1
|
Smith A, Rose P, Mettke-Hofmann C. Effects of Enclosure Complexity and Design on Behaviour and Physiology in Captive Animals. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:2028. [PMID: 39061489 PMCID: PMC11273462 DOI: 10.3390/ani14142028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Individual animals in managed populations are subject to controlled social and physical environmental conditions that impact their behaviour patterns, choice of social associates, ability to experience positive welfare states, and ultimately their overall health status and quality of life [...].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Smith
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Anglia Ruskin University, East Road, Cambridge CB1 1PT, UK;
| | - Paul Rose
- Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour, Psychology, University of Exeter, Washington Singer, Perry Road, Exeter EX4 4QG, UK;
- WWT, Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT, UK
| | - Claudia Mettke-Hofmann
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, James Parsons Building, Byrom Street, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yan Z, Liu X, Liu H, Xu H, Liu Y, Li C, Wang B, Cui S, Jia T, Yang D, Zhang C, Liu X, Buesching CD, Liu D. Assessment of stress levels and reproductive condition in giant pandas: insights from hair, faecal and saliva samples. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 12:coae044. [PMID: 38962510 PMCID: PMC11221559 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coae044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Concerted conservation efforts have brought the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) back from the brink of extinction, but pandas continue to face anthropogenic threats in the wild and breeding success in captivity remains low. Because stress can have detrimental impacts on reproduction, monitoring stress- and sex-steroid levels would help assess the effectiveness of conservation mitigation measures in panda populations as well as monitor the welfare and reproductive health of captive animals. In this proof-of-concept study, we used faecal sex steroid and cortisol concentrations (n = 867 samples collected from five males and five females at Beijing Zoo every 4 days over the course of 12 months) as a reference to investigate if testosterone, estradiol, progesterone and cortisol can be meaningfully measured in panda hair (n = 10) using radio-immuno-assays. Additionally, we calculated the ratio of testosterone to cortisol (T:C ratio) for each male, which can provide a biomarker of stress and physical performance. Our findings revealed distinct monthly variations in faecal sex-steroid and cortisol concentrations, reflecting reproductive seasonality and visitor-related stress among individual pandas. Notably, the oldest male had a significantly lower T:C ratio than other males. Our results confirm that the level of sex steroids and cortisol can be assayed by panda hair, and the hair cortisol concentrations correlate significantly with that in faeces with one month lag behind (r = 0.68, P = 0.03). However, the concentrations of hormones detected in saliva are lower than those in faeces by two orders of magnitude, making it difficult to ensure accuracy. By assessing the applicability of hair, faecal and salivary sampling, we can infer their utility in monitoring the reproductive status and acute and chronic stress levels of giant pandas, thereby providing a means to gauge the success of ongoing habitat restoration efforts and to discuss the feasibility of sample collection from wild populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Yan
- Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Ecological Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Ecology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, No.19, Xinjiekouwai Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Xiaoyan Liu
- Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Ecological Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Ecology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, No.19, Xinjiekouwai Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Haoqiu Liu
- Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Ecological Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Ecology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, No.19, Xinjiekouwai Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Haihong Xu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Captive Wildlife Technologies, Beijing Zoo, No.137, Xizhimenwai Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Yanhui Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Captive Wildlife Technologies, Beijing Zoo, No.137, Xizhimenwai Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Changqing Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Captive Wildlife Technologies, Beijing Zoo, No.137, Xizhimenwai Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Captive Wildlife Technologies, Beijing Zoo, No.137, Xizhimenwai Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Shengnan Cui
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Captive Wildlife Technologies, Beijing Zoo, No.137, Xizhimenwai Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Ting Jia
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Captive Wildlife Technologies, Beijing Zoo, No.137, Xizhimenwai Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Di Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Captive Wildlife Technologies, Beijing Zoo, No.137, Xizhimenwai Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Chenglin Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Captive Wildlife Technologies, Beijing Zoo, No.137, Xizhimenwai Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Xuefeng Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Captive Wildlife Technologies, Beijing Zoo, No.137, Xizhimenwai Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Christina D Buesching
- Department of Biology, Irving K. Barber Faculty of Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Dingzhen Liu
- Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Ecological Engineering of Ministry of Education, Department of Ecology, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, No.19, Xinjiekouwai Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100875, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Campbell DLM, Cohen-Barnhouse AM, Bursian SJ. Effects of simple cage enrichment and its removal on the behavior and welfare of American mink ( Neogale vison). J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2024:1-16. [PMID: 38577826 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2024.2337935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Environmental enrichment may reduce stereotypies in fur-farmed mink. North American mink standards require manipulable enrichment objects within cages. However, mink can rapidly destroy objects inhibiting continuous enrichment presence, which may have negative welfare impacts. This experimental study determined the effects of removing simple cage manipulable enrichments (plastic chains and dumbbells), either short-term or longer-term, on the behavioral expression of welfare in fur-farmed mink. Locomotor stereotypies, normal activity, sub-types of inactivity related to boredom, and tail fur-chewing were recorded across four treatment groups with either (1) no enrichment, (2) continuous enrichment, (3) short (temporary), or (4) long-term enrichment removal. Contrary to predictions, locomotor stereotypies, and scrabbling were not reduced by the enrichments, nor affected by the enrichment removal. Observations at the beginning of the trial showed the non-enriched mink spent the least amount of time lying with their eyes open (i.e., the least bored). The lack of enrichment may have increased fur-chewing on the tail, but larger sample sizes would be needed for statistical confirmation. This research contributes to the literature on evaluating simple, practical enrichments for improving fur-farmed mink welfare.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dana L M Campbell
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Steven J Bursian
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bandeli M, Mellor EL, Kroshko J, Maherali H, Mason GJ. The welfare problems of wide-ranging Carnivora reflect naturally itinerant lifestyles. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:230437. [PMID: 37680500 PMCID: PMC10480699 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.230437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Carnivora with naturally small home ranges readily adjust to the evolutionarily new environment of captivity, but wider-ranging species seem prone to stress. Understanding why would advance both collection planning and enclosure design. We therefore investigated which aspects of wide-ranging lifestyles are key. We identified eight correlates of home range size (reflecting energetic needs, movement, intra-specific interactions, and itinerant lifestyles). We systematically assessed whether these correlates predict welfare better than range size per se, using data on captive juvenile mortality (from 13 518 individuals across 42 species) and stereotypic route-tracing (456 individuals, 27 species). Naturally itinerant lifestyles (quantified via ratios of daily to annual travel distances) were found to confer risk, predicting greater captive juvenile losses and stereotypic time-budgets. This finding advances our understanding of the evolutionary basis for welfare problems in captive Carnivora, helping explain why naturally sedentary species (e.g. American mink) may breed even in intensive farm conditions, while others (e.g. polar bears, giant pandas) can struggle even in modern zoos and conservation breeding centres. Naturally itinerant lifestyles involve decision-making, and strategic shifts between locations, suggesting that supplying more novelty, cognitive challenge and/or opportunities for control will be effective ways to meet these animals' welfare needs in captivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miranda Bandeli
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emma L. Mellor
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jeanette Kroshko
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hafiz Maherali
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Georgia J. Mason
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Island HD, Smith B, Winn EM, Newberry K, Manfredini J, Slyngstad RJ, Strack S. A Longitudinal Study of Parenting Conditions on Two Adult, North American River Otters' ( Lontra Canadensis) Repetitive Behavior. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2023; 26:15-28. [PMID: 33567930 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2021.1880906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Captive animal welfare research focuses on husbandry, enrichment, enclosure space, visitor effects, and opportunities for species-typical behavior (e.g., foraging, territoriality, and social interaction). And yet, one of the most biologically relevant opportunities for species-typical behavior, parenting, has received little attention. The goal of this longitudinal investigation was to explore the differential variability of repetitive behavior across three parenting conditions (i.e., No parenting, parenting, and foster parenting) among captive, wild-rescued, North American river otters. This study represents anatural ABAC design, the conditions reflect differential parenting phases: No parenting (A), Parenting biological pups (B), and Alloparenting nonbiological pups (C). The behavior of two adult North American river otters at the Oregon Zoo were observed from April2016 through March2020 during the different parenting contexts. The frequency of repetitive behaviors was lowest during parenting and highest during the non-parenting conditions. Although data for season, weather, and visitor variables were also collected throughout this study; parenting condition was the only consistent moderator of abnormal repetitive behavior observed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heide D Island
- Department of Psychology, Pacific University, Forest Grove, OR, USA
| | - Brook Smith
- Department of Psychology, Pacific University, Forest Grove, OR, USA
| | - Emmeline M Winn
- Department of Psychology, Pacific University, Forest Grove, OR, USA
| | - Kristen Newberry
- Department of Psychology, Pacific University, Forest Grove, OR, USA
| | - Julia Manfredini
- Department of Psychology, Pacific University, Forest Grove, OR, USA
| | | | - Sarah Strack
- Department of Psychology, Pacific University, Forest Grove, OR, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Spitzer HB, Meagher RK, Proudfoot KL. The impact of providing hiding spaces to farmed animals: A scoping review. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277665. [PMID: 36441732 PMCID: PMC9704605 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Many wild animals perform hiding behaviours for a variety of reasons, such as evading predators or other conspecifics. Unlike their wild counterparts, farmed animals often live in relatively barren environments without the opportunity to hide. Researchers have begun to study the impact of access to hiding spaces ("hides") in farmed animals, including possible effects on animal welfare. The aims of this scoping review were to: 1) identify the farmed species that have been most used in research investigating the provision of hides, 2) describe the context in which hides have been provided to farmed animals, and 3) describe the impact (positive, negative or neutral/inconclusive) that hides have on animals, including indicators of animal welfare. Three online databases (CAB Abstracts, Web of Science, and PubMed) were used to search for a target population of farmed animals with access to hiding spaces. From this search, 4,631 citations were screened and 151 were included in the review. Fourteen animal types were represented, most commonly chickens (48% of papers), cattle (9%), foxes (8%), and fish (7%). Relatively few papers were found on other species including deer, quail, ducks, lobsters, turkeys, and goats. Hides were used in four contexts: at parturition or oviposition (56%), for general enrichment (43%), for neonatal animals (4%), or for sick or injured animals (1%). A total of 218 outcomes relevant to our objectives were found including 7 categories: hide use, motivation, and/or preference (47% of outcomes), behavioural indicators of affective state (17%), health, injuries, and/or production (16%), agonistic behaviour (8%), abnormal repetitive behaviours (6%), physiological indicators of stress (5%), and affiliative behaviours (1%). Hiding places resulted in 162 positive (74%), 14 negative (6%), and 42 neutral/inconclusive (19%) outcomes. Hides had a generally positive impact on the animals included in this review; more research is encouraged for under-represented species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah B. Spitzer
- Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Canada
| | - Rebecca K. Meagher
- Department of Animal Science and Aquaculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, Canada
| | - Kathryn L. Proudfoot
- Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Canada
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lewis K, Parker MO, Proops L, McBride SD. Risk factors for stereotypic behaviour in captive ungulates. Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20221311. [PMID: 36168756 PMCID: PMC9515623 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.1311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Behavioural needs are highly motivated actions critical to a species survival and reproduction. Prolonged restriction of these behaviours can lead to stereotypic behaviours (SB) in captive animals, and this is particularly common in ungulate species. While risk factors for SB have been suggested for some ungulates, no study has integrated these findings to identify which aspects of ungulates' wild behavioural biology and captive husbandry are potential drivers for SB across this clade. We collated SB data from 15 236 individuals across 38 ungulate species from 95 sources, and determined species wild/free-ranging behaviour from 559 additional studies. Bayesian-phylogenetic statistical methods showed that ungulate behavioural needs relating to foraging and mating are particularly affected by captive environments, with promiscuous and browsing species showing the greatest prevalence of SB. Concentrate-only diets and lack of ad libitum feed substrates were also associated with high SB prevalence. This study identifies which ungulates are better suited to captive environments and which species require targeted husbandry, enrichment and breeding protocols in order to meet their behavioural needs. Our approach of applying Bayesian-phylogenetic inference to factors influencing SB within a clade can be used to identify other intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors of reduced animal health and welfare.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kate Lewis
- Centre for Comparative and Evolutionary Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2UP, UK
| | - Matthew O. Parker
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2UP, UK
| | - Leanne Proops
- Centre for Comparative and Evolutionary Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2UP, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Changes in Stereotypies: Effects over Time and over Generations. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12192504. [PMID: 36230246 PMCID: PMC9559266 DOI: 10.3390/ani12192504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Herein, we propose that there should be discussion about the function and effects of stereotypies in relation to the time during which they are shown. In the first stages, stereotypies may help animals deal with challenges. However, behavior can potentially alter the brain, impairing its function due the absence of a diverse repertory, and change brain connections, neurophysiology and later neuroanatomy. The neuroanatomical changes in individuals showing stereotypies could be an effect rather than a cause of the stereotypy. As a consequence, studies showing different outcomes for animal welfare from stereotypy expression could be due to variation in a timeline of expression. Stereotypies are widely used as an animal welfare indicator, and their expression can tell us about psychological states. However, there are questions about the longer-term consequences if animals express stereotypies: do the stereotypies help in coping? During the prenatal period, stereotypic behavior expressed by the mother can change the phenotype of the offspring, especially regarding emotionality, one mechanism acting via methylation in the limbic system in the brain. Are individuals that show stereotypies for shorter or longer periods all better adjusted, and hence have better welfare, or is the later welfare of some worse than that of individuals that do not show the behavior? Abstract Stereotypies comprise a wide range of repeated and apparently functionless behaviors that develop in individuals whose neural condition or environment results in poor welfare. While stereotypies are an indicator of poor welfare at the time of occurrence, they may have various consequences. Environmental enrichment modifies causal factors and reduces the occurrence of stereotypies, providing evidence that stereotypies are an indicator of poor welfare. However, stereotypy occurrence and consequences change over time. Furthermore, there are complex direct and epigenetic effects when mother mammals that are kept in negative conditions do or do not show stereotypies. It is proposed that, when trying to deal with challenging situations, stereotypies might initially help animals to cope. After further time in the conditions, the performance of the stereotypy may impair brain function and change brain connections, neurophysiology and eventually neuroanatomy. It is possible that reported neuroanatomical changes are an effect of the stereotypy rather than a cause.
Collapse
|
9
|
Macartney EL, Lagisz M, Nakagawa S. The Relative Benefits of Environmental Enrichment on Learning and Memory are Greater When Stressed: A Meta-analysis of Interactions in Rodents. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 135:104554. [PMID: 35149103 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Environmental enrichment ("EE") is expected to alleviate the negative effects of stress on cognitive performance. However, there are complexities associated with interpreting interactions that obscure determining the benefit EE may play in mitigating the negative effects of stress. To clarify these complexities, we conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis on the main and interactive effects of EE and stress on learning and memory in rodents. We show that EE and stress interact 'synergistically' where EE provides a greater relative benefit to stressed individuals compared to those reared in conventional housing. Importantly, EE can fully-compensate for the negative effects of stress where stressed individuals with EE performed equally to enriched individuals without a stress manipulation. Additionally, we show the importance of other mediating factors, including the order of treatment exposure, duration and type of stress, type of EE, and type of cognitive assays used. This study not only quantifies the interactions between EE and stress, but also provides a clear example for how to conduct and interpret meta-analysis of interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erin L Macartney
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia Kensington Campus, UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2052.
| | - Malgorzata Lagisz
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia Kensington Campus, UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2052
| | - Shinichi Nakagawa
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia Kensington Campus, UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2052
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
|
11
|
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.
Collapse
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
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dana L. M. Campbell
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Adcock A, Choleris E, Denommé M, Khan H, Levison L, MacLellan A, Nazal B, Niel L, Nip E, Mason G. Where are you from? Female mice raised in enriched or conventional cages differ socially, and can be discriminated by other mice. Behav Brain Res 2020; 400:113025. [PMID: 33249072 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.113025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Laboratory rodents raised in environmentally-enriched (EE) cages differ behaviourally and cognitively from conventionally-housed (CH) animals. We hypothesised that mice can detect such differences, testing this using differentially-raised female C57BL/6 s as subjects, and differentially-raised female BALB/cs and DBA/2 s as stimuli, in Social Approach Tests. Because more prone to signs of depression, anxiety, stereotypic behaviour (SB) and aggression, we further hypothesised that CH mice would be less sociable and socially attractive than EE mice. A novel familiarisation paradigm pre-exposed subjects to non-cagemate EE and CH stimulus mice before testing in Social Approach Tests. CH subjects proved less sociable than EE subjects: an effect unrelated to general exploration, anxiety or depression-like traits, and driven specifically by reduced interest in CH stimulus mice. Providing further evidence that CH and EE stimulus mice could be distinguished, subjects proved most attracted to mice from housing unlike their own. CH subjects thus preferred EE over CH stimulus mice, while EE subjects tended to prefer CH over EE: patterns that were not mediated by any measured aspect of stimulus mouse behaviour. Differential bodyweight also seemed unimportant, as was scent: soiled CH and EE bedding/nesting did not elicit the same discrimination. Instead, subjects who avoided CH stimulus mice and were attracted to EE stimulus mice were those who received the most agonism in their home cages. Together this provides the first demonstration that mice can distinguish between individuals raised in enriched or conventional cages, and suggests that receiving agonism from cagemates may motivate mice to seek new, less aggressive companions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aimée Adcock
- Formerly Dept. of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elena Choleris
- Dept. of Psychology, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Melanie Denommé
- Formerly Dept. of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Haider Khan
- Formerly Dept. of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lena Levison
- Animal Care Services, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aileen MacLellan
- Dept. of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Basma Nazal
- Formerly Dept. of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lee Niel
- Dept. of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emma Nip
- Formerly Dept. of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Georgia Mason
- Dept. of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Tatemoto P, Bernardino T, Morrone B, Queiroz MR, Zanella AJ. Stereotypic Behavior in Sows Is Related to Emotionality Changes in the Offspring. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:79. [PMID: 32226792 PMCID: PMC7080954 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Some effects of expressing stereotypic behavior have not yet been elucidated. During gestation, the environment has the potential to interfere with offspring development and to have prenatal or longer-term consequences. We tested the hypothesis that the occurrence of stereotypic behavior during gestation could affect the phenotype of the offspring. Twenty-eight pregnant sows were studied by comparing two groups differing in the amount of stereotypy shown. We analyzed emotionality in the offspring from sows showing high or low stereotypy frequency using the open field and novel object tests. In the open field test, piglets from sows with a high rate of stereotypies walked more in central sectors (p < 0.0001) and lateral sectors (p = 0.04) than piglets from sows with a low rate of stereotypies. In the novel object test, the offspring from low stereotypy sows vocalized more (p = 0.008). We demonstrate for the first time that the stereotypic behavior by the mother during gestation changes the phenotype of the offspring, in particular, their emotionality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Tatemoto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Center for Comparative Studies in Sustainability, Health and Welfare, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, FMVZ, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thiago Bernardino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Center for Comparative Studies in Sustainability, Health and Welfare, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, FMVZ, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Beatrice Morrone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Center for Comparative Studies in Sustainability, Health and Welfare, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, FMVZ, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mariana Ramos Queiroz
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Center for Comparative Studies in Sustainability, Health and Welfare, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, FMVZ, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adroaldo José Zanella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Center for Comparative Studies in Sustainability, Health and Welfare, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, FMVZ, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Tatemoto P, Bernardino T, Alves L, Zanella AJ. Sham-Chewing in Sows Is Associated With Decreased Fear Responses in Their Offspring. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:390. [PMID: 31803762 PMCID: PMC6877698 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We hypothesized that sham-chewing expressed by the dam during gestation affects fetus programming. The goal of this study was to assess the effects of maternal sham-chewing on offspring welfare indicators, such as behavior and physiology. Sows that exhibited consistent sham-chewing on at least two of 6 days of observation (N = 7) were compared with sows that had never performed sham-chewing (non-sham-chewing sows; N = 4) during these 6 days. Salivary samples from sows and piglets were collected and cortisol concentrations were analyzed to assess the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis activity as cortisol is a physiological indicator of welfare. Moreover, placental tissue was collected, right after farrowing, to assess cortisol and cortisone concentration. Piglet behavior and fear tests were performed after weaning (one couple per sow). In the fear tests, data was collected in an open field test to determine the states of fear indicators. Non-sham-chewing sows had lower concentrations of cortisol on days 91 and 92 of gestation in the morning. In addition to this, placental cortisol was higher among sham-chewing sows than non-sham-chewing sows. In the open field test, piglets born from non-sham-chewing sows demonstrated more latency to move in the arena and less activity, indicating more fear. Based on our data, we concluded that the expression of maternal sham-chewing is related to less fear in their offspring. Although stereotypies have been studied, attention has not been devoted to the effects of the prenatal period in considering a fetal reprogramming approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Tatemoto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Center for Comparative Studies in Sustainability, Health and Welfare, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, FMVZ, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Díez-León M, Kitchenham L, Duprey R, Bailey CDC, Choleris E, Lewis M, Mason G. Neurophysiological correlates of stereotypic behaviour in a model carnivore species. Behav Brain Res 2019; 373:112056. [PMID: 31288059 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.112056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Stereotypic behaviour (SB) is common in animals housed in farm, zoo or laboratory conditions, including captive Carnivora (e.g. wild ursids and felids). Neurobiological data on housing-induced SBs come from four species (macaques, two rodent species, and horses), and suggest basal ganglia (BG) dysfunction. We investigated whether similar patterns occur in Carnivora via a model, American mink, because their SB is distinctive in form and timing. We raised 32 males in non-enriched (NE) or enriched (E) cages for 2 years, and assessed two forms of SB: 1) Carnivora-typical locomotor-and-whole-body ('loco') SBs (e.g. pacing, weaving); 2) scrabbling with the forepaws. Neuronal activity was analysed via cytochrome oxidase (CO) staining of the dorsal striatum (caudate; putamen), globus pallidus (externus, GPe; internus, GPi), STN, and nucleus accumbens (NAc); and the GPe:GPi ratio (GPr) calculated to assess relative activation of direct and indirect pathways. NE mink stereotyped more, and had lower GPr CO-staining indicating relatively lower indirect pathway activation. However, no single BG area was affected by housing and nor did GPr values covary with SB. Independent of housing, elevated NAc CO-staining predicted more loco SB, while scrabbling, probably because it negatively correlated with loco SB, negatively covaried with NAc CO-staining in NE subjects. These results thus implicate the NAc in individual differences in mink SB. However, because they cannot explain why NE subjects showed more SB, they provide limited support for the BG dysfunction hypothesis for this species' housing-induced SB. More research is therefore needed to understand how barren housing causes SB in captive Carnivora.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Díez-León
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, UK.
| | - L Kitchenham
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Canada
| | - R Duprey
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, USA
| | - C D C Bailey
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Canada
| | - E Choleris
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Canada
| | - M Lewis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, USA
| | - G Mason
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Martin-Wintle MS, Wintle NJP, Díez-León M, Swaisgood RR, Asa CS. Improving the sustainability of ex situ populations with mate choice. Zoo Biol 2018; 38:119-132. [PMID: 30474268 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Many breeding programs managed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' (AZA) Species Survival Plans® (SSPs) are not meeting goals for population size and genetic diversity due to failure of recommended pairs to breed successfully. According to AZA Population Management Center analyses, as many as 80% of recommended breeding pairs fail to produce young before the next breeding and transfer plan is issued. Determining reasons for failure and ensuring that a specific pairing produces offspring can be challenging. Mate incompatibility, one possible reason for failure, might be addressed by allowing mate choice. Although many SSP® coordinators and breeding managers, who implement breeding recommendations at their institutions, recognize the potential benefits of mate choice, examples and models for presenting and assessing choice are lacking. Here we review examples from birds, rodents, lagomorphs, marsupials, carnivores, fishes, and insects where mate choice has been incorporated. These examples provide strong evidence that free mate choice and mating with preferred partners increase a variety of reproductive success measurements when compared to assigned mate pairings. We suggest innovative housing and breeding arrangements for better incorporating mate choice into the management strategies for species held ex situ. Further, we discuss the fitness consequences and welfare implications of allowing choice. We advocate for a more systematic use of behavioral research in cooperative breeding programs. Behavioral management for mating can yield more successful programs, thus ensuring SSP® genetic and demographic goals are met, while simultaneously improving welfare.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meghan S Martin-Wintle
- Recovery Ecology, Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, Escondido, California.,PDXWildlife, Portland, Oregon
| | | | - María Díez-León
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, UK
| | - Ronald R Swaisgood
- Recovery Ecology, Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, Escondido, California
| | - Cheryl S Asa
- AZA Reproductive Management Center, Saint Louis Zoo, St. Louis, Missouri
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
The individual courtship behaviour of male European mink (Mustela lutreola) is a good indicator for their breeding success. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2018.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
19
|
Mellor E, McDonald Kinkaid H, Mason G. Phylogenetic comparative methods: Harnessing the power of species diversity to investigate welfare issues in captive wild animals. Zoo Biol 2018; 37:369-388. [PMID: 30058134 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
This paper reviews a way of investigating health and welfare problems in captive wild animals (e.g., those in zoos, aviaries, aquaria, or aquaculture systems) that has great potential, but to date has been little used: systematically comparing species with few or no health and welfare issues to those more prone to problems. Doing so empirically pinpoints species-typical welfare risk and protective factors (such as aspects of their natural behavioral biology): information which can then be used to help prevent or remedy problems by suggesting new ways to improve housing and husbandry, and by identifying species intrinsically best suited to captivity. We provide a detailed, step-by-step "how to" guide for researchers interested in using these techniques, including guidance on how to statistically control for the inherent similarities shared by related species: an important concern because simple, cross-species comparisons that do not do this may well fail to meet statistical assumptions of non-independence. The few relevant studies that have investigated captive wild animals' welfare problems using this method are described. Overall, such approaches reap value from the great number and diversity of species held in captivity (e.g., the many thousands of species held in zoos); can yield new insights from existing data and published results; render previously intractable welfare questions (such as "do birds need to fly?" or "do Carnivora need to hunt?") amenable to study; and generate evidence-based principles for integrating animal welfare into collection planning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma Mellor
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford, UK
| | | | - Georgia Mason
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Polanco A, Díez-León M, Mason G. Stereotypic behaviours are heterogeneous in their triggers and treatments in the American mink, Neovison vison, a model carnivore. Anim Behav 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2018.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
|
21
|
Bandeira V, Virgós E, Azevedo A, Carvalho J, Cunha MV, Fonseca C. Sex and season explain spleen weight variation in the Egyptian mongoose. Curr Zool 2018; 65:11-20. [PMID: 30697234 PMCID: PMC6347055 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoy031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The Egyptian mongoose (Herpestes ichneumon Linnaeus, 1758) is a medium-sized carnivore that experienced remarkable geographic expansion over the last 3 decades in the Iberian Peninsula. In this study, we investigated the association of species-related and abiotic factors with spleen weight (as a proxy for immunocompetence) in the species. We assessed the relationship of body condition, sex, age, season, and environmental conditions with spleen weight established for 508 hunted specimens. Our results indicate that the effects of sex and season outweigh those of all other variables, including body condition. Spleen weight is higher in males than in females, and heavier spleens are more likely to be found in spring, coinciding with the highest period of investment in reproduction due to mating, gestation, birth, and lactation. Coupled with the absence of an effect of body condition, our findings suggest that spleen weight variation in this species is mostly influenced by life-history traits linked to reproduction, rather than overall energy availability, winter immunoenhancement, or energy partitioning effects, and prompt further research focusing on this topic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victor Bandeira
- Department of Biology & Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Emilio Virgós
- Departamento de Biología, Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica, Área Biodiversidad y Conservación, Escuela Superior de Ciencias Experimentales y Tecnología (ESCET), Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, c/Tulipán, s/n, Móstoles, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alexandre Azevedo
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, Berlin, Germany.,Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, R. Jorge de Viterbo Ferreira 228, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Carvalho
- Department of Biology & Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal.,Wildlife Ecology & Health group (WE&H) and Servei d'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mónica V Cunha
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária (INIAV), IP-National Institute for Agrarian and Veterinary Research, Rua dos Lagidos, Lugar da Madalena, Vairão, Portugal.,cE3c-Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.,BioISI-Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Carlos Fonseca
- Department of Biology & Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
|
23
|
Hovland AL, Rød AMS, Eriksen MS, Palme R, Nordgreen J, Mason GJ. Faecal cortisol metabolites as an indicator of adrenocortical activity in farmed silver foxes ( Vulpes vulpes ). Appl Anim Behav Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2017.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
24
|
Noer CL, Balsby TJS, Anistoroaei R, Stelvig M, Dabelsteen T. Mate choice screening in captive solitary carnivores: The role of male behavior and cues on mate preference and paternity in females of a model species, American mink (Neovison vison). Zoo Biol 2017; 36:367-381. [PMID: 29105815 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Revised: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Mate choice studies suggest that choosy females benefit from increased fecundity, litter size, and offspring survival. Thus, providing females with the opportunity to choose among potential mates, deemed genetically suitable based on studbook data, might improve breeding management in production and zoo animals and thereby the sustainability of captive populations. Investigating mate preference via odor from potential mates before animal transfer is a proposed strategy for incorporating mate choice into breeding management. In this study, we test whether olfactory cues and signals from males can be used to assess and measure female mate preference in American mink. Eighteen females were subjected to a 4-day stimulus test in which females showed a preference for one of two males' urine and feces. Subsequently, each female was subjected to a 10-day mate preference test involving the same two males of the first test. Paternity tests revealed that 13 females had offspring, which could be assigned to only one male, suggesting that these females performed a mate choice. In nine of these females preference during the stimulus test was directed toward the male that fathered their offspring. Our results suggest that even though there was a preference difference in scent stimulus trials from potential mates this preference was not predictive of eventual mate preference or paternity. Other factors such as aspects of male behavior seem to play a role, when the mates are introduced. Our study supports that mate preference and mate choice are complex matters influenced by multiple cues and signals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Lehmkuhl Noer
- Research and Conservation, Copenhagen Zoo, Frederiksberg, Denmark.,Department of Biology, Behavioural Ecology Group, University of Copenhagen, København, Denmark
| | | | - Razvan Anistoroaei
- Section of Genetics, Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Veterinary Clinical and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, København, Denmark
| | - Mikkel Stelvig
- Research and Conservation, Copenhagen Zoo, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Torben Dabelsteen
- Department of Biology, Behavioural Ecology Group, University of Copenhagen, København, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Towards a taxonomy of stereotypic behaviours in the American mink (Neovison vison) , a model Carnivore: Homogeneous or heterogeneous? Appl Anim Behav Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2017.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
|
26
|
Díez-León M, Quinton M, Mason G. How tall should a mink cage be? Using animals’ preferences for different ceiling heights to improve cage design. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2017.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
|
27
|
Mason G, Würbel H. What can be learnt from wheel-running by wild mice, and how can we identify when wheel-running is pathological? Proc Biol Sci 2017; 283:rspb.2015.0738. [PMID: 26842572 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2015.0738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Mason
- Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1
| | - Hanno Würbel
- Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern 3012, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Ahloy Dallaire J, Mason GJ. Juvenile rough-and-tumble play predicts adult sexual behaviour in American mink. Anim Behav 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2016.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
|
29
|
Kiik K, Maran T, Kneidinger N, Tammaru T. Social behaviour of endangered European mink ( Mustela lutreola ) litters in captivity. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2016.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
|
30
|
Kroshko J, Clubb R, Harper L, Mellor E, Moehrenschlager A, Mason G. Stereotypic route tracing in captive Carnivora is predicted by species-typical home range sizes and hunting styles. Anim Behav 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2016.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
|
31
|
Díez-León M, Bursian S, Galicia D, Napolitano A, Palme R, Mason G. Environmentally enriching American mink (Neovison vison) increases lymphoid organ weight and skeletal symmetry, and reveals differences between two sub-types of stereotypic behaviour. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2015.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
|
32
|
Díez-León M, Mason G. Effects of environmental enrichment and stereotypic behavior on maternal behavior and infant viability in a model carnivore, the American mink (Neovison vison). Zoo Biol 2015; 35:19-28. [DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Revised: 09/07/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- María Díez-León
- Department of Animal Biosciences; University of Guelph; Ontario Canada
| | - Georgia Mason
- Department of Animal Biosciences; University of Guelph; Ontario Canada
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Investigating anhedonia in a non-conventional species: Do some riding horses Equus caballus display symptoms of depression? Appl Anim Behav Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2014.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
|
34
|
Benefits of a ball and chain: simple environmental enrichments improve welfare and reproductive success in farmed American mink (Neovison vison). PLoS One 2014; 9:e110589. [PMID: 25386726 PMCID: PMC4227648 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0110589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2014] [Accepted: 09/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Can simple enrichments enhance caged mink welfare? Pilot data from 756 sub-adults spanning three colour-types (strains) identified potentially practical enrichments, and suggested beneficial effects on temperament and fur-chewing. Our main experiment started with 2032 Black mink on three farms: from each of 508 families, one juvenile male-female pair was enriched (E) with two balls and a hanging plastic chain or length of hose, while a second pair was left as a non-enriched (NE) control. At 8 months, more than half the subjects were killed for pelts, and 302 new females were recruited (half enriched: ‘late E’). Several signs of improved welfare or productivity emerged. Access to enrichment increased play in juveniles. E mink were calmer (less aggressive in temperament tests; quieter when handled; less fearful, if male), and less likely to fur-chew, although other stereotypic behaviours were not reduced. On one farm, E females had lower cortisol (inferred from faecal metabolites). E males tended to copulate for longer. E females also weaned more offspring: about 10% more juveniles per E female, primarily caused by reduced rates of barrenness (‘late E’ females also giving birth to bigger litters on one farm), effects that our data cautiously suggest were partly mediated by reduced inactivity and changes in temperament. Pelt quality seemed unaffected, but E animals had cleaner cages. In a subsidiary side-study using 368 mink of a second colour-type (‘Demis’), similar temperament effects emerged, and while E did not reduce fur-chewing or improve reproductive success in this colour-type, E animals were judged to have better pelts. Overall, simple enrichments were thus beneficial. These findings should encourage welfare improvements on fur farms (which house 60-70 million mink p.a.) and in breeding centres where endangered mustelids (e.g. black-footed ferrets) often reproduce poorly. They should also stimulate future research into more effective practical enrichments.
Collapse
|