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Campbell DLM, Cohen-Barnhouse AM, Bursian SJ. Effects of simple cage enrichment and its removal on the behavior and welfare of American mink ( Neogale vison). J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2024:1-16. [PMID: 38577826 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2024.2337935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Environmental enrichment may reduce stereotypies in fur-farmed mink. North American mink standards require manipulable enrichment objects within cages. However, mink can rapidly destroy objects inhibiting continuous enrichment presence, which may have negative welfare impacts. This experimental study determined the effects of removing simple cage manipulable enrichments (plastic chains and dumbbells), either short-term or longer-term, on the behavioral expression of welfare in fur-farmed mink. Locomotor stereotypies, normal activity, sub-types of inactivity related to boredom, and tail fur-chewing were recorded across four treatment groups with either (1) no enrichment, (2) continuous enrichment, (3) short (temporary), or (4) long-term enrichment removal. Contrary to predictions, locomotor stereotypies, and scrabbling were not reduced by the enrichments, nor affected by the enrichment removal. Observations at the beginning of the trial showed the non-enriched mink spent the least amount of time lying with their eyes open (i.e., the least bored). The lack of enrichment may have increased fur-chewing on the tail, but larger sample sizes would be needed for statistical confirmation. This research contributes to the literature on evaluating simple, practical enrichments for improving fur-farmed mink welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana L M Campbell
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Steven J Bursian
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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van Zeeland YRA, Schoemaker NJ, Lumeij JT. Contrafreeloading Indicating the Behavioural Need to Forage in Healthy and Feather Damaging Grey Parrots. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2635. [PMID: 37627426 PMCID: PMC10451555 DOI: 10.3390/ani13162635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Contrafreeloading (CFL) is a concept that describes the preference of an animal to work for food even when identical food is freely available, and reflects an intrinsic motivation to engage in foraging-related activities. However, altered brain neurochemistry, which can be induced by chronic exposure to a suboptimal living environment, may affect this intrinsic motivation in animals with abnormal repetitive behaviours (ARBs), including parrots with feather damaging behaviour. To determine whether this was the case, we evaluated CFL activity in healthy (n = 11) and feather damaging (n = 10) Grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) by offering them a free choice to obtain identical food from a food bowl or from a foraging device. Differences in CFL activity were observed, with feather damaging Grey parrots displaying less CFL (as indicated by shorter foraging times and lower amounts of food consumed from the foraging devices) compared to healthy conspecifics, indicating altered 'motivation' and time allocation, for which the underlying mechanism needs to be clarified further. Nevertheless, despite the variable level, all birds displayed CFL, which, together with a seemingly positive correlation between CFL activity and the plumage condition of the birds, suggests that parrots are intrinsically motivated to forage and highlights the importance of providing foraging opportunities to captive parrots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne R. A. van Zeeland
- Division of Zoological Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Henriksen BI, Møller SH, Malmkvist J. Animal welfare measured at mink farms in Europe. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2022.105587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Figueira MP, Silva FFR, Ribeiro A, Silva IO, Boere V. The behavioral response of the crab-eating fox to olfactory enrichment. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Effects of qualitative feed restriction in broiler breeder pullets on behaviour in the home environment. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Meagher R, Díez-León M. Discussion of “In-depth analysis of the emotional reactivity of American mink ( Neovison vison) under behavioral tests”. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1139/cjas-2019-0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R.K. Meagher
- School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6AR, UK
| | - María Díez-León
- Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London NW1 0TU, UK
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Schou TM, Palme R, Malmkvist J. Relocation shortly after mating does not have a major impact on stress responses and reproduction in female farm mink. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2019.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Zieliński D, Ślaska B, Rozempolska-Rucińska I, Zoń A. In-depth analysis of the emotional reactivity of American mink ( Neovison vison) under behavioral tests. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.1139/cjas-2018-0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Currently, the importance of research into the behavior of farm animals is being highlighted. Monitoring animal temperament is a key aspect in improving their well-being. The aim of the study was to search for indicators facilitating classification of the emotional reactivity of mink (Neovison vison) using behavioral tests: glove and empathic tests. Both tests were applied to 760 mink in triplicate to assess their behavioral profile. Based on the obtained assessments, the animals subjected to the empathic test were classified into one of the four behavioral profiles: aggressive, curious, fearful, and neutral. The contact time of the mink with the new object in the empathic test clearly differentiates all four types of mink behavior. The significantly longest contact with the object was found for aggressive, and the shortest for neutral animals. The intensity and time of contact with the object may be an indicator of the behavioral profile of mink. Based on the results, it can be concluded that an additional predictor of the mink reactivity during behavioral tests should be taken into account, the intensity of contact with the object measured both by the intensity of direct contact and by the duration of this contact. The results shown in this study can be used as a selection indicator by including the temperament of farm mink in selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Zieliński
- Institute of Biological Bases of Animal Production, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, Lublin 20-950, Poland
| | - B. Ślaska
- Institute of Biological Bases of Animal Production, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, Lublin 20-950, Poland
| | - I. Rozempolska-Rucińska
- Institute of Biological Bases of Animal Production, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, Lublin 20-950, Poland
| | - A. Zoń
- Experimental Station of the National Research Institute of Animal Production, Chorzelów 39-331, Poland
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Schou TM, Palme R, Malmkvist J. Prolonged nest building increase the reproductive outcome in American female mink. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2018.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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González C, Yáñez JM, Tadich T. Determination of the Genetic Component of Fur-Chewing in Chinchillas ( Chinchilla lanigera) and Its Economic Impact. Animals (Basel) 2018; 8:ani8090144. [PMID: 30134521 PMCID: PMC6162680 DOI: 10.3390/ani8090144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2018] [Revised: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Many chinchillas kept in captivity develop fur-chewing. This behavior does not only affect fur price, but most importantly it can be the result of an animal welfare problem. The causes of this behavior are not well understood and a genetic component could exist. This is why the aim of this study was to determine the genetic component and the effect of this behavior on fur price. The data from a commercial fur-farm was used, it included information on 10,196 chinchillas recorded between 1990 and 2011. The heritability of the behavior and its effect on fur price were determined. The results show a significant genetic variation in fur-chewing with an estimated heritability of 0.16. At the same time, the behavior had an important negative effect on fur price. The selection and management practices used in fur-farming should be improved in order to decrease the incidence of this behavior. Abstract Fur-chewing is a common behavioral disorder developed by chinchillas kept in confinement that can indicate a past or present welfare problem. It also has a negative productive impact associated. The aim of this study was to determine the genetic component of fur-chewing, and the effect of this undesired behavior on fur price in a commercial fur-farming system of chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera). The data for the analysis was derived from a commercial population of 10,196 chinchillas, recorded between the years 1990 and 2011. For determining differences in fur price according to presence of fur-chewing behavior, analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used, considering 3007 animals. For estimation of variance components of fur-chewing a sire-dam threshold (probit) mixed model was used, using data of 9, 033 individuals, and then heritability on the underlying liability scale was calculated. The analysis revealed a significant negative impact on fur price from fur-chewing chinchillas (p-value < 0.05). In addition, the study showed that fur-chewing presents significant genetic variation, with an estimated heritability of 0.16. The presentation of fur-chewing should be taken into account when selecting broodstock in these systems, in order to reduce the number of affected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalina González
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santa Rosa 11735, La Pintana, Santiago 8820000, Chile.
| | - José Manuel Yáñez
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santa Rosa 11735, La Pintana, Santiago 8820000, Chile.
| | - Tamara Tadich
- Departamento de Fomento de la Producción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santa Rosa 11735, La Pintana, Santiago 8820000, Chile.
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Polanco A, Díez-León M, Mason G. Stereotypic behaviours are heterogeneous in their triggers and treatments in the American mink, Neovison vison, a model carnivore. Anim Behav 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2018.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Towards a taxonomy of stereotypic behaviours in the American mink (Neovison vison) , a model Carnivore: Homogeneous or heterogeneous? Appl Anim Behav Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2017.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Malmkvist J, Sørensen DD, Larsen T, Palme R, Hansen SW. Weaning and separation stress: maternal motivation decreases with litter age and litter size in farmed mink. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2016.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Benefits of a ball and chain: simple environmental enrichments improve welfare and reproductive success in farmed American mink (Neovison vison). PLoS One 2014; 9:e110589. [PMID: 25386726 PMCID: PMC4227648 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0110589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2014] [Accepted: 09/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Can simple enrichments enhance caged mink welfare? Pilot data from 756 sub-adults spanning three colour-types (strains) identified potentially practical enrichments, and suggested beneficial effects on temperament and fur-chewing. Our main experiment started with 2032 Black mink on three farms: from each of 508 families, one juvenile male-female pair was enriched (E) with two balls and a hanging plastic chain or length of hose, while a second pair was left as a non-enriched (NE) control. At 8 months, more than half the subjects were killed for pelts, and 302 new females were recruited (half enriched: ‘late E’). Several signs of improved welfare or productivity emerged. Access to enrichment increased play in juveniles. E mink were calmer (less aggressive in temperament tests; quieter when handled; less fearful, if male), and less likely to fur-chew, although other stereotypic behaviours were not reduced. On one farm, E females had lower cortisol (inferred from faecal metabolites). E males tended to copulate for longer. E females also weaned more offspring: about 10% more juveniles per E female, primarily caused by reduced rates of barrenness (‘late E’ females also giving birth to bigger litters on one farm), effects that our data cautiously suggest were partly mediated by reduced inactivity and changes in temperament. Pelt quality seemed unaffected, but E animals had cleaner cages. In a subsidiary side-study using 368 mink of a second colour-type (‘Demis’), similar temperament effects emerged, and while E did not reduce fur-chewing or improve reproductive success in this colour-type, E animals were judged to have better pelts. Overall, simple enrichments were thus beneficial. These findings should encourage welfare improvements on fur farms (which house 60-70 million mink p.a.) and in breeding centres where endangered mustelids (e.g. black-footed ferrets) often reproduce poorly. They should also stimulate future research into more effective practical enrichments.
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