Is the Expression of Stereotypic Behavior a Performance Limiting Factor in Animals?
Stereotypical behavior (STB) has been observed in a wide range of species regardless of its classification. Despite extensive research into factors which contribute to the aetiology of STB and/or influence the expression of STB, few studies have explicitly evaluated if relationships exist between stereotypical behavior and performance variables in livestock or equine athletes. This review explores the impact of STBs on animal performance, using the horse and production animals as examples, to establish whether their expression should be viewed as a positive or negative attribute by the animal industry. (Source: Journal of ...
Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - February 27, 2017 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Jane Williams, Hayley Randle Source Type: research

The effects of using aversive training methods in dogs —A review
The purpose of this study was to review a series of studies (N  = 17) regarding the effects of using various methods when training dogs. The reviewed studies examined the differences between training methods (e.g., methods based on positive reinforcement, positive punishment, escape/avoidance, et cetera) on a dog's physiology, welfare, and behavior toward huma ns and other dogs. The reviewed studies included surveys, observational studies, and interventions. The results show that using aversive training methods (e.g., positive punishment and negative reinforcement) can jeopardize both the physical and mental health of dog...
Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - February 22, 2017 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Gal Ziv Tags: Review article Source Type: research

Postoperative pain in dogs undergoing hemilaminectomy: Comparison of the analgesic activity of buprenorphine and tramadol
The objective of this study was to compare the analgesic activity of buprenorphine and tramadol for the management of postoperative pain after hemilaminectomy because of acute intervertebral disc extrusion in dogs. This is a randomized, blinded, and prospective clinical trial. The study was carried out on 50 dogs undergoing hemilaminectomy. After diagnosis, the dogs were divided randomly into 2 groups: group A (n  = 25 dogs) received 3 mg/kg−1 of tramadol intramuscularly and group B (n = 25 dogs) received 0.02 mg/kg−1 of buprenorphine intramuscularly 10-15 minutes before the end of surgery and, then, every 8 and 6...
Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - February 22, 2017 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Elisabetta Giudice, Giuseppe Barillaro, Chiara Crin ò, Alfonsina Alaimo, Francesco Macrì, Simona Di Pietro Tags: Original research paper Source Type: research

Post-operative pain in dogs undergoing hemilaminectomy: comparison of the analgesic activity of buprenorphine and tramadol
The objective of this study was to compare the analgesic activity of buprenorphine and tramadol for the management of postoperative pain following hemilaminectomy due to acute intervertebral disc extrusion in dogs.This is a randomized, “blinded”, prospective clinical trial. The study was carried out on fifty dogs undergoing hemilaminectomy. After diagnosis, the dogs were divided randomly into two groups: group A (n = 25 dogs) received 3 mg/Kg-1of tramadol intramuscularly (IM) and group B (n = 25 dogs) received 0.02 mg/Kg-1 of buprenorphine IM 10-15 minutes before the end of surgery and, then, every 8 and 6 hours respec...
Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - February 22, 2017 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Elisabetta Giudice, Giuseppe Barillaro, Chiara Crin ò, Alfonsina Alaimo, Francesco Macrì, Simona Di Pietro Source Type: research

The Effects of Using Aversive Training Methods in Dogs – A Review
The purpose of this paper is to review a series of studies (N= 17) regarding the effects of using various methods when training dogs. The reviewed studies examined the differences between training methods (e.g., methods based on positive reinforcement, positive punishment, escape/avoidance, etc.) on a dog ’s physiology, welfare, and behavior towards humans and other dogs. The reviewed studies included surveys, observational studies, and interventions. The results show that using aversive training methods (e.g., positive punishment and negative reinforcement) can jeopardize both the physical and men tal health of dogs. (S...
Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - February 22, 2017 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Gal Ziv Source Type: research

Prevention of sheep worrying in the UK: Rethinking the approach
Livestock worrying occurs when dogs attack or chase livestock, and also describes dogs simply being at large in a field containing livestock (Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act, 1953). Under this act if a dog worries livestock the person in charge of the dog is guilty of an offence and may risk prosecution. Owners may also be liable to pay compensation to farmers for livestock deaths or injuries (Animals Act, 1971). Farmers may also shoot dogs which are attacking or chasing livestock (Animal Act, 1971). (Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research)
Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - February 19, 2017 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: James A. Oxley, Brian Evans, V. Tamara Montrose Source Type: research

Sow and piglet behavioral associations in farrowing pens with temporary crating and in farrowing crates
The farrowing system in which a sow and her piglets are housed may influence the manner in which they interact with one another. Behavioral displays of sows in farrowing crates are limited, whereas pen-based alternatives to farrowing crates enable a greater range of behavioral expression, including interacting more with piglets. The associations between sow behavior and piglet behavior in crates and pens with temporary crating were compared using 2 different data sets. During days 1-6 after farrowing, 15 sows and their litters were observed in farrowing crates, and 16 sows and their litters were observed in pens with tempo...
Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - January 26, 2017 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Kirsty L. Chidgey, Patrick C.H. Morel, Kevin J. Stafford, Ian W. Barugh Tags: Research Source Type: research

Behavioral and psychological outcomes for dogs sold as puppies through pet stores and/or born in commercial breeding establishments: current knowledge and putative causes
A review of seven published studies and one anecdotal report involving dogs born in high-volume commercial breeding establishments (CBE) and sold to the consumer directly via the Internet or indirectly through retail pet stores revealed an increased incidence of behavioral and emotional problems that cause distress in adulthood compared with dogs from other sources, especially breeders. The most consistent finding among studies is an increase in aggression, which is most commonly directed toward the dog ’s owners and family members but also to unfamiliar people, and other dogs. (Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Cl...
Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - January 26, 2017 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Franklin D. McMillan Source Type: research

Analysis of cortisol in hair samples as an indicator of stress in pigs
Detection of cortisol is one of the most widely used methods to assess stress in animals because it provides information about hypothalamic –pituitary–adrenal axis activity. The most common biological samples are plasma, saliva, urine, faeces, milk and hair. Hair cortisol analysis could be a good non-invasive procedure to detect chronic stress since cortisol is incorporated and stored inside growing hair. The aim of this study was t o determine whether cortisol could be detected in pig hair and could serve as a proper chronic stress indicator. (Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research)
Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - January 26, 2017 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: N. Casal, X. Manteca, R. Pe ña l, A. Bassols, E. Fàbrega Source Type: research

Sow and piglet behavioral associations in farrowing pens with temporary crating, and in farrowing crates
The farrowing system in which a sow and her piglets are housed may influence the manner in which they interact with one another. Behavioral displays of sows in farrowing crates are limited, whereas pen-based alternatives to farrowing crates enable a greater range of behavioral expression, including interacting more with piglets. The associations between sow behavior and piglet behavior in crates and pens with temporary crating were compared using two different data sets. During days 1 – 6 post-farrowing, 15 sows and their litters were observed in farrowing crates, and 16 sows and their litters were observed in pens with ...
Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - January 26, 2017 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Kirsty L. Chidgey, Patrick C.H. Morel, Kevin J. Stafford, Ian W. Barugh Source Type: research

Behavior and Body Surface Temperature as Welfare Indicators in Selected Sheep Regularly Brushed by A Familiar Observer
Research on emotions in farm animals has increasingly contributed to their welfare. We aimed to study behavioral and body temperature responses of Dorper and White Dorper sheep regularly brushed on their ventral neck, lateral chest and withers. We performed 3 minute assessments in pre-, brushing and post-brushing phases. Vocalization, ear postures and changes, half-closed eyes and tail wagging were assessed. We also recorded withers (Tw), anal (Ta) and nasal (Tn) temperatures with an infrared thermometer. (Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research)
Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - January 26, 2017 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Priscilla Regina Tamioso, Daniel Santiago Rucinque, Cesar Augusto Taconeli, Guilherme Parreira da Silva, Carla Forte Maiolino Molento Source Type: research

Developing behavioral tests to support selection of police horses
The existence of personality in non-human animals is widely accepted but the development of valid and reliable methods to measure and interpret it is ongoing. Personality can be important in selecting horses for particular roles and has the potential to improve welfare and safety for riders and horses. This is especially important for challenging roles such as police work. A custom-made behavioral test protocol was trialed with the Belgian mounted police, aimed at complementing the existing subjective rating of potential new police horses by experienced mounted police officers. (Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clin...
Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - January 26, 2017 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Marc Pierard, Paul McGreevy, Rony Geers Source Type: research

Appeasement signals used by dogs during dog –human communication
The aim of this study was to examine the occurrence of the appeasement signals “looking away” and “licking of lips” shown by healthy dogs toward strangers in a standardized behavioral test. The 116 participating dogs were aged at least 13 months and could be any breed. Dogs were guided by their owners through the behavioral test which included a variety of test situat ions. The people conducting the test were previously unknown to the dogs and behaved in a neutral, friendly, or threatening way depending on the test situation. (Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research)
Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - January 2, 2017 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Angelika Firnkes, Angela Bartels, Emilie Bidoli, Michael Erhard Tags: Research Source Type: research

Appeasement signals used by dogs during dog-human communication
The aim of this study was to examine the occurrence of the appeasement signals "looking away" and "licking of lips" shown by healthy dogs toward strangers in a standardized behavioral test. The 116 participating dogs were at least 13 months of age and could be any breed. Dogs were guided by their owners through the behavioral test which included a variety of test situations. Thepeople conducting the test were previously unknown to the dogs and behaved in a neutral, friendly or threatening way depending on the test situation. (Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research)
Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - January 2, 2017 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Angelika Firnkes, Angela Bartels, Emilie Bidoli, Michael Erhard Source Type: research

Postpartum changes in the lying behavior of sows in farrowing crates
The objective of the study was to compare the behavior of sows before and after farrowing with a focus on lying behavior and side preference in a lateral position. Collecting information on normal and deviant behaviors may consequently improve the care and welfare of animals and severe variations can indicate possible welfare issues. The study was conducted on a farrow-to-finish-farm with 14 crossbred sows. For each sow, behavior was analyzed by video observation (continuous sampling) on two days, one before (3 or 4 days after transfer to the trial compartment) and one after farrowing (2nd day after farrowing). (Source: Jo...
Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - December 30, 2016 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Gundula Hoffmann, Annika Bentke, Mariana Schmidt, Christian Ammon, Christian Manteuffel, Peter C. Sch ön Source Type: research