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Heinsius JL, Lomb J, Lee JHW, von Keyserlingk MAG, Weary DM. Training dairy heifers with positive reinforcement: Effects on anticipatory behavior. J Dairy Sci 2024; 107:1143-1150. [PMID: 37709019 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-23709] [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: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Dairy cattle are often restrained for veterinary procedures, but restraint can cause fear responses that can make the procedure challenging for both the animal and the human handler. Positive reinforcement training (PRT) is used in other species to reduce fear responses and there is now evidence that this can also facilitate handling in cattle. The objectives of this study were to test the effect of PRT on anticipatory and play behavior in dairy heifers. We predicted that heifers trained with PRT would show more anticipatory and play behaviors than control heifers in the period before gaining access to a chute. We used 20 heifers (5 ± 0.6 mo old) that had been habituated to the chute area and had previous experience with handling. Heifers were randomly assigned to 2 treatments: control (n = 10) and PRT (n = 10). Positive reinforcement training heifers were subjected to a training protocol that included standard farm handling techniques, as well as target training with food reinforcement. Control heifers were moved to the chute using standard farm handling techniques only. As predicted, PRT heifers performed more behavioral transitions (7.6 ± 0.77 vs. 4.4 ± 0.57 transitions for control heifers; F1,9 = 21.99, P < 0.01), and specifically performed more locomotory play such as jumping (2.1 ± 0.30 vs. 0.4 ± 0.19 jumps; F1,9 = 57.18, P < 0.01) and running (2.0 ± 0.40 s vs. 0.5 ± 0.16 s; F1,9 = 20.73, P < 0.01). These results indicate that PRT results in heifers having a more positive emotional state in anticipation of handling, and support the use of training to improve the welfare of dairy cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Heinsius
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, Animal Welfare Program, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4
| | - J Lomb
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, Animal Welfare Program, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4
| | - J H W Lee
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, Animal Welfare Program, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4
| | - M A G von Keyserlingk
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, Animal Welfare Program, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4
| | - D M Weary
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, Animal Welfare Program, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4.
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Behren LE, König S, May K. Genomic Selection for Dairy Cattle Behaviour Considering Novel Traits in a Changing Technical Production Environment. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1933. [PMID: 37895282 PMCID: PMC10606080 DOI: 10.3390/genes14101933] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cow behaviour is a major factor influencing dairy herd profitability and is an indicator of animal welfare and disease. Behaviour is a complex network of behavioural patterns in response to environmental and social stimuli and human handling. Advances in agricultural technology have led to changes in dairy cow husbandry systems worldwide. Increasing herd sizes, less time availability to take care of the animals and modern technology such as automatic milking systems (AMSs) imply limited human-cow interactions. On the other hand, cow behaviour responses to the technical environment (cow-AMS interactions) simultaneously improve production efficiency and welfare and contribute to simplified "cow handling" and reduced labour time. Automatic milking systems generate objective behaviour traits linked to workability, milkability and health, which can be implemented into genomic selection tools. However, there is insufficient understanding of the genetic mechanisms influencing cow learning and social behaviour, in turn affecting herd management, productivity and welfare. Moreover, physiological and molecular biomarkers such as heart rate, neurotransmitters and hormones might be useful indicators and predictors of cow behaviour. This review gives an overview of published behaviour studies in dairy cows in the context of genetics and genomics and discusses possibilities for breeding approaches to achieve desired behaviour in a technical production environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Elisabeth Behren
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University of Gießen, 35390 Giessen, Germany
| | - Sven König
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University of Gießen, 35390 Giessen, Germany
| | - Katharina May
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University of Gießen, 35390 Giessen, Germany
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Alvarenga AB, Oliveira HR, Turner SP, Garcia A, Retallick KJ, Miller SP, Brito LF. Unraveling the phenotypic and genomic background of behavioral plasticity and temperament in North American Angus cattle. Genet Sel Evol 2023; 55:3. [PMID: 36658485 PMCID: PMC9850537 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-023-00777-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Longitudinal records of temperament can be used for assessing behavioral plasticity, such as aptness to learn, memorize, or change behavioral responses based on affective state. In this study, we evaluated the phenotypic and genomic background of North American Angus cow temperament measured throughout their lifetime around the weaning season, including the development of a new indicator trait termed docility-based learning and behavioral plasticity. The analyses included 273,695 and 153,898 records for yearling (YT) and cow at weaning (CT) temperament, respectively, 723,248 animals in the pedigree, and 8784 genotyped animals. Both YT and CT were measured when the animal was loading into/exiting the chute. Moreover, CT was measured around the time in which the cow was separated from her calf. A random regression model fitting a first-order Legendre orthogonal polynomial was used to model the covariance structure of temperament and to assess the learning and behavioral plasticity (i.e., slope of the regression) of individual cows. This study provides, for the first time, a longitudinal perspective of the genetic and genomic mechanisms underlying temperament, learning, and behavioral plasticity in beef cattle. RESULTS CT measured across years is heritable (0.38-0.53). Positive and strong genetic correlations (0.91-1.00) were observed among all CT age-group pairs and between CT and YT (0.84). Over 90% of the candidate genes identified overlapped among CT age-groups and the estimated effect of genomic markers located within important candidate genes changed over time. A small but significant genetic component was observed for learning and behavioral plasticity (heritability = 0.02 ± 0.002). Various candidate genes were identified, revealing the polygenic nature of the traits evaluated. The pathways and candidate genes identified are associated with steroid and glucocorticoid hormones, development delay, cognitive development, and behavioral changes in cattle and other species. CONCLUSIONS Cow temperament is highly heritable and repeatable. The changes in temperament can be genetically improved by selecting animals with favorable learning and behavioral plasticity (i.e., habituation). Furthermore, the environment explains a large part of the variation in learning and behavioral plasticity, leading to opportunities to also improve the overall temperament by refining management practices. Moreover, behavioral plasticity offers opportunities to improve the long-term animal and handler welfare through habituation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda B. Alvarenga
- grid.169077.e0000 0004 1937 2197Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN USA
| | - Hinayah R. Oliveira
- grid.169077.e0000 0004 1937 2197Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN USA ,Lactanet, Guelph, ON Canada
| | - Simon P. Turner
- grid.426884.40000 0001 0170 6644Animal and Veterinary Sciences Department, Scotland’s Rural College, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Andre Garcia
- American Angus Association, Angus Genetics Inc., Saint Joseph, MO USA
| | | | - Stephen P. Miller
- American Angus Association, Angus Genetics Inc., Saint Joseph, MO USA ,grid.1020.30000 0004 1936 7371AGBU, a joint venture of NSW Department of Primary Industries and University of New England, Armidale, 2351 Australia
| | - Luiz F. Brito
- grid.169077.e0000 0004 1937 2197Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN USA
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Mellor EL, McDonald Kinkaid HK, Mendl MT, Cuthill IC, van Zeeland YRA, Mason GJ. Nature calls: intelligence and natural foraging style predict poor welfare in captive parrots. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20211952. [PMID: 34610768 PMCID: PMC8493207 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.1952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding why some species thrive in captivity, while others struggle to adjust, can suggest new ways to improve animal care. Approximately half of all Psittaciformes, a highly threatened order, live in zoos, breeding centres and private homes. Here, some species are prone to behavioural and reproductive problems that raise conservation and ethical concerns. To identify risk factors, we analysed data on hatching rates in breeding centres (115 species, 10 255 pairs) and stereotypic behaviour (SB) in private homes (50 species, 1378 individuals), using phylogenetic comparative methods (PCMs). Small captive population sizes predicted low hatch rates, potentially due to genetic bottlenecks, inbreeding and low availability of compatible mates. Species naturally reliant on diets requiring substantial handling were most prone to feather-damaging behaviours (e.g. self-plucking), indicating inadequacies in the composition or presentation of feed (often highly processed). Parrot species with relatively large brains were most prone to oral and whole-body SB: the first empirical evidence that intelligence can confer poor captive welfare. Together, results suggest that more naturalistic diets would improve welfare, and that intelligent psittacines need increased cognitive stimulation. These findings should help improve captive parrot care and inspire further PCM research to understand species differences in responses to captivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L. Mellor
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | | | - Innes C. Cuthill
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Campbell DLM, Lee C. A Perspective on Strategic Enrichment for Brain Development: Is This the Key to Animal Happiness? Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:720422. [PMID: 34621808 PMCID: PMC8490717 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.720422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Livestock animals are sentient beings with cognitive and emotional capacities and their brain development, similar to humans and other animal species, is affected by their surrounding environmental conditions. Current intensive production systems, through the restrictions of safely managing large numbers of animals, may not facilitate optimal neurological development which can contribute to negative affective states, abnormal behaviors, and reduce experiences of positive welfare states. Enrichment provision is likely necessary to enable animals to reach toward their neurological potential, optimizing their cognitive capacity and emotional intelligence, improving their ability to cope with stressors as well as experience positive affect. However, greater understanding of the neurological impacts of specific types of enrichment strategies is needed to ensure enrichment programs are effectively improving the individual's welfare. Enrichment programs during animal development that target key neurological pathways that may be most utilized by the individual within specific types of housing or management situations is proposed to result in the greatest positive impacts on animal welfare. Research within livestock animals is needed in this regard to ensure future deployment of enrichment for livestock animals is widespread and effective in enhancing their neurological capacities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana L. M. Campbell
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Armidale, NSW, Australia
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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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Rosenberger K, Simmler M, Nawroth C, Langbein J, Keil N. Goats work for food in a contrafreeloading task. Sci Rep 2020; 10:22336. [PMID: 33349649 PMCID: PMC7752918 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78931-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Contrafreeloading (CFL) is the phenomenon when animals work for a resource although an identical resource is available for free. Possible explanations for CFL are that animals seek context for species-specific behaviours or to control their environments. We investigated whether goats show CFL and whether breeding for productivity traits has altered its occurrence. In a manipulation task, we compared two selection lines: 27 Nigerian dwarf goats, not bred for productivity traits, and 30 dairy goats, bred for high milk yield. Over 10 trials, each goat could perform one of three behaviours: not participating in the trial, feeding for free from an open door, or opening a sliding door for a feed of similar value. The results were analysed using an Item Response Tree (IRTree) generalized linear mixed model (GLMM). The fitted probabilities to participate were > 0.87 over all trials in both selection lines. For dwarf goats, the probability of choosing the closed door, and thereby demonstrating CFL, increased from 0.30 in Trial 1 to 0.53 in Trial 10. For dairy goats, this probability was constant at approximately 0.43. Unlike dwarf goats, dairy goats were faster to approach the closed compared to the open door. Overall, our results suggest that both selection lines were similarly interested in CFL.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Rosenberger
- Swiss Federal Veterinary Office, Centre for Proper Housing of Ruminants and Pigs, Agroscope, 8356, Ettenhausen, Switzerland. .,Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - M Simmler
- Digital Production Group, Agroscope, 8356, Ettenhausen, Switzerland
| | - C Nawroth
- Leibniz-Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Institute of Behavioural Physiology, 18196, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - J Langbein
- Leibniz-Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Institute of Behavioural Physiology, 18196, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - N Keil
- Swiss Federal Veterinary Office, Centre for Proper Housing of Ruminants and Pigs, Agroscope, 8356, Ettenhausen, Switzerland
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