Applied Animal Behaviour Science最新文献

{"title":"Learning your individual inferences: A guide for overcoming statistical challenges in small-N studies","authors":"Eduardo J. Fernandez ,&nbsp;James Edward Brereton ,&nbsp;Jono Tuke","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106804","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106804","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Selecting an appropriate statistical test can be challenging for animal scientists. This is particularly true for those who study animals in applied animal settings, where a small number of subjects studied (i.e., small-N) is commonplace. Small-N studies regularly coincide with additional problems, such as non-normally distributed data and repeated measures, making many of the standard independent samples-based inferential statistics less appropriate. Some researchers may persist in using these tests irrespective of assumption violations, and in doing so they risk a Type 1 (false positive) error, potentially leading to erroneous conclusions about their data. Other, lesser considered challenges such as a lack of homogeneity of variance between conditions and time-dependency, are also commonly encountered in small-N studies. If not considered, these challenges could result in extra noise in a dataset that could reduce reliability of results. Fortunately, alternative tests are available that can account for these issues, including issues of non-independence, such as paired data and time-dependency. This guide provides simulated data to generate scenarios that reflect actual problems that emerge in small-N research. Using these generated datasets, a series of tests are used to demonstrate how they can overcome some of the statistical noise encountered. Our goal is to provide researchers with an outline of assumptions and appropriate tests to help them overcome commonly faced challenges for small-N studies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"292 ","pages":"Article 106804"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144988590","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Does environmental enrichment impact the behaviour and welfare of bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps)?","authors":"Agnese Crisante ,&nbsp;Anna Wilkinson ,&nbsp;Thomas W. Pike ,&nbsp;Erin L. Rickman ,&nbsp;Oliver H.P. Burman","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106751","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106751","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Environmental enrichment has been shown to be an effective way to improve the welfare of captive animals. Although many studies have investigated the effects of enrichment on mammalian and avian species, there is comparatively little known about this in reptiles. Reptiles are now frequently kept as pets, with bearded dragons (<em>Pogona vitticeps</em>) being one of the most popular species – it is therefore important to understand how housing conditions impact their welfare. In the current study we investigated the effect of different housing conditions (Standard vs. two types of Enriched enclosure: Non-naturalistic and Naturalistic) on the behaviour and welfare of bearded dragons (<em>Pogona vitticeps</em>). The lizards (n = 12) were housed in each condition for a period of four weeks (balanced for order), with behavioural observations conducted throughout. Their affective state was also assessed using anxiety tests (novel environment and novel object tests) at the end of the four weeks. After experiencing all of the housing conditions, the lizards were given three pairwise preference tests where they could choose between the different enclosures. Bearded dragons housed in Enriched enclosure exhibited significantly higher activity levels, with increased movement and reduced basking and resting compared to those in the Standard enclosure. Additionally, individuals in Standard housing engaged in more behaviours associated with stress (e.g. interaction with a glass barrier and tongue touching). In the anxiety tests, animals from Enriched enclosures displayed greater confidence, approaching novel objects more frequently and showed a trend towards spending more time in the arena’s inner section, while also exhibiting fewer tongue-touch behaviours. Preference tests further revealed a significant preference for Enriched over Standard enclosures, and for the Naturalistic over the Non-naturalistic enriched enclosure. These findings suggest that providing environmental enrichment increases behaviours linked with good welfare while reducing those associated with stress and is preferred by the animals themselves. Housing reptiles in enriched environments is therefore important in order to enhance their welfare in captivity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"292 ","pages":"Article 106751"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144654875","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating the influence of previous handling on cattle chute scores: Development and application of an experience scoring system","authors":"Paula W.C. Wendling ,&nbsp;Clara W.B. Lachica ,&nbsp;Francisco A.R. Catalano ,&nbsp;Luiz E. Kozicki ,&nbsp;Ruan R. Daros","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106820","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106820","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Beef cattle behaviour in the restraining chute is widely used to assess cattle temperament traits, which have been linked to reproductive performance and welfare outcomes. However, few studies have evaluated the impact of animals’ prior experience during management in the chute on their chute score. This study aimed to develop a scoring system to assess an animal's experience in the chute and determine whether this experience influences chute scores during handling. A total of 290 female beef cattle (<em>Bos taurus indicus</em>) were included in this study. All animals passed through a restraining chute 3 times (D0, D8, and D10). All passages in the chute were video recorded. Two previously trained observers (kappa = 0.92) scored all passages using a previously described chute score (1 = passive to 5 = reactive). Simultaneously, a new ‘Chute Experience Score’ (CES) was developed to assess whether the cattle experienced a negative (i.e., aversive) or neutral (i.e., less aversive) event. The CES score ranges from 1 (the animal stays calm, and ranch staff do not touch or yell at the animals) to 5 (the animal is reactive, balks, falls in the chute, ranch staff yell and poke or push the animal), which were then later combined in negative or neutral categories. Statistical analysis was performed in R; a multivariable mixed linear regression was built to assess the effect of previous experiences (D0 and D8) on the chute score on D10. There was no association between the experience score on D0 and the behaviour on the restraining chute on D8 and D10. Beef cattle (n = 21) that underwent two consecutive negative experiences had, on average, a 0.36-point higher chute score on D10. Animals’ previous experience should be considered when assessing cattle chute scores, as integrating prior experiences into temperament assessments could improve the accuracy and reliability of such evaluations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"292 ","pages":"Article 106820"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145117982","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Owner presence versus absence during cat veterinary examinations: cat responses and owner attitudes","authors":"Lauren V. Hare ,&nbsp;Sina Marsilio ,&nbsp;Ilana Halperin ,&nbsp;Anastasia C. Stellato ,&nbsp;Carly M. Moody","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106792","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106792","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>It is well known that physical examinations are stressful for cats and their owners, and thus there is a need for evidence-based strategies to reduce stressors in the veterinary environment. Research suggests that owner presence compared to absence reduces fear and stress in dogs during physical examinations, although little research has examined the impact of owner presence and absence on cat welfare. Thus, the aims of this research were to assess: 1) the effect of owner presence versus absence on their cat’s responses during a mock physical examination, and 2) assess participant attitudes on common veterinary practices. Cat owners (N = 33) completed a pre-appointment questionnaire and participated in two mock veterinary examinations with their cat, one with them present and one absent. Appointment order was counter-balanced, and cat responses were recorded during the appointments. During the mock examinations, cats displayed an increased rate of vocalizations when their owner was absent versus present during the habituation (IRR: 3.23, p = 0.0035) and physical examination (IRR: 3.18, p = 0.007) phases of the examinations. No other cat response effects were detected. The questionnaire results indicate that participants perceive themselves (p &lt; 0.0001) and their cat (p &lt; 0.0001) as more comfortable when they are present versus absent during their cat’s examination. Participants indicated they strongly agree to being present compared to absent during invasive procedures (i.e., blood or urine collection) in the examination room (p &lt; 0.0001) and treatment area (p = 0.002). Participating cat owners also rated themselves as more comfortable when a familiar versus unfamiliar veterinarian (p &lt; 0.0001) or non-veterinarian staff member (p &lt; 0.0001) takes their cat to the treatment area without them. Cat response results indicate that owner separation may have a mild negative impact on cat stress. We recommend owners be provided a choice to be present during their cat’s examination and procedures. When cats need to be separated from their owner, it is recommended to have a familiar person take their cat to the treatment area; however, more research is needed to replicate these results on a wider scale for greater generalizability. Overall, increased consideration of the human-cat relationship and interactions may help improve veterinary appointment-related client satisfaction and reduce stress for cats and their owners.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"292 ","pages":"Article 106792"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144890803","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Using a real-time location system to detect behavioral changes in ewes with subclinical mastitis and their lambs","authors":"Gretchen L. Peckler,&nbsp;Sarah J.J. Adcock","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106808","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106808","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Subclinical mastitis, the asymptomatic inflammation of the udder, is an important economic and animal welfare concern in meat-producing flocks, causing reduced milk yield and poorer lamb growth and survival. Cases often remain undetected until more severe stages, highlighting the need to investigate early detection methods, such as automated behavioral monitoring. Our objective was to use a real-time location system to determine whether subclinical mastitis affected ewe and lamb movement patterns. From 2–6 weeks postpartum, we collected duplicate milk samples weekly from each udder half of 24 ewes (15 Polypay, 3 Hampshire, and 6 Targhee) for bacterial speciation. Ewes were considered infected in a given week if milk samples from at least one udder half contained ≥ 100 CFU/mL at both the start of that week and the following week's sampling. Each ewe and her lamb(s) wore neck-mounted sensors that recorded <em>x, y</em> coordinates every 0.1 s via ultrawideband technology while housed in a group pen. We used linear mixed models to assess the effects of the ewe’s weekly infection status (healthy vs. infected) and weeks since lambing (2−6) on four behavioral outcomes: ewe-lamb distance, ewe-feed bunk distance, ewe distance traveled, and lamb distance traveled. The number of lambs reared (single vs. multiple) was included as a covariate and dam ID was specified as a random effect. Lambs traveled more during weeks when their dam was infected, possibly reflecting increased hunger due to insufficient maternal milk supply. No significant effects of infection status were observed for the other behavioral outcomes. Ewe–lamb and ewe–feed bunk distances were shortest, and lamb movement was greatest, in week 2 compared to later weeks – patterns that likely reflect the lamb’s greater nutritional dependence on the dam and increased play behavior early in life. Our findings provide preliminary evidence that real-time tracking of lamb behavior may help identify early cases of subclinical mastitis in the dam. They also highlight the potential welfare impacts of subclinical mastitis on lambs, underscoring the importance of early detection and management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"292 ","pages":"Article 106808"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145026584","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Creep heating in outdoor farrowing huts may increase piglet welfare without impacting survival and growth","authors":"Jens Malmkvist ,&nbsp;Cecilie Kobek-Kjeldager ,&nbsp;Lene Juul Pedersen","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106794","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106794","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Newborn piglets are prone to hypothermia, and higher mortalities are suggested in outdoor farrowing huts. Therefore, we investigated whether creep heating during the first 7 days after parturition improves piglet survival and welfare. Data (location, behaviour, weight, mortality) were collected from birth to weaning at 7 weeks from 88 litters across seasons. Each hut contained four pens, half with a heated (HEAT) piglet creep area and half of these had a metal bar (‘pendulum’) to support the sow's lying-down movement. The position of the sow at birth influenced the first piglet entry to the creep (rump facing creep: median 87 min vs snout facing creep: 191 min after the birth of the first piglet; P = 0.037). During the first day of life (D0), creep usage was low (2.6 ± 0.65 % of observations) regardless of heating (P = 0.20) and season (P = 0.38; spring: 1.5 %, summer: 2.7 %, autumn: 1.8 %, winter: 3.1 %). Most piglets on D0 were at the udder (71.5 ± 1.83 %) or in the pen, away from the sow (25.9 ± 1.87 %). Creep usage increased after D0, with more piglets inside if heated (D2, HEAT: 28.0 ± 3.16 % vs not: 6.8 ± 1.85 %; P &lt; 0.001), at the expense of being in the pen without sow contact (HEAT: 16.6 ± 2.76 % vs unheated: 32.5 ± 3.06 %; P &lt; 0.001). HEAT did not influence piglets in udder contact (e.g. on D2, P = 0.21). We found no effect of HEAT on piglet survival (P = 0.54) and growth (P = 0.35) based on weighing individuals D1, D21, and D49. From D1 to weaning, 16.2 % of liveborn piglets died. The risk of piglet dying tended to higher in piglets being fostered by another sow (in contrast to their biological mother; P = 0.085) and higher for males (Hazard ratio vs females: 1.4; P = 0.004). Piglet Average Daily Gain (ADG) decreased with increasing litter size at weaning (P &lt; 0.001) and was positively associated with the parity of the sow (P = 0.042). Season influenced the piglet ADG (P &lt; 0.001), being higher during spring (g/day: 321 ± 12^a) and autumn (338 ± 12 ^a) than summer (272 ± 11^b; winter: 297 ± 14^ab). Piglets fostered by another sow had lower ADG (283 ± 13 vs native piglets of the litter: 331 ± 5 g/day; P &lt; 0.001). In conclusion, heating resulted in more piglets using of the creep early in life on postnatal day 2, especially in cold weather (mean outdoor temperature effect; P = 0.030), indicating a need for more thermal zones inside the hut. These results suggest that additional hut features like heating may increase piglet welfare.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"292 ","pages":"Article 106794"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144907768","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genetic parameters for temperament and facial hair whorl traits in Canchim cattle","authors":"Ayrton Fernandes de Oliveira Bessa ,&nbsp;Maria Victória Henrique Genuíno ,&nbsp;Giovanna Maria dos Santos Câmara ,&nbsp;Roney Teixeira ,&nbsp;Ana Luisa Paçó Bugner ,&nbsp;Walsiara Estanislau Maffei ,&nbsp;Andrea Roberto Bueno Ribeiro ,&nbsp;Vanessa Aparecida Feijó Souza ,&nbsp;Cintia Righetti Marcondes ,&nbsp;Marcos Eli Buzanskas","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106809","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106809","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The growing demand for improved animal welfare has increased interest in the genetic evaluation of temperament traits and related indicators, such as facial hair whorls, in beef cattle. This study aimed to estimate genetic parameters for temperament scores (movement, tension, breathing, vocalization, reactivity, and flight time) and facial hair whorl traits in the composite Canchim breed. Phenotypic data from 2145 animals born between 2013 and 2022 were provided by Embrapa Pecuária Sudeste (São Carlos, SP, Brazil), including 375 males and 1770 females. Temperament was assessed at four different ages, whereas hair whorls were recorded once. Fixed effects of sex, month-year at birth, order-period of entry of batch in the evaluation, lineage, and age at measurement were evaluated and considered in the contemporary groups when relevant. Hair whorls were classified according to their horizontal position (absent, left, middle, and right) and vertical location (absent, low, mid, and high), and additional traits such as number, height, and presence/absence of whorls were recorded. Genetic parameters were estimated using Bayesian threshold-linear animal models, with repeatability estimated for temperament traits. Heritability estimates for temperament traits ranged from 0.09 to 0.35, with repeatabilities from 0.16 to 0.55. For whorl traits, heritability estimates ranged from 0.18 to 0.57. These findings demonstrate that both temperament and hair whorl traits exhibit sufficient additive genetic variability. Genetic correlations among temperament traits ranged from −0.78 to 0.99, among whorl traits from 0.32 to 1.00, and between temperament and whorl traits from 0.49 to 0.87. It can highlight the existence of interesting genetic correlations between movement with the whorls in the left, middle, low, and mid positions, as well as with the whorl’s height (ranging from 0.72 to 0.87). Favorable genetic correlations were observed between reactivity with whorls in the left, middle, and low positions, as well as with the whorl's height and absence/presence of facial whorls. Facial hair whorls represent a practical and heritable indicator for the early selection of animals with favorable temperaments, offering an opportunity to optimize phenotyping and achieve indirect genetic gains, especially for movement and reactivity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"292 ","pages":"Article 106809"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144925052","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An examination of husbandry training in zoos: A scoping review","authors":"Aedan Boundey ,&nbsp;Fraser Nikitins ,&nbsp;Eduardo J. Fernandez","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106805","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106805","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The modern zoo has been characterised by the use of cooperative care training techniques to manage husbandry procedures. However, limited reviews or information are available in the peer-reviewed published literature about these techniques. In this review we examined the peer-reviewed literature exploring these training procedures, discovered which species were lacking research, and how different species responded to this training. Initially three online scientific databases were searched to locate papers for review. Once found, the PRISMA-ScR format was followed using the Covidence review tool to identify publications for inclusion, resulting in a final review of 20 papers. In most included papers, food was offered as a reward during training. None of the included papers utilised coercion and all successfully trained the goal behaviour. Over half of the studies were carried out in the USA. Training sessions lasting less than 20 min several times and days a week were most common. Studies were typically 20 to 30 weeks. Training via shaping, often in conjunction with clicker training, were the most frequently used techniques. Over half of the trained behaviours were intended to ease animal handling, with others assisting sample collection and medical treatment. Several knowledge gaps were identified within this topic as well as a strong bias towards training mammals. However, the few papers on non-mammal species illustrate the generality of reward-based training methods across taxa. Implications for future research are considered, including increased demonstrations across a variety of species and examinations of training challenges encountered.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"292 ","pages":"Article 106805"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144925050","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Adaptation and psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Lincoln Canine Anxiety Scale","authors":"Maria Cecília de Souza ,&nbsp;Gabriel Quaresma Bastos ,&nbsp;Crystian Moraes Silva Gomes ,&nbsp;Rosana Suemi Tokumaru","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106791","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106791","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Canine anxiety is an emotional state that affects both the animal's well-being and its relationship with owners, often being associated with problematic behaviors. The Lincoln Canine Anxiety Scale (LCAS) was developed to reliably measure canine anxiety, particularly in response to loud noises such as fireworks. In this study, the LCAS was adapted into Portuguese and for the Brazilian cultural context, with its psychometric properties tested in relation to a broad set of anxiety-inducing situations, analyzed collectively. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a bidimensional structure, distinguishing behaviors related to behavioral inhibition (Passivity Factor) from those reflecting behavioral activation (Activity Factor). Reliability and consistency indicators, McDonald’s omega, Composite Reliability and ordinal Cronbach’s alpha, supported the adequacy of the factors (Passivity: ω = 0.82, CR = 0.84, α = 0.82; Activity: ω = 0.74, CR = 0.76 α = 0.74,). Confirmatory factor analysis further supported the internal structure. Item response theory analyses indicated adequate item discrimination, ordered thresholds, and no differential item functioning by dog or owner sex. These results offer evidence of internal structure and response pattern validity of the LCAS-Br.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"292 ","pages":"Article 106791"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144865167","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Preference for complex environments in larval zebrafish","authors":"Elia Gatto ,&nbsp;Christian Agrillo ,&nbsp;Marco Dadda ,&nbsp;Angelo Bisazza","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106788","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106788","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Environmental complexity is increasingly recognized as a critical factor for animal welfare and cognitive development across vertebrates. While adult zebrafish (<em>Danio rerio</em>) show a strong preference for complex environments, little is known about the importance of environmental complexity in larval stages. This study investigated the preference for enriched environments in zebrafish larvae and the sensory modalities underlying this behavior. In Experiment 1, we assessed the preference for complex environments in larvae aged 4, 5, and 6 days post-fertilization (dpf). Results showed that larvae consistently preferred an environment containing objects of varying shape and color over a barren environment. The preference for the enriched environment was not immediately apparent upon introduction but became evident within the first 90 min, reaching its peak the following day. This pattern likely reflects an initial neophobic response to novel objects, which temporarily counteracted the attraction to environmental enrichment. In Experiment 2, larvae also preferred a sector enriched with photographic representations of objects. However, a direct comparison with real objects in Experiment 3 revealed that the photographs were less effective in attracting larvae. Larvae did not show attraction to transparent objects, which minimized visual input while stimulating the lateral line and olfactory systems. Monochromatic (white) objects were also ineffective in eliciting a response. These findings suggest that zebrafish larvae can perceive and respond to environmental complexity within 24 h after hatching, emphasizing the need to reassess husbandry practices and research protocols to align with their preferences and level of neural development at hatching.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"292 ","pages":"Article 106788"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144865166","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}