bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Translocation on a Social Group of Badgers (Meles Meles)
Authors: Brown J A , Cheeseman C L 
Published: January 2023

AbstractA social group of six badgers (Meles meles) (four adults and two cubs) was translocated from urban Bexhill, East Sussex, in August 1993 to a 1216m2 electrified enclosure in a part of Suffolk largely unoccupied by badgers. Three adult badgers (SY2, SY5 and SY6) escaped from the release site prior to the removal of the perimeter fence on 10 December and established a sett near a village, 2.9km from the release site. In January 1994, the remaining adult (SY4) left the release site and moved 1.8km to the grounds of a youth detention centre. The cubs did not desert the site as readily as the adults.Home-range sizes for two adult females, SY4 and SY6, remained relatively constant, while that of adult male SY2 increased from 50ha in February to nearly 400ha in April. The range of SY2 overlapped parts of the ranges of the two females, although SY4 and SY6's ranges never overlapped.The percentage volume of scavenged food in the diet increased monthly between February and April which corresponded to increased garden activity over this period. Earthworms were the most important item in the diet. The establishment of both main setts near housing and the preference for foraging in gardens suggests that badgers released into novel environments may search for familiar habitats.It is concluded that translocation can successfully establish badgers at new locations. However, translocation as a solution to problems caused by badgers must only be viewed as a last resort, not least due to the potential for disease spread.
Spontaneous Activities of Captive Performing Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops Truncatus)
Authors: Galhardo L , Appleby M C , Waran N K , dos Santos M E 
Published: January 2023

AbstractDespite the number of dolphins that have been kept in dolphinaria, and the many behavioural studies that have been conducted on captive dolphins, few have focused on their welfare. Some behaviours have been described in detail, but insufficient attention has been paid to the diurnal variations in their occurrence.Behavioural observations were conducted upon two groups (two and six individuals each) of captive bottlenose dolphins(Tursiops truncates)over a period of six weeks. Behavioural descriptions were produced and the amount of time the animals spent engaged in different behaviours was sampled. General trends of both groups and differences in patterns of variation throughout the day were also analysed. The use of area by the dolphins and their degrees of association were recorded. Considerable individual variation and differences between the two groups were observed.In comparing the behaviour of different dolphins and in considering their welfare it is necessary to take into account their marked degree of individuality. The observations have shown that behavioural data such as variability of behaviour patterns, spontaneous variations in the daily activities and frequency of playing and exploration may constitute good welfare indicators. It is argued that social diversity, appropriate physical characteristics of the pools, existence of play objects in the pools, easy access to visual contact with people, and frequent interactions with the trainers throughout the day at unscheduled times may be important ways of improving environmental stimulation.
Lack of Evidence for Stress Being Caused to Pigs by Witnessing the Slaughter of Conspecifics
Authors: Anil M H , McKinstry J L , Field M , Rodway R G 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe effects of witnessing the slaughter of conspecifics on the stress responses of pigs were investigated. Previously catheterized pigs were allowed to see the stunning and sticking (exsanguination) of pigs in a nearby pen. Heart rate was monitored and serial blood samples were taken to assess stress responses. Packed cell volume (PCV), Cortisol and β-endorphin were determined in the samples. In addition, behavioural observations and subjective assessments of animals’ responses were made. Although the levels of hormones, PCV and heart rate tended to be generally high due to handling, there were no specific increases in response to witnessing stunning and slaughter. These results suggest that witnessing the slaughter act does not distress pigs.
Behaviour of Laying Hens Negotiating Perches at Different Heights
Authors: Lambe N R , Scott G B , Hitchcock D 
Published: January 2023

AbstractResearch into the responses of hens on perches is important in order to assess the welfare impact of alternative systems for egg production which incorporate perches in their design. Previous studies suggest that many flight and landing accidents occur in such systems as birds attempt to move between perches and facilities, resulting in a high incidence of bone breakage. In this study three horizontal perches were set with a gradient between them of 0, 30, 45 or 60 degrees according to treatment. Four groups of 15 ISABrown laying hens were individually exposed to each treatment, being placed on the uppermost perch (Perch 1) with a food reward available at the lowest perch (Perch 3). Behaviours performed before reaching Perch 3 were recorded over time. More birds failed to move to Perch 3 in 10 minutes when perches were separated by 45 or 60 degrees. In birds which stayed on the perches for the full 10 minutes, without reaching Perch 3, downward head movements, calling, intended jump behaviours, side-stepping and wing-flapping decreased significantly with time spent on the perches. Motivation to complete the task, in order to gain the food reward, was high in all treatments. However, when birds found perches difficult to negotiate, behaviours indicating intention to move to the food decreased with time and the incidence of behaviours indicating frustration and thwarting increased. In non-cage systems such frustration could reduce bird welfare.
Observations on the Electric Lance and the Welfare of Whales: A Critical Appraisal
Authors: Blackmore D K , Madie P , Barnes G R G 
Published: January 2023

AbstractJapanese whalers use the electric lance as a secondary method of killing minke whales(Balaenoptera acutorostrata). The lances are dropped into the body, and currents varying between 2.2 and 14. OA, with a mean of 6.8A, are applied.When currents of 5A were applied to the carcasses of dead whales, varying in size from 1.8 to 15.7m in length, no current densities induced in the target organs were sufficient to cause either insensibility (10mA cm−2in the brain), or to cause ventricular fibrillation (0.5mA cm−2in the heart), except in a few cases where electrodes were specifically placed to span the heart. When electrodes were placed in positions normally used in whaling operations, no current densities were produced which would have been sufficient to cause brain and cardiac dysfunction.Further investigations on changes in current density with time post mortem after application of a controlled current of 5A showed, during a 60 hour period, a fourfold increase in the current density in the heart, and more than a twofold increase in the brain. Thus contrary to previous criticisms, if these studies had been carried out on live animals, all current densities would have been below threshold values.There are no records of signs of epileptic form seizure, which are associated with an effective electrical stun, in whales subjected to the electric lance.It is concluded that the electric lance as used in whaling operations is ineffective and likely to cause extra pain and suffering to an already distressed animal.
Behavioural Effects of Cage Enrichment in Single-Caged Adult Cats
Authors: de Monte M , Le Pape G 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe behaviour of 10 adult individually-caged male cats was measured either in their normal cage or with additional objects, a log and a ball. Each cat was observed during five days in each condition. Results show an important novelty effect at the beginning of observations, especially for rubbing and paddling behaviour. Introduction of objects in the cages resulted in a decrease in inactivity and self-play activities, and an increase in sniffing objects and play behaviours with objects. This was particularly important with the ball. Whereas these modifications decreased over days with the log, a high level of activity was maintained with the ball. The importance of the movement and of the function of the object is discussed. An improved way of rearing isolated cats is suggested.
Successful Group Housing of Wild-Caught Brushtail Possums (Trichosurus Vulpecula)
Authors: McLeod B J , Thompson E G , Crawford J L , Shackell G H 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), introduced from Australia about 150 years ago, has become a major pest threatening the native biota of New Zealand. It is also an important disease vector, acting as a wildlife reservoir of infection. Conventional methods of control have had little effect on reducing the national population, so there is a quest to find more effective and humane methods. This has led to an upsurge in research aimed at increasing our knowledge of the biology of this marsupial, with an attendant increase in requirements for access to colony-housed animals.Possums kept for research purposes have often been housed in individual cages, and several colonies have experienced high mortality rates. After capture, possums have shown inappetence, weight loss and a predisposition to infection, suggesting that this species is susceptible to post-capture stress. For our reproductive studies, research animals are only useful if maintained under conditions that ensure behavioural and physiological processes remain normal. We have adopted an ‘animal husbandry’ approach for our possum colony, where social interaction and the ability to exhibit instinctive behaviour patterns are considered as important as adequate nutrition and housing.In this colony, group-housed possums show no signs of post-capture stress, and mortality rate has been less than one per cent (of > 600 animals housed to date). Virtually all possums gain weight over the first month of captivity. Procedures for monitoring, handling and the collection of data from these animals, are carried out with little apparent stress to either animals or staff.
Effects of Enrichment and Floor Type on Behaviour of Cubicle Loose-Housed Dry Sows
Authors: Durrell J , Sneddon I A , Beattie V E 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe effects of enrichment and floor type on the behaviour and welfare of cubicle loose-housed dry sows were investigated in a 2x2 factorial design with four replicates. Sixty-four dry sows were housed in groups of four in pens containing a communal exercise area and four feeding stalls. Pens were either enriched (using spent mushroom compost on suspended wood and wire flat racks) or barren (containing either a solid or part-slatted floor). Enrichment reduced aggressive behaviour, injuries, nosing the ground and lying with eyes open and led to an increase in lying with eyes closed. Floor type had no overall significant effect on sow behaviour. Presentation of spent mushroom compost on suspended racks was found to be a cheap and practical form of enrichment. Incorporation of this system into the design of cubicle loose housing could reduce many of the problems associated with this type of housing and improve the welfare of the sows.
Released, Rehabilitated Hedgehogs: A Follow-Up Study in Jersey
Authors: Morris P A 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThirteen overwintered juvenile hedgehogs (six male, seven female) were released in an area of farm land and gardens on Jersey, Channel Islands. Six (three of each sex) were originally from the same area, the rest came from other parts of the island. They were radio-tracked and monitored regularly for 6 weeks to investigate survival and especially whether ‘site-native’ animals and those from elsewhere differed in respect of their propensity to disperse widely following release. All animals survived at least 4 weeks and 10 were known to be alive after 6 weeks. The fate of the others is unknown, but there is no reason to believe that any of them suffered an early death.Male hedgehogs used new nests more frequently than females. All remained within 400m of the release point for at least a month, some were still within 200m 6 weeks post-release. Five hedgehogs dispersed, travelling at least 400m from the release point. Four of these were males, including one recaptured 5.2km away. Dispersal seemed to be more related to sex than origin. All animals lost weight initially, but most stabilized after 2-3 weeks; proportionately more weight was lost by larger animals. None was seen to use supplementary food put out for them, despite weight losses, and no aggressive interactions with wild conspecifics were noted. Despite all the animals being naïve juveniles, with little or no previous experience of life in the wild, none were killed by road traffic. Positive conclusions from previous studies concerning the success and welfare implications of releasing hedgehogs after care in captivity are confirmed.
Minimally Invasive Health Monitoring of Wildlife
Authors: Cooper J E 
Published: January 2023

AbstractInvestigations of free-living wild animals often involve capture, restraint or other forms of manipulation. There is a need, on both scientific and welfare grounds, to develop and to use less invasive techniques, especially for the assessment of health. Already some such procedures exist, ranging from observation of clinical signs to the laboratory examination and analysis of faeces and other naturally voided samples.Minimally invasive and non-invasive health monitoring of vertebrate animals is outlined and examples are given of samples from mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish that can provide useful information.
Anxiolytic Drugs Inhibit Hyperthermia Induced by Handling in Farmed Silver Foxes (Vulpes Vulpes)
Authors: Moe R O , Bakken M 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAs a contribution to the ongoing work aiming to improve welfare in farmed silver foxes (Vulpes vulpes), the present study attempted to investigate stress-induced hyperthermia (SIH) as a physiological indicator of fear or anxiety in this species. Measuring rectal temperature (Trec) served as a stressor and immediately elicited SIH. Then, the foxes received either the anxiolytic drugs, diazepam or buspirone, or sterile saline. Trec in the foxes treated with diazepam and buspirone was significantly lower 90min after treatment. The results indicate that SIH induced by handling was attenuated by anxiolytic drugs, which supports the hypothesis that anxiety contributes to the development of SIH.
The Survival and Welfare of Hedgehogs (Erinaceus Europaeus) After Release Back Into the Wild
Authors: Reeve N J 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe fate of rescued hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) released back to the wild has now been the subject of several follow-up studies. Although subject to various hazards, released hedgehogs have clearly shown essential ‘life-skills’. However, all previous studies have involved releases into hedgehog-rich areas and the observed long-range (> 500m) dispersal movements shown by some subjects, of up to 5km, may be a consequence of local intraspecific competition. This study has reduced a number of potentially confounding subject variables and provides follow-up data on 12 age-matched female hedgehogs with similar histories. A main group (n = 10) was released into a rural woodland area (Surrey, UK) of low natural hedgehog density, and radio-tracked for up to 108 days. A pilot release of two animals in an urban area with an established hedgehog population also took place (tracked for 109 and 131 days respectively). Most of the main group dispersed (up to 3km) from the release site; the two animals in the urban site did not. These data, taken with those from previous studies, suggest that dispersal is not specifically the result of intraspecific competition. Overall survival at week 8 was 42per cent (5 hedgehogs) plus two lost animals. This is comparable with previous studies. However, survival fell to 25 per cent (3 animals) plus two lost animals by week 15. Of seven recorded deaths, only one was the result of a failure to thrive and all other mortalities were accidental: four road deaths, one drowned in a pond and one predation. The study concludes that the hazards of the human environment were the principal threat to the welfare and survival of released hedgehogs in the area.
Physiological Mechanisms Causing Sickness Behaviour and Suffering in Diseased Animals
Authors: Gregory N G 
Published: January 2023

AbstractDisease is one of the most important causes of animal suffering. When diseases are treated the aim is to achieve rapid and permanent recovery and this helps to reduce the duration of suffering. It does not, however, alleviate suffering during the fulminant and recovery phases. Greater attention needs to be given to alleviating suffering and the signs of sickness during disease states. In this paper, the role of the cytokines in mediating sickness behaviour and suffering during disease is reviewed. The importance of sickness behaviour in improving the chances of recovery are considered, along with the potential use of anti-cytokine strategies in alleviating suffering in disease states.
‘Pleasures’,'Pains’ and Animal Welfare: Toward a Natural History of Affect
Authors: Fraser D , Duncan I J H 
Published: January 2023

AbstractIn hedonic theories of motivation, ‘motivational affective states’ (MASs) are typically seen as adaptations which motivate certain types of behaviour, especially in situations where a flexible or learned response is more adaptive than a rigid or reflexive one. MASs can be negative (eg unpleasant feelings of hunger or pain) or positive (eg pleasant feelings associated with eating and playing). Hedonic theories often portray negative and positive MASs as opposite ends of a one-dimensional scale.We suggest that natural selection has favoured negative and positive affect as separate processes to solve two different types of motivational problems. We propose that negative MASs (eg thirst, fear) evolved in response to ‘need situations’ where the fitness benefit of an action has increased, often because the action is needed to cope with a threat to survival or reproductive success. We propose that these negative MASs develop in response to a change in the body (eg dehydration) or the environment (eg the approach of a predator) which creates the need for action, and that negative MASs can become intense and prolonged if the threat to fitness is high and persistent. We propose that positive MASs evolved in ‘opportunity situations ‘ where an action (eg playing, exploring) has become advantageous because the fitness cost of performing it has declined. We propose that these positive MASs occur during, or as a result of, the performance of types of behaviour which are beneficial for fitness at a variety of times, not only when they are required to meet immediate needs; and that the pleasure inherent in the behaviour motivates the animal to perform it when the cost of so doing is sufficiently low. Some behaviour (eg eating) can be motivated by both positive and negative affect. Other behaviour, such as playing or fleeing from a predator, may be motivated largely by positive or negative affect alone. Our hypothesis needs to be tested, but we suggest that it corresponds well to common human experience.The hypothesis provides a basis for predicting whether an aspect of animal management is likely to cause strong and prolonged negative affect (‘suffering’), or to prevent animals from experiencing certain types of pleasure. This distinction is important for bringing animal welfare assessment into line with ethical concerns.
Environmental Enrichment for Australian Mammals
Authors: Murray A J , Waran N K , Young R J 
Published: January 2023

AbstractMany of Australia's nocturnal mammals are rare or endangered in the wild. The behavioural integrity of captive populations of endangered species can be maintained through the application of environmental enrichment techniques. This study investigated the effectiveness of feeding enrichment in promoting behavioural diversity, enclosure usage and species-typical behaviours in the ghost bat(Macroderma gigas)and the yellow-bellied glider(Petaurus australis). Animals were observed for 300 min day-1 over three consecutive time periods: baseline (12 non-consecutive days); enrichment: (12 consecutive days); and post-enrichment: (12 non-consecutive days). The use of a live insect dispenser decreased grooming and increased out-of-sight and social behaviour in the ghost bat. Artificial gum trees promoted species-typical behaviours in the yellow-bellied glider. Enrichment for nocturnal mammals had variable results and different welfare implications for these animals.
Travel Sickness and Meat Quality in Pigs
Authors: Bradshaw R H , Randall J M , Forsling M L , Rodway R , Goode J A , Brown S N , Broom D M 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAn experiment was conducted to investigate the incidence of travel sickness in pigs, specific hormone concentrations at exsanguination and subsequent meat quality. Fifty, 80kg slaughter pigs were transported on a lorry for 4.5h. During the journey, behavioural observations of the individually marked pigs were made by scanning every 8min to establish whether the pigs exhibited certain symptoms of travel sickness (foaming at the mouth and chomping) and incidences of retching and vomiting were noted as they occurred. Upon arrival at the slaughterhouse, pigs were unloaded, slaughtered immediately and a blood sample was taken at exsanguination for analysis of plasma Cortisol, beta-endorphin and lysine vasopressin concentrations. On the day following slaughter, the chilled carcase of each pig was assessed for meat quality (using pH, Fibre Optic Probe, and Tecpro Pork Quality Meter measurements) in the longissimus dorsi, semimembranosus and adductor muscles to determine the incidence of PSE (pale, soft, exudative) or DFD (dark, firm, dry) meat quality. Twenty-six per cent of the pigs (a total of 13 individuals) vomited or retched during the journey. There was no relationship between the incidence of travel sickness and either the concentrations of the hormones analysed at exsanguination or subsequent meat quality. Correlations revealed no significant relationship between concentrations of the hormones and meat quality measurements.