bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Housing and Welfare in Laboratory Rats: Welfare Implications of Isolation and Social Contact Among Caged Males
Authors: Hurst J L , Barnard C J , Nevison C M , West C D 
Published: January 2023

AbstractMale laboratory rats (Rattus norvegicus; Wistar, Alderley Park) were housed as singletons or groups of three in units of two joined, but divided cages. Units were divided by different types of barrier that allowed different degrees of social contact across the barrier. Singletons were established either with another singleton as a neighbour on the other side of the barrier, or with a group of three as neighbours. Relative to group-housed animals, singly-housed rats showed reduced activity and a greater incidence of self-directed behaviours and behaviours apparently related to escape or seeking social information. Pathophysiological evidence was consistent with Baenninger's (1967) suggestion that tail manipulation in singletons is a surrogate social response, but was also consistent with an overall increase in self-directed activity, reflecting elasticity in time budgeting. Variation in the degree of increase in self-directed activity among singletons and the negative correlation between self-directed activity and organ pathology may have reflected differences in the ability of individuals to avoid an activity limbo. While reduced corticosterone concentration and organ pathology compared with grouped rats implied that separation may remove social stress, responses to contact with neighbours, and correlations between behaviours and organ pathology suggested that rats may actively seek social interaction. Broad differences in stress responses between single and grouped housing conditions may therefore be an inadequate yardstick to the animals’ welfare. However, exposure to neighbours reduced the aggressiveness of singly-housed males when they were eventually introduced into an unfamiliar group, suggesting that a degree of exposure to neighbours (separation, but not isolation) may have some welfare benefits for laboratory-housed rats, depending on procedures.
Behaviour of a Captive Pair of Clouded Leopards (Neofelis Nebulosa): Introduction Without Injury
Authors: Law G , Tatner P 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe behaviour of a captive pair of clouded leopards was studied during a series of manipulations in order to devise a safe method of introduction for mating purposes. Manipulations consisted of allowing each individual unrestricted access to the other's outdoor enclosure, initially in the absence of the other individual, but culminating in joint access. Dominant activities involved sitting, lying, grooming, and adopting a low profile amongst the vegetation. The female tended to be more arboreal than the male, although both cats spent most of their time on the ground. The male marked various sites by foot-scrubbing (1-4% occurrence), which involved shuffling urine into the ground using his hind feet. This was less common in the female (<1%). Male foot-scrubbing was most frequent on introduction nights, and in the female's enclosure. Both sexes exhibited cheek-marking behaviour, although it was more common in the male. The frequency of male cheek-marking increased in response to urine production by the female. Observations during introductions suggested that the male may assess the female's reproductive condition by stimulating her to urinate. The most marked changes in the behaviour occurred between control and introduction nights. The larger male took the initiative, and the female appeared extremely wary of his presence, striking out with her claws if he approached too closely. Although the individuals did not mate during the introductions, the method of gradual acquaintance through an experimentally induced overlap of ‘home ranges’ was effective, as the female was not injured even though the male had a history of aggression.
Heart Rate and Stress Hormone Responses of Sheep to Road Transport Following Two Different Loading Procedures
Authors: Parrot R F , Hall S J G , Lloyd D M 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThis study was designed to investigate the physiological responses induced in sheep (n = 18) by two different loading techniques followed by a short road journey. All animals were prepared with venous catheters, to minimize the disturbing effects of blood sampling, and nine sheep were fitted with heart rate monitors. The animals were loaded onto a transport vehicle in groups of three, alternately using a conventional tailgate ramp or a crate raised with a hydraulic lift. When all of the sheep were loaded, they were taken on a journey lasting 195min. Blood samples were collected in the home pen, directly after loading, and at 15min intervals during the journey. Measurements were made of plasma concentrations of Cortisol, prolactin and catecholamines (adrenaline and noradrenaline). The results indicated that heart rate increased during loading, regardless of the method used. No changes in concentrations of Cortisol or the catecholamines were detected, although a small increase in prolactin was noted when animals were loaded using the ramp. During transport, all sheep exhibited increases in plasma Cortisol concentrations which were greatest during the first 2h of the journey. The results suggest that, under the conditions employed in this experiment, the effects of the two loading procedures were similar and that transport appeared to be more stressful than loading.
Influence of Dry Feed Supplements on Different Parameters of Welfare in Veal Calves
Authors: Morisse J P , Cotte J P , Huonnic D , Martrenchar A 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe aim of the study was to compare different behavioural, physiological and performance traits in three groups of veal calves fed either a routine all-liquid diet with milk replacer (GO) or the same diet supplemented with a total of 10kg (G10) or 25kg (G25) of pelleted straw and cereals. Each of the three feeding programmes involved 21 male Friesian calves kept in individual crates for 20 weeks (from 1 to 21 weeks of age). Oral activities, haematological variables, ruminai characteristics, health and performance were all investigated. In calves supplied with dry feed, there was no evidence of ruminating behaviour; and chewing, regarded as a non-nutritive oral activity, was clearly reduced. The incidence of tongue playing and manipulating objects was not influenced by additional pellets.Haemoglobin concentrations were higher in G25 than in other groups as a result of the extra iron supplied in the pellets. Other blood variables were unchanged. In G10 and G25 changes in rumen characteristics were clearly demonstrated by the following observations: i) the weight of reticulo-rumens increased by 11 and 35 per cent, respectively; ii) small papillae (virtually non-existent in calves fed an all-liquid diet) were present, and there was a darkening of the mucosa; and iii) there was a marked reduction in the number of hairballs, resulting from a continuous elimination of ingested hair by ruminai motility. In G25, carcase weight was significantly (P < 0.05) increased by 6.5 per cent compared with controls and no detrimental effects such as bloating or abomasal ulceration were observed when dry feed was added. Supplying calves with straw-cereal pellets was considered positive for the physiological aspects of welfare in veal calves. However, other diet compositions capable of inducing rumination behaviour should also be investigated.
Behavioural Effects of Social Mixing at Different Stocking Densities in Prepubertal Lambs
Authors: Ruiz-de-la-Torre J L , Manteca X 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe behavioural effects of mixing individuals from two different flocks were studied in prepubertal lambs of about 20kg body weight kept at either low (1 animal m−2) or high (3.3 animals m−2) stocking densities. At both densities, flock mates associated preferentially with one another over the three experimental days. The social mixing conditions decreased the total number of aggressive interactions (including head-to-head clashes, head-to-body buttings and mountings). Since animals associated preferentially with flock mates, aggressive behaviours were also preferentially directed towards individuals from the same flock. Males initiated significantly more aggressive interactions than females. The total number of aggressive interactions received was similar for males and females, but females received more mountings than males. Stocking density, therefore, had no effect on aggressive behaviour. These results are discussed as they relate to transport and it is suggested that social mixing may not be a welfare problem in prepubertal lambs.
Can ‘Environmental Enrichment’ Affect Domestic Chickens’ Preferences for One Half of an Otherwise Symmetrical Home Cage?
Authors: Jones R B , Carmichael N L 
Published: January 2023

AbstractChickens were reared in pairs in wooden boxes from 1 to 10 days of age. One chick from each pair was marked to facilitate identification and its position in one or other of the symmetrical halves of the home box was noted at each of 32 visual scans carried out every day. Cumulative sightings in each half were calculated across the first 5 days to establish the least preferred half. Three ‘enrichment’ objects were then placed in the least preferred half of each box on day 6. The chicks ‘positions were again recorded at each of 32 scans on 5 consecutive days. The enrichment objects were avoided on day 6 but such neophobia waned within 24h and a weak, non-significant trend for enrichment to increase usage of the least preferred half became apparent. The strong side preferences shown by the chicks before the introduction of enrichment stimuli, and their transitory neophobia, sound important cautionary notes for the design and assessment of husbandry and environmental enrichment procedures.
Score Sheets for the Monitoring of Transgenic Mice
Authors: Mertens C , Rülicke T 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe widespread use of transgenic animals in research, and especially for generating models of human disease, has given rise to calls for a careful documentation of transgenic strains with particular emphasis on characterizing phenotypes and their animal welfare aspects. Based upon several published suggestions for general health monitoring of laboratory animals and upon a questionnaire we developed for the characterization of transgenic strains, score sheets for litter-wise and individual data collection were tested in a pilot study. The documentation concept and some of the most important parameters are presented and discussed with respect to their feasibility and usefulness. The use of score sheets can help in determining the application of humane end points at the individual level, phenotype characterization and assessment of animal welfare for the whole strain, and the development of better breeding strategies - apart from being of direct scientific interest. We suggest that these score sheets, available via the Internet at: www.bzl.unizh.ch/de/database/formtransg/index2.html, should be applied for routine and comprehensive phenotype characterizations of transgenic mouse strains used and kept for animal experimentation.
Fear-Related Behaviour in Two Mouse Strains Differing in Litter Size
Authors: Janczak A M , Braastad B O , Bakken M 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe present experiment compared the fear-related behaviour of a mouse strain selected over 101 generations for high litter size with that of a randomly selected strain. The H-strain, selected for large litter size, has a mean (± SD) litter size at birth of 21.5 ± 3.5 pups. The randomly bred C-strain has a mean (± SD) litter size of 9.6 ± 2.2 pups. The elevated plus-maze, the light:dark test and a resident:intruder test were used to measure how the mice responded to novelty. In the elevated plus-maze, a well-validated model of animal anxiety, the H-strain was significantly more anxious (having a lower percentage of entries into open arms) than the C-strain at 9 weeks of age. In the light: dark test, in which the light levels were similar to those in the home environment, the H-strain did not differ significantly from the C-strain in its avoidance of the brightest area. In the resident: intruder test, where aggression-trained, older H-strain males were the residents, 11-week-old intruding mice of the C-strain spent a higher percentage of their time in flight and immobility than intruders of the H-strain. There were clear anxiety- and fear-related differences between the strains, which may be related to their selection history. The results illustrate a need for further studies on the consequences of selection for increased production for the ability of animals to adapt to their home environment and cope with environmental changes.
The Effect of Mats on the Welfare of Sows and Piglets in the Farrowing House
Authors: Boyle L A , Regan D , Leonard F C , Lynch P B , Brophy P 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe objective of this study was to assess the effect of providing mats in the farrowing pen on behaviour and lesions in sows (n = 38) and piglets. Nineteen of the sows and their litters housed in farrowing crates with metal slatted floors were provided with mats, the remaining 19 acting as controls. Sow skin was inspected pre-farrowing and at weaning: the skin and feet of piglets were examined when they were 6 days old. Skin lesions were scored (on a scale of 0 to 6) according to severity. Total lesion scores per sow and median total lesion scores per litter were calculated. Sow behaviour was recorded by direct observation at feeding. Usage of a heat pad for lying in the presence or absence of mats was assessed over a 2hr observation period. Median skin lesion scores of sows did not differ between treatments. Litters from the control treatment had lower skin lesion scores (median [range] 8 [2-12] vs 10 [5-21]; P < 0.05). Median lesion scores of the front legs tended to be higher for piglets on mats (median [range] 8 [1.5-13] vs 4 [1.5-8]; ns). Sows on metal flooring went from kneeling to lowering their hindquarters faster (median [range] 15 [2—45] s) than sows on mats (23 [11—54] s) (P < 0.05). Furthermore, they slipped more on their front (median [range] 2.7 [0-8.7] vs 0 [0-1.3] slips min1; P < 0.001) and hind (median [range] 5.3 [0.3-31.7] vs 1.9 [0-33.3] slips min1; P < 0.05) feet while standing, than sows on mats. More piglets lay on the heat pad when it was covered by a mat (mean ± SEM 45.97 ± 4.49 %) than when no mat was provided (29.29 ± 4.47 %)(P < 0.05). Mats improve sow comfort and reduce slipping. They encourage piglets to lie on the heat pad but cause damage to the skin of the front legs. Providing pigs with mats in the farrowing house could greatly improve welfare on slatted floors, but further research is needed to identify materials that are less abrasive.
Consistency of Measurement of Social Status in Dry-Sows Group-Housed in Indoor and Outdoor Systems
Authors: Bradshaw R H , Skyrme J , Brenninkmeijer E E , Broom D M 
Published: January 2023

AbstractEach of two 20-sow groups consisted of gilts ie virgin sows (one third) and sows (parity 2-5, ie sows which had given birth 2-5 times). One group was housed indoors with a straw-covered lying area and dunging area. Another group was housed outdoors with a covered straw lying area and two rooting fields. Behavioural observations were made on both groups: indoor sows were observed for 4h day−1, for 10 days (40h); outdoor sows were observed for 6h day−1, for 21 days (126h). Social interactions were classified as threat, bite, knock and push. Continuous data on the type of interaction and the winner or loser were recorded. Four measures of social status, based on social behaviour, were calculated: i) displacement index; ii) level of interaction; iii) success in interactions; and iv) matrix dominance. Spearman rank correlation coefficients between different ranked measures of social status within each group (outdoor or indoor) were significant for displacement index, success in interaction and matrix dominance. The level of interaction did not correlate with other measures (except for matrix dominance in the indoor group). Measures of displacement, success in interaction and matrix dominance provide highly consistent and correlated measures of social status.
The Welfare of Farmed Mink (Mustela Vison) in Relation to Behavioural Selection: A Review
Authors: Malmkvist J , Hansen S W 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAnimal welfare is a major issue in Europe, and the production of mink,Mustela vison, has also been under debate. One common method of solving animal welfare problems is to adapt the environment to fit the behavioural needs of the animals. In comparison with other forms of husbandry, the mink production environment has remained relatively unchanged over the years and provides for some of the most obvious needs of mink. Whether today's typical housing conditions adequately meet the welfare requirements of mink is currently a topic of discussion. An alternative approach to improving welfare is to modify the animals so that they are better adapted to farming conditions. In large-scale animal production, handling of the individual can be a sporadic event, making an animal's inherent characteristics for temperament and adaptability important factors to consider with respect to its resultant welfare.In this review we present and discuss experiments on behavioural selection for temperament, and against undesirable behaviours, such as fur chewing, in mink. Fur chewing behaviour can be reduced by selection, apparently without any negative effects, whereas only a little is known about the nature and consequences of selecting against stereotypic behaviours. Long-term selection experiments have shown that it is possible to reduce fearfulness in farmed mink. Using a relatively simple test, it is possible for farmers to add behavioural measurements to their normal selection criteria and thereby improve the welfare of farmed mink.
There are no Known Differences in Brain Mechanisms of Consciousness Between Humans and Other Mammals
Authors: Baars B J 
Published: January 2023

AbstractRecent scientific findings indicate that consciousness is a fundamental biological adaptation. The known brain correlates of consciousness appear to be phylogenetically ancient, going back at least to early mammals. In all mammals, alertness and sensory consciousness are required for the goal-directed behaviours that make species survival and reproduction possible. In all mammals, the anatomy, neurochemistry and electrical activity of the brain in alert states show striking similarities.After more than seven decades of cumulative discoveries about waking and sensory consciousness, we have not yet found any fundamental differences between humans and other mammals. Species differences such as the size of neocortex seem to be irrelevant to the existence of alertness and sensory consciousness, though different mammals obviously specialize in different kinds of sensory, cognitive and motor abilities.Sceptics sometimes claim that objective evidence for consciousness tells us little about subjective experience, such as the experience of conscious pain. Scientifically, however, plausible inferences are routinely based on reliable and consistent patterns of evidence. In other humans, we invariably infer subjective experiences from objective behavioural and brain evidence - if someone yells ‘Ouch!’ after striking a finger with a hammer, we infer that they feel pain. The brain and behavioural evidence for subjective consciousness is essentially identical in humans and other mammals. On the weight of the objective evidence, therefore, subjective experience would seem to be equally plausible in all species with human-like brains and behaviour. Either we deny this experience to other humans (which is rarely done) or, to be consistent, we must also attribute it to other species that meet the same objective standards. It seems that the burden of proof for the absence of subjectivity in mammals should be placed on the sceptics.
Can Invertebrates Suffer? or, How Robust is Argument-By-Analogy?
Authors: Sherwin C M 
Published: January 2023

AbstractIt is a popular notion that, compared to vertebrates, invertebrates have a reduced capacity to experience suffering. This is usually based on arguments that invertebrates show only simple forms of learning, have little memory capacity, do not show behavioural responses to stimuli that would cause ‘higher’ vertebrates to exhibit responses indicative of pain, and have differences in their physiology that would preclude the capacity for suffering. But, how convincing is this ‘evidence’ of a reduced capacity to suffer? Suffering is a negative mental state - a private experience - and, as such, it cannot be measured directly. When assessing the capacity of an animal to experience suffering, we often compare the similarity of its responses with those of ‘higher’ animals, conceptualized in the principle of argument-by-analogy. By closely examining the responses of invertebrates, it can be seen that they often behave in a strikingly analogous manner to vertebrates. In this paper, I discuss published studies that show that invertebrates such as cockroaches, flies and slugs have short- and long-term memory; have age effects on memory; have complex spatial, associative and social learning; perform appropriately in preference tests and consumer demand studies; exhibit behavioural and physiological responses indicative of pain; and, apparently, experience learned helplessness. The similarity of these responses to those of vertebrates may indicate a level of consciousness or suffering that is not normally attributed to invertebrates. This indicates that we should either be more cautious when using argument-by-analogy, or remain open-minded to the possibility that invertebrates are capable of suffering in a similar way to vertebrates.
The Hierarchical Organization of the Brain as a Key to the Study of Consciousness in Human and Non-Human Animals: Phylogenetic Implications
Authors: Van den Bos R 
Published: January 2023

Recently I discussed a framework to study consciousness in animals (Van den Bos 2000).This framework comprised:
i) a hierarchical negative feedback model of the central nervous system in which behaviour is the control of input (perception) expressed as transitions of behavioural patterns (= motion) and as transitions of mental states (= consciousness; Van den Bos 1997). Consciousness is hypothesized to be a property of neuronal networks of self-organizing systems dedicated to dealing with rapidly-changing environments affording flexibility of behavioural patterning;ii) mental states - mental representations - as intentional states as described in folk psychology (feelings, desires; beliefs, insights, etc);iii) the separation of mental states into two components, an invariant part (‘the presence as such’; that) and a variant part (‘the way it looks’; how), which are separately related to the organization of the central nervous system, ie a ‘neuronal network’ and ‘momentary active connections within the neuronal network determined by input and output of this neuronal network’ respectively;iv) the idea that every mental state (psychological trait) - whether feelings, desires or beliefs - can be viewed conceptually as the product of a specialized neuronal network and information encoded in the network (neuronal input-output relations) which is expressed as a specific series of spontaneous behavioural patterns or in specific tests; andv) a phylogeny based on the invariant part, ie mental states, and the presence of a neuronal network.