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Animal Welfare - Content and Abstracts
Volume 10 Abstracts
THE USE OF NOSE-RINGS IN PIGS: CONSEQUENCES FOR ROOTING, OTHER FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITIES, AND WELFARE
R I Horrell1†, P J A’Ness¹, S A Edwards² and J C Eddison³
1 Department of Psychology, University of Hull, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK
2 Department of Agriculture, University of Newcastle, Newcastle-on-Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
3 Department of Agriculture, University of Plymouth, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 6NQ, UK
† Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints
Abstract Animal Welfare 2001, 10: 3-22
Commercial pigs kept outdoors are often given nose-rings, to inhibit rooting and minimize pasture damage. If rooting is a ‘behavioural need’ in the pig, and ringing is effective because it renders rooting painful, nose-ringing may be a threat to welfare. Thirty gestating sows were assigned to one of three conditions: unringed controls (UR); sows ringed with three, wire ‘clip’ rings through the snout rim (CR); or sows with one, rigid ‘bull’ ring (BR). They were observed on grass for 7h day-1 at intervals over 6 months. Ringing almost totally abolished penetration of the ground by rooting during the month after ringing (UR, CR and BR sows respectively spent 5.6%, 0.1% and 0.1 % of scan observations dig-rooting during this month; P < 0.001). These differences in recorded rooting were reflected in a much greater extent of pasture damage in paddocks containing UR sows. Rooting remained largely suppressed throughout the 6 months of observations in BR sows; but substantial recovery of this function occurred in CR sows by the sixth month, although much of this may be attributed to the fact that most sows lost at least some of their rings. Ringing also partially inhibited grazing (which accounted for 26.2%, 27.1% and 21.9 % of scans over the whole project in UR, CR and BR sows respectively; P < 0.05), nosing in straw, digging out wallows and stone-chewing (18.3%, 9.5% and 9.2 % respectively of all scans in UR, CR and BR sows; P < 0.001). Ringed sows spent more time standing but otherwise inactive than did controls (0.8%, 1.7% and 4.0 % of all scans in UR, CR and BR sows respectively; P < 0 .001), and displayed more straw-chewing, vacuum-chewing and digging at soil with the forepaw. We conclude that nose-ringing in pigs inhibited a range of functional activities, as well as rooting, and elicited more behaviours that suggest a degree of reduced welfare. BR sows displayed more of these effects than did CR ones, although these differences may be largely, but not entirely, due to a loss of clip rings over time.
Keywords: animal welfare, behavioural needs, nose-rings, pasture damage, rooting
THE EFFECT OF STOCKING DENSITY ON THE WELFARE AND BEHAVIOUR OF BROILER CHICKENS REARED COMMERCIALLY
A L Hall
Department of Zoology, South Parks Rd, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK
Abstract Animal Welfare 2001, 10: 23-40
An experiment was conducted to compare the effect of two levels of house stocking density (34kg m-2 and 40kg m-2) on broiler welfare and behaviour. The trial monitored 121 900 birds housed in eight flocks under commercial conditions and used a range of behavioural and productivity measures to assess welfare.
At the higher stocking density: i) the daily mortality was greater for part of the rearing period; ii) the incidence of leg problems, contact dermatitis and carcase bruising increased; iii) the birds’ resting behaviour was increasingly disturbed; iv) locomotion and ground pecking decreased; and v) lying and preening patterns were affected, probably due to increased disruption by other birds.
Aspects of welfare were adversely affected at the higher stocking density. Further research is required to determine how stocking density affects welfare under different commercial conditions.
Keywords: animal welfare, behaviour, broiler, commercial conditions, stocking density
THE WELFARE OF FARMED MINK (MUSTELA VISON) IN RELATION TO BEHAVIOURAL SELECTION: A REVIEW
J Malmkvist† and S W Hansen
Department of Animal Health and Welfare, Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Research Centre Foulum, P O Box 50, DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark
†Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints
Abstract Animal Welfare 2001, 10: 41-52
Animal welfare is a major issue in Europe, and the production of mink, Mustela vison, has also been under debate. One common method of solving animal welfare problems is to adapt the environment to fit the behavioural needs of the animals. In comparison with other forms of husbandry, the mink production environment has remained relatively unchanged over the years and provides for some of the most obvious needs of mink. Whether today’s typical housing conditions adequately meet the welfare requirements of mink is currently a topic of discussion. An alternative approach to improving welfare is to modify the animals so that they are better adapted to farming conditions. In large-scale animal production, handling of the individual can be a sporadic event, making an animal’s inherent characteristics for temperament and adaptability important factors to consider with respect to its resultant welfare.
In this review we present and discuss experiments on behavioural selection for temperament, and against undesirable behaviours, such as fur chewing, in mink. Fur chewing behaviour can be reduced by selection, apparently without any negative effects, whereas only a little is known about the nature and consequences of selecting against stereotypic behaviours. Long-term selection experiments have shown that it is possible to reduce fearfulness in farmed mink. Using a relatively simple test, it is possible for farmers to add behavioural measurements to their normal selection criteria and thereby improve the welfare of farmed mink.
Keywords: animal welfare, domestication, fear, fur chewing, mink, temperament
ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT REDUCES THE PERFORMANCE OF STEREOTYPIC CIRCLING BEHAVIOUR IN CAPTIVE COMMON SEALS (PHOCA VITULINA)
J A E Grindrod¹, ²*† and J A Cleaver¹,³*
1 The Sea Life Centre, Hunstanton, Norfolk, PE36 5BH, UK
2 MAFF Laboratory of Welfare and Behaviour, Department of Neurobiology, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, CB2 4AT, UK
3 101 Paggitt St, Chatham, Kent ME4 6RE, UK
* Current address
† Contact for correspondence and reprint requests
Abstract Animal Welfare 2001, 10: 53-63
The captive environment is often barren, predictable and under-stimulating so that the behavioural needs of animals in captivity may be thwarted. The welfare of animals may be compromised, which can result in the expression of abnormal behaviours. Stereotypic behaviours, such as the circling or pacing behaviour observed in captive pinnipeds, may become apparent. A simple, cheap and effective method of adding complexity to a captive environment is the use of environmental enrichment techniques. A number of enrichment devices were used in this study, focusing primarily on occupying more time in feeding/foraging behaviours of common seals, Phoca vitulina. The performance of stereotypic circling behaviour was significantly reduced during the enrichment period, suggesting it had improved the welfare of all the animals in this study.
Keywords: animal welfare, common seal, environmental enrichment, stereotypic behaviour
A novel operant conditioning test to determine whether dairy cows dislike passageways that are dark or covered with excreta
C J C Phillips¹†,² and I D Morris²
1 Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK
2 School of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, University of Wales, Bangor LL57 2UW, UK
†Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints
Abstract Animal Welfare 2001, 10: 65-72
Both the presence of slurry and dark conditions may deter dairy cows from using passageways in cubicle accommodation, thus restricting movement and normal behaviour. We attempted to train seven dairy cows to recognize the quantity of reward offered in a transparent tube containing molasses in a Y-maze. Only one cow failed to consistently select the aisle containing the larger reward. The cows were then individually offered the choice of traversing either a passageway with a 5cm-depth of cow excreta or a clean, dry passageway to collect their rewards. The quantity of the rewards on the two sides was varied between zero and 400ml of molasses to determine the price that the cows were prepared to pay for entering the aisle with excreta. Only two of the seven cows showed a clear avoidance of the passageway with excreta. There was a tendency (P < 0.1) for the cows to avoid the passageway with excreta only when it contained no reward and the clean passageway contained a reward of 400ml molasses. Otherwise, there was no clear avoidance of the passageway with excreta. We also investigated whether cows preferred to enter a lighted or unlighted passageway. All the cows, except one, showed a strong avoidance of the dark passage, even when it contained the largest reward and the lighted passage contained no reward. We conclude that dairy cows demonstrate only mild avoidance of passageways with excreta but strongly avoid passageways without lighting. Therefore, we suggest that passageways for dairy cows should be lit at all times.
Keywords: animal welfare, cattle, excreta, lighting, operant conditioning
REDUCING EQUINE STEREOTYPIES USING AN EQUIBALL™
J V Henderson¹ and N K Waran²†
1 158 Hesketh Lane, Tarleton, Preston, Lancashire, PR4 6AS, UK
2 Institute of Ecology and Resource Management, University of Edinburgh, School of Agriculture, West Mains Rd, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK
†Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints
Abstract Animal Welfare 2001, 10: 73-80
It is believed that environmental enrichment techniques can play an important part in creating suitable captive environments for horses. There has, however, been little scientific investigation into the effectiveness of ‘stable-toys’ which claim to reduce the performance of equine stereotypies. This study investigated the effect of a foraging device known as ‘The Equiball™’ on equine stereotypies. Six horses were given their evening feed in an Equiball, and the occurence of stereotypic behaviour recorded using scan sampling of video observations. Pre-enrichment, horses spent a mean (± SD) of 5.27 ± 8.17 per cent of their time in the stable performing stereotypies; and significant individual variation in mean time performing stereotypic behaviour was found (P < 0.05). Several peaks in stereotypy over the day were found, the two main ones corresponding to the times before feeding. A reduction in stereotypic behaviour in five horses, and a small increase in stereotypic behaviour in one horse was observed during enrichment. During enrichment, there was an overall trend for stereotypic behaviour to decrease (P < 0.1). When used in conjunction with other measures such as behaviour therapy, companionship, increased exercise, and so on, the Equiball may help to create an environment less likely to lead to the development of stereotypic behaviours.
Keywords: animal welfare, enrichment, Equiball™, horses, stereotypic behaviour
A NON-INVASIVE SYSTEM FOR REMOTELY MONITORING HEART RATE IN FREE-RANGING UNGULATES
J V Gedir
Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PS, UK
Final Acceptance: 20 April 2000
Abstract Animal Welfare 2001, 10: 81-89
A new, external non-invasive telemetric heart rate (HR) monitoring system was evaluated on eight wapiti, Cervus elaphus canadensis, yearlings in July and August 1996. The assembly consisted of a leather girth strap, onto which a HR transmitter and a customized carriage bolt electrode system were fixed. To prevent the girth strap from rotating on the animal, it was secured with adjustable nylon straps extending anteriorly between the forelegs up to an adjustable neck collar. In preliminary testing, audible tones were received during 99 per cent (n = 902) of the 15s intervals when the animals were active, but only during 33 per cent (n = 156) when they were bedded. After 2 weeks, the equipment remained functional (and was removed); the effective signal range was consistently beyond 500m. This HR monitoring system is easy to attach externally, obviates complications from surgery, and provides coverage over an extended range.
The monitoring system offers a reliable, humane and inexpensive method for short-term measurement of HR in captive or wild ungulates. Further tests may reveal a potential for long-term application. The ability to measure physiological responses under different management regimes can aid ungulate farmers in selecting optimal herd sizes and social structures for their animals; and in developing superior housing, enclosure designs, handling and transport methods. This improves the animals’ welfare, and ultimately leads to an increase in animal growth and herd productivity. In addition, information about heart rates can help wildlife managers to improve their management strategies, by gaining an understanding of the energy expenditure associated with various activities and environmental influences.
Keywords: animal welfare, Cervus elaphus canadensis, heart rate, ungulate, wapiti, wildlife management
THE OCCURRENCE OF TAIL TIP ALTERATIONS IN FATTENING BULLS KEPT UNDER DIFFERENT HUSBANDRY CONDITIONS
L Schrader¹†, H-R Roth², C Winterling¹, N Brodmann¹, W Langhans¹, H Geyer³ and B Graf¹
1 Institute of Animal Sciences, Physiology and Animal Husbandry, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Schorenstrasse 16, CH-8603 Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
2 Department of Mathematics, Statistics Seminar, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Leonhardstrasse 27, CH-8092 Zurich, Switzerland
3 Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
† Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints
Final Acceptance: 15 June 2000
Abstract Animal Welfare 2001, 10: 119-130
Pathological alterations of the tail tip are a severe problem for fattening cattle husbandry with respect to animal welfare and economic losses. We compared the frequencies of tail tip lesions and less severe skin damage in bulls on farms with slatted-floor pens (slat, n = 10), slatted floor pens with prophylactic tail docking (slat/dock, n = 9), and deep bedding pens (straw, n = 10). In addition, the subjects' weight, their space allotment and the season of the year were determined to test whether they were related to the frequency of tail tip lesions and skin damage. Results are based on 8782 tail inspections in 764 pens. The frequency of the more severe tail tip lesions was highest in slat farms, less high in slat/dock farms, and lowest in straw farms. However, the incidence of the less severe skin damage was highest in slat farms, less high in straw farms, and lowest in slat/dock farms. The frequency of tail tip lesions increased with the weight of bulls in slat and slat/dock farms, but not in straw farms. In addition, in slat and slat/dock farms the incidence of tail tip lesions increased with a decreasing space allotment. The frequency of skin damage increased with increasing weight of bulls in each housing condition. The effect of weight on the number of tail tip lesions and skin damage was stronger in autumn, ie the period following the warm season, compared to spring. Our results suggest that a soft floor and an enlarged space allotment are the most suitable means of preventing tail tip lesions in fattening bulls. Prophylactic tail docking can reduce the occurrence of tail tip lesions only to a lesser degree and may impair the animals' welfare.
Keywords: animal welfare, fattening cattle, housing condition, tail docking, tail tip necrosis
THE EFFECTS OF LIGHT INTENSITY AND LIGHT SOURCE ON INJURIES DUE TO PECKING OF MALE DOMESTIC TURKEYS (MELEAGRIS GALLOPAVO)
C Moinard†, P D Lewis, G C Perry and C M Sherwin
Division of Animal Health and Husbandry, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Langford, University of Bristol, BS40 5DU, UK
† Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints
Final Acceptance: 17 July 2000
Abstract Animal Welfare 2001, 10: 131-139
It has been shown that, in small groups of intact male domestic turkeys, supplementary ultraviolet (UV-A) radiation, visual barriers, and added straw (environmental enrichment) minimize the incidence of injurious pecking under incandescent light at 5 lux. This paper describes two experiments, each involving eight groups of 100 non beak-trimmed birds up to 5 weeks of age, that assessed the effectiveness of these procedures at higher light intensities and with fluorescent light. Experiment 1 examined 5 or 10 lux of incandescent or fluorescent light. Experiment 2 studied responses to 5, 10, 36 or 70 lux of fluorescent light. Individual inspections of the birds, for wing, tail and head injuries due to pecking, were conducted daily.
Fluorescent light significantly reduced the incidence of tail injuries (P = 0.03), and tended to reduce those to the wings (P = 0.08), compared with incandescent light. No difference was observed between 5 and 10 lux for either tail or wing injuries. In Experiment 2, the incidence of tail and wing injuries was significantly and positively correlated with light intensity (tail, P = 0.05; wing, P = 0.02). Injuries to the head were minimal in all treatments. These results suggest that turkey poults may be kept with minimal injurious pecking, under fluorescent light at an intensity of 10 lux, with appropriate environmental enrichment.
Keywords: animal welfare, injurious pecking, light intensity, light source, turkeys
A COMPARISON OF COMMONLY USED EAR TAGS ON THE EAR DAMAGE OF SHEEP
D S Edwards†, A M Johnston and D U Pfeiffer
Department of Farm Animal and Equine Medicine and Surgery, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts AL9 7TA, UK
†Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints
Final Acceptance: 17 July 2000
Abstract Animal Welfare 2001, 10: 141-151
The damage caused by ear tags used for sheep identification was investigated in a two-part study. In Part I, ear tags classified as metal loop, golf-tee, single flex or lambtag were inserted into the ears of 62 ewes. The severity of ewe ear lesions was monitored until 20 weeks after ear tag insertion. In Part II, 351 lambs had tags classified as metal loop, plastic loop, golf-tee, double flex, single flap, lambtag and electronic, inserted in their ears. The behaviour of the lambs was observed for 30s after insertion of the ear tag. The severity of lamb ear lesions was monitored until 5 weeks after ear tag insertion. In both ewes and lambs there was a significantly greater risk of severe and persistent ear lesions following the use of metal loop tags as compared with the other types of ear tag (P < 0.001). The single flap tag was difficult to insert in a greater proportion of lambs (P < 0.001), and more lambs haemorrhaged (P < 0.001), vocalized (P = 0.002) and shook their heads (P = 0.004) with it, than with the other types of ear tags. All ear tags resulted in an inflammatory reaction and required correct positioning to minimize the severity of ear lesions.
Keywords: animal identification, animal welfare, ear tags, lesion score, sheep
WIRE-FLOOR PENS AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO METALLIC CAGES IN FATTENING RABBITS: INFLUENCE ON SOME WELFARE TRAITS
A Martrenchar†, E Boilletot, J-P Cotte and J-P Morisse
Agence Française de Sécurité Sanitaire des Aliments BP 53, 22440 Ploufragan, France
† Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints
Final Acceptance: 17 July 2000
Abstract Animal Welfare 2001, 10: 153-161
The possibility of improving the welfare of fattening rabbits by rearing them in pens instead of cages was investigated. Time budgets, locomotion, ear lesions, breaking strength of the femur and productivity were compared in fattening rabbits kept at the same stocking density (15 rabbits m-2) either in standard cages of 0.4m2 (6 animals) or in pens of 1.6m_ (24 animals). Behavioural observations, performed by video recording at 6 and 9 weeks of age, indicated that the frequency of rabbits walking over one another was higher in cages than in pens at 9 weeks of age. Although the time spent in locomotion did not differ significantly, the number of consecutive hops performed by animals was clearly increased in pens at 6 weeks and tended to be higher at 9 weeks. In pens (without a ceiling), rabbits were observed 'keeping watch' with a characteristic fully upright posture; this was not possible for rabbits in cages (with ceilings at 30cm).
Ear lesions were more frequent in caged rabbits than in penned; this might be due to the caged rabbits walking on one another, due to the lack of space to perform locomotory behaviour. Weight, diameter and breaking strength of femur tended to increase in rabbits kept in pens. In penned rabbits, body and carcase weight were significantly reduced (by 2.0% and 3.4% respectively) when compared with caged ones. However, overall, the use of wire-floor pens of 1.6m_, housing 24 animals, was considered to be beneficial to fattening rabbits’ welfare when compared to standard-sized cages holding 6 animals.
Keywords: animal welfare, cage housing, fattening rabbits, group size, pen housing
Effect of milk source on WELFARE AND WEIGHT GAIN OF LAMBS
A Sevi†, F Napolitano1, D Casamassima2 and S Dell’Aquila3
Istituto di Produzioni e Preparazioni Alimentari, Università di Foggia, via Napoli, 25, 71100 Foggia, Italy
1 Dipartimento di Scienze delle Produzioni Animali. Via Nazario Sauro, 85, 85100 Potenza, Italy
2 Dipartimento di Scienze Animali, Vegetali e dell’Ambiente, Università del Molise, Via De Sanctis, 86100 Campobasso, Italy
3 Istituto Sperimentale per la Zootecnia, via Napoli, 71020 Segezia (Foggia), Italy
†Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints
Final Acceptance: 19 June 2000
Abstract Animal Welfare 2001, 10: 163-172
The possibility of lessening the adverse welfare impact of artificial rearing was assessed in thirty Comisana lambs under conditions of ad libitum feeding. The lambs were assigned to a control dam-suckled group (DS) or to one of two test groups, each consisting of 10 animals. 18-24h after parturition, test lambs were separated from their dams: during the first post-separation week 10 subjects (EM) were offered ewe milk and the other 10 (MX) a 50:50 mix of ewe milk and a milk substitute. An artificial feeding system, to which the test lambs had free access, was filled with milk twice daily. After the first week, a transition from EM or MX to 100 per cent (reconstituted) milk substitute was carried out over 3 days in both test groups, gradually reducing the proportion of ewe's milk. In vivo cell-mediated immune response of lambs to phytohemagglutinin percutaneous injection were evaluated at 5, 15 and 25 days of age. At 10 and 20 days of age, all lambs were subjected to 15min isolation tests, during which latency to move, duration of movement and number of bleats were recorded. Blood samples were collected immediately before the test and 15 and 60min after, in order to assess the effect of differential rearing on the cortisol response of animals at different ages. In addition, the weight gain of lambs was recorded during the first 35 days of age at weekly intervals. Latency to move and duration of movement were not significantly affected by the experimental treatment, whereas the number of bleats was higher (P < 0.001) in dam-suckled lambs compared to test lambs at both 10 and 20 days of age. Neither immune response nor cortisol levels were affected by milk source. Although weight gain increased with increasing amounts of ewe's milk in the diet, the overall differences between the three groups were small and not significant. These findings suggest that the provision of ewe milk or a mix of ewe milk and a milk substitute during the first post-separation week can be a suitable strategy to sustain the welfare and production performance in the artificially reared lamb.
Keywords: animal welfare, artificial rearing, behaviour, production, performance, sheep
THE PUTATIVE WELFARE-REDUCING EFFECTS OF PREVENTING EQUINE STEREOTYPIC BEHAVIOUR
S D McBride¹† and D Cuddeford ²
1 Institute of Rural Studies, University of Wales, Aberystwyth SY23 3AL, UK
2 Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Mid-Lothian EH25 9RG, UK
†Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints
Final Acceptance: 14 August 2000
Abstract Animal Welfare 2001, 10: 173-189
The common practice of preventing equine stereotypic behaviour in the UK may be of concern, from a welfare perspective, if these behaviours constitute a coping response to a suboptimal environment. The aim of this study was to assess the putative function of these behaviours by measuring behavioural and physiological parameters i) before and after stereotypy prevention; ii) before and after stereotypy performance; and iii) in response to opiate antagonist (naloxone) administration.
The crib-strap significantly (P = 0.05) elevated mean plasma cortisol levels in crib-biting horses; a similar, although not significant trend (P = 0.07) was also observed for the weaving group during the anti-weave bar treatment. Both crib-strap and anti-weave bar significantly (P < 0.05) elevated plasma cortisol levels in the control horses. Although the latter result prevented a definite conclusion being drawn about the function of equine stereotypies, the results did indicate that the use of the crib-strap and anti-weave bar is stressful to the horse.
Plasma cortisol level was significantly (P = 0.04) higher immediately prior to the onset of stereotypy followed by a significant reduction post-stereotypy. This suggested that both crib-biting and weaving have a coping function to reduce stress levels in the animal.
Naloxone significantly reduced crib-biting by 84 per cent (P = 0.05) but it did not reduce weaving behaviour, indicating that crib-biting is a reward behaviour. However, resting behaviour was also significantly (P = 0.02) increased in crib-biting horses, suggesting that the stereotypy reduction was due to a sedative effect of the opiate antagonist. The latter was not measured, however, in control or weaving animals, and thus may be interpreted differently. The welfare implications of these results are discussed.
Keywords: animal welfare, equine, stereotypic behaviour
SURVIVAL AND ADAPTATION OF A RELEASED GROUP OF CONFISCATED CAPUCHIN MONKEYS
C E Suarez¹, E M Gamboa¹, P Claver² and F Nassar-Montoya³†
1 Universidad de la Salle - Centro de Rehabilitación de Fauna Silvestre WSPA. Facultad de Zootecnia, Carrrera 7 No 172-85 Bogotá, Colombia
2 Centro de Rehabilitación de Fauna Silvestre WSPA, Oficina WSPA Colombia, Cra 1 No 70-35, Apt 104, Bogotá, Colombia
3 Centro de Primatologia Araguatos, Calle 96 No 22-08, Bogotá, Colombia
† Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints
Final acceptance: 19 June 2000
Abstract Animal Welfare 2001, 10: 191-203
One commonly used method of managing confiscated wild primates in Latin American countries is to release rehabilitated individuals back to their natural habitats. However, little information has been collected from confiscated animal releases, so no clear guidelines have been developed to measure the success of this type of procedure. In most countries, the collection of critical post-release data is too costly and time-consuming for it to be incorporated into the routine procedures of institutions managing confiscated fauna. Therefore, this project was carried out in conditions similar to those of other Colombian and Latin American rehabilitation centres. A group of eight confiscated and rehabilitated brown capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella) was released in Los Llanos Orientales in Colombia, and monitored for 6.5 months to determine their adaptation and survival after release. Results were analysed according to how the animals adapted to their new environment in terms of foraging, feeding, locomotion, sleeping, social interactions between the group and with other animals and species, predation, orientation, and establishment of a territory. The results show that the short-term adaptation and survival of the group 6.5 months after release was successful. Five of the eight animals remained together, two separated, and only one was lost during the first month. Implications for animal well-being are discussed.
Keywords: animal welfare, capuchin monkey, Cebus apella, Colombia, confiscated animal, rehabilitation, wild animal release
THE WELFARE OF FARMED FOXES VULPES VULPES AND ALOPEX LAGOPUS IN RELATION TO HOUSING AND MANAGEMENT: A REVIEW
A J Nimon and D M Broom†
Cambridge University Animal Welfare Information Centre, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK
† Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints
Abstract Animal Welfare 2001, 10: 223-248
Foxes have been kept in captivity in Europe for the purpose of fur production for 70—80 years. In comparison with the main domesticated animal species, this is a very recent intervention. This paper reviews available evidence concerning the welfare of farmed foxes in relation to housing and management. The bulk of the literature relates to early handling of cubs, with the intention of reducing their subsequent fear of humans, and to simple changes in the cage environment that may provide environmental enrichment for foxes. Fear of humans appears to be a significant and pervasive problem, and the barrenness of cages is also a cause for concern. The extent of abnormal behaviours and reproductive failure, both indicative of quite severe welfare problems, is not sufficiently documented. Some housing and management practices are less detrimental than others; nonetheless, the evidence suggests that the welfare of farmed foxes is poor.
Keywords: animal welfare, enrichment, fear, foxes, housing, management, reproduction
FEEDING GUM ARABIC TO NEW WORLD MONKEYS: SPECIES DIFFERENCES AND PALATABILITY
S Herron¹, E Price²† and D Wormell³
1, 2, 3 Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, Les Augrès Manor, Trinity, Jersey, JE3 5BP, Channel Islands.
† Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints
Abstract Animal Welfare 2001, 10: 249-256
Members of the New World primate genera Callithrix and Cebuella have specialisations for eating plant exudates. Exudates are also an important component of the diets of many other callitrichid species in the wild, especially at times of nutritional stress. Gum arabic is fed daily to all marmosets and to some tamarins in Jersey Zoo’s collection. This study investigated species differences in liking for gum and the effects of the concentration of gum solutions on palatability. As predicted from field data, Callithrix species consumed more gum than other species; Saguinus also showed quite a strong liking for gum. In parallel with data from the wild, lion tamarins (Leontopithecus spp.) consumed the least, and Callimico also took relatively little. The two marmoset species tended to like stronger solutions of gum more than weak solutions and, therefore, the provision of smaller amounts of stronger concentrations is likely to be the most cost-effective way of incorporating gum into the diet. Providing gum to callitrichids on a regular basis can have significant welfare benefits.
Keywords: animal welfare, exudates, Goeldi’s monkey, gum, marmoset, nutrition, tamarin
THE EFFECT OF EXERCISE DEPRIVATION ON THE BEHAVIOUR AND PHYSIOLOGY OF STRAIGHT STALL CONFINED PREGNANT MARES
K Houpt¹†, T R Houpt², J L Johnson³, H N Erb4 and S C Yeon5
1 Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Box 15, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, NY 14853-6401, USA
2,3,4 Departments of Physiology and Epidemiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell
University, Ithaca, New York, NY, USA
5 Department of Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, 660-701 Gyeongnam, Chinju, Gazwa-Dong, 900, Republic of South Korea
† Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints
Abstract Animal Welfare 2001, 10: 257-267
The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the welfare of pregnant mares kept in straight stalls and given only limited exercise, conditions that are similar to those encountered in the pregnant mare urine industry. Sixteen pregnant mares (eight in each of two years) were randomly assigned to two groups: Ex (exercised in a paddock for 30 min per day) or NoEx (exercised for one 30 min period every 14 days). The horses were housed in straight (or ‘tie’) stalls for six months and had ad libitum access to grass hay. Each horse’s behaviour was recorded on videotape once per week for 24 h. The major behaviours were eating hay, standing, and stand-resting (head down and one hind limb flexed). There was no difference between the behaviours or the number of foot lifts per min of the Ex and NoEx groups in their stalls. Nine of 16 mares were not observed in recumbency throughout the whole of the six-month observation period, suggesting that horses with no previous experience in straight stalls may be reluctant to lie down. Thirteen of 16 mares dropped to their knees at least once, probably when they were REM sleeping while standing. There were no significant differences between the Ex and the NoEx mares in baseline plasma cortisol levels or in cortisol response to ACTH. Following 30 min of exercise, NoEx mares showed an increase in cortisol from 5.0 to 5.4 m g dL—1, whereas Ex mares showed a decrease from 4.6 to 3.6 m g dL—1. The NoEx horses that had been confined for two weeks trotted more
(NoEx = 22 [6—38; median and range]% of time; Ex = 2.4 [0—8.7]%) and galloped more (NoEx = 6 [2—8]%; Ex = 0 [0—4]%) than the Ex that were released daily, but walked less (NoEx = 17 [10—26]%; Ex = 35 [20—40]%) and grazed less (NoEx = 0%; Ex = 3 [0—12]%). Confined horses show rebound locomotion – that is, a compensatory increase – when released from confinement, indicating a response to exercise deprivation.
Keywords: animal welfare, behaviour, cortisol, exercise restriction, horse, restraint, welfare
BEHAVIOURAL REACTIONS, SEMEN QUALITY AND TESTOSTERONE LEVELS IN COCKS: GENETIC IMPLICATIONS
V Ferrante†, M Verga, M G Mangiagalli and C Carenzi
Istituto di Zootecnica, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy
† Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints
Abstract Animal Welfare 2001, 10: 269-279
Intense selection for productivity may have indirectly affected some behavioural traits in poultry. Intensive husbandry systems change rapidly, and the animals may have difficulties in coping with their environment and management. The aims of this study are to examine the fear reactions of two strains of chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) and to test the relationship between these fear reactivity levels and the chickens’ semen characteristics. Semen characteristics may indicate the effect of genetic selection both on the productivity and fitness of the animals. Forty cocks of two genetics strains (an egg-type strain and a meat-type strain), housed in single cages, were used in the study. During the breeding period, semen was collected twice a week from each animal. Each cock was submitted to an open-field test and a tonic immobility test. The results show that strong genetic selection, carried out over a long period on domestic chickens in order to improve egg and meat production, seems to affect some aspects of behaviour. The reactions to the fear tests show many differences between the two strains: in the open-field test, the egg-type cocks show higher levels of exploratory behaviour and lower general fearfulness (eg lower frequency of vocalisations and head movements). On the other hand, the meat-type cocks show a significantly lower duration of tonic immobility, indicating a lower level of fear specifically towards humans. Moreover, a key nearest neighbours analysis carried out using the behavioural data allows us to discriminate between the two strains with an error rate of 0%. These results suggest the potential for genetic selection aimed at reducing fear reactions, both towards novel environments and towards human beings, which may significantly improve the welfare of cocks.
Keywords: animal welfare, egg-type cocks, fear reaction, meat-type cocks, semen quality
THE EFFECT OF INCREASING DIETARY FIBRE ON FEEDING, RUMINATION AND ORAL STEREOTYPIES IN CAPTIVE GIRAFFES (GIRAFFA CAMELOPARDALIS)
E Baxter and A B Plowman†
Paignton Zoo Environmental Park, Totnes Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ4 7EU, UK
†Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints
Abstract Animal Welfare 2001, 10: 281-290
Many captive giraffes perform oral stereotypies, in particular tongue-playing, licking of objects (including conspecifics) and vacuum chewing. Typically, the diet of these large ruminants in captivity consists mostly of food concentrates, which are consumed rapidly and do not provide stimulation for their long, prehensile tongues. In the wild, browsing requires extensive use of this organ but in captivity material upon which to browse is limited. Consequently, vacuum activities, such as mock leaf-feeding behaviour, and stereotypies may develop. Rumination is also a major component of a giraffe’s behavioural repertoire. It is essential for proper digestion, but may also be connected with non-REM sleep. Inadequate opportunities for rumination may also contribute to the development of oral stereotypies. In this study of captive giraffes, we examined the effect of increasing dietary fibre on the time spent ruminating and feeding and the extent to which oral stereotypies were performed. Two giraffes of different age, sex and sub-species were studied at Paignton Zoo Environmental Park. Dietary fibre was increased by the addition of coarse meadow hay to their existing diet. Following the addition of hay, time spent feeding did not change significantly but there was a significant increase in the time spent ruminating and a significant reduction in time spent performing oral stereotypies by both giraffes, suggesting that oral stereotypies may be connected with rumination rather than feeding. Stereotypic behaviour is generally accepted to be an indicator of sub-optimal welfare. Thus, the reduction in this behaviour by the simple addition of coarse fibre to the diet can be interpreted as enhancing the welfare of these animals.
Keywords: animal welfare, behaviour, diet, sleep, stereotypy, tongue-playing
INTRA-ABDOMINAL TRANSMITTER IMPLANTATION IN MICE: EFFECTS ON BEHAVIOUR AND BODY WEIGHT
V Baumans¹, J A Bouwknecht², H Boere³, K Kramer4, H A van Lith¹, H A van de Weerd¹ and H van Herck³
1 Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Veterinary Faculty, Utrecht University, PO Box 80.166, 3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands
2 Department of Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
3 Central Laboratory Animal Institute, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
4 LACDR, Department of Pharmacochemistry, Free University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Abstract Animal Welfare 2001, 10: 291-302
Biotelemetry is a useful tool for the simultaneous measurement of several physiological and behavioural parameters in non-restrained, freely moving animals. However, the weight and volume of the implanted intra-abdominal transmitter may cause discomfort. The aim of this study was to assess body weight and behaviour of BALB/c and 129/Sv mice after implantation of an intra-abdominal transmitter. In order to measure more detailed behaviour, the automated behaviour observation analysis system (LABORAS™) was used. During the first days after surgery, body weight and the behaviours of climbing, locomotion and eating were found to decrease in both strains, whereas grooming and immobility increased. These changes were more pronounced in the transmitter animals than in the sham operated animals, however, indicating a temporary impairment in well-being. Within two weeks after surgery, the animals seemed to have fully recovered.
Keywords: mice, telemetry, transmitter implantation
THE WELFARE IMPACT OF INCREASED GAVAGING DOSES IN RATS
L Alban¹, P J Dahl², A K Hansen³†, K C Hejgaard³, A L Jensen4, M Kragh², P Thomsen² and P Steensgaard²
1 Division of Ethology and Health, Department of Animal Science and Animal Health, The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University of Copenhagen, Denmark
2 Department of Experimental Medicine, Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen and National University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
3 Division of Laboratory Animal Science and Welfare, Department of Pharmacology and Pathobiology, The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Ridebanevej 3, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
4 Central Laboratory, Department of Clinical Studies, The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University of Copenhagen, Denmark
† Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints
Abstract Animal Welfare 2001, 10: 303-314
Textbook recommendations for gavaging rats vary between 1—5 ml for an adult rat. Rats weighing either 130 g or 250 g were gavaged with varying dosages of barium sulphate (BaSO4). After dosing, radiographs were taken at 0, 15 and 60 min. Animals showing a section of the small intestine totally filled with BaSO4 were scored as displaying spontaneous release. Other rats of the same sizes were gavaged with similar doses and subsequently tested in an open-field arena for behavioural abnormalities that might indicate stress or pain resulting from the procedure. Body temperature before and after treatment was recorded using microchip transponders. None of the 250 g rats in the 1 ml dosage group showed spontaneous release through the pyloric sphincter. In the 2 ml and 4 ml dosage groups, only one out of five animals showed spontaneous release. In the 6 ml dosage group, half of the animals showed spontaneous release. In the 8 ml and 10 ml dosage groups, five out of six and four out of five, respectively, showed spontaneous release. If doses were higher than 12 ml, no animal was able to keep all of the BaSO4 in its stomach. In the rats weighing 130 g, the 3 ml dosage group showed only one out of four rats with spontaneous release, whereas in the 5 ml and 7 ml dosage groups, all animals showed spontaneous release. After 15 min, all of the rats in both weight groups showed BaSO4 in the duodenum. Ambulation, rearing up onto the hind legs and defecation, as well as body temperature immediately after dosing, correlated very strongly with the dose (ml kg—1); increasing the dose resulted in reduced ambulation, rearing, defecation and body temperature. However, 10 min after performance of the open-field test, neither body temperature, serum corticosterone nor serum glucose showed any correlation with dose. This study indicates that high doses (ie doses up to 10 ml for a 250 g rat) might be safe to use; however, if an adverse impact on the rat is to be avoided, use of much lower doses should be considered – for example, doses that do not enforce opening of the pyloric sphincter in any rat. This would be less than 4 ml kg—1 in a 250 g rat.
Keywords: animal welfare, body temperature, corticosterone, gavage, open-field test, radiocontrast, rat, sphincter pylori, welfare
Some comments on the review of Nimon and Broom on the welfare of farmed mink
C M Vinke
Department of Animals and Society, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 17, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands
Abstract Animal Welfare 2001, 10: 315-323
Fur-farming is a politically sensitive issue today. Therefore, discussions on the welfare situation of commercially farmed fur animals may be particularly valuable. The aim of this Short Communication is to address some issues, in addition to those covered in the review of Nimon and Broom on the welfare of farmed mink (Animal Welfare 1999, 8: 205—228), that may have received too little attention. This Short Communication addresses domestication and animal welfare, indispensable resources and behaviours of farmed mink, and the use of negative and positive indicators of welfare in research on farmed mink.
Keywords: animal welfare, domestication, essential needs, mink
THE EFFECT OF A ‘FREEDOM FOOD’ ENRICHMENT ON THE BEHAVIOUR OF BROILERS ON COMMERCIAL FARMS
A Kells*, M S Dawkins† and M Cortina Borja‡
*† Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK
* Present address: Biodiversity and Ecology Division, School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Bassett Crescent East, Southampton SO76 7PX, UK
‡Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Child Health, University College, London WC1N 1EH, UK
†Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints: marian.dawkins@zoo.ox.ac.uk
Abstract Animal Welfare 2001, 10: 347-356
The effect of an environmental enrichment – straw bales – on the behaviour of growing broiler chicks was investigated by comparing the behaviour of broilers kept in matched pairs of houses on commercial farms with and without bales. The birds provided with bales perched on them and clustered around them. The most striking result, however, was that, even away from the bales, birds in the enriched houses were more active (showing more walking and running and less sitting) than birds in unenriched houses. The study provides support for the ‘Freedom Food’ recommendation that activity in commercially kept indoor chickens can be increased by providing environmental enrichment in the form of straw bales.
Keywords: animal welfare, broilers, chickens, environmental enrichment, poultry
INTRODUCTION OF FOREIGN FEMALE ASIAN ELEPHANTS (ELEPHAS MAXIMUS) INTO AN EXISTING GROUP: BEHAVIOURAL REACTIONS AND CHANGES IN CORTISOL LEVELS
J Schmid*‡, M Heistermann†, U Gansloßer* and J K Hodges†
* Zoologisches Institut I, Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstrasse 5, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
†Department of Reproductive Biology, German Primate Centre, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
‡Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints: schmid-berlis.bonn@t-online.de
Abstract Animal Welfare 2001, 10: 357-372
The present study examined the extent to which the introduction of three female Asian elephants (aged 3, 11, and 27 years) into a group of 1.4 (1 male, 4 female) elephants at Münster zoo, Germany, affects the behaviour and urinary cortisol levels of the animals involved. At Münster, only the females were monitored – the bull was mainly kept separate. Behavioural observations were carried out before transfer and during the six-month period following transfer, and urine samples were collected regularly from each elephant during the whole observation period. All elephants showed behavioural changes to the process of introduction. The transferred animals increased their social behaviour after arrival in the foreign zoo. Two of them showed an increase in stereotypies and one a reduction in stereotypies. The elephants at Münster reacted with decreased frequencies of stereotypies and increased frequencies of social behaviour and manipulation/exploration behaviour. Six months after transfer, three of the four elephants at Münster and one of the three transferred elephants showed nearly the same behavioural activity pattern as before transfer. One female still showed elevated stereotypic behaviour. From the four elephants in which cortisol measurements could be reliably performed (two of the transferred elephants and two elephants at Münster), only one individual at Münster responded to the process of introduction with a short-term elevation in urinary cortisol levels. One elephant showed a negative correlation between locomotion and cortisol levels and one a positive correlation between stereotypies and cortisol levels. Taken together, the results suggest that transfer and introduction caused some stress responses in the elephants, but that stress was neither prolonged nor severe. Serious welfare problems may have been prevented through individual behavioural coping mechanisms and former experience with stressful situations.
Keywords: animal welfare, Asian elephant, behaviour, stress, urinary cortisol
THE EFFECTS OF ELEVATED PLATFORMS AND CONCEALMENT SCREENS ON THE WELFARE OF BLUE FOXES
J Mononen*, S Kasanen, M Harri, J Sepponen and T Rekilä
University of Kuopio, Institute of Applied Biotechnology, PO Box 1627, FIN-70211 Kuopio, Finland
* Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints: mononen@uku.fi
Abstract Animal Welfare 2001, 10: 373-385
Nowadays in Europe, farmed blue foxes are kept for most of the year in wire-mesh cages furnished with a platform for resting and observing the environment but without any opportunity for hiding from other foxes or from man. We studied the welfare effects of providing an elevated platform and two types of concealment screens in singly housed juvenile male blue foxes (n = 46) from August to December. The foxes were allocated to four experimental groups: group C had no furnishing in the cage, group P had a platform in the cage, group U had a platform and a concealment screen in the cage, and group O had a platform and a concealment screen on the outer wall of the cage. The blue foxes with platforms (groups P, U and O) spent the majority of their time on the platforms both when their cages were approached by man and as revealed by 24 h video recording. The 24 h recordings revealed that the foxes tended to avoid those locations in the cage where the screens obstructed their view (groups U and O); however, when the screens allowed the foxes to hide from an approaching man (group U), they were used for that purpose to some extent. There were no differences between the four groups in terms of growth, increase in rectal temperature after an acutely stressing situation, adrenal size, or fearfulness. The urinary cortisol:creatinine ratio showed that foxes in group U may have been less stressed than those in groups P and O in September, but no differences were observed in October. The concealment screens of group U may have improved the welfare of these blue foxes.
Keywords: animal welfare, blue fox, concealment screen, elevated platform, fear, fur farming, resting platform
LOWER-ROW CAGING IN A TWO-TIERED HOUSING SYSTEM DOES NOT AFFECT THE BEHAVIOUR OF YOUNG, SINGLY HOUSED RHESUS MACAQUES
S J Schapiro* and M Bloomsmith†
* Department of Veterinary Sciences, The University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX 78602, USA
†TECHLab, Zoo Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30315, USA
* Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints: sschapir@mdanderson.org
Abstract Animal Welfare 2001, 10: 387-394
It has been suggested that housing of laboratory primates in two-tiered racks adversely affects the psychological well-being of those primates housed on the lower row. Excessive darkness and its consequences are among the factors suggested to account for the supposed diminished well-being of lower-row inhabitants. Additionally, two-tiered housing has been suggested to introduce unacceptable variation into experimental designs, potentially necessitating additional subjects and/or invalidating results. Only recently have data been published to address these issues, but all studies have involved small numbers of subjects. In the present study, we compared the behaviour of 45 yearling rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) housed in upper-row cages with the behaviour of 48 yearling rhesus macaques housed in lower-row cages during a year of single housing. There were no significant differences across cage locations for time spent performing behaviours indicative of diminished psychological well-being (abnormal behaviour, inactivity, vocalisation, self-directed grooming) or for species-typical activities (feeding, playing). The difference in time spent exploring between macaques housed on the lower row and those housed on the upper row approached significance, with lower-row-housed animals spending more time exploring. Although lower-row cages are significantly darker than upper-row cages at our facility, the data from the present study demonstrate that the diminished lighting and other supposed disadvantages experienced by lower-row-housed monkeys have few behavioural consequences. Thus, there are now additional empirical data that suggest that lower-row-housed monkeys are not suffering in a "monkey cave", and that the findings of research projects using two-tiered housing systems are unlikely to be compromised.
Keywords: animal welfare, behaviour, captive housing, psychological well-being, rhesus macaque, single housing
PREFERENCES OF HOUSED FINISHING BEEF CATTLE FOR DIFFERENT FLOOR TYPES
D E Lowe¹†‡, R W J Steen¹ ² ³ and V E Beattie¹ ² ³
1 Agricultural Research Institute of Northern Ireland, Large Park, Hillsborough, County Down, Northern Ireland, BT26 6DR
2 Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Newforge Lane, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT9 5PX
3 The Queen’s University of Belfast, Newforge Lane, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT9 5PX
† Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints: denise.lowe@dardni.gov.uk
‡ Present address: Greenmount College of Agriculture and Horticulture, 22 Antrim Road, Antrim, Country Antrim, Northern Ireland, BT41 4PU
Abstract Animal Welfare 2001, 10: 395-404
Six pairs of steers were allowed to choose between two types of floors in a paired choice test. The four floors tested were a fully slatted floor, a fully slatted floor covered with rubber mats, a solid floor with sawdust bedding, and a solid floor with straw bedding. All combinations of floor types were tested and the choices were repeated eight times, using naïve animals. The animals were allowed 17 days to habituate, and on days 18—21 their behaviour was recorded by video for 72 hours. Straw was the most preferred floor type, followed by sawdust, then mats, and finally slats. During a second test period, rubber mats were compared with rubber strips, and no significant preferences were found.
Keywords: animal welfare, beef cattle, floor type, housing, preference
DEFLIGHTING PROCEDURES AND THEIR WELFARE IMPLICATIONS IN CAPTIVE BIRDS
H Hesterman* N G GregoryÝ and W S J Boardmaný
* Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand
Current address: School of Zoology, GPO Box 252-05, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
email: heatherh@utas.edu.au
Ý South Australian Research and Development Institute, PO Box 1571, Flaxley, SA 5153, Australia
ý Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, PO Box 369, Entebbe, Uganda
* Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints
Abstract Animal Welfare 2001, 10: 405-419
Deflighting is used to prevent large captive birds from escaping by limiting their ability to fly. This practice deprives birds of this normal behaviour, but can allow them to express other behaviours that would be suppressed if they were confined to cages or aviaries. The potential negative welfare issues associated with deflighting include the stress of capture and restraint, pain and discomfort associated with the procedure and during recovery, risk of post-operative infections, risk of neuroma formation which could lead to pain, and loss of the ability to fly. The potential practical and welfare advantages of deflighting include a reduction in the need to closely confine or cage birds to prevent them from escaping, and deflighting may be the only way of keeping particular birds in an open situation for display, such as in parks or zoos. In these respects, there must be a balance between the requirement for this practice and the welfare compromises it introduces for birds. By outlining temporary and permanent methods and the complications involved, the following review highlights potential welfare problems and discusses ways of avoiding them. It also evaluates the necessity of deflighting and the need for careful risk assessment.
Keywords: animal welfare, deflighting, feather clipping, patagiectomy, pinioning, tenonectomy
THE EFFECTS OF INTRUSION ON THE BEHAVIOUR OF CAGED LABORATORY RATS (RATTUS NORVEGICUS): CONSEQUENCES FOR WELFARE
R Barclay
Harpley House, 108 Main Street, Hayton, Retford, Notts DN22 9LH
Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints: rh@barclay.mln.co.uk
Abstract Animal Welfare 2001, 10: 421-436
This experiment examines the consequences and welfare implications of the introduction of new rats to established (resident) caged laboratory rat groups. The effects on investigatory and aggressive behaviours of the established and the newly introduced rats were measured. The aggressive status within each established resident group was known prior to the introduction; the status of each intruder rat was also known. Single-sex groups of both male and female residents and intruders were studied. Two important conclusions arise from the results of the experiment. First, contrary to reports in a number of publications, there were no effects of male resident social status on their investigatory or aggressive behaviour towards male intruder rats. There was, however, a significant effect of social status among female residents on their investigatory behaviour towards intruders; unexpectedly, it was the subordinates followed by the dominant animals that showed the highest investigatory response. Second, aggression by intruders of both sexes depended upon their social status in their resident group. In the case of male intruders, aggressive behaviour towards residents was a reflection of their previous social status irrespective of how much aggression they received from residents. Among females, a similar pattern emerged, with the dominant females initiating the most aggression; however, this behaviour was dependent upon how much aggression was received from residents and on the resident’s social status, with resident subordinates and dominants responding with the most aggressive behaviour. The results are interpreted in terms of putative competitive strategies adopted by rats in a confined (cage) environment, and their welfare implications are discussed.
Keywords: aggression, animal welfare, intruder, laboratory rat
THE BEHAVIOURAL REPERTOIRE OF NON-BREEDING GROUP-HOUSED FEMALE LABORATORY RABBITS (ORYCTOLAGUS CUNICULUS)
S D E Held*, R J Turner† and R J Wootton†
* Centre for Behavioural Biology, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK
†Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Wales, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 3DA, UK
* Contact for correspondence and requests for reprints: suzanne.held@bristol.ac.uk
Abstract Animal Welfare 2001, 10: 437-443
Many studies on group-housing of laboratory rabbits to date have focused on management aspects and economic implications. Our aim here is to provide behavioural background information for future investigations focusing on behavioural and welfare aspects of group-housing. In the present study, we established the behavioural repertoire of female laboratory rabbits kept in single-sex groups in enriched floor-pens. Thirty-six adult does of common laboratory breeds were kept in groups of four in enriched floor-pens. Behavioural observations were carried out over a period of 30 months with a total observation time of 21 h per group and 4.2 h per focal animal. Observations took place at natural dusk and dawn and lasted for 120 or 180 min per group. Most of the behavioural elements in the repertoire of mixed-sex wild and domestic rabbits were also observed here in single-sex groups of laboratory does. However, in the absence of males, sexual behaviours were directed towards other females and no maternal behaviours, other than nest building at the end of pseudopregnancies, were exhibited. Attention is drawn to differences between the behavioural repertoire reported here and that of singly caged laboratory rabbits.
Keywords: animal welfare, behavioural repertoire, group-housing, laboratory rabbits
