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Farag HI, Murphy BA, Templeman JR, Hanlon C, Joshua J, Koch TG, Niel L, Shoveller AK, Bedecarrats GY, Ellison A, Wilcockson D, Martino TA. One Health: Circadian Medicine Benefits Both Non-human Animals and Humans Alike. J Biol Rhythms 2024; 39:237-269. [PMID: 38379166 PMCID: PMC11141112 DOI: 10.1177/07487304241228021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Circadian biology's impact on human physical health and its role in disease development and progression is widely recognized. The forefront of circadian rhythm research now focuses on translational applications to clinical medicine, aiming to enhance disease diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment responses. However, the field of circadian medicine has predominantly concentrated on human healthcare, neglecting its potential for transformative applications in veterinary medicine, thereby overlooking opportunities to improve non-human animal health and welfare. This review consists of three main sections. The first section focuses on the translational potential of circadian medicine into current industry practices of agricultural animals, with a particular emphasis on horses, broiler chickens, and laying hens. The second section delves into the potential applications of circadian medicine in small animal veterinary care, primarily focusing on our companion animals, namely dogs and cats. The final section explores emerging frontiers in circadian medicine, encompassing aquaculture, veterinary hospital care, and non-human animal welfare and concludes with the integration of One Health principles. In summary, circadian medicine represents a highly promising field of medicine that holds the potential to significantly enhance the clinical care and overall health of all animals, extending its impact beyond human healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hesham I. Farag
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
- Centre for Cardiovascular Investigations, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Barbara A. Murphy
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - James R. Templeman
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Charlene Hanlon
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
- Department of Poultry Science, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Jessica Joshua
- Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Thomas G. Koch
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Lee Niel
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Anna K. Shoveller
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | | | - Amy Ellison
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| | - David Wilcockson
- Department of Life Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, UK
| | - Tami A. Martino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
- Centre for Cardiovascular Investigations, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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Aragona F, Fazio F, Piccione G, Giannetto C. Chronophysiology of domestic animals. Chronobiol Int 2024; 41:888-903. [PMID: 38832548 DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2024.2360723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
This review highlights recent findings on biological rhythms and discusses their implications for the management and production of domestic animals. Biological rhythms provide temporal coordination between organs and tissues in order to anticipate environmental changes, orchestrating biochemical, physiological and behavioural processes as the right process may occur at the right time. This allows animals to adapt their internal physiological functions, such as sleep-wake cycles, body temperature, hormone secretion, food intake and regulation of physical performance to environmental stimuli that constantly change. The study and evaluation of biological rhythms of various physiological parameters allows the assessment of the welfare status of animals. Alteration of biological rhythms represents an imbalance of the state of homeostasis that can be found in different management conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Aragona
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Fazio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Piccione
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Claudia Giannetto
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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Smit M, Corner-Thomas RA, Draganova I, Andrews CJ, Thomas DG. How Lazy Are Pet Cats Really? Using Machine Learning and Accelerometry to Get a Glimpse into the Behaviour of Privately Owned Cats in Different Households. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:2623. [PMID: 38676239 PMCID: PMC11053832 DOI: 10.3390/s24082623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Surprisingly little is known about how the home environment influences the behaviour of pet cats. This study aimed to determine how factors in the home environment (e.g., with or without outdoor access, urban vs. rural, presence of a child) and the season influences the daily behaviour of cats. Using accelerometer data and a validated machine learning model, behaviours including being active, eating, grooming, littering, lying, scratching, sitting, and standing were quantified for 28 pet cats. Generalized estimating equation models were used to determine the effects of different environmental conditions. Increasing cat age was negatively correlated with time spent active (p < 0.05). Cats with outdoor access (n = 18) were less active in winter than in summer (p < 0.05), but no differences were observed between seasons for indoor-only (n = 10) cats. Cats living in rural areas (n = 7) spent more time eating than cats in urban areas (n = 21; p < 0.05). Cats living in single-cat households (n = 12) spent more time lying but less time sitting than cats living in multi-cat households (n = 16; p < 0.05). Cats in households with at least one child (n = 20) spent more time standing in winter (p < 0.05), and more time lying but less time sitting in summer compared to cats in households with no children (n = 8; p < 0.05). This study clearly shows that the home environment has a major impact on cat behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rene A. Corner-Thomas
- School of Agriculture and Environmental, Massey University, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand; (M.S.)
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Giannetto C, Arfuso F, Rizzo M, Giudice E, Calapai F, Guercio A, Macaluso G, Giacchino I, Piccione G, Cannella V. Persistence of clock gene expression in peripheral blood in dogs maintained under different photoperiod schedules. Chronobiol Int 2024; 41:369-377. [PMID: 38326980 DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2024.2315217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Dogs are the common pets adopted by humans, and their circadian behavior and physiology are influenced by human habits. In many families, there is a change of lifestyle with respect to the natural daylight (NDL) cycle. Exposure to constant light disrupts some central and peripheral circadian rhythms. The aim of the present study was to improve the knowledge about the circadian changes of clock components in the peripheral blood in dogs housed under NDL and constant light (LL) conditions. Blood samples were collected on five female Beagle dogs (2 years old, 14 ± 0.5 kg) every 4 hours for a 24-hour period during an NDL (Sunrise 05:05 h - Sunset 20:55 h) and 24-hour period of constant light (LL). Blood samples were stored in a PAX gene Blood RNA Tube, real-time RT-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to determine Clock, Per1-3, and Cry1-2 gene expression. During the NDL, all genes investigated showed robust diurnal daily rhythmicity. During the constant light, only Clock maintained its daily rhythmicity. Clock acrophase was observed close to sunrise (ZT 0) and was statistically different from the other clock genes except for Per3. Per3 daily oscillations were not statistically significant. No differences were observed among the clock genes tested in the amplitude and robustness values. Our results can be considered preliminary data to provide new insights into the adaptation mechanism of the canine peripheral circadian clock. The persistence of Clock gene expression during the LL indicated the presence of an endogenously generated signal in blood. Because peripheral blood is an easily accessible sample in dogs, the analysis of clock gene expression in this tissue could be useful to investigate the adaptive capacity of this species housed in different environmental conditions linked to the owner's lifestyle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Giannetto
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Francesca Arfuso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Rizzo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Giudice
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Calapai
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Scieces, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Annalisa Guercio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri", Palermo, Italy
| | - Giusi Macaluso
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri", Palermo, Italy
| | - Ilenia Giacchino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri", Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Piccione
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Vincenza Cannella
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Sicilia "A. Mirri", Palermo, Italy
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Di Pietro S, Tabbì M, Falcone A, Macrì F, Piccione G, Giudice E, Giannetto C. Hospitalization disrupts the daily rhythm of tear production in cats. Vet Ophthalmol 2022; 26 Suppl 1:119-124. [PMID: 36336850 DOI: 10.1111/vop.13037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The exposure to constant light during the hospitalization was investigated to verify its influence on the daily rhythmicity of Schirmer tear test I (STT I) in the Felis catus. ANIMAL STUDIED One group (HG-hospitalized group) was consisted of 10 owned-cats hospitalized to perform a sterilization procedure and was exposed to a 24/0 light/dark (L/D) cycle; the cat control group (CG) was consisted of 10 staff-owned cats living in an indoor environment (12/12 L/D cycle). PROCEDURE The STT I values was performed at 4 h intervals over a 48 h period (starting at 8:00 a.m. on Day 1 and finishing at 8:00 a.m. on Day 3) on the left (LE) and right (RE) eyes into two cat groups. A 35 x 5 mm commercial tear test strip was used to record tear production in millimeters wetting per minute (mm/min). RESULTS Multivariate for repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed a statistically significant effect of time. No difference was found between LE and RE tear production, and between the two experimental conditions. Robust daily rhythmicity was exhibited by the STT I in both eyes during the entire monitoring period in control cats and only during the Day 1 in hospitalized cats. CONCLUSIONS These data are a starting point for evaluating the imbalance of ocular physiology observed in hospitalized cats. Further studies on larger sample size and exposing the animals to various hospitalization procedures are needed to establish whether these alterations are caused by hospitalization procedures or by the light/dark schedules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Di Pietro
- Department of Veterinary Sciences University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell'Annunziata Messina Italy
| | - Marco Tabbì
- Department of Veterinary Sciences University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell'Annunziata Messina Italy
| | - Annastella Falcone
- Department of Veterinary Sciences University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell'Annunziata Messina Italy
| | - Francesco Macrì
- Department of Veterinary Sciences University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell'Annunziata Messina Italy
| | - Giuseppe Piccione
- Department of Veterinary Sciences University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell'Annunziata Messina Italy
| | - Elisabetta Giudice
- Department of Veterinary Sciences University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell'Annunziata Messina Italy
| | - Claudia Giannetto
- Department of Veterinary Sciences University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell'Annunziata Messina Italy
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Comparison of Locomotor and Feeding Rhythms between Indoor and Outdoor Cats Living in Captivity. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12182440. [PMID: 36139300 PMCID: PMC9494968 DOI: 10.3390/ani12182440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The plastic nature of cat behaviour allows this “friendly symbiont” of humans to adapt to various housing conditions. Beyond daylight, one could wonder if other environmental factors affect its patterns. Yet, how its activity and feeding rhythms are impacted by its environment is rarely studied in standardised conditions between populations. We compared the behaviour of cats living in a 29 m2 indoor room and cats living in a 1145 m2 outdoor enclosure, tracking them simultaneously in summer for 21 days, with advanced technologies. Both populations received daylight but weather fluctuations only occurred outdoors. Bimodality was detected in the activity and feeding rhythms of both groups, while twilight triggered crepuscular peaks. Daily, the outdoor population covered more distance (4.29 ± 0.27 km; p < 0.001) and consumed more food (67.44 ± 2.65 g; p < 0.05) than the indoor population (2.33 ± 0.17 km, 57.75 ± 2.85 g, respectively), but displayed less rhythmic behaviours, assumedly because of rhythm disruptors met only in outdoor conditions. Finally, outdoor housing seemed to promote the exploratory behaviour of the cats at night, while indoor housing increased both meal frequency (p = 0.063) and the impact of human interactions on the feeding rhythms of the cats.
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Giannetto C, Acri G, Pennisi M, Piccione G, Arfuso F, Falcone A, Giudice E, Di Pietro S. Short Communication: Use of Infrared Thermometers for Cutaneous Temperature Recording: Agreement with the Rectal Temperature in Felis catus. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12101275. [PMID: 35625121 PMCID: PMC9137465 DOI: 10.3390/ani12101275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The recording of body temperature by rectal temperature assessments is a stressful procedure for cats. For this purpose, alternative methods for using rectal digital thermometers to monitor body temperature were investigated. Skin temperature was recorded in 20 cats, in 5 different body regions, and compared with the rectal temperature. The obtained data indicated that the cutaneous temperature recorded by the infrared thermometers was not in agreement with the data recorded by the digital thermometer in the rectum. Abstract In veterinary medicine, the gold standard for assessing body temperature is rectal temperature assessment. Considering that this procedure is stressful for many species, in particular for cats, it could be clinically important to consider an alternative approach for the monitoring of core body temperature. The aim of this study was to test if cutaneous temperature measurements by means of different infrared thermometers are in agreement with the most commonly used method for body temperature measurement in cats. The cutaneous temperature was recorded in the jugular, shoulder, rib, flank, and inner thigh, using three different non-contact infrared thermometers (IR1, IR2, and IR3) in 20 cats. The cutaneous temperature was then compared to the rectal temperature, recorded by means of a digital thermometer. The obtained data indicated that the cutaneous temperature recorded by the infrared thermometers was not in agreement with the data recorded by the digital thermometer in the rectum. In cats, the use of non-contact infrared thermometers gave no reproducible or constant data to justify their application for the recording of body temperature instead of rectal temperature recording. In addition, the infrared temperature measurement devices generated results that were not in good agreement among themselves, providing a novel result of clinical importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Giannetto
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Polo Universitario dell’Annunziata, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.P.); (G.P.); (F.A.); (A.F.); (E.G.); (S.D.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Giuseppe Acri
- Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Imaging Sciences, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Melissa Pennisi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Polo Universitario dell’Annunziata, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.P.); (G.P.); (F.A.); (A.F.); (E.G.); (S.D.P.)
| | - Giuseppe Piccione
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Polo Universitario dell’Annunziata, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.P.); (G.P.); (F.A.); (A.F.); (E.G.); (S.D.P.)
| | - Francesca Arfuso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Polo Universitario dell’Annunziata, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.P.); (G.P.); (F.A.); (A.F.); (E.G.); (S.D.P.)
| | - Annastella Falcone
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Polo Universitario dell’Annunziata, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.P.); (G.P.); (F.A.); (A.F.); (E.G.); (S.D.P.)
| | - Elisabetta Giudice
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Polo Universitario dell’Annunziata, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.P.); (G.P.); (F.A.); (A.F.); (E.G.); (S.D.P.)
| | - Simona Di Pietro
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Polo Universitario dell’Annunziata, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (M.P.); (G.P.); (F.A.); (A.F.); (E.G.); (S.D.P.)
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Home Range and Activity Patterns of Free-Ranging Cats: A Case Study from a Chinese University Campus. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12091141. [PMID: 35565567 PMCID: PMC9103849 DOI: 10.3390/ani12091141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In this study, we used collar-mounted sensors to determine the home range size of free-ranging cats on a Chinese university campus. Twenty-nine adult cats (fifteen males and fourteen females) were tracked via attached GPS units from October 2018 to June 2020. Throughout the study, home range sizes ranged from 0.56 to 19.83 ha at 95% KDE for all cats. The home range of free-ranging cats is affected by the breeding status and sex; for example, male cats tend to have a larger home range size in the breeding season than in the non-breeding season, and in the breeding season, male cats generally have a larger home range than females. In the study of activity patterns, we provided the activity steps of free-ranging cats at different times of the day, and the mean (±SE) number of steps a cat takes per day was 19,863.96 ± 1627.21. The results show that free-ranging cats have more intense activities at twilight and relatively lower activity intensity in the afternoon. Our study provided a case study of the home range and activity patterns of free-ranging cats living on a Chinese university campus, and provided theoretical support for the management and conservation implications of free-ranging cats in cities. Abstract Human activities and the available resources influence the home range and activity patterns of free-ranging cats. Our objective in this study was to determine sex and breeding season vs. non-breeding season home range size, as well as activity patterns for unowned free-ranging cats at a university campus in China. Twenty-nine adult cats (fifteen males and fourteen females) were tracked with attached GPS units from October 2018 to June 2020. We considered the effects of sex and breeding status on the home range size of free-ranging cats. Male cats had larger home ranges (95% KDE: 12.60 ± 2.61 ha) than female cats (95% KDE: 5.02 ± 1.34 ha) in the breeding season. There was a seasonal effect on the home range size of male cats; for example, during the non-breeding season, the home range (95% KDE: 6.68 ± 1.22 ha) was smaller than that during the breeding season (95% KDE: 12.60 ± 2.61 ha), while female cats tended to have larger home ranges in the non-breeding season (95% KDE: 7.73 ± 2.77 ha) than in the breeding season (95% KDE: 5.02 ± 1.34 ha). We used the number of activity steps to measure the activity intensity of cats to explore their activity patterns. The mean (±SE) number of steps a cat takes per day was 19,863.96 ± 1627.21. There were two peak periods of activity in a day, 6:00–10:00 and 17:00–21:00. Our study provided a case study of the home range and activity patterns of free-ranging cats living on a Chinese university campus, and the results show that the home range of free-ranging cats is affected by the breeding status and sex, and free-ranging cats have more intense activities at twilight and relatively lower activity intensity in the afternoon. The results provided theoretical support for the management and conservation implications of free-ranging cats in cities.
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Association of age and body condition with physical activity of domestic cats (Felis catus). Appl Anim Behav Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2022.105584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Giannetto C, Cerutti RD, Scaglione MC, Sciabarrasi AA, Pennisi M, Piccione G. Amplitude of the daily pattern of rest – activity in different species of Leopardus kept in captivity. ANIM BIOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1163/15707563-bja10069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Closer examination of the diurnal or nocturnal nature of wildlife species improves the knowledge necessary for landscape identity and biodiversity preservation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the daily rhythmicity of total locomotor activity in wild felids of several species of Leopardus of similar body weight housed in captivity: Geoffroy’s cat (Leopardus geoffroyi), ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus) and margay (Leopardus wiedii). Twenty-four felids, six animals for each species, were housed under a natural light/dark cycle. The activity was recorded for thirteen consecutive days by means of an actimeter attached to a neck collar. Using cosinor rhythmometry, circadian rhythmic parameters (mesor, amplitude and acrophase) were assessed and compared among the several species. The daily and individual chronobiological variations of rest and activity showed a well-defined pattern. A nocturnal daily rhythmicity of locomotor activity was observed in Geoffroy’s cat, ocelot, oncilla and margay. The acrophase was observed shortly after midnight in margay and Geoffroy’s cat, and early at night in oncilla and ocelot. Our results improve the knowledge about the circadian system in wild animals. They can be a contribution to understanding the adaptive behaviour of wild felid species kept in zoological parks and rehabilitation agencies in providing the proper care for these animals
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Giannetto
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Raul Delmar Cerutti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad National del Litoral, 3000 Santa Fe, Argentina
| | | | | | - Melissa Pennisi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Piccione
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
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Cerutti RD, Scaglione MC, Sciabarrasi AA, Piccione G, Pennisi M, Giannetto C. Role of light/dark schedules on daily pattern of total locomotor activity in wild and domestic felids. J Vet Behav 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Beltrami E, Gálvez N, Osorio C, Kelly MJ, Morales-Moraga D, Bonacic C. Ravines as conservation strongholds for small wildcats under pressure from free-ranging dogs and cats in Mediterranean landscapes of Chile. STUDIES ON NEOTROPICAL FAUNA AND ENVIRONMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/01650521.2021.1933691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Esperanza Beltrami
- Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Nicolás Gálvez
- Pontificia Universidad Católica De Chile, Wildlife Ecology and Coexistence Laboratory, Centre in Research of Local Development (CEDEL), Villarrica, Chile
| | - Christian Osorio
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, USA
- Department of Ecology, Proyecto Carnívoros Australes, Región del Maule, Chile
| | - Marcella J. Kelly
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, USA
| | - David Morales-Moraga
- Center of Global Change, Department of Ecosystems and the Environment, School of Agronomy and Forestry, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cristian Bonacic
- Fauna Australis Wildlife Laboratory, Department of Ecosystems and the Environment, School of Agronomy and Forestry, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Libonate ST, Suchak M. Predictors of the Use of Enrichment Items in Colony Housed Shelter Cats. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2021:1-13. [PMID: 34096427 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2021.1934840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Colony rooms provide cats with many opportunities to use enrichment, but animal shelters usually have finite resources to provision items. This study examined how cats select enrichment items when given a variety of options. Our goal was to identify whether certain enrichment might be particularly beneficial for different cats. Enrichment was categorized into three categories based on function (soft surfaces for resting, enclosed spaces for security, and vertical surfaces for vantage points). Demographic (sex, source of intake) and non-demographic (length of stay, floor space per cat, people present) features of the cats were entered into models as predictors. For all enrichment categories, the presence of people in the room significantly decreased item use, males used vertical surfaces more, all cats used vertical surfaces more the longer they were at the shelter, and cats that were seized or signed over from hoarding or cruelty cases used enclosed spaces more. Identifying patterns of enrichment use can allow shelters to more effectively distribute limited resources and maximize the welfare of individual cats during their stay at the shelter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha T Libonate
- Animal Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation Department, Canisius College, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Malini Suchak
- Animal Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation Department, Canisius College, Buffalo, NY, USA
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14
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Cerutti RD, Giannetto C, Scaglione MC, Sciabarrasi A, Fazio F, Piccione G. Interspecies comparison of daily total locomotor activity between maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus) and domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) maintained in captivity. J Vet Behav 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2021.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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15
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Spanò N, Cerutti RD, Rizzo M, Alberghina D, Scaglione MC, Bagilet AS, Giannetto C, Piccione G. Evaluation of the patterns of daily total locomotor activity in maned wolf ( Chryosocyon brachyurus) maintained in captivity. BIOL RHYTHM RES 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/09291016.2019.1608728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nunziacarla Spanò
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and of Morphological and Functional Image, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Raúl Delmar Cerutti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad National del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Maria Rizzo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Daniela Alberghina
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | | | - Claudia Giannetto
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Piccione
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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Use of the Actiwatch-Mini® in dog safety studies as an early indicator for drug-induced behavioural changes. J Pharmacol Toxicol Methods 2020; 104:106896. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vascn.2020.106896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Sharon KP, Thompson CM, Lascelles BDX, Parrish RS. Novel use of an activity monitor to model jumping behaviors in cats. Am J Vet Res 2020; 81:334-343. [PMID: 32228255 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.81.4.334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop methods to identify and characterize activity monitor (AM) data signatures for jumps performed by cats. ANIMALS 13 healthy, client-owned cats without evidence of osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease. PROCEDURES Each cat was fitted with the same AM, individually placed in an observation room, then simultaneously recorded by 3 video cameras during the observation period (5 to 8 hours). Each cat was encouraged to jump up (JU), jump down (JD), and jump across (JA) during the observation period. Output from the AM was manually annotated for jumping events, each of which was characterized by functional data analysis yielding relevant coefficients. The coefficients were then used in linear discriminant analysis to differentiate recorded jumps as JUs, JDs, or JAs. To assess the model's ability to distinguish among the 3 jump types, a leave-one-out cross-validation method was used, and the misclassification error rate of the overall categorization of the model was calculated. RESULTS Of 731 jumping events, 29 were misclassified. Overall, the mean misclassification error rate per cat was 5.4% (range, 0% to 12.5%), conversely indicating a correct classification rate per cat of 94.6%. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that the model was successful in correctly identifying JUs, JDs, and JAs in healthy cats. With advancements in AM technology and data processing, there is potential for the model to be applied in clinical settings as a means to obtain objective outcome measures.
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Mitsui K, Sato S, Kakuma Y. Effects of the Community Cats Program on Population Control, Migration and Welfare Status of Free-Roaming Cats in Tokyo, Japan. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10030461. [PMID: 32164291 PMCID: PMC7143609 DOI: 10.3390/ani10030461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The community cats program (CCP), which includes trap-neuter-return activities, has been promoted in Japan to reduce the population of free-roaming cats without harmful effects on their welfare. To ascertain the effects of the CCP, a two-year route census of free-roaming cats was conducted in an area with CCP and the other area without CCP in urban Tokyo, Japan. The estimated number of cats was lower in the CCP area than the non-CCP area, but there was no difference in the rate of decline in cat populations between areas. More cats emigrated or disappeared rather than immigrated in both areas in the second year and more males tended to immigrate into the CCP area. There was no difference in the behavior of cats between areas and among seasons. The proportion of cats with poor health was lower in the CCP area than the non-CCP area. These results suggest that the CCP may improve the welfare of free-roaming cats. As the effect of CCP was restrictive in reducing the population of free-roaming cats, the further promotion of neutering of cats may be necessary to reduce the population density of cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kana Mitsui
- Graduate School of Science & Engineering, Teikyo University of Science, 2-2-1 Senjusakuragi, Adachi-ku, Tokyo 1200045, Japan
| | - Shusuke Sato
- Department of Animal Sciences, Teikyo University of Science, 2-2-1 Senjusakuragi, Adachi-ku, Tokyo 1200045, Japan;
| | - Yoshie Kakuma
- Department of Animal Sciences, Teikyo University of Science, 2-2-1 Senjusakuragi, Adachi-ku, Tokyo 1200045, Japan;
- Correspondence:
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Faghihi H, Rajaei SM, Ansari Mood M, Williams DL. Pilot evaluation of the circadian rhythm of tear production in a population of healthy adult cats. Vet Ophthalmol 2019; 22:916-920. [PMID: 30997732 DOI: 10.1111/vop.12673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Revised: 03/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to determine if a circadian rhythm exists in Schirmer's tear test (STT-1) values in a group of healthy adult cats. ANIMALS STUDIED Twenty adult neutered Domestic Short-haired cats (DSH) were used in the study. PROCEDURES Tear production was measured with the Schirmer tear test (STT-1) at 12 different time points over a 48-hour period. RESULTS A significant difference (approximately 4.3 mm/min) was noted between STT-1 values measured between 4 pm (lowest) and 12 am (highest) on both day 1 (P = 0.02) and day 2 (P = 0.01), and substantial variation in STT-1 values was observed at different times during the 48-hour period. CONCLUSIONS Significant variation in mean STT-1 values demonstrates that there is a circadian rhythm in tear production in cats and thus shows the importance of taking the time of day into account when measuring STT-1 in cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houman Faghihi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Specialized Veterinary Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.,Ophthalmology Section, Negah Veterinary Centre, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Mehdi Rajaei
- Ophthalmology Section, Negah Veterinary Centre, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Alborz, Iran
| | - Manely Ansari Mood
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Specialized Veterinary Sciences, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - David L Williams
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Delmar Cerutti R, Rizzo M, Alberghina D, Cristina Scaglione M, Piccione G. Locomotor activity patterns of domestic cat ( Felis silvestris catus) modulated by different light/dark cycles. BIOL RHYTHM RES 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/09291016.2018.1499372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Raúl Delmar Cerutti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad National del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Maria Rizzo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Daniela Alberghina
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Piccione
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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Dias RA, Abrahão CR, Micheletti T, Mangini PR, de Oliveira Gasparotto VP, de Jesus Pena HF, Ferreira F, Russell JC, Silva JCR. Prospects for domestic and feral cat management on an inhabited tropical island. Biol Invasions 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-017-1446-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Gruen ME, Alfaro-Córdoba M, Thomson AE, Worth AC, Staicu AM, Lascelles BDX. The Use of Functional Data Analysis to Evaluate Activity in a Spontaneous Model of Degenerative Joint Disease Associated Pain in Cats. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0169576. [PMID: 28099449 PMCID: PMC5242440 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction and objectives Accelerometry is used as an objective measure of physical activity in humans and veterinary species. In cats, one important use of accelerometry is in the study of therapeutics designed to treat degenerative joint disease (DJD) associated pain, where it serves as the most widely applied objective outcome measure. These analyses have commonly used summary measures, calculating the mean activity per-minute over days and comparing between treatment periods. While this technique has been effective, information about the pattern of activity in cats is lost. In this study, functional data analysis was applied to activity data from client-owned cats with (n = 83) and without (n = 15) DJD. Functional data analysis retains information about the pattern of activity over the 24-hour day, providing insight into activity over time. We hypothesized that 1) cats without DJD would have higher activity counts and intensity of activity than cats with DJD; 2) that activity counts and intensity of activity in cats with DJD would be inversely correlated with total radiographic DJD burden and total orthopedic pain score; and 3) that activity counts and intensity would have a different pattern on weekends versus weekdays. Results and conclusions Results showed marked inter-cat variability in activity. Cats exhibited a bimodal pattern of activity with a sharp peak in the morning and broader peak in the evening. Results further showed that this pattern was different on weekends than weekdays, with the morning peak being shifted to the right (later). Cats with DJD showed different patterns of activity from cats without DJD, though activity and intensity were not always lower; instead both the peaks and troughs of activity were less extreme than those of the cats without DJD. Functional data analysis provides insight into the pattern of activity in cats, and an alternative method for analyzing accelerometry data that incorporates fluctuations in activity across the day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret E. Gruen
- Comparative Pain Research Program, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Marcela Alfaro-Córdoba
- Department of Statistics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Andrea E. Thomson
- Comparative Pain Research Program, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Alicia C. Worth
- Comparative Pain Research Program, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Ana-Maria Staicu
- Department of Statistics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - B. Duncan X. Lascelles
- Comparative Pain Research Program, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
- Center for Pain Research and Innovation, University of North Carolina School of Dentistry, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
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Effect of the presence of a person known to the cats on the feeding behavior and placement of feeders of a domestic cat colony. J Vet Behav 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2015.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Arhant C, Wogritsch R, Troxler J. Assessment of behavior and physical condition of shelter cats as animal-based indicators of welfare. J Vet Behav 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2015.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Criterion Validation Testing of Clinical Metrology Instruments for Measuring Degenerative Joint Disease Associated Mobility Impairment in Cats. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0131839. [PMID: 26162101 PMCID: PMC4498683 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 06/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Degenerative joint disease and associated pain are common in cats, particularly in older cats. There is a need for treatment options, however evaluation of putative therapies is limited by a lack of suitable, validated outcome measures that can be used in the target population of client owned cats. The objectives of this study were to evaluate low-dose daily meloxicam for the treatment of pain associated with degenerative joint disease in cats, and further validate two clinical metrology instruments, the Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index (FMPI) and the Client Specific Outcome Measures (CSOM). Methods Sixty-six client owned cats with degenerative joint disease and owner-reported impairments in mobility were screened and enrolled into a double-masked, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial. Following a run-in baseline period, cats were given either placebo or meloxicam for 21 days, then in a masked washout, cats were all given placebo for 21 days. Subsequently, cats were given the opposite treatment, placebo or meloxicam, for 21 days. Cats wore activity monitors throughout the study, owners completed clinical metrology instruments following each period. Results Activity counts were increased in cats during treatment with daily meloxicam (p<0.0001) compared to baseline. The FMPI results and activity count data offer concurrent validation for the FMPI, though the relationship between baseline activity counts and FMPI scores at baseline was poor (R2=0.034). The CSOM did not show responsiveness for improvement in this study, and the relationship between baseline activity counts and CSOM scores at baseline was similarly poor (R2=0.042). Conclusions Refinements to the FMPI, including abbreviation of the instrument and scoring as percent of possible score are recommended. This study offered further validation of the FMPI as a clinical metrology instrument for use in detecting therapeutic efficacy in cats with degenerative joint disease.
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Ellis JJ, Protopapadaki V, Stryhn H, Spears J, Cockram MS. Behavioural and faecal glucocorticoid metabolite responses of single caging in six cats over 30 days. Vet Rec Open 2014; 1:e000056. [PMID: 26392880 PMCID: PMC4562450 DOI: 10.1136/vropen-2014-000056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2014] [Revised: 09/16/2014] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim was to characterize the behaviour and faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) responses of six cats (Felis catus) to single caging for 30 days. DESIGN In this observational study, changes in outcome measures were monitored with habituation to caging. Continuous focal observations of the activity, location in the cage, and posture were conducted from video recordings for one 24-hour period/week/cat. Cat-Stress-Scores were recorded daily. All faecal samples were collected for analysis of FGM. RESULTS The percentage time spent eating increased, while percentage time spent grooming decreased, from week 1 to week 2. Cat-Stress-Score declined significantly from week 1 to week 2. FGM concentrations were significantly greater in week 1 than in week 5. A posthabituation time budget of the behaviour of the cats in the single cages showed that inactivity dominated the time budget and the cats were located on the shelf almost half of the time. CONCLUSIONS Results suggests that a shelf was a resource of value to the cats, and that its inclusion in enclosure design is important. Quantitative and qualitative behavioural data indicated that there was an initial stress response to caging that stabilised after the first week, while FGM concentration took longer to stabilise.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Ellis
- Department of Health Management , Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island , Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island , Canada
| | - V Protopapadaki
- Department of Health Management , Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island , Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island , Canada
| | - H Stryhn
- Department of Health Management , Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island , Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island , Canada
| | - J Spears
- Department of Biomedical Sciences , Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island , Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island , Canada
| | - M S Cockram
- Department of Health Management , Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island , Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island , Canada
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Piccione G, Marafioti S, Giannetto C, Di Pietro S, Quartuccio M, Fazio F. Comparison of daily distribution of rest/activity in companion cats and dogs. BIOL RHYTHM RES 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/09291016.2014.884303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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28
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Piccione G, Arfuso F, Giannetto C, Faggio C, Panzera M. Effect of housing conditions and owner’s schedule on daily total locomotor activity in dogs (Canis familiaris). BIOL RHYTHM RES 2013. [DOI: 10.1080/09291016.2012.756254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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29
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Overall KL. Change can mean progress. J Vet Behav 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2013.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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