, zoo standards
