Discipline: Ethology

Human-computer interactions with farm animals-enhancing welfare through precision livestock farming and artificial intelligence

Neethirajan S, Scott S, Mancini C, Boivin X, Strand E.

Published in 2024

Scientific synthesis exploring the potential of animal-computer interactions (ACI) to improve the individual welfare of farm animals, particularly in the context of precision farming and artificial intelligence.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories:Cattle, Pigs, Poultry

Keywords:Adaptation of the animal to the environment, Adaptation of the environment to the animalAnimal-based measurements, Livestock buildings, Precision farming, Identification, Welfare indicators, Housing, Modelling, One Welfare, livestock farming systemBehavioural disorders

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Welfare and performance benefits of shade provision during summer for feedlot cattle in a temperate climatic zone

David W Miller, Anne L Barnes, Teresa Collins, Liselotte Pannier, Joshua Aleri, Shane K Maloney, Fiona Anderson

Published in 2024

Study evaluating the benefits of access to shade for cattle in a temperate zone. Results showed a slight improvement in weight gain and calmer, more sociable behavior in cattle with access to shade under conditions of moderate heat stress.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Bovines

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

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Towards a task to assess boredom-like states in pigs-Stimulus validation as a basis

Hintze S, Heigl H, Winckler C

Published in 2024

Scientific study to measure pig approach and avoidance responses to stimuli with different valence (positive, ambiguous, negative) in order to distinguish between boredom, depression and apathy. The results show that the valence of the stimuli and the age of the animals influence these responses.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Porcines

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

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Social networks of pregnant gilts during outdoor feeding and the effects on their offspring

Leandro Sabei, Marisol Parada Sarmiento, Cihan Çakmakçı, Sharacely de Souza Farias, Thiago Bernardino, Rosangela Poletto, Erika Alejandra Becerra Mendez, Beatriz Kaori, Adroaldo José Zanella

Published in 2024

Study examining the social dynamics of gilts through pregnancy in an outdoor system, analyzing their feeding and social behaviors, and the effects of these dynamics on the group and their offspring. Results show links between social rank, salivary cortisol levels and piglet weight, highlighting the importance of integrating social behavior into management and genetic selection practices to improve pig welfare.

Document Types: Scientific paper

Animal categories: Porcines

Keywords:Aggression, Aggressivity, Welfare indicators, Lactation, Maternity, Personality, Prenatal issues, Socialization

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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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