Karolína Steinerová, Sarah E. Parker, Yolande M. Seddon
{"title":"Regular play opportunities during the grow-finish phase improve pig trainability and learning in a cognitive bias test","authors":"Karolína Steinerová, Sarah E. Parker, Yolande M. Seddon","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2024.106502","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2024.106502","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Promoting play behaviour could enhance pig welfare in intensive production systems. Play is associated with positive emotions, and regular play opportunities may positively alter pigs' affective states. The affective state of pigs can be indirectly assessed through a behavioural test that determines an optimistic or pessimistic cognitive bias (CB). This study explored whether grow-finish pigs reared with intermittent play promotion over nine weeks exhibited more optimistic CB compared to conventionally-housed pigs. A subsample of 18 pigs was selected from three treatments (6 pigs/treatment): i) Control (CON), ii) Novelty (NOV), and iii) Play pen (PLP). Play was promoted 3x/week with novel objects provided either in a home pen (NOV, 1 m²/pig) or a larger playpen (PLP, 2.9 m²/pig). At 19 weeks of age, pigs were trained to approach a 'hot spot' (GO/correct) with a positive sound cue (POS) reinforced with a positive reward or avoid it (NO-GO/correct) with a negative sound cue (NEG) reinforced with a negative experience. Afterwards, all pigs' CB was assessed using an ambiguous sound cue (AMB) in two tests (CBT) and GO/optimistic and NO-GO/pessimistic responses were recorded. In training, 66 % of NOV and PLP pigs successfully trained for CBT, while 0 % of CON pigs did (p = 0.036, Fisher’s exact). During testing, the proportion of optimistic responses to the AMB cue exhibited by pigs in trained NOV and PLP treatment groups did not differ from pigs in untrained CON group in CBT 1 (p = 0.751, Kruskal-Wallis) and CBT 2 (p = 0.595). For the POS cue, the proportion of correct responses of trained NOV and PLP treatment pigs was higher compared to pigs from untrained CON group in CBT 1 (at a tendency, p = 0.075) and CBT 2 (p = 0.011). Pigs from the three treatment groups did not differ in their proportions of correct responses to the NEG cue in either CBT. The pig-level proportion of fearful/aggressive behavioural reactions to the negative experience tended to be higher in CON compared to trained and untrained play (PLY) pigs (p = 0.072, Mann-Whitney). Four PLY pigs and one CON pig showed a bold reaction to the negative experience. Results suggest that rearing pigs in a more stimulating environment with play opportunities improves trainability and learning, possibly due to reduced fear. Due to collinearity between treatment and successful training, no conclusions can be drawn about the effect of play promotion on the pigs’ affective states. Future studies should refine CBT methods to enhance understanding of the relationship between play and affective states in pigs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"283 ","pages":"Article 106502"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143163272","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}
Andrea Viviano , Leonardo Ancillotto , Olivia Dondina , Alice Burchielli , Daniela Miccolis , Emiliano Mori
{"title":"What a camera trap survey can reveal about the behaviour of an invasive species: Insights from coypus Myocastor coypus in an urban park of central Italy","authors":"Andrea Viviano , Leonardo Ancillotto , Olivia Dondina , Alice Burchielli , Daniela Miccolis , Emiliano Mori","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106534","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106534","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Assessing the behaviour of invasive alien species is fundamental for their management. Coypu occurrence outside the native range poses ecological and economic threats, and effective management strategies are crucial, particularly in urban areas where interactions with humans are the most frequent. In this work, we analysed the temporal patterns of activity and behavioural repertoire of an urban population of coypus in central Italy, by means of camera trapping and focal sampling. Activity rhythms and time budget were estimated throughout the year and compared across seasons, sexes, and age classes; overlaps in coypu activity patterns with co-occurring potential predators and competitors were also assessed. Differently from natural areas, coypus in our study site were primarily crepuscular and nocturnal, with a significant reduction in activity during bright moonlight periods to limit predation risk, showing a high overlap with red foxes (the main natural predator) but minimal overlap with humans and unleashed dogs. Coypus spent most of their time swimming and foraging. Adult males were territorial and were the only sex scent-marking on both land and woods. Adult females played a crucial role in protecting offspring, together with subadults, and defended dens with cubs from conspecific and other species. Playing was strictly a kit prerogative. In general, controlling coypu populations, as imposed by EU regulations, is challenging due to their adaptability and high reproductive rate. We suggest that trapping efforts should focus on night-time activities near water bodies during warmer months, when coypu are more active on the land and thus more likely to encounter land-based traps. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the ecology and behaviour of coypu in urban environments, aiding in the development of effective management strategies to mitigate the species impacts on native biodiversity and environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"284 ","pages":"Article 106534"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143100956","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}
S.A. Kane , G.N. Cupp , M. Rangel , A. Medrano , J. Davis-Miller , C. Collins-Pisano , B. Rogers , D. Copeland , L. Lazarowski , P. Waggoner , E.O. Aviles-Rosa , P.A. Prada-Tiedemann , N.J. Hall
{"title":"The effect of training paradigm on dogs’ (Canis familiaris) acquisition and generalization of smokeless powders","authors":"S.A. Kane , G.N. Cupp , M. Rangel , A. Medrano , J. Davis-Miller , C. Collins-Pisano , B. Rogers , D. Copeland , L. Lazarowski , P. Waggoner , E.O. Aviles-Rosa , P.A. Prada-Tiedemann , N.J. Hall","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106527","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2025.106527","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Explosives detection canines need to be trained to detect a range of energetic variations at an efficient scale to meet the needs of public safety. The goal of this study was to determine which of three training paradigms most efficiently trained canines to detect eight smokeless powder (SP) varieties and to generalize to novel SP exemplars. Three training paradigms were compared: Sequential (dogs were trained to one odor at a time), Mixture (dogs were trained to a mixture of four SPs), and Inter-mixed (dogs were trained to four unmixed SPs within a session). SPME GC-MS was used to evaluate the volatile organic compound (VOC) profile of 18 SPs. We then identified four SPs that showed maximal VOC profile variation as the initial training targets and four related variants. The training paradigm had no effect on acquisition time. One anomalous SP was observed, where 12 of 18 dogs failed to reach criterion. Inter-mixed training led to higher rates of generalization across 10 untrained SP varieties compared to Sequential and Mixture training. Mixture and Sequential trained dogs did not differ in their generalization rates. Although Inter-mixed training led to higher rates of generalization, it did not produce proficiency in detection of all novel variants, with many variants (double and single base) producing < 75 % response rates. Explicit training with some variants is still required with Inter-mixed training. A Partial Least Squares Regression (PLS), where the SPME GC/MS VOC peak areas for each detected VOC were used to predict canine nose hold time, explained 72 % of the variance in VOC data and 17 % of the variance in cumulative nose hold time. The VOCs with the highest variable importance was one VOC unique to Vihta Vuori® single bases, and two VOCs associated with Hodgdon® single bases, to which dogs showed poor generalization. Good to adequate generalization was observed across Hodgdon® double bases and Accurate® single and double bases. Overall, these results suggest that Inter-mixed training has important benefits in generalization; however, explicit training is needed to reach proficiency.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"284 ","pages":"Article 106527"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143350177","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}
Jade Fountain, Eduardo J. Fernandez, Todd J. McWhorter, Susan J. Hazel
{"title":"The value of sniffing: A scoping review of scent activities for canines","authors":"Jade Fountain, Eduardo J. Fernandez, Todd J. McWhorter, Susan J. Hazel","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2024.106485","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2024.106485","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Extensive literature exists on the performance and abilities of the canine nose when trained to detect odours and the effectiveness of dogs in their scent detection roles. However, little is known about how engaging in scent-based activities may impact the behaviour and physiology or be of benefit to dogs themselves. This is relevant as there has been rising interest in the use of recreational scent activities for companion dogs, modelled on working detection dogs, requiring dogs to search, locate and indicate on a trained odour. The purpose of this scoping review is to determine what behavioural and physiological changes occur during scent-based activities for dogs. We aimed to identify the existing scientific literature on the topic of scent-based activities for dogs, and to determine the behavioural and physiological changes occurring when dogs are exposed to environmental odours or trained to locate scents. We identified 27 studies for inclusion in this review, according to PRISMA guidelines. The 27 studies investigated responses in three populations of dogs: shelter dogs, working dogs and owned companion dogs. Studies of working dogs focused on changes in physiology and seldom on behaviour during trained search scent detection exercises, while in shelter and companion dogs, the research emphasis was on changes occurring in response to different odours introduced to the environment. Research into scent detection in working dogs currently explores many aspects of performance and sensitivity to odour. There is a notable research gap investigating the impact of participation in scent detection tasks on the behaviour and physiology and hence the welfare of dogs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"282 ","pages":"Article 106485"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143152380","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}
Jordan G. Smith , Sarah Krichbaum , Bart Rogers , Paul Waggoner , Jeffrey S. Katz , Lucia Lazarowski
{"title":"Impact of variations in training schedules on dogs’ acquisition and retention of an odor detection task","authors":"Jordan G. Smith , Sarah Krichbaum , Bart Rogers , Paul Waggoner , Jeffrey S. Katz , Lucia Lazarowski","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2024.106474","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2024.106474","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Detection dogs are typically required to learn a wide variety of target odors which is often time consuming and costly. Therefore, determination of factors that could maximize efficiency of training while maintaining accuracy in performance is crucial. Greater spacing, both within and between training sessions, has been shown to improve task acquisition in dogs and other species, but this variable has not been evaluated during training for an odor detection task. Thus, 48 labrador retrievers from a purpose-bred working dog population were divided into four groups to determine how spacing of training sessions (i.e., concentrated across 5 days or dispersed across 10 days) and the use of intra-session breaks (i.e., break mid-session or entire session completed without a break) would impact acquisition of initial detection training and retention of training after one week. Contrary to previous findings, concentrated training improved acquisition of an odor detection task. Intra-session breaks did not influence task acquisition but did improve retention of learning, although this difference was only observed in dogs that received a concentrated training schedule. However, other factors related to temperament traits appear to be influencing the effects of learning schedules on task acquisition and overall training proficiency in this population of dogs. The findings of this study provide insight into how training schedules may be structured to promote both task acquisition and training efficiency during initial detection training.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"282 ","pages":"Article 106474"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143152824","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}
Shannon Steyn , Cornelius L. Nel , Jasper J.E. Cloete , J.H.C. van Zyl , Tertius S. Brand , Schalk W.P. Cloete
{"title":"Genetic and environmental parameters for birth weight and neonatal behaviour of Merino lambs in relation to cold stress","authors":"Shannon Steyn , Cornelius L. Nel , Jasper J.E. Cloete , J.H.C. van Zyl , Tertius S. Brand , Schalk W.P. Cloete","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2024.106491","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2024.106491","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lamb mortality remains a significant welfare and production issue, constraining ethical and sustainable sheep production. Lamb survival benefits from early suckling and colostrum intake, while it is impaired by inclement weather. The effect of cold exposure on neonatal behaviour and progress to suckling in lambs needs to be understood to curb lamb mortality. This study used historic data to establish the relationship of neonatal lamb behaviour with cold stress and derive genetic parameters for early lamb behaviour. Data of Merino lambs from 1993 to 2002 of the Elsenburg Merino flock were assessed for birth weight (BW) and behaviour latencies (intervals in minutes), namely: from birth to first standing for > 10 sec (LTBS) as well as from standing to first suckling for > 10 sec (LTSS) in relation to a cold index (CI). The CI was derived from a combination of wind, rain, and temperature. The flock consisted of a line selected for number of lambs weaned per mating (NLW; the High or H-Line) and a line selected against NLW (Low or L-Line). Fixed linear and random cubic spline components of LTBS and LTSS on the CI and genetic parameters were derived. Overall, H-line lambs were somewhat heavier at birth and progressed faster from standing to first suckling than L-line lambs (<em>P</em> < 0.05). Random spline components as well as interactions of the regression variables with selection line were not significant (<em>P</em> > 0.05) and the analyses reduced to modelling the fixed linear component. Increased levels of cold stress resulted in faster progress in LTBS (<em>P</em> < 0.05). Expressed relative to mild conditions at a CI of 800 kJm<sup>−2</sup>h<sup>−1</sup>, LTBS was reduced by 17.6 % on the observed scale at a higher CI of 1200 kJm<sup>−2</sup>h<sup>−1</sup> (<em>P</em> < 0.05). In contrast, LTSS was compromised at higher CI values (<em>P</em> < 0.05), increasing markedly by 76.0 % from 800 kJm<sup>−2</sup>h<sup>−1</sup> to 1200 kJm<sup>−2</sup>h<sup>−1</sup>. Direct single-trait heritability estimates were 0.16 ± 0.05 for BW, 0<sup>.2</sup>2 ± 0.07 for LTBS, and 0.06 ± 0.05 for LTSS. The inclusion of the maternal genetic variance ratio resulted in an improvement in the log-likelihood ratio for BW and LTBS, yielding single-trait estimates of 0.37 ± 0.03 and 0.06 ± 0.03, respectively. The single-trait dam permanent environment variance ratio was 0.09 ± 0.03 for LTSS. Further research is required to better understand the responses to cold stress between LTBS and LTSS.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"282 ","pages":"Article 106491"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143152383","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}
Vladimir Zmrhal , David Hampel , Martina Lichovnikova
{"title":"Curcuma and Scutellaria baicalensis extracts reduced thermoregulatory behavior in chickens subjected to moderate heat stress","authors":"Vladimir Zmrhal , David Hampel , Martina Lichovnikova","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2024.106471","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2024.106471","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Using phytogenic additives represents a new trend in the poultry feed industry because of purported beneficial impacts. There is limited information about the effects on chicken behavior, but based on new studies, some plant-based active compounds influence animal cognitive function. Therefore, the primary objective of this experiment was to investigate the impact of a feed additive consisting of a mixture of Curcuma and <em>Scutellaria baicalensis</em> on behaviors associated with exposure to heat stress in broiler chickens. Chickens before 21 days of age were kept in 12 littered floor boxes according to guidelines for Cobb 500 hybrid. The Cobb 500 chickens of both sexes were fed identical diets until they reached 21 days of age. From this point onward, the experimental group received in the diet a 0.1 % supplement containing Curcuma and <em>Scutellaria baicalensis</em> extracts. The control group received a feed mixture without phytogenic additives. Both groups had six replicates, and each group comprised 75 chickens. The pens of experimental and control group were randomly selected. The experimental period spanned from 28 to 35 days of age, during which the chickens were subjected to mild constant heat stress (28°C). Ethological observations were conducted at 31, 32, and 33 days of age, divided into three observation periods at the beginning, middle, and end of the daylight period (18 h) using the visual scan sampling method. After the experimental period at 35 days of age, chickens from both groups exhibited nearly identical live body weights and daily feed intake. However, the experimental group demonstrated significantly higher daily weight gain (P < 0.05). Thermoregulatory behaviors such as panting and wing spreading were suppressed (P < 0.05) in the experimental group, while there was a simultaneous increase in the number of chickens that were feeding (P < 0.05). Similarly, age significantly influenced behavioral patterns (P < 0.05), whereas time of the day only affected the number of chickens engaged in feeding (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the feed mixture enriched with Curcuma and <em>Scutellaria baicalensis</em> extracts exhibited performance-enhancing and behavior-changing effects, providing significant insights into the potential of this feed additive in improving performance and reducing thermoregulatory behavior manifestations within a flock under heat-stress conditions, thereby informing the poultry feed industry of a promising new development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"282 ","pages":"Article 106471"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143152783","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}
Ágnes Gruber , Tamás Cserkész , Csaba Kiss , József Lanszki
{"title":"Living on the edge: Detections and activity pattern of wildcats (Felis silvestris) and domestic cats (Felis catus) by camera trapping in areas of low wildcat population density","authors":"Ágnes Gruber , Tamás Cserkész , Csaba Kiss , József Lanszki","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2024.106472","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2024.106472","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The European wildcat (<em>Felis silvestris</em>) is one of the most endangered European mammal species and it is strictly protected in Hungary. Its population status was previously unknown in the western part of the country, in the region bordering Austria and Slovenia, which may be the peripheral distribution area of wildcats and where it is sympatric with the frequently occurring free-ranging domestic cats (<em>Felis catus</em>). We aimed to detect the presence of wildcats and domestic cats by camera trapping to determine the ratio of the two species and analyse the differences between their diel activity patterns in an area where wildcats were considered rare. We conducted the survey over 31 months, mainly in natural forests and surrounding areas, using camera traps and scent lures at 47 locations. We analysed data from 14,065 cumulative camera-trap days. The two species (and their suspected hybrids) were identified on the basis of their pelage characteristics. Wildcats were photographed at 55.3 % of the locations, and domestic cats at 46.8 %. The presence of both species overlapped at 42.3 % of wildcat locations. We identified 47 individuals with wildcat traits (including at least 20 hybrids) and 45 domestic cats. Wildcat abundance was low and varied significantly across areas. The mean number of unique detections per 100 camera-trap days was 0.77 for wildcats and 1.68 for domestic cats. Both species showed mainly nocturnal activity, with a significant difference in activity patterns observed only in spring. Their behavioural response to attractants differed; after scent-baiting, the detection frequency of wildcats increased slowly before decreasing again, while the domestic cat had a fast increase in the attractant effect at first, which gradually decreased. We could detect the presence of individuals with convincing wildcat phenotype outside their previously known range across large areas far from each other. We collected evidence of frequent invasive domestic cat occurrences inside wildcat habitats. Also, we recorded the activity patterns of the two species in their shared natural habitat with cameras. The knowledge gained from the research can be used to establish a conservation action plan for the wildcat and its habitat.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"282 ","pages":"Article 106472"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143152826","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}