Applied Animal Behaviour Science最新文献

{"title":"Risk factors for human-directed aggression by dogs: The human side of the problem. A two-part systematic review and narrative synthesis","authors":"Helen Howell ,&nbsp;Ann Baslington-Davies ,&nbsp;Daniel S. Mills ,&nbsp;Todd E. Hogue","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106552","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106552","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Dog bites are a significant public health problem. This two-part systematic review examines the characteristics of dog owners and owner-to-dog interactions as risk factors for human-directed dog aggression. Part One considers characteristics specific to dog owners that may affect risk and Part Two the interactions an owner may have with their dog. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed, although significant differences in the characteristics of the populations, study aims and methodologies, and available data across studies precluded the use of meta-analytic techniques so a narrative synthesis was undertaken. In Part One, 21 articles satisfied all inclusion criteria, and 18 articles were included for review in Part Two. The quality of the research in respect of identifying risk factors for human-directed dog aggression was assessed using an adapted Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist. In Part One our analysis indicates that there is at least reasonable scientific evidence to support dog owning experience, the owner’s age, socioeconomic status, and owner personality as risk factors for human-directed dog aggression. However, the important factors possibly underpinning these relationships need to be elucidated further, to determine causality. It has been suggested that an owner’s involvement in criminal activity or gang culture, and the owner being part of a single parent household may affect the risk of human-directed dog aggression, however, the evidence for this is weaker. In Part Two we identified robust evidence for a relationship between the use of physical punishment or confrontational training methods and increased human-directed dog aggression. The purpose for which a dog was acquired, interaction styles of the owner toward the dog and the amount of time spent engaged in exercise or social activities with the dog were also identified as risk factors, though the scientific evidence for these is less robust. Aspects of husbandry and management, for example feeding a dog from the table, are suggested in the literature to be risk factors for human-directed dog aggression, however, the evidence to support these is weak. The review identified recurring methodological limitations in the research, with assumptions made over the causal nature of relationships when a bidirectional relationship might plausibly exist. Suggestions are made for future research directions to increase our understanding of risk factors specific to dog owners and owner-to-dog interactions, enable effective intervention and education strategies to be developed and inform government policy to reduce the risk of dog bite incidents.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"284 ","pages":"Article 106552"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143421578","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Owner-reported breed differences in the behaviour of ridden horses","authors":"Paul McGreevy ,&nbsp;Imke Tammen ,&nbsp;Peter Thomson ,&nbsp;Kate Fenner","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106556","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106556","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Domestic horses are often selected for specific activities according to anecdotal breed-specific behavioural traits some of which are tested in competition environments and many of which relate to human safety. On the other hand, breeds are often celebrated for their versatility. The purpose of the current study was to investigate breed differences in ridden horse behaviour, as reported by horse carers (“owners”) through the Equine Behaviour Assessment and Research Questionnaire (E-BARQ). From a pool of owners’ reports (n = 8151) in the E-BARQ database, selection criteria were applied to reports as follows: purebred only; horse ridden within the last six months; only the first record of the horse taken if there were multiple records per horse; and only breeds with at least 35 horses. This generated a sample of reports on 1635 horses for the current study. Fourteen previously reported behavioural constructs were considered, namely trainability, safe to ride, boldness, easy to handle, easy to ride, easy to stop, unlikely to stall (unlikely to baulk), approachable, bold with non-humans, novel object confidence, tolerance of tactile stimulation, easy to load, tolerance of isolation and repetitive behaviours. For each of these constructs, an ordinal logistic regression model was fitted to the score data, with breed as the explanatory variable. The results confirmed that there were significant differences among the 14 breeds in 12 of the 14 construct scores, the exceptions being easy to handle and boldness with non-humans. The constructs that showed the most difference according to breed were repetitive behaviours. As expected, there was some weak clustering of constructs, e.g. safe, easy to ride, easy to stop, and unlikely to stall. These are the traits that make riding horses useful. Furthermore, the current findings suggest that equine behaviourists should consider E-BARQ profiles of their patients to establish how different they are from a breed average. With more knowledge surrounding what is typical behaviour for particular horse breeds, trainers and riders will be able to adjust their training and management techniques to better suit their individual horses.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"284 ","pages":"Article 106556"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143395981","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The effect of recreational activities on flock size and behaviors of the Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus)","authors":"Azam Elhami Rad ,&nbsp;Alireza Mikaeili Tabrizi ,&nbsp;Seyed Mehdi Amininasab ,&nbsp;Hamid Reza Kamyab","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106557","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106557","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Rising popularity of ecotourism has significantly affected and posed threats to bird populations and their habitats, especially for water and wading bird species. Addressing these concerns is crucial for conservation and management. One notable species affected is the Greater Flamingo (<em>Phoenicopterus roseus</em>), which attracts tourists for observation and photography. A study was conducted during the winter seasons of 2020 and 2021 in the Miankaleh Wildlife Refuge and Biosphere Reserve in northern Iran, where Greater Flamingo populations spend the winter. The study examined groups with tourist presence (sample) and without tourist presence (control). In another group (experiment), simulated tourist sounds were played. The study modeled and analyzed the effects of recreational activity variables as the primary variable, while environmental and habitat variables (climatic, physicochemical, and biological variables of water and sediment) served as covariates on flock size, vigilance, and avoidance behaviors of Greater Flamingos. The results indicated that increased tourist numbers correlated with more frequent vigilance and avoidance behaviors. As tourists approached the flock, these behaviors also increased. An increase in noise intensity resulted in a decrease in flamingo flock size. However, the effect of recreational activities on Greater Flamingo flock size and behaviors covaried with other environmental and biological variables, introducing some bias and making it difficult to separate the specific impact of recreational activities. The findings of this research can serve as a useful model for developing ecotourism while conserving Greater Flamingo populations and other migratory birds. It can inform appropriate policies for decision-makers and managers involved in conservation and recreational programs in coastal protected areas at national and international levels.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"284 ","pages":"Article 106557"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143421577","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":"Prenatal administration of lipophilic macrocyclic lactone anthelmintics can alter neonatal lamb behavioural development","authors":"Melissa N. Hempstead,&nbsp;Chris M. Miller,&nbsp;Madeleine Jones,&nbsp;Paul M. Candy,&nbsp;Christian W. Sauermann,&nbsp;Sarah M. Rosanowski,&nbsp;Dave M. Leathwick","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106554","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106554","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The treatment of pregnant ewes with persistent macrocyclic lactone (ML) anthelmintic products is common in some countries, with the intent of alleviating the potential negative impacts of gastrointestinal nematode parasites on production, health and welfare. However, some MLs such as moxidectin, are lipophilic compounds that can cross the placenta, and many are secreted into colostrum and milk, yet the effect of MLs on neonatal lamb behaviour remains unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of prenatal administration of persistent ML anthelmintics on the behaviour of ewes and their new-born lambs. Sixty mixed-age pregnant twin-bearing ewes were randomly allocated to one of three groups (n = 20/group): 1) administered a subcutaneous injection containing moxidectin 2–3 weeks prior to lambing (MOX), 2) administered one controlled-release capsule containing abamectin and albendazole 2–3 weeks prior to lambing (CRC), and 3) a control group that was not treated or handled other than routine care (CON). The ewes were housed indoors 4 weeks before parturition was expected to commence and remained in the same pens (n = 2 ewes / treatment) until 1 week after lambing. Behaviour of the ewes and lambs was monitored continuously using security cameras positioned above each pen. Ewe and lamb behaviour was evaluated for 3 h after parturition. Ewe grooming of the lamb, and lamb head shaking, standing, udder seeking and suckling behaviour was assessed using Cox Proportional hazard models. There was no evidence that abamectin (and albendazole) affected ewe or lamb behaviour (<em>P</em> &gt; 0.10). Neonatal lambs from ewes administered moxidectin tended to be slower to shake their heads after parturition (hazard ratio: 0.65; <em>P</em> = 0.08), and were slower to attempt to stand (hazard ratio: 0.61; <em>P</em> = 0.05) compared with lambs from control ewes. These are the first known data to indicate changes in neonatal lamb behaviour associated with anthelmintic treatment of their dam. Further research is required to validate these findings and understand whether the delayed neonatal lamb behavioural development associated with moxidectin has implications for lamb vigour or survivability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"284 ","pages":"Article 106554"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143395980","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"","authors":"Aurelia Putri Domingga","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106551","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106551","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"284 ","pages":"Article 106551"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143387946","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":"Biopolymer-based nesting material for sows and its consequence on nest-building behavior, farrowing kinetics and piglet vitality","authors":"Matheus S. Monteiro ,&nbsp;Bruno B.D. Muro ,&nbsp;Marcos V.B. Nicolino ,&nbsp;Roberta Y. Hoshino ,&nbsp;Ana L.B. Mezzina ,&nbsp;Rafaella F. Carnevale ,&nbsp;Bruno B. Carnino ,&nbsp;Laya K.S. Alves ,&nbsp;Nádia A.C. Gomes ,&nbsp;Lidiane C. Costa ,&nbsp;Cecília A.F. Melo ,&nbsp;Jennifer S. Motta ,&nbsp;André A. Justo ,&nbsp;Caroline Veloso ,&nbsp;Fernanda M. dos Santos ,&nbsp;Thiago Bernardino ,&nbsp;Adriano B. Carregaro ,&nbsp;Stefan Björkman ,&nbsp;Diego F. Leal ,&nbsp;Cesar A.P. Garbossa","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106555","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106555","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In the present study, we evaluated the effects of a soluble and biodegradable biopolymer-based material, structurally resembling natural fiber, as an alternative nesting-material for prepartum gilts. A total of 18 first parity sows and their litters were studied. One hour after induction of farrowing, sows were assigned at random into two experimental groups: sows without nesting material (CON, n = 9), serving as controls, and sows provided with 3.0 kg of a biopolymer-based nesting-material 24 h before the expected date of farrowing (BN, n = 9). In the prepartum period (18 h before farrowing), a lower (p = 0.016) percentage of postural changes were observed for BN sows. Moreover, BN sows performed more nesting-building behavior (p &lt; 0.001) and had reduced redirected nest-building behaviors (p &lt; 0.001). Sows in the CON group spent more time performing redirected nest-building behavior during farrowing than BN sows (12.5 % vs 3.9 %, p = 0.005). Sows in the BN group had shorter farrowing duration compared to CON sows (277 min vs 198 min, p = 0.025). The number of total piglets born, piglets born alive, and stillborn did not differ among groups (p &gt; 0.05). Piglets in the BN group had higher blood pH (7.36 vs 7.34, p = 0.029), higher blood glucose (36.11 vs 29.45, p = 0.046) and lower blood lactate concentrations (3.33 vs 3.88, p = 0.035). Piglet mortality in the first 24 h and during the remaining lactation period were not different (p &gt; 0.05) among experimental groups. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that providing a biopolymer-based nesting-material for prepartum sows, structurally resembling natural fibers, was effective in facilitating the expression of nest-building behavior, resulting in improved farrowing performance and piglets blood gas parameters.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"284 ","pages":"Article 106555"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143387947","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":"Behavioural reactivity of indigenous and commercial lambs towards humans","authors":"Maud Bonato ,&nbsp;Jasper J.E. Cloete ,&nbsp;Schalk W.P. Cloete","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106549","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106549","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Examining breed differences in farm animals is crucial for adopting the best management strategies to promote animal welfare and productivity. Hence, this study investigated whether two sheep breeds farmed in South Africa, one indigenous (Namakwa Afrikaners: NA) and one commercial breed (Dorper: DO), reacted differently when exposed to challenging situations. 323 NA and 358 DO ewe and ram lambs, aged 4 months, were tested over 7 years. These tests involved a stationary, seated human between them and their flock mates (arena test), a mobile human (docility test), and being constrained without the possibility of escape (‘scale test’). In the arena test, we calculated the mean distance from the seated operator and the distance travelled by the test animal. In the docility test, we recorded an individual animal's time to enter and be contained by a mobile handler in a square area of the test arena within 3 min. In the ‘scale-test,’ the animals' behavioural response was recorded using a 5-point scoring system (1 =calm; 5 =wild) at weighing. In all tests, vocalizations and urinations/defecations were recorded. During the arena test, the average distance to the human operator and time spent in the two areas closer to the human operator were independent of breed (P &gt; 0.05). However, DO spent significantly more time in the section farthest from the stationary human (P &lt; 0.05) than NA. Additionally, NA bleated more frequently (P &lt; 0.0001) than DO, and ewes also bleated more than rams (P &lt; 0.05). In the docility test, no difference was observed between breeds and sexes regarding the success of the test and the time contained (P &gt; 0.05). However, NA sheep took longer to enter the marked area than DO (P &lt; 0.05). Ewes also took longer than rams (P &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, NA and ewes vocalized more than DO (P &lt; 0.0001) and rams (P &lt; 0.05). During the scale test, no difference was observed between breeds and sexes regarding the score allocated (P &gt; 0.05), but NA bleated more than DO (P &lt; 0.05). All variables from the three tests, except for success rate, time to enter, time contained and vocalizations from the docility test, varied between years (P &lt; 0.05). Ewes and indigenous NA lambs demonstrated more anxiety in controlled situations, as indicated by their higher frequency of bleating. Therefore, flocks that include NA and/or ewes should be managed with caution, as they are more susceptible to stress during routine husbandry practices involving separation from peers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"284 ","pages":"Article 106549"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143403185","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ethological and procedural assessment of ballistics euthanasia for stranded cetaceans","authors":"Rebecca M. Boys ,&nbsp;Ngaio J. Beausoleil ,&nbsp;Karen A. Stockin","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106537","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106537","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Euthanasia may be necessary at cetacean stranding events to end suffering. To ensure a humane death, verification of unconsciousness must be undertaken following application of the killing method. However, only limited information is reported on individual euthanasia events, including how unconsciousness and/or death is assessed. Here, we describe current practices for euthanising stranded cetaceans in New Zealand by analysing video footage of fourteen ballistics events involving various species. Specifically, we detail the ballistics procedures applied and the behavioural responses of the animals. Additionally, we sought to understand how animal unconsciousness was evaluated following each event by surveying the personnel involved. Video recordings ranged in length from 25 to 480 s after the initial shot and involved 14 cetaceans: one Cuvier’s beaked whale, one pygmy sperm whale, one bottlenose dolphin, four pilot whales and seven false killer whales. Unconsciousness criteria were typically not observed being verified in the videos analysed, despite markspersons stating that death occurred in &lt; 1 minute for most animals. Number of shots applied to an animal ranged from 1–3. Key behaviours indicative of unconsciousness included a continuously slack lower jaw and epaxial muscle relaxation. Based on behavioural observations, 66.7 % of animals for which an estimate could be made (n = 12) were likely unconscious within 30 s of the initial shot; half of these were likely unconscious within 10 s. The remaining animals appeared conscious for 30 s after the initial shot, and half of these were likely still conscious after one minute. Ten animals displayed post-shot behaviours suggestive of voluntary control, including tail lifting, beyond the point of presumed death reported by markspersons. The lack of verification of unconsciousness in most animals (12/14) hinders our ability to understand how these behaviours may correlate with awareness and thus welfare impacts of shooting. While the application of ballistics appeared to follow current national recommendations, mandated procedures for verifying death were rarely observed. We recommend exploring the reasons for this finding, to ensure that such procedures are appropriately undertaken, and welfare compromise minimised.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"284 ","pages":"Article 106537"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143395979","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Residual feed intake and behavior of sheep: Besides being classified as 'nibblers' or ‘binge eaters', can they also be considered ‘low water drinkers' or 'binge drinkers'?","authors":"Josiel Ferreira ,&nbsp;Charleni Crisóstomo ,&nbsp;Natana Mendes Marques ,&nbsp;Letícia de Sousa Corrêa ,&nbsp;Atteneri Luis González ,&nbsp;Luis Alberto Bermejo Asensio ,&nbsp;Fernando Casanova Lugo ,&nbsp;Ricardo Lopes Dias da Costa","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106547","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106547","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Physical activity and feeding patterns influence feed efficiency. This study aimed to examine feed and water intake, residual feed intake (RFI), and associated behavioral aspects in young Texel ewes using a multivariate approach. Forty Texel ewes (mean age: 130 ± 7.54 days, mean body weight: 28.98 ± 3.22 kg) were fed at an automatic feed and water station (Intergado®) for 72 days and classified by RFI as low (RFI-), medium (RFI±), or high (RFI+). Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to assess variable influence on the sample distribution. The effect of RFI group on animal behavior was tested via Euclidean distance-based permutational analysis of variance, with effect size calculated using Eta squared (η2). Pairwise post-hoc comparisons were conducted on significant factors. PCA explained 66.6 % of the total variance, identifying key behavioral components related to water and feed consumption. Ewes consumed twice as much water as feed and exhibited more frequent visits to the trough than the drinking fountain. RFI significantly influenced animal behavior, with RFI+ ewes displaying higher water intake and more frequent visits to different feeders compared to RFI± and RFI- ewes. Behavior was most differentiated by water consumption traits, with RFI+ animals showing distinct patterns from RFI± and RFI- groups. These findings highlight the importance of water intake behavior in feed efficiency classification.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"284 ","pages":"Article 106547"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143395987","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":"The effects of cow-calf-contact rearing on dairy animals’ social traits – a pilot study","authors":"Viola Magierski ,&nbsp;Kerstin Barth ,&nbsp;Susanne Waiblinger","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106548","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106548","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Early separation of the calf from the dam, mostly within 24 h after birth, is common for dairy cows, but cow-calf contact (CCC) rearing gets increasing interest from both practice and science. CCC rearing allows calves suckling their dam or foster cows for several weeks after birth. The early social environment can impact the development of social behaviour and personality traits. In this study, we investigated the effect of CCC as compared to early separation and rearing in a calf group during the first three month of life on social traits. Eighteen female Black-and-White-German-Holstein heifers and calves reared in a CCC system (Contact, n = 9) or with early separation and milk from an automated milk feeder (Automat, n = 9) in the first 12 weeks of life were studied after weaning (at least 6 months old) in two situations – in their respective social group and in a sociality test. The spontaneous social behaviour was recorded for 5 h per animal in the home pen via direct observation. The sociality test was performed in a familiar environment and comprised an isolation phase of 5 min followed by a 5 min reinstatement phase. Behaviour during the sociality test was analysed from video recordings. In addition, video material from the calving pens provided insights into the type and quantity of maternal care six Contact animals had received on the 1st and on the 3rd day of their life. Treatments were compared using linear mixed models for observations in the home pen and ANOVA for the sociality test with treatment, group and, partly, their interactions, as well as age and weight as independent variables. Potential associations of maternal contact behaviour with Contact animals’ affiliative interactions later in life were analysed by Spearman rank correlations. Contact animals showed more subordinate behaviours in the herd (P = 0.004). In isolation they were vigilant more often (P &lt; 0.001) and looked longer towards the exit (P = 0.014) than artificially reared animals. However, we found no treatment effect on the frequency and duration of affiliative behaviour, nor animals’ latency to re-join their peers during the reinstatement-phase. There was a positive correlation between the amount of maternal contact received in the first days of life and the initiated affiliative (P = 0.043) and received affiliative interactions (P = 0.016) of Contact animals later in life. The results of our pilot study add some evidence in line with earlier findings suggesting that the allowance of maternal contact affects animals’ sociality and their social competence, i.e. reacting appropriately in social situations, later in life. In addition, the amount of maternal care seems to affect later affiliative behaviour. However, further research is needed with a larger number of animals and further social situations and challenges.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"284 ","pages":"Article 106548"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143378448","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}