Discipline: Ethology

Effects of Using Mechanical Brushes on the Productive Performance of Dairy Cows

Li, H.; Zhang, R.; Li, H.; Yuan, H.; Zhang, R.; Ren, H.; Xiao, J.; Li, Z.; Wang, A.; Jin, Y.; Lin, P.

Published in 2024

Study showing that mechanical brushes are used differently by dairy cows at different stages of lactation, improving body cleanliness and milk production, particularly in multiparous cows.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Bovines

Keywords: Animal-based measurements,Adaptation of the animal to the environment, Enrichment, Lactation, Housing

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Thoughtful or distant farmer: Exploring the influence of human-animal relationships on rabbit stress, behavior, and emotional responses in two distinct living environments

Manon Fetiveau, Davi Savietto, Andrew M Janczak, Laurence Fortun-Lamothe and Valérie Fillon

Published in 2024

Study showing that rabbits living in simple environments or benefiting from positive human interaction displayed more exploratory and interested behaviors towards humans. The quality of the human-animal relationship and the environment influenced their welfare, with no significant difference in physiological stress.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories:Monogastric

Keywords:Animal-based measurements, Enrichment, Housing, Living environment, Human-animal relationships, Socialization, Stress

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On your terms or mine: pigs' response to imposed gentle tactile contact vs. free form interaction with a familiar human

Truong, S., Schmitt, O. & Rault, JL.

Published in 2024

Scientific article showing that there are differences in positive interactions between humans and animals, depending on whether they are free or imposed by the humans.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Porcines

Keywords:Animal-based measurements, Fear, Human-animal relationships, Vocalisation

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Welfare and stress of horses used for Equine-assisted services: A systematic review

Bethany H. Baxley, Howard Rodriguez-Mori, Nichole C. Anderson

Published in 2024

Systematic review summarizing the existing literature on the stress and welfare of horses involved in equine assistance services (EAS). According to the 28 articles identified, behavioral and health problems are those most frequently encountered in EAS centers, leading to a high turn-over of horses. The study reveals gaps in existing research and urges that more high-quality research should be carried out.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Equines

Keywords:Working animals, Animal mediation, Livestock buildings, Human-animal relationships, Welfare indicators, Working animals, Living environment, Stress, Behavioural disorders

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Development of the calf grimace scale for pain and stress assessment in castrated Angus beef calves

Farghal, M., Pajor, E., Luna, S.P.L., Pang D., Windeyer M.C. & Ceballos M.C.

Published in 2024

Scientific study measuring the effectiveness of a Calf Grimace Scale (CGS) for assessing pain and stress. VGS scores increase after castration, but also under the effect of external factors such as separation from the mother. The VGS can therefore identify acute pain and also detect stress in calves.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Bovines

Keywords:Castration, Pain, Weaning, Sterilization, Stress

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Closing the Gaps in Fish Welfare: The Case for More Fundamental Work Into Physical Enrichment

Helen C. Spence-Jones - Joachim G. Frommen - Nick A. R. Jones

Published in 2024

Summary of the various research studies carried out on use of physical enrichment in fish farming to improve fish welfare. Although research on fish welfare remains limited, the authors note an increase in publications on the subject. Efforts are still needed to diversify the range of welfare indicators used (beyond the common metrics of growth and behavior).

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Fish

Keywords:Adaptation of the animal to the environment, Adaptation of the environment to the animal, Enrichment, Welfare indicators, Housing, Stress, Behavioural disorders

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Insights into Decapod Sentience: Applying the General Welfare Index (GWI) for Whiteleg Shrimp (Penaeus vannamei - Boone, 1931) Reared in Aquaculture Grow-Out Ponds

Pedrazzani, A.S.; Cozer, N.; Quintiliano, M.H.; Ostrensky, A.

Published in 2024

Study adapting the General Welfare Index (GWI) for shrimp Penaeus vannamei, integrating 31 specific indicators, to better manage their welfare in aquaculture.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories:Crustaceans

Keywords:Adaptation of the animal to the environment, Animal-based measurements, Welfare indicators, Behavioural disorders

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Enhancing Welfare for Aquarium Fishes with an Ecologically Relevant Environment

Paul Rose

Published in 2024

Article highlighting the importance of  achieving a better understanding of the biology and behavior of domestic fish in order to provide them with appropriate care when raised in aquariums.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Fish

Keywords:Adaptation of the environment to the animal, Enrichment, Housing, Living environment, Socialization

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Perch shape and material affect perch use and health parameters of laying hens during the rearing and laying phase

Ariane Stratmann, Nadine Ringgenberg

Published in 2024

Study evaluating the influence of different types of perches on the behavior and health of laying hens, and showing that age, breed and type of perch affect their use.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Poultry

Keywords:Adaptation of the environment to the animal, Animal-based measurements, Livestock buildings, Enrichment, Welfare indicators, Housing, Living environment, Behavioural disorders

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Video-based compilation of acute pain behaviours in cats

Sabrine Marangoni, Paulo V Steagall

Published in 2024

Compilation of videos available on the FRCAW educational platform demonstrating acute pain behaviors in cats, to train veterinary professionals in pain assessment.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Felines

Keywords:Animal-based measurements, Pain, Education, Behavioural disorders

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