Applied Animal Behaviour Science最新文献

{"title":"Influence of turbidity on group level responses to feeding in the Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)","authors":"Jean-Benoît Darodes de Tailly ,&nbsp;Guillermo Bardera ,&nbsp;Matthew A.G. Owen ,&nbsp;Jonas Keitel ,&nbsp;Jose M. Alcaraz-Calero ,&nbsp;Katherine A. Sloman ,&nbsp;Mhairi E. Alexander","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106535","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106535","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The use of behaviour as a tool to improve welfare conditions within aquaculture is increasing, and our understanding of individual and group behaviour of commercially important penaeid shrimp has grown in recent years. However, the majority of studies investigating shrimp behaviour have used clear water conditions allowing for easier observation. Little is known about the influence of water turbidity on the feeding behaviour and social interactions of penaeid shrimp even though they are commonly reared for aquaculture in highly turbid ponds. Here, the behaviour of groups of four <em>Litopenaeus vannamei</em> juveniles (n = 144; 6.42 ± 0.28 g, mean ± S.E., body mass) was observed at three different turbidities; clear water (approximately 2 NTU, Nephelometric Turbidity Unit), medium turbidity (approximately 14.5 NTU) or high turbidity (approximately 30 NTU). Groups of shrimp were observed for 20 min within an experimental arena provided with feed, and video footage analyzed using an automated tracking software (EthoVision XT V14). Feed intake was greater in the high turbidity treatment compared to clear water, although no differences in behaviours related to the feeding area (e.g. time spent feeding, latency to feed) were found between treatments. Turbidity influenced exploratory behaviours, where shrimp held at the medium turbidity were more active than in the other treatments. Shrimp held in high turbidity also moved much more closely to each other than in the other treatments. These results highlight the importance of accounting for turbid water conditions when studying shrimp behaviour.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"284 ","pages":"Article 106535"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143372745","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":"Shelter or complexity? Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) preference for enrichment structures is a matter of time and frequency of visits.","authors":"Caroline M. Maia ,&nbsp;Adrián V. Montalt ,&nbsp;Pablo Arechavala-Lopez ,&nbsp;María J. Cabrera-Álvarez ,&nbsp;João L. Saraiva","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2024.106498","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2024.106498","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Assessing fish preferences for resources may be an interesting approach to select environmental enrichments to improve their welfare. However, different operational variables may end up indicating distinct preferences. Here we investigated whether Nile tilapia (<em>Oreochromis niloticus</em>) express different preferences for environmental enrichment structures providing shelter and complexity by analyzing such responses based on time spent or frequency of visits as operational variables. We performed repeated choice tests with a clay pot providing single “shelter” and a suspended “complex” structure of intertwined ropes to infer the preferences of each individual (n = 44). Considering the frequency of visits in the enrichments, a similar number of fish preferred “shelter” or “complexity”, and there was no difference for the intensity of these responses. However, for the time spent at the enrichments, “shelter” was more intensely preferred. Moreover, there were individuals expressing opposite preferences depending on the operational variable, and most of them preferred “shelter” by time spent in it. In conclusion, Nile tilapia usually prefers to visit “shelter” and “complexity” similarly, but staying longer at the “shelter”. Thus, the frequency of visits to a resource or the time spent at one place, variables commonly used to infer animals’ preferences, can reflect different outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"283 ","pages":"Article 106498"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143163268","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":"Pilot study on the resocialisation of stallions","authors":"Anna Flamand ,&nbsp;Camille Eyraud ,&nbsp;Valentine Llopis ,&nbsp;Lucas Frantz ,&nbsp;Frédérique Cuir ,&nbsp;Mathilde Valenchon ,&nbsp;Odile Petit","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106528","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106528","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Under natural conditions, stallions establish stable social groups of two distinct forms: family groups, comprising mares and their young, and bachelor groups, composed entirely of stallions. However, in domestic conditions, stallions are most commonly housed in individual stables, a system that stands in stark contrast to group living, and considerably curtails social contact. One of the main reasons for this choice is related to the fear of injuries during social interactions. However, this type of housing has detrimental effects on both health and welfare. In addition, prolonged isolation may weaken stallions' social skills, creating a vicious cycle: the more they are isolated, the more their social skills deteriorate, reducing their chances of reintegration into a social environment that is crucial for their health and welfare. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of isolation on the social skills of socially deprived stallions and the effectiveness of a gradual protocol to enable a transition from individual housing to group living. We collected the agonistic, affiliative, and ritual/investigative interactions of six stallions during a two-month stepwise protocol. The stallions first met at a distance, followed by a phase in which three pairs were gradually reinforced, ultimately leading to the formation of a group comprising all individuals. At each step, agonistic and ritual/investigative interactions decreased over time. Additionally, affiliative interactions were observed between the stallions from the initial steps of contact, and affinities developed, notably among one pair of individuals. Nevertheless, one individual exhibited a lack of social skills, suggesting that resocialisation may not be feasible for all individuals. The findings of this study indicate that through a gradual familiarisation process, it is possible to facilitate a secure transition from individual housing to group living, thereby providing conditions that are more respectful of the species' needs. This research also provides insights into identifying precursor signs of social skills to determine individuals unfit for resocialisation through this approach. To avoid the challenges of resocialising and managing individuals with poor social skills, it seems essential to change breeding practices by prioritising housing systems that allow for regular social contact.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"283 ","pages":"Article 106528"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143162386","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":"Association of sheep (Ovis aries) personality profiles with physiological and productive characteristics under intensive production system","authors":"Kallirroi Papadaki ,&nbsp;Athanasios Samaras ,&nbsp;Michail Pavlidis ,&nbsp;Panayiotis Pafilis ,&nbsp;Iosif Bizelis ,&nbsp;Panagiota Koutsouli ,&nbsp;George P. Laliotis","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2024.106497","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2024.106497","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Consistent behavioural patterns defined as personality, are exhibited within individuals over time and across situations. Personality has been associated with the health, welfare and robustness of farm animals. This study aimed to identify the personality profiles of ewes reared under intensive farming and explore links with specific productive and physiological characteristics. To achieve this, 40 adult female sheep (<em>Ovis aries</em>) were studied. The experiment lasted for six months divided into three equal periods (A, B, and C). During period A, the animals were reared in two groups based on their breed. In period B the animals were equally mixed in two groups while in period C the animals returned to their initial state, as in period A. Ewes’ behaviour was recorded during the total experimental period. Based on the social behaviours that remained stable during the examined periods, three personality profiles were recognized (Dynamic, Receptive and Social). Ewes with high scores on the Dynamic profile received affiliative behaviours by more members of the group (p = 0.044) and ewes with low scores spent more time foraging (p = 0.021) and had lower body weight (p = 0.014). In addition, within the receptive profile, ewes with medium scores had the lowest blood cortisol as a response to handling (p = 0.020). Ewes with high scores in the Social profile exchanged affiliative behaviours with more individuals (p &lt; 0.001) and performed less frequent vocalizations (p = 0.047). Finally, ewes with low scores in the social profile produced more milk (p = 0.046). Farm animal personality could be very useful in animal husbandry. Personality dimensions could be directly linked to productive and physiological characteristics as well as social dynamics and thus they can form useful indices for welfare status in animal husbandry. Therefore, understanding personality traits, can assist in improving farming practices or focusing on animals with lower welfare status for better management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"283 ","pages":"Article 106497"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143163068","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":"Evaluation of welfare indicators for companion parrots: a Delphi consultation survey","authors":"Andrea Piseddu ,&nbsp;Yvonne R.A. van Zeeland ,&nbsp;Jean-Loup Rault","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106526","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106526","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Parrots can experience several welfare challenges when kept as companions. Despite their popularity no science-based guidelines are available to assess parrot welfare. The aim of this Delphi study was to establish consensus on welfare indicators that could be meaningful and practical for owners to monitor parrot welfare. One hundred and twenty-two potential welfare indicators (behaviours, body measurements, husbandry and management conditions) were sourced from a systematic literature review and by consulting an avian medicine specialist. They were presented to participants with expertise on parrots in two rounds of online survey. We identified 73 welfare indicators that could be used by owners to monitor the welfare of all/most parrot species. Abnormal behaviours and management conditions that allow parrots to express their natural behaviours were ranked among the most important indicators. Participants concurred with scientific evidence about the impact of diet, species susceptibility to develop behavioural problems, early life, and pre-acquisition experiences on parrot welfare. When prompted about the suitability of species as companions, participants indicated seven small-sized parrot species as most suitable to be kept as a companion, while cockatoos, critically endangered, and highly trafficked species were evaluated as those that should not be kept as companions. These findings could be useful to monitor and improve parrot welfare.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"283 ","pages":"Article 106526"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143162380","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":"Monitoring night-time activity and perch occupation of laying hens using night-vision cameras for the early detection of poultry red mite: A proof of concept","authors":"Sam Willems ,&nbsp;Mina Mounir ,&nbsp;Tom Van Hertem ,&nbsp;Hanne Nijs ,&nbsp;Nathalie Sleeckx ,&nbsp;Tomas Norton","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106517","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106517","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Poultry red mite (PRM) infestations impact hen welfare and behaviour. Current PRM monitoring, relying on mite trapping or scoring tools, can underestimate PRM infestation levels, hindering farm-specific guidance regarding PRM control. Therefore, this study aimed to identify early indicators of PRM infestation by automatically monitoring changes in hen night-time activity and perch occupation. To achieve this, night-vision cameras recorded hen behaviour on the aviary’s top tier. An event detection algorithm was developed to quantify the percentage of non-moving hens and the number of birds occupying specific perches in each video. Simultaneously, PRM was monitored using cardboard traps, and silica treatment (ST) was applied to significantly reduce mite numbers when needed. Before monitoring period 1 (MP1; weeks 1 – 42), preventive measures were taken to minimize PRM infestation upon birds’ arrival. PRM were first detected in traps in week 19, increased until ST1 in weeks 29 – 30, dropped significantly post-ST1, but reached their maximum by the end of MP1. Before monitoring period 2 (MP2; weeks 50 – 70), ST2 was applied in weeks 48 – 49 to ensure a lower PRM infestation level. The Spearman’s rank correlation showed a strong negative association between the weekly averaged percentage of non-moving hens and mean PRM count for MP1 (-0.84, p &lt; 0.0001), while a weaker relationship was found for MP2 (-0.27, p = 0.2407). This study demonstrates the potential of automated behavioural monitoring for early PRM detection and farm-specific guidance within dynamic Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. Strong correlations between the percentage of non-moving hens and PRM counts in MP1 highlighted the ability to detect infestations earlier than traditional methods. Changes in perch occupation in MP1 further supported infestation progression and suggested treatment efficacy thereafter. However, weaker trends in MP2 emphasize the importance of preventive measures against PRM and the potential influence of external factors on behaviour.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"283 ","pages":"Article 106517"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143162384","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":"Prediction of successful training outcomes for drug detection dogs using subjective ratings and behavioral test measures: A case study in Japan customs","authors":"Akitsugu Konno ,&nbsp;Miho Inoue-Murayama ,&nbsp;Kazutaka Mogi ,&nbsp;Sayaka Kuze-Arata ,&nbsp;Shinji Yabuta","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2024.106501","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2024.106501","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Drug detection dogs, primarily employed by customs and police forces, play a crucial role in preventing the spread of illegal drugs worldwide. To minimize training costs, accurately predicting which dogs will succeed in scent detection training is essential. Local training organizations seek validated behavioral assessment methods for this purpose, but the wide range of methods used and the lack of scientific verification pose challenges. Previous research on detection dogs in Japan focused on genetics, but behavioral assessment methods for training have been understudied. To bridge the gap, the current study aimed to outline and evaluate the predictive validity of behavioral assessment systems used for drug detection dogs at Japan Customs. We compared the relative effectiveness of two different behavioral assessment methods: subjective ratings by chief trainers and behavioral measures in a novel test situation. For subjective ratings, we used subscales of Training Focus (i.e., interest in play, independence, concentration, activity, and boldness) and Tolerance (i.e., friendliness to humans and tolerance to dogs) to characterize a dog’s personality. For behavioral tests, a simple behavioral test measured a dog’s approach behavior and reactivity to an unfamiliar person. Data from 196 dogs (159 Labrador Retrievers and 37 German Shepherds) showed high inter-rater agreement for both methods. A GLMM model revealed that Training Focus subscale scores significantly predicted training success of candidate dogs. On the other hand, Tolerance scores and behavioral test measures were poor predictors for scent detection work. Dog breed and sex did not significantly influence final training outcomes. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves indicated that Training Focus scales' classification performance for training success is comparable to or better than previous reports for assistance and detection dogs. These findings demonstrate the predictive validity of subjective Training Focus ratings, aiding in the selection of drug detection dogs at Japan Customs. While generalizability to other detection dog populations and identification of alternative behavioral predictors remains uncertain, this study provides valuable insights into the predictive accuracy of trainer ratings in a dog behavior assessment system.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"283 ","pages":"Article 106501"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143163269","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 impact of enriched housing on the behaviour and welfare of captive leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius)","authors":"Erin L. Rickman ,&nbsp;Anna Wilkinson ,&nbsp;Thomas W. Pike ,&nbsp;Oliver H.P. Burman","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2024.106487","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2024.106487","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Substantial evidence demonstrates the benefits of environmental enrichment in mammals and birds. However, far less is known about this topic in reptiles—an increasingly popular group of pets. This study compared the effects of housing conditions (Standard vs. Enriched) on the behaviour and welfare of captive leopard geckos (<em>Eublepharis macularius</em>). Within the Enriched housing condition, two different enrichment conditions were assessed: Naturalistic and Non-Naturalistic. Geckos (N = 6) individually experienced each of the three housing conditions for four weeks. Welfare was assessed by observing the behaviour of the geckos within their enclosure, followed by behavioural tests of anxiety (e.g., novel environment and object tests) at the end of the four weeks. The animals were then switched to the next housing condition, with order counterbalanced across individuals. This was repeated for all housing conditions, after which the geckos were given a preference test. Results revealed that when geckos were housed in Enriched enclosures, they exhibited a range of behaviours indicative of improved welfare (e.g., spent more time lying in the water bowl and less time interacting with barriers) compared to when housed in Standard conditions. However, we observed no differences in behavioural expression between the Naturalistic and Non-Naturalistic enriched enclosures. Although we observed no differences between Enriched and Standard housing conditions in the behavioural tests of anxiety, in the preference test, when given a choice between the three housing conditions, the geckos displayed a strong preference for the Naturalistic enriched enclosure. Overall, our findings suggest that enriched housing conditions improved the welfare of leopard geckos. Therefore, we recommend that geckos should be housed in enriched enclosures with, where possible, the inclusion of naturalistic features.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"283 ","pages":"Article 106487"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143163270","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":"Do lambs differentiate the odor of their mother from that of an alien ewe? Focus on inguinal wax","authors":"Justine Alary ,&nbsp;Bruno Patris ,&nbsp;Catherine Husson ,&nbsp;Benoist Schaal ,&nbsp;Alexandra Destrez","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2024.106496","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2024.106496","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ewes bear scent glands located near the udder which smelly secretion is interesting to newly-born lambs searching a teat to suck on. This glands’ secretion – inguinal wax (IW) – was found to be reactogenic to lambs before they initiate suckling from the dam. The present study aimed to further assess whether IW odor affects two vital aspects of newborn lambs’ behaviour: orienting and engaging suckling. First, forty-six lambs were tested in two-choice odor tests contrasting i) own mother's Inguinal Wax (IW-M) vs. unfamiliar mother's Inguinal Wax (IW-nM), ii) IW-M vs. control and iii) IW-nM vs. control, to measure their differential orientation to maternal IW odor presented against either IW from another dam or a control. Second, a bottle-feeding test (n = 41 lambs) assessed lambs’ elicitation of suckling from IW-odorized vs. control bottles. Relative to the control, IW odor enhanced lambs' orientation during the two-choice odor test, but without differentiation of maternal IW from non-maternal IW. Otherwise, lambs did not engage more suckling on a bottle when odorized with maternal IW relative to a control bottle. Some aspects of lambs’ responses were differentiated by sex, but this effect was independent on odor condition. In sum, this preliminary study indicates that ovine IW is somehow inherently attractive to lambs before they associate it with suckling.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"283 ","pages":"Article 106496"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143163065","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":"Behavioral or nutritional drive: which motivation affects rates of food grinding in CD1 mice?","authors":"B.N. Gaskill ,&nbsp;H. Davis ,&nbsp;R.P. Gosselin ,&nbsp;J.P. Garner ,&nbsp;J.S. Radcliffe ,&nbsp;L.A. Robbins ,&nbsp;K.R. Pritchett-Corning","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106533","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106533","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Wire mouse feeders used in laboratory mouse cages typically hold enough food to feed 5 mice for two weeks. However, some mice gnaw the food provided into powder, which they do not ingest. The ground-up food fills the cage, resulting in miscalculations of food consumption, welfare issues with blocked water valves and frequent cage handling, more frequent cage changes, and economic issues of food wastage. There is a dearth of studies attempting to understand the causes behind food grinding behavior. This study, following on from previous work, sought to determine if the motivations behind food grinding were related to a mouse’s innate behavioral drive to gnaw or rather a nutritional drive to seek out macronutrient components in the feed. We replicated previous results where high fat treatments (either shell-on sunflower seeds or a diet with macronutrient equivalence to a sunflower kernel), but not the method of delivery of the higher-fat treatments, decreased the amount of ground food produced per cage. Further, the composition of the gnawed food changed over the course of the study, generally with protein increasing and fat decreasing in the gnawed feed, especially after treatments were removed. We also replicated previous results which found differences in the composition of the gnawed feed in comparison to the original diet. These results support the hypothesis that food grinding behavior is driven by a nutritional motivation, not a behavioral one.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"284 ","pages":"Article 106533"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143387948","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}