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Ferreira VHB, Seressia J, Même N, Bernard J, Pinard-van der Laan MH, Calenge F, Lecoeur A, Hedlund L, Jensen P, Guesdon V, Calandreau L. Early and late cognitive and behavioral aspects associated with range use in free-range laying hens (Gallus gallus domesticus). Poult Sci 2024; 103:103813. [PMID: 38759569 PMCID: PMC11107457 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103813] [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: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Individual differences in free-range chicken systems are important factors influencing how birds use the range (or not), even if individuals are reared in the same environmental conditions. Here, we investigated how various aspects of the birds' behavioral and cognitive tendencies, including their optimism/pessimism, cognitive flexibility, sociability, and exploration levels, are associated with range use and how they may change over time (before and after range access). To achieve this, 100 White Leghorn laying hen chicks underwent three distinct behavioral/cognitive tests-the cognitive bias test, the detour test, and the multivariate test-prior to gaining access to the range, between 9 and 39 days of age. After range access was allowed (from day 71), birds' range use was evaluated over 7 nonconsecutive days (from 74-91 days of age). Subsequently, a subset of birds, classified as high rangers (n = 15) and low rangers (n = 15) based on their range use, underwent retesting on the same three previous tests between 94 and 108 days of age. Our results unveiled a negative correlation trend between birds' evaluation of the ambiguous cue and their subsequent range use (rho = -0.19, p = 0.07). Furthermore, low rangers were faster to learn the detour task (χ2 = 7.34, df = 1, p = 0.006), coupled with increased sociability during the multivariate test (rho = -0.23, p = 0.02), contrasting with their high-ranging counterparts, who displayed more exploratory behaviors (F[1,27] = 3.64, p = 0.06). These behavioral patterns fluctuated over time (before and after range access); however, conclusively attributing these changes to birds' aging and development or the access to the range remains challenging. Overall, our results corroborate that behavioral and cognitive individual differences may be linked to range use and offer novel perspectives on the early behavioral and cognitive traits that may be linked to range use. These findings may serve as a foundation for adapting environments to meet individual needs and improve animal welfare in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeanne Seressia
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, UMR PRC, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | | | | | | | - Fanny Calenge
- INRAE, AgroParisTech, UMR GABI, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Alexandre Lecoeur
- INRAE, AgroParisTech, UMR GABI, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Louise Hedlund
- IFM Biology, AVIAN Behavioural Genomics and Physiology group, Linköping Universtiy, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Per Jensen
- IFM Biology, AVIAN Behavioural Genomics and Physiology group, Linköping Universtiy, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Vanessa Guesdon
- JUNIA, Comportement Animal et Systèmes d'Elevage, Lille, France
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Cui W, Liu M, Gu T, Zhao S, Yin G. Multi-dimensional evaluation of pain response in low day-age calves to two types of dehorning. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1406576. [PMID: 38840635 PMCID: PMC11150829 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1406576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Dehorning calves is necessary to minimize injury because intensive raising circumstances make horned cows more aggressive. However, acute pain is commonly perceived by farm animals when undergoing painful practices such as dehorning, affecting their health status and quality of life. By quantifying the magnitude of pain and discomfort associated with dehorning, we aim to contribute to a more humane and sustainable cattle farming industry. Methods The objective of this study was to evaluate the behavioral, physiological, and emotional effects of acute dehorning pain in calves using two methods: dehorning cream and dehorning hot-iron.30 Holstein calves aged 4 days were selected for the study. These calves were randomly assigned to two experimental groups based on the method of disbudding: dehorning cream (n = 15) and hot-iron dehorning (n = 15). Before and after dehorning, we evaluated their physiological indicators of infrared eye temperature, concentrations of substance P, IL-6, cortisol, haptoglobin, as well as emotional state, and pain-related behavioral reactions. Results Post-dehorning, the duration of lying down decreased significantly in both groups (DI and DC: 0-4 h) after dehorning (p < 0.05). Both groups exhibited increased frequencies of pain-related behaviors such as head shaking (DI: 1-7 h, DC: 1-6 h), ear flicking (DI: 2-7 h, DC: 2-7 h), head scratching (DI: 2-3 h, DC: 1-7 h), and top scuffing (DI: 2 h, DC: 2-7 h) compared to pre-dehorning (p < 0.05). The DC group demonstrated a higher frequency of head-shaking, ear-flicking, head-scratching, and top-rubbing behaviors, along with a longer duration of lying down (0-4 h), compared to the DI group (p < 0.05). Post-dehorning, play behavior reduced significantly in both groups (6-8 h) (p < 0.05), whereas judgment bias and fear levels showed no significant change (p > 0.05). Physiological measures including eye temperature, and blood levels of substance P and IL-6, did not differ significantly between the groups before and after dehorning (p > 0.05). However, 48 h after dehorning, calves in the DC group had significantly higher haptoglobin levels compared to the DI group (p = 0.015). Additionally, salivary cortisol levels in the DC group increased significantly at 3.5 h and 7 h post-dehorning (p = 0.018, p = 0.043). Discussion Both hot-iron and cream dehorning induced pain in calves, as evidenced by increased pain-related behaviors, elevated salivary cortisol, and higher haptoglobin levels, alongside reduced positive behaviors. Notably, these effects were more pronounced in the DC group than in the DI group, suggesting that dehorning hot-iron may be a comparatively less stressful dehorning method for young calves. Moreover, the brief duration of pain response and weaker response to dehorning observed in 13-day-age calves in this study suggests that dehorning at younger ages may be more advisable and warrants further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiguo Cui
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Mengyu Liu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Tianyu Gu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Shuai Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Innovative Utilization of White Goose Germplasm Resources in the Cold Region of Heilongjiang Province, Daqing, China
| | - Guoan Yin
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Innovative Utilization of White Goose Germplasm Resources in the Cold Region of Heilongjiang Province, Daqing, China
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Ruet A, Lemarchand J, Briant C, Arnould C, Lansade L. A field approach to observing changes in behavioural welfare indicators over 2 years in stabled horses. Animal 2024; 18:101120. [PMID: 38520772 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2024.101120] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In stabled horses, several behaviours are considered to be important indicators of the state of welfare at the individual level: stereotypies, aggressive behaviours towards humans and the "withdrawn", alert, sternal, lateral and observation postures. Until now, these behaviours have been extensively studied in relation to different horse management practices. However, little is known about their changes or consistency over time. This study aimed to investigate differences in the expression of these behaviours assessed on 44 stabled horses during an initial 3-month period and then again on the same individuals 2 years later. Out of the six behaviours studied, two showed significant differences between the 2 years with medium effect sizes: the levels of aggressiveness towards humans increased (Wilcoxon signed-rank test: V = 65, P = 0.005) and those of recumbent rest during the day decreased (V = 416, P < 0.001) over time. The results also suggested limited evidence of major changes over time in the expression of stereotypies, the "withdrawn", alert and observation postures. However, the principal component analyses carried out on all the behaviours showed that alert and observation postures may slightly decrease over time for some individuals. Regarding stereotypies and the "withdrawn" posture, the results mainly suggested a change at the individual level in the expression of these behaviours over time. This study provided new insights into the dynamic nature of several behaviours when the horses' living conditions are not fundamentally altered and raised hypotheses about the state of welfare of stabled individuals over a 2-year period.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ruet
- INRAE, CNRS, University of Tours, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France.
| | - J Lemarchand
- INRAE, CNRS, University of Tours, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - C Briant
- INRAE, CNRS, University of Tours, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - C Arnould
- INRAE, CNRS, University of Tours, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - L Lansade
- INRAE, CNRS, University of Tours, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France
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Buenhombre J, Daza-Cardona EA, Mota-Rojas D, Domínguez-Oliva A, Rivera A, Medrano-Galarza C, de Tarso P, Cajiao-Pachón MN, Vargas F, Pedraza-Toscano A, Sousa P. Trait sensitivity to stress and cognitive bias processes in fish: A brief overview. PERSONALITY NEUROSCIENCE 2024; 7:e3. [PMID: 38384666 PMCID: PMC10877277 DOI: 10.1017/pen.2023.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Like other animals, fish have unique personalities that can affect their cognition and responses to environmental stressors. These individual personality differences are often referred to as "behavioural syndromes" or "stress coping styles" and can include personality traits such as boldness, shyness, aggression, exploration, locomotor activity, and sociability. For example, bolder or proactive fish may be more likely to take risks and present lower hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal/interrenal axis reactivity as compared to shy or reactive individuals. Likewise, learning and memory differ between fish personalities. Reactive or shy individuals tend to have faster learning and better association recall with aversive stimuli, while proactive or bold individuals tend to learn more quickly when presented with appetitive incentives. However, the influence of personality on cognitive processes other than cognitive achievement in fish has been scarcely explored. Cognitive bias tests have been employed to investigate the interplay between emotion and cognition in both humans and animals. Fish present cognitive bias processes (CBP) in which fish's interpretation of stimuli could be influenced by its current emotional state and open to environmental modulation. However, no study in fish has explored whether CBP, like in other species, can be interpreted as long-lasting traits and whether other individual characteristics may explain its variation. We hold the perspective that CBP could serve as a vulnerability factor for the onset, persistence, and recurrence of stress-related disorders. Therefore, studying fish's CBP as a state or trait and its interactions with individual variations may be valuable in future efforts to enhance our understanding of anxiety and stress neurobiology in animal models and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jhon Buenhombre
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agrarian Science, Animal Welfare Program, Universidad Antonio Nariño, Bogotá, Colombia
- ICB Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Erika Alexandra Daza-Cardona
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agrarian Science, Animal Welfare Program, Universidad Antonio Nariño, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Daniel Mota-Rojas
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Xochimilco Campus, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Adriana Domínguez-Oliva
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Xochimilco Campus, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Astrid Rivera
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agrarian Science, Animal Welfare Program, Universidad Antonio Nariño, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Catalina Medrano-Galarza
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agrarian Science, Animal Welfare Program, Universidad Antonio Nariño, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - María Nelly Cajiao-Pachón
- Especialización en Bienestar Animal y Etología, Fundación Universitaria Agraria de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Francisco Vargas
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agrarian Science, Animal Welfare Program, Universidad Antonio Nariño, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Adriana Pedraza-Toscano
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agrarian Science, Animal Welfare Program, Universidad Antonio Nariño, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Pêssi Sousa
- ICB Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
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Alvarado MV, Felip A, Espigares F, Oliveira RF. Unexpected appetitive events promote positive affective state in juvenile European sea bass. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22064. [PMID: 38086896 PMCID: PMC10716175 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49236-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Some animal species exhibit considerable physiological and behavioural alterations in response to captivity. It has been hypothesized, but rarely tested, that such changes reflect a negative affective state that is associated to this specific context. In the last years, judgement bias measures have emerged as reliable indicators of animal affective state, under the assumption that individuals in a negative affective state are more likely to evaluate ambiguous stimuli as negative and display therefore pessimistic behaviours. Here, we have developed a judgement bias task for juvenile European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) aiming to measure optimism/pessimism in this marine species, which have previously been reported to show important dysregulations in captive settings. Our results show that juvenile sea bass exhibit a considerable bias towards pessimistic behaviours in laboratory settings. Furthermore, juveniles that received an unexpected positive event during the judgement bias test displayed more optimistic responses toward ambiguous stimuli as compared to control fish, indicating a positive change in their affective state induced by the appetitive experience. These results reveal a direct interaction of the internal affective state with decision-making processing under ambiguity in juvenile European sea bass, highlighting therefore the potential of judgement bias tests as a tool for the advancement and improvement of our understanding of welfare in finfish aquaculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- M V Alvarado
- Integrative Behavioural Biology Group, Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, 2780-156, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - A Felip
- Fish Reproductive Physiology Group, Institute of Aquaculture Torre de la Sal, IATS-CSIC, Ribera de Cabanes, 12595, Cabanes, Castellón, Spain
| | - F Espigares
- Integrative Behavioural Biology Group, Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, 2780-156, Oeiras, Portugal.
| | - R F Oliveira
- Integrative Behavioural Biology Group, Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, 2780-156, Oeiras, Portugal.
- ISPA-Instituto Universitário, 1149-041, Lisbon, Portugal.
- Champalimaud Neuroscience Programme, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, 1400-038, Lisbon, Portugal.
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Ede T, von Keyserlingk MAG, Weary DM. Exploring the effect of pain on response to reward loss in calves. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15403. [PMID: 37717122 PMCID: PMC10505155 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42740-8] [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] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Negative emotional states are known to interact, potentially aggravating one another. In this study, we used a well validated paradigm (successive negative contrast, SNC) to determine if pain from a common procedure (disbudding) influences responses to a reward downshift. Holstein calves (n = 30) were trained to approach a 0.5 L milk reward. Latency to approach, number of vocalisations and pressure applied on the bottle were recorded during training. To assess how pain affected responses to reward downshift, calves were randomly assigned to one of three treatments before the downshift. Two groups were disbudded and provided the 'gold standard' of pain mitigation: intraoperative local anesthesia and analgesia. One of these disbudded groups was then provided supplemental analgesic before testing. The third group was sham disbudded. All calves were then subjected to the reward downshift by reducing the milk reward to just 0.1 L. Interactions were detected between test session and daily trials on pressure applied for the Disbudded group (estimate ± SEM: 0.08 ± 0.05), and on vocalisations for the Sham (0.3 ± 0.1) and Disbudding + Analgesia (0.4 ± 0.1) groups. Our results indicate that SNC is a promising paradigm for measuring negative affect in calves and suggests that pain potentially affects the response to a reward downshift.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Ede
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z6, Canada.
- Department of Clinical Studies, Swine Teaching and Research Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, PA, USA.
| | - Marina A G von Keyserlingk
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z6, Canada
| | - Daniel M Weary
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z6, Canada
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Michalski E, Woodrum Setser MM, Mazon G, Neave HW, Costa JHC. Personality of individually housed dairy-beef crossbred calves is related to performance and behavior. FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2022.1097503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in behavioral responses of individually housed dairy-beef crossbred calves to standardized personality tests (novel person, novel object, and startle test) and investigate associations of personality traits with performance and home pen behavior. Dairy-beef crossbred (Holstein x Angus) calves (n=29) were individually housed with ad libitum access to water and calf starter. Body weight was measured weekly and calf starter intake was recorded daily from day of arrival (8.5 ± 2.1; experimental day 1) for 76 days. Behavior within the home pen (eating, drinking, non-nutritive oral manipulation) and activity were recorded on experimental days 13, 32, 53, and 67 using a camera and a pedometer. The calves were subjected to standardized personality tests in their home pen at the end of the experimental period (80.7 ± 2.0 d of age), including a novel person test (stationary person in the corner of their home pen) and combined novel object/startle test (remote-controlled car in the pen, that suddenly moved when touched). A principal component analysis on the behaviors recorded from the tests (latency to approach person or object, time spent attentive and touching the person or object, and time spent inactive, playing and grooming) yielded 3 factors that explained 76.1% of the variance, and were interpreted as personality traits labeled “fearful”, “inactive”, and “bold”. These factors were examined in regression analyses for their associations with home pen behavior and performance. The factor “fearful” had negative associations with total average daily gain and average grain intake. In contrast, the factor “inactive” had positive associations with non-nutritive oral manipulation of buckets or walls. The factor “bold” had no significant association with any of the performance or home pen behavior measures. In conclusion, personality traits identified from standardized tests were related to performance and home pen behavior measures in individually housed, crossbred calves. These results complement work in group housed calves suggesting personality testing may be useful selective tools to identify high and low performing calves from an early age.
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8
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Marliani G, Vannucchi I, Kiumurgis I, Accorsi PA. Limitations of Spatial Judgment Bias Test Application in Horses ( Equus ferus caballus). Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:3014. [PMID: 36359138 PMCID: PMC9654000 DOI: 10.3390/ani12213014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Affective states are of increasing interest in the assessment of animal welfare. This research aimed to evaluate the possible limitations in the application of a spatial judgment bias test (JBT) in horses, considering the influence of stress level, personality traits, and the possible bias due to the test structure itself. The distinction between two positions, one rewarded (Positive) and the other not (Negative), was learned by 10 horses and 4 ponies,. Then, the latency to reach three unrewarded ambiguous positions (Near Positive, Middle, Near Negative) was measured. Furthermore, the validated Equine Behavior Assessment and Research Questionnaire (E-BARQ) was employed to assess personality traits. Fecal and hair cortisol levels were measured through radioimmunoassay (RIA), and the frequency of behavioral stress indicators was recorded. Results showed that horses that had the rewarded position (Positive) on the right approached Near Negative and Middle faster than those that had Positive on the left. Certain personality traits influenced the latency to reach Middle and Near Positive, but chronic stress did not seem to affect horses' judgment bias. This preliminary study highlighted several limitations in the employment of spatial JBT for the assessment of affective state in horses and that personality traits can partially influence the cognitive process. Further research is needed to refine the use of this test in horses, considering the peculiarities both of species and of individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Marliani
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50, 40064 Ozzano dell’Emilia, Italy
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Comparing gradual debonding strategies after prolonged cow-calf contact: Stress responses, performance, and health of dairy cow and calf. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2022.105694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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10
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Falkner TR. Wellness Management in Beef Feeder Cattle: Changing Mental Models to Support Beneficial Emergent System Behaviors. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2022; 38:273-294. [PMID: 35691629 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2022.02.007] [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: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite evidence-based "improvements" in animal health products and management, losses to bovine respiratory disease have increased with associated animal wastage, welfare concerns, and antimicrobial use; questioning the fitness of current disease-centric paradigms for improving critical outcomes in complex adaptive systems. Systems thinking is used to model a paradigm shift from mental models based on management of failure outcomes in a flawed pass/fail dichotomy to one of managing success outcomes on a continuum. In the proposed wellness paradigm, the notion of health as absence of disease is rejected and replaced with perspective of disease as symptomatic of systems insufficiently supporting wellness.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Robin Falkner
- CattleFlow Consulting, Christiana, TN 37037, USA; Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN, USA.
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Occhiuto F, Vázquez-Diosdado JA, Carslake C, Kaler J. Personality and predictability in farmed calves using movement and space-use behaviours quantified by ultra-wideband sensors. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 9:212019. [PMID: 35706665 PMCID: PMC9174733 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.212019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Individuals within a population often show consistent between individual differences in their average behavioural expression (personality), and consistent differences in their within individual variability of behaviour around the mean (predictability). Where correlations between different personality traits and/or the predictability of traits exist, these represent behavioural or predictability syndromes. In wild populations, behavioural syndromes have consequences for individuals' survival and reproduction and affect the structure and functioning of groups and populations. The consequences of behavioural syndromes for farm animals are less well explored, partly due to the challenges in quantifying behaviour of many individuals across time and context in a farm setting. Here, we use ultra-wideband location sensors to provide precise measures of movement and space use for 60 calves over 40-48 days. We are the first livestock study to demonstrate consistent within and between individual variation in movement and space use with repeatability values of up to 0.80 and CVp values up to 0.49. Our results show correlations in personality and predictability, indicating the existence of 'exploratory' and 'active' personality traits in farmed calves. We consider the consequences of such individual variability for cattle behaviour and welfare and how such data may be used to inform management decisions in farm animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Occhiuto
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Jorge A. Vázquez-Diosdado
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Charles Carslake
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Jasmeet Kaler
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Leicestershire LE12 5RD, UK
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12
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Assessing cognitive performance in dairy calves using a modified hole-board test. Anim Cogn 2022; 25:1365-1370. [DOI: 10.1007/s10071-022-01617-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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13
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Kremer L, Bus JD, Webb LE, Bokkers EAM, Engel B, van der Werf JTN, Schnabel SK, van Reenen CG. Housing and personality effects on judgement and attention biases in dairy cows. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22984. [PMID: 34836990 PMCID: PMC8626508 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01843-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Affective states can be inferred from responses to ambiguous and threatening stimuli, using Judgement Bias Tasks (JBTs) and Attention Bias Tasks (ABTs). We investigated the separate and interactive effects of personality and housing conditions on dairy cattle affective states. We assessed personality in 48 heifers using Open-Field, Novel-Object and Runway tests. Personality effects on responses to the JBT and to the ABT were examined when heifers were housed under reference conditions. Heifers were subsequently housed under positive or negative conditions, and housing effects on animal responses in both tasks were investigated while controlling for personality. A Principal Component Analysis revealed three personality traits labelled Activity, Fearfulness and Sociability. Under reference conditions, personality influenced heifers' responses to the JBT and to the ABT, therefore questioning the tasks' generalizability across individuals. Against expectations, housing did not influence responses to the JBT and heifers in the negative conditions looked at the threat later than heifers in the positive or reference conditions. More research is warranted to confirm the validity and the repeatability of the JBT and of the ABT as appropriate measures of affective states in dairy cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Kremer
- Animal Production Systems Group, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 338, 6700 AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands. .,Livestock Research, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 338, 6700 AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Jacinta D. Bus
- grid.4818.50000 0001 0791 5666Animal Production Systems Group, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Laura E. Webb
- grid.4818.50000 0001 0791 5666Animal Production Systems Group, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Eddie A. M. Bokkers
- grid.4818.50000 0001 0791 5666Animal Production Systems Group, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bas Engel
- grid.4818.50000 0001 0791 5666Biometris, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 16, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jozef T. N. van der Werf
- grid.4818.50000 0001 0791 5666Livestock Research, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sabine K. Schnabel
- grid.4818.50000 0001 0791 5666Biometris, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 16, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelis G. van Reenen
- grid.4818.50000 0001 0791 5666Animal Production Systems Group, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands ,grid.4818.50000 0001 0791 5666Livestock Research, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
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14
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Kremer L, van Reenen CG, Engel B, Bokkers EAM, Schnabel SK, van der Werf JTN, Webb LE. Developing a feasible and sensitive judgement bias task in dairy cows. Anim Cogn 2021; 25:425-445. [PMID: 34633570 PMCID: PMC8940804 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-021-01563-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Judgement bias tasks (JBTs) are used to assess the influence of farm practices on livestock affective states. The tasks must be adjusted to the species and age group of focus. In cattle, most JBTs were designed for calves instead of adult cows. This study aimed to develop a JBT suitable for adult dairy cows, combining feasibility, validity, sensitivity and repeatability. Three JBTs were developed in which cows were trained to reach or avoid reaching a feeder, the location of which signalled a reward or punisher. The tasks differed in terms of punisher—cows being allocated either to “no-reward”, an air puff or an electric shock. Cows were then exposed twice to three ambiguous positions of the feeder, on two separate occasions. Speed of learning and proportions of correct responses to the conditioned locations were used to assess the feasibility of the task. Adjusted latencies to reach the ambiguous feeder positions were used to examine whether response patterns matched the linear and monotonic graded pattern expected in a valid and sensitive JBT at baseline. Latencies to reach the feeders in the two repeated testing sessions were compared to assess ambiguity loss over tasks’ repetitions. The validity of using spatial JBTs for dairy cows was demonstrated. While the effect on JBT feasibility was nuanced, the punisher did influence JBT sensitivity. None of the JBTs’ repeatability could be supported. We conclude that using an air puf as punisher led to the most sensitive, yet non-repeatable, JBT for dairy cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Kremer
- Animal Production Systems Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands. .,Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Cornelis G van Reenen
- Animal Production Systems Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bas Engel
- Biometris, Wageningen University, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Eddie A M Bokkers
- Animal Production Systems Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sabine K Schnabel
- Biometris, Wageningen University, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jozef T N van der Werf
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Laura E Webb
- Animal Production Systems Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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15
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Paranhos da Costa MJ, Taborda PA, de Lima Carvalhal MV, Valente TS. Individual differences in the behavioral responsiveness of F1 Holstein-Gyr heifers to the training for milking routine. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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16
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Abstract
Allowing dairy cattle to access pasture can promote natural behaviour and improve their health. However, the psychological benefits are poorly understood. We compared a cognitive indicator of emotion in cattle either with or without pasture access. In a crossover experiment, 29 Holstein-Friesian dairy cows had 18 days of overnight pasture access and 18 days of full-time indoor housing. To assess emotional wellbeing, we tested cows on a spatial judgement bias task. Subjects learnt to approach a rewarded bucket location, but not approach another, unrewarded bucket location. We then presented cows with three "probe" buckets intermediate between the trained locations. Approaching the probes reflected an expectation of reward under ambiguity-an "optimistic" judgement bias, suggesting positive emotional states. We analysed the data using linear mixed-effects models. There were no treatment differences in latency to approach the probe buckets, but cows approached the known rewarded bucket slower when they had pasture access than when they were indoors full-time. Our results indicate that, compared to cattle housed indoors, cattle with pasture access display less anticipatory behaviour towards a known reward. This reduced reward anticipation suggests that pasture is a more rewarding environment, which may induce more positive emotional states than full-time housing.
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17
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Größbacher V, Lawrence AB, Winckler C, Špinka M. Negative play contagion in calves. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21699. [PMID: 33303902 PMCID: PMC7728765 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78748-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Play is a strong outwardly directed, emotional behaviour and can contagiously spread between individuals. It has been suggested that high-playing animals could 'seed' play in others, spreading positive affective states. Despite the current interest in play contagion there has been no previous attempt to measure the strength of the play contagion effect. The calf (Bos taurus) is ideal for testing the strength of play contagion as play in calves is strongly related to energy intake from milk. We manipulated play in calves through their milk allowances and housed the calves in uniform groups all on the same milk allowance (high = UHigh or low = ULow) or in mixed groups with calves in the same group receiving either a high (= MHigh) or low (= MLow) milk allowance. We measured locomotor play using accelerometers on two consecutive days when calves were four and eight weeks old, in order to study play contagion over a protracted developmental window. We anticipated that differences in the level of play contagion between treatment groups would result in difference in the play levels observed in the MLow and ULow individuals. Contrary to our expectations we found that spontaneous play was suppressed in the high-milk calves housed in mixed groups (MHigh), in comparison to calves housed with group mates all receiving high-milk (UHigh). These results are the first to quantify a negative play contagion effect, particularly in a situation of long-term contact, and may suggest that negative contagion has a stronger effect on play behaviour than positive contagion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Größbacher
- Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, 1180, Vienna, Austria.
- Recipient of a DOC-Fellowship of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Alistair B Lawrence
- Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3RG, UK
- Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Penicuik, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Christoph Winckler
- Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, 1180, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marek Špinka
- Department of Ethology and Companion Animal Science, Czech University of Life Sciences, 165 00, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Animal Science, 104 01, Prague, Czechia
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18
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Lecorps B, Nogues E, von Keyserlingk MAG, Weary DM. Pessimistic dairy calves are more vulnerable to pain-induced anhedonia. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0242100. [PMID: 33206707 PMCID: PMC7673544 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain induces deficits in appreciation of rewards (i.e. anhedonia) and variation in response to pain may be partly explained by individual differences in general expectations (i.e. optimism). Dairy calves are routinely subjected to painful procedures such as hot-iron disbudding. We tested if female Holstein calves (n = 17) display signs of anhedonia (as evidenced by reduced consumption of a sweet solution) after hot-iron disbudding (performed under general and local anesthesia), and whether individual differences in optimism explain the variation in this response. Individual variation in optimism was measured using responses to two judgment bias tests (performed when calves were 25 d old), and anhedonia was measured by comparing consumption of a sweet solution before and after hot-iron disbudding. We found that intake of the sweet solution declined (by mean ± SD: 48.4 ± 44.3%) on the day after disbudding, and that more pessimistic calves were more affected. Sweet solution consumption did not return to baseline for the duration of the study (i.e. 5 days). Calves reduced their intake of a sweet solution after hot-iron disbudding, consistent with pain-induced anhedonia, and more pessimistic calves showed stronger evidence of anhedonia, suggesting that they were more affected by the procedure. However, our results cannot rule out the possibility that calf responses were driven by anorexia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Lecorps
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Emeline Nogues
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Marina A. G. von Keyserlingk
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Daniel M. Weary
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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19
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More exploratory house mice judge an ambiguous situation more negatively. Anim Cogn 2020; 24:53-64. [PMID: 32700167 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-020-01414-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Exploration tendency, one of the most investigated animal personality traits, may be driven by either positive (when seeking interesting information) or negative (to reduce the uncertainty of the environment) affective/emotional profiles. To disentangle the valence of the affective state associated with exploration trait, we applied a judgment bias test to evaluate the animals' responses in an ambiguous situation, allowing an assessment of their affective state or mood. Experiments were carried out in male house mice (Mus musculus) of wild origin. Individual differences in exploration tendency were assessed by repeated open field and novel object tests. To evaluate the animals' judgment bias, we trained the subjects for 8 days in a 3-arm maze to discriminate between two extreme locations (outer arms: either positively reinforced with sugary water or less-positively reinforced with plain water), in terms of a shorter latency to approach the positively reinforced arm. After this learning criterion was reached, we repeatedly tested their responses to an ambiguous location (intermediate arm). The latencies to approach and consume the ambiguous reward were highly repeatable over the 3 days of testing; hence individuals expressed a stable judgment bias. Most importantly, more exploratory animals showed a more negative judgment bias, which supports the hypothesis that a higher exploration tendency was associated with a negative affective state. Further studies should investigate whether exploration in different situations might be due to distinct affective states.
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20
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The nuts and bolts of animal emotion. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 113:273-286. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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21
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Socially engaged calves are more likely to be colonised by VTEC O157:H7 than individuals showing signs of poor welfare. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6320. [PMID: 32286399 PMCID: PMC7156447 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63186-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In cattle herds, the transmission and persistence of VTEC O157:H7 (a serotype of verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli – known for its life threatening complications in humans) is dependent on a small proportion of cattle who become colonised and shed high numbers of the bacteria. Reducing the proportion of these animals is considered key for decreasing the prevalence of VTEC O157:H7. In this study, observations of calf behaviour and animal-based welfare indicators were used to explore individual risk factors and underlying drivers of colonisation in Swedish dairy calves. Interdependencies between variables led to three different approaches being used to visualize and explore the associations. Combining the results of all methods revealed similar patterns and suggest that healthy animals, actively grooming and interacting with others calves in the group have a higher risk of colonisation than small dairy calves in poor condition (diarrhoea, poor ruminal fill, poor body condition score and nasal discharge). This lends no support to the hypothesis that reduced welfare is a risk factor for VTEC O157:H7, but implies that individual differences in calf behaviour affect oral exposure to the bacteria so driving the risk of colonisation. This new finding has important implications for understanding of VTEC O157:H7 transmission within farms.
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22
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Neave HW, Costa JHC, Weary DM, von Keyserlingk MAG. Long-term consistency of personality traits of cattle. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2020; 7:191849. [PMID: 32257341 PMCID: PMC7062087 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.191849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Personality is often defined as the behaviour of individual animals that is consistent across contexts and over time. Personality traits may become unstable during stages of ontogeny from infancy to adulthood, especially during major periods of development such as around the time of sexual maturation. The personality of domesticated farm animals has links with productivity, health and welfare, but to our knowledge, no studies have investigated the development and stability of personality traits across developmental life stages in a mammalian farm animal species. Here, we describe the consistency of personality traits across ontogeny in dairy cattle from neonate to first lactation as an adult. The personality traits 'bold' and 'exploratory', as measured by behavioural responses to novelty, were highly consistent during the earlier (before and after weaning from milk) and later (after puberty to first lactation) rearing periods, but were not consistent across these rearing periods when puberty occurred. These findings indicate that personality changes in cattle around sexual maturation are probably owing to major physiological changes that are accelerated under typical management conditions at this time. This work contributes to the understanding of the ontogeny of behaviour in farm animals, especially how and why individuals differ in their behaviour.
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23
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Lecorps B, Kappel S, Weary DM, von Keyserlingk MAG. Social proximity in dairy calves is affected by differences in pessimism. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0223746. [PMID: 31665176 PMCID: PMC6821061 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Negative social interactions have been extensively studied in dairy cattle, but little is known about the establishment of positive (preferential) relationships. Adult dairy cows are known to spend more time at close proximity to specific social partners, indicating that they establish stronger bonds with these animals, but few studies have explored what happens in socially housed calves. In this study, we explored whether calves that spent their entire life in the same social group established social preferences (i.e. pairs of individuals that interact more) that are stable over time (two 48-h periods, separated by three days), across two types of behavior (standing and lying) and across contexts (change in environment and housing design). When housed in an open pack, calves showed consistent proximity patterns when standing (but not when lying). These preferential relationships persisted even after calves were moved into a new pen fitted with free stalls. At the individual level, calves varied in how selective they were in their social relationships, with some calves spending much more time with specific partners than did others. This degree of selectivity was not associated to Sociability, marginally associated to Fearfulness, but was associated with Pessimism (more pessimistic calves were more selective in their social relationships). In conclusion, calves can form selective relationships that appeared to be consistent over time and across context, and the degree to which calves were selective varied in relation to individual differences in Pessimism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Lecorps
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sarah Kappel
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Daniel M. Weary
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Marina A. G. von Keyserlingk
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- * E-mail:
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24
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Neave HW, Costa JHC, Benetton JB, Weary DM, von Keyserlingk MAG. Individual characteristics in early life relate to variability in weaning age, feeding behavior, and weight gain of dairy calves automatically weaned based on solid feed intake. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:10250-10265. [PMID: 31477284 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-16438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about factors affecting individual variability in weaning age, feeding behavior, and growth of dairy calves. The objectives of this study were to (1) describe early-life individual characteristics of dairy calves and how these relate to weaning age, feeding behavior, and performance during the first 15 wk of age, and (2) to identify which of these individual characteristics predict weaning age of calves automatically weaned based on solid feed intake. Early-life characteristics of calves (n = 43) included scores for vitality at birth, drinking ability, learning ability to use the automated milk feeder in a group pen from d 1 of age, and personality traits assessed using exposure to a novel environment, a human, and an object at d 21 of age. Calves received 12 L/d of milk until d 30 when milk was reduced by 25% relative to the individual's previous 3-d intake average. Calves were weaned based on intake of solid feed (milk reduced by 25% at each of 2 intermediate solid feed intake targets, 225 and 675 g/d), and were weaned when they consumed 1,300 g/d of solid feed, resulting in variable weaning ages. A principal component analysis identified 5 factors that we labeled as low vitality, fearful, strong drinker, slow learner, and exploratory-active. Calves that were slow learners weaned at a later age, whereas fearful calves weaned earlier. No other early-life individual characteristics were associated with weaning age. Other characteristics (low vitality, strong drinkers, and exploratory-active) were associated with some measures of feeding behavior, feed intake, and growth, especially during the preweaning period. Measures of early solid feed intake (age to start eating and total preweaning intake) were best able to predict weaning age of calves. Individual early-life characteristics and measures of early solid feed intake can identify calves likely to do well or struggle during weaning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather W Neave
- Animal Welfare Program, University of British Columbia, 2357 Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z4
| | - Joao H C Costa
- Animal Welfare Program, University of British Columbia, 2357 Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z4
| | - J B Benetton
- Animal Welfare Program, University of British Columbia, 2357 Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z4
| | - Daniel M Weary
- Animal Welfare Program, University of British Columbia, 2357 Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z4
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25
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Krebs R, Linnenbrink M, Guenther A. Validating standardised personality tests under semi‐natural conditions in wild house mice (
Mus musculus domesticus
). Ethology 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.12930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Krebs
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology Plön Germany
| | | | - Anja Guenther
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology Plön Germany
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26
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Lecorps B, Ludwig BR, von Keyserlingk MAG, Weary DM. Pain-Induced Pessimism and Anhedonia: Evidence From a Novel Probability-Based Judgment Bias Test. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:54. [PMID: 30949035 PMCID: PMC6435490 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Judgment bias tests (JBTs) use responses to ambiguous stimuli to infer emotional states in animals. However, with repeated testing, animals can learn to recognize the previously ambiguous stimuli rendering the test less effective. We describe a novel approach to this problem. Calves (n = 9) were trained in a spatial discrimination task to associate five locations with a specific probability of reward/punishment (Positive: 100%/0%; Near-Positive: 75%/25%; Middle: 50%/50%; Near-Negative: 25%/75%; Negative: 0%/100%). As predicted, calves showed increased latencies to touch locations that had higher probabilities of punishment and lower probabilities of reward. To validate our methodology for detecting mood changes, we followed calves in the hours after routine hot-iron disbudding, a time when animals were likely experiencing post-operative inflammatory pain. At 6 h after disbudding, when inflammatory pain was likely to peak, calves expressed increased approach latencies to the Positive, Near-Positive and Middle locations. These results suggest that calves perceived the value of the reward as being lower (i.e., anhedonia) or had lower expectations of positive outcomes (i.e., pessimism). When re-tested at 22 and 70 h after disbudding, we found no evidence of pessimism or anhedonia (i.e., latencies had returned to baseline). We conclude that our probability-based judgment bias task can detect pain-induced mood changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Lecorps
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Brent R Ludwig
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Marina A G von Keyserlingk
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Daniel M Weary
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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27
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Richter SH, Hintze S. From the individual to the population – and back again? Emphasising the role of the individual in animal welfare science. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2018.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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28
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Surur AS, Schulig L, Link A. Interconnection of sulfides and sulfoxides in medicinal chemistry. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2018; 352:e1800248. [DOI: 10.1002/ardp.201800248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lukas Schulig
- Institute of Pharmacy; University of Greifswald; Greifswald Germany
| | - Andreas Link
- Institute of Pharmacy; University of Greifswald; Greifswald Germany
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29
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Dairy calves' personality traits predict social proximity and response to an emotional challenge. Sci Rep 2018; 8:16350. [PMID: 30397225 PMCID: PMC6218496 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-34281-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The assessment of individual traits requires that tests are reliable (i.e. consistency over time) and externally valid, meaning that they predict future responses in similar contexts (i.e. convergent validity) but do not predict responses to unrelated situations (i.e. discriminant validity). The aim of this study was to determine if dairy calf personality traits (Fearfulness, Sociability and Pessimism), derived from behaviours expressed in standardized tests, predict individuals’ responses in related situations. The first experiment tested if the trait ‘Sociability’ was related to the expression of social behaviour in the home-pen, with calves assigned individual proximity scores (based on proximity to other calves) while they were in their home-pen at approximately 113 and 118 d of age. The second experiment aimed at exploring whether traits ‘Fearfulness’ and ‘Pessimism’ were related to the calves’ emotional response to transportation. All calves were subjected to two 10-min transportation challenges done on two consecutive days. Emotional response was assessed using the maximum eye temperature (measured using infrared thermography) and the number of vocalizations emitted. Social proximity scores (Experiment 1), vocalizations emitted and maximum eye temperature after loading (Experiment 2) were consistent over time. In addition, the results showed good convergent validity with calves scoring higher in Sociability also having higher proximity scores in the home-pen, and animals scoring higher in Fearfulness and Pessimism showing a more intense emotional response to transportation. The results also showed good discriminant validity, as neither Fearfulness nor Pessimism were associated with the expression of social behaviours (Experiment 1) and Sociability was not associated with the animal’s emotional response to transportation (Experiment 2). We conclude that the methodology used to measure personality traits shows good reliability and external validity.
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30
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Foris B, Zebunke M, Langbein J, Melzer N. Evaluating the temporal and situational consistency of personality traits in adult dairy cattle. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0204619. [PMID: 30273367 PMCID: PMC6166944 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent research suggests that personality, defined as consistent individual behavioral variation, in farm animals could be an important factor when considering their health, welfare, and productivity. However, behavioral tests are often performed individually and they might not reflect the behavioral differences manifested in every-day social environments. Furthermore, the contextual and longer-term temporal stability of personality traits have rarely been investigated in adult dairy cattle. In this study, we tested three groups of lactating Holstein cows (40 cows) using an individual arena test and a novel object test in groups to measure the contextual stability of behavior. Among the recorded individual test parameters, we used seven in the final analysis, which were determined by a systematic parameter reduction procedure. We found positive correlations between novel object contact duration in the group test and individual test parameters object contact duration (Rs = 0.361, P = 0.026) and movement duration (Rs = 0.336, P = 0.039). Both tests were repeated 6 months later to investigate their temporal stability whereby four individual test parameters were repeatable. There was no consistency in the group test results for 25 cows tested twice, possibly due to group composition changes. Furthermore, based on the seven individual test parameters, two personality traits (activity/exploration and boldness) were identified by principal component analysis. We found a positive association between the first and second tests for activity/exploration (Rs = 0.334, P = 0.058) and for boldness (Rs = 0.491, P = 0.004). Our results support the multidimensional nature of personality in adult dairy cattle and they indicate a link between behavior in individual and within-group situations. The lack of stability according to the group test results implies that group companions might have a stronger influence on individual behavior than expected. We suggest repeating the within-group behavioral measurements to study the relationship between the social environment and the manifestation of personality traits in every-day situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Borbala Foris
- Institute of Genetics and Biometry, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Dummerstorf, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany
| | - Manuela Zebunke
- Institute of Genetics and Biometry, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Dummerstorf, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany
| | - Jan Langbein
- Institute of Behavioural Physiology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Dummerstorf, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany
| | - Nina Melzer
- Institute of Genetics and Biometry, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Dummerstorf, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany
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Cognitive Bias in Zoo Animals: An Optimistic Outlook for Welfare Assessment. Animals (Basel) 2018; 8:ani8070104. [PMID: 29954151 PMCID: PMC6071086 DOI: 10.3390/ani8070104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cognitive bias testing measures how emotional states can affect cognitive processes, often described using the “glass half-full/half-empty” paradigm. Classical or operant conditioning is used to measure responses to ambiguous cues, and it has been reported across many species and contexts that an animal’s cognitive bias can be directly linked to welfare state, e.g., those in better welfare make more optimistic judgements. Cognitive bias testing has only recently been applied to animals and represents a key milestone in welfare science: it is currently one of the only accurate methods available to measure welfare. The tests have been conducted on many farm, laboratory, and companion animal species, but have only been carried out in zoo settings a handful of times. The aims of this review are to evaluate the feasibility of cognitive bias testing in zoos and its potential as a tool for studying zoo animal welfare. The few existing zoo cognitive bias studies are reviewed, as well as those conducted on similar, non-domesticated species. This work is then used to discuss how tests could be successfully designed and executed in zoo settings, which types of tests are most appropriate in different contexts, and how the data could be used to improve animal welfare. The review closely examines the many variables are present in the zoo which cannot be controlled as in other settings, termed here the Zoo Environment (ZE) Variables. It is recommended that tests are developed after consideration of each of the ZE Variables, and through strong collaboration between zookeepers, managers, and academic institutions. There is much unexplored potential of cognitive bias testing in the zoo setting, not least its use in investigating animal welfare in zoos. It is hoped that this review will stimulate increased interest in this topic from zoo managers, scientists, and industry regulators alike.
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Neave HW, Costa JHC, Weary DM, von Keyserlingk MAG. Personality is associated with feeding behavior and performance in dairy calves. J Dairy Sci 2018; 101:7437-7449. [PMID: 29729921 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-14248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Performance varies considerably at weaning, perhaps in part because it is associated with the personality traits of the animals. Our objective was to identify calf personality traits using standardized tests and determine whether these were associated with measures of feeding behavior and performance. Fifty-six dairy calves were housed in 7 groups of 8 calves each with access to an automated milk feeder and ad libitum access to water, starter, and hay. We measured starter DMI and the number of unrewarded visits to the automated milk feeder during each of 4 periods: prestep (full milk allowance; 7-41 d of age), step (milk allowance reduced to 50%; 42-50 d of age), weaning (51-54 d of age), and postweaning (55-68 d of age). At 27 and 76 d of age, each calf was subjected to 3 novelty tests: novel environment (30 min), human approach (10 min with an unknown stationary human), and novel object (15 min with a black 140-L bucket). During each of the tests, 7 behaviors were scored: latency to touch and duration of touching the human or object, duration of attentive behavior toward the human or object, number of vocalizations, number of quadrants crossed as a measure of activity, and duration of inactivity, exploration, and playing. Data were averaged across ages and then across tests. Principal component analysis revealed 3 factors (interactive, exploratory-active, and vocal-inactive) that together explained 73% of the variance. Calves that were more exploratory-active began to consume starter at an earlier age and showed greater starter dry matter intake during all experimental periods and greater overall average daily gain. Calves that were more interactive and vocal-inactive had more unrewarded visits to the milk feeder during initial milk reduction. We conclude that personality traits are associated with feeding behavior and performance around weaning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather W Neave
- Animal Welfare Program, University of British Columbia, 2357 Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z4
| | - Joao H C Costa
- Animal Welfare Program, University of British Columbia, 2357 Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z4
| | - Daniel M Weary
- Animal Welfare Program, University of British Columbia, 2357 Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T 1Z4
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