Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research This is an RSS file. You can use it to subscribe to this data in your favourite RSS reader or to display this data on your own website or blog.

Training Rhea americana chicks to walk voluntarily across a scale; effect on the handler's time and the chicks' weight gain compared with traditional techniques: A pilot study
The purpose of this pilot study was to determine if Rhea americana chicks could be trained to walk voluntarily across a scale to be weighed. If the chicks were trainable, the following questions would be investigated: the amount of time required to teach the chicks to walk voluntarily across a scale; the feasibility of this process in the production setting; and whether training chicks to walk voluntarily across a scale would lead to increased weight gain when compared with chicks weighed using traditional methods. (Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research)
Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - December 29, 2016 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Colleen S. Koch, Kelly C. Ballantyne, Valarie V. Tynes, Donna C. Fezler Tags: Research Source Type: research

Owner-reported personality assessments are associated with breed groups but not with oxytocin receptor gene polymorphisms in domestic dogs (Canis familiaris)
Variation in the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene has been linked to dog social behavior in some studies, whereas others have failed to replicate this relationship (in dogs and other species). Ratings of observed behavior are often used to assess personality; however, owner-based behavior and personality assessments have been shown to be comparably consistent. The relationship between OXTR gene variation and behavior as measured by owner-based personality questionnaires has yet to be explored in dogs. (Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research)
Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - December 29, 2016 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Lydia Ottenheimer-Carrier, Christopher J. Ricketts, Elizabeth A. Perry, Rita E. Anderson, Carolyn J. Walsh Tags: Research Source Type: research

Training Rhea americana chicks to walk voluntarily across a scale; effect on the handler ’s time and the chicks’ weight gain compared to traditional techniques: a pilot study
The purpose of this pilot study was to determine if Rhea americana chicks could be trained to walk voluntarily across a scale to be weighed. If the chicks were trainable, the following questions would be investigated: the amount of time required to teach the chicks to walk voluntarily across a scale; the feasibility of this process in the production setting; and whether training chicks to walk voluntarily across a scale would lead to increased weight gain when compared to chicks weighed using traditional methods. (Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research)
Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - December 29, 2016 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Colleen S. Koch, Kelly C. Ballantyne, Valarie V. Tynes, Donna C. Fezler Source Type: research

Analysis of the intraspecific visual communication in the domestic dog (Canis familiaris): a pilot study on the case of calming signals
Studying the signaling of domestic dogs is crucial to have a better understanding of this species. The aim of this study was to scientifically assess if the behaviors called calming signals have a communicative and a calming function (i.e., de-escalating the aggressive display in the other dog).Twenty-four dogs, 12 females and 12 males, acted as senders; they were observed for the display of the behaviors considered by Rugaas (2006) as calming signals (CS). The behavior of each sender dog was analyzed during four 5-minute off-leash encounters, in which the dog met four different recipients, respectively: a familiar and an ...
Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - December 29, 2016 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Chiara Mariti, Caterina Falaschi, Marcella Zilocchi, Jaume Fatj ò, Claudio Sighieri, Asahi Ogi, Angelo Gazzano Source Type: research

Effects of foal sex on some perinatal characteristics in the immediate neonatal period in the horse
In equestrian sports, many riders and trainers prefer either male or female horses because of the sex-specific characteristics. Many sex-related differences do not depend on gonadal activity but are suggested to be established much earlier in life. Readiness for birth depends on timely maturation of the fetus which is necessary to adapt to the challenges of extra-uterine life. We hypothesized that horse foals already show sex-related differences during neonatal adaptation. Foaling itself, behavior of the foals after birth, salivary cortisol concentration and heart rate variability (RMSSD) were investigated in healthy Warmb...
Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - December 29, 2016 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Manuela Wulf, Regina Erber, Natascha Ille, Elisabeth Beythien, J örg Aurich, Christine Aurich Source Type: research

Owner-reported personality assessments are associated with breed groups, but not with oxytocin receptor gene polymorphisms in domestic dogs (Canis familiaris)
Variation in the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene has been linked to dog social behavior in some studies, while others have failed to replicate this relationship (in dogs and other species). Ratings of observed behavior are often used to assess personality, however owner-based behavior/personality assessments have been shown to be comparably consistent. The relationship between OXTR gene variation and behavior as measured by owner-based personality questionnaires has yet to be explored in dogs. The aims of our current study were three-fold: (1) to investigate the relationship between two OXTR SNPs (rs8679684 and 19131AG) and ...
Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - December 29, 2016 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Lydia Ottenheimer-Carrier, Christopher J. Ricketts, Elizabeth A. Perry, Rita E. Anderson, Carolyn J. Walsh Source Type: research

Cortisol levels and leukocyte population values in transported and exercised horses after acupuncture needle stimulation
In this study, the effect of acupuncture treatment on some hematochemical parameters was evaluated in 5 thoroughbred horses after road transport and exercise. Horses competed in 2 official races. For each race, animals were transported from their stables to the racetrack. (Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research)
Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - December 26, 2016 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Maria Rizzo, Francesca Arfuso, Claudia Giannetto, Elisabetta Giudice, Francesco Longo, Simona Di Pietro, Giuseppe Piccione Tags: Research Source Type: research

Cortisol levels and leukocytes population values in transported and exercised horses after acupuncture needle stimulation
In this study the effect of acupuncture treatment on some hematochemical parameters was evaluated in 5 Thoroughbred horses after road transport and exercise. Horses competed in two official races. For each race animals were transported from their stables to the racetrack. (Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research)
Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - December 26, 2016 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Maria Rizzo, Francesca Arfuso, Claudia Giannetto, Elisabetta Giudice, Francesco Longo, Simona Di Pietro, Giuseppe Piccione Source Type: research

An analysis of visible patterns of horse bit wear
Horse control is regularly achieved through the application of pressure by a bit against tissue surfaces in the horse ’s mouth. The precise method of action of the bit in the mouth is still poorly understood. In an assessment of damage and changes seen on the surfaces of bits used in horse control, five independent assessors scored sixty photographic images of fifteen bits on the most common signs of wear. Each p hotographic image of the bit was divided into 4 -5 separate zones so that different areas on the bit surface could be individually scored. (Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research)
Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - December 26, 2016 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: O. Doherty, V. Casey, P. McGreevy, A. McLean, P. Parker, S. Arkins Source Type: research

Twitching in Veterinary Procedures: How Does this Technique Subdue Horses?
This study investigates the mechanisms by which two forms of restraint (lip twitch and ear twitch) subdue horses. Prior research suggests that the lip twitch subdues horses through an analgesic effect; the mechanism of the ear twitch is unknown. Heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) were measured to determine autonomic nervous system activity before and during application of the twitches, and salivary cortisol (SC) levels were analyzed to assess stress levels before and after application of the twitches. (Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research)
Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - December 22, 2016 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Benjamin Flakoll, Ahmed B. Ali, Carl Y. Saab Source Type: research

The gray matter: Prevention and reduction of abnormal behavior in companion gray parrots (Psittacus erithacus)
Gray parrots (Psittacus erithacus) are popular companion birds, particularly noted for their ability to mimic human speech, their intelligence, and longevity. They are also prone to developing abnormal behaviors such as feather damaging behavior. This review explores the current available knowledge on gray parrots kept as companion birds with respect to behavioral problems and their management. The potential causes for the development of abnormal behaviors in this species are explored. Recommendations are made for future research, and advice is provided on the synthesis and application of available research to owners, bree...
Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - December 21, 2016 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Phillip J. Greenwell, V. Tamara Montrose Tags: Review Article Source Type: research

The Grey Matter: Prevention and reduction of abnormal behavior in companion grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus)
Grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) are popular companion birds, particularly noted for their ability to mimic human speech, their intelligence and longevity. They are also prone to developing abnormal behaviors such as feather damaging behavior (FDB). This review explores the current available knowledge on grey parrots kept as companion birds with respect to behavioral problems and their management. The potential causes for the development of abnormal behaviors in this species are explored. Recommendations are made for future research and advice is provided on the synthesis and application of available research to owners, ...
Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - December 21, 2016 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Phillip J. Greenwell, V. Tamara Montrose Source Type: research

Rhythmic function of body temperature, breathing and heart rates in newborn goats and sheep during the first hours of life
Rectal temperature, breathing and heart rates were recorded in kids and lambs starting an hour after birth. Kids and lambs were divided into 2 groups, singleton (5 kids and 5 lambs) and twin (8 kids and 8 lambs), born at term in spring at the same hour (08:00 ± 1 hour) and clinically healthy. They were housed in a common stall and were fed only with colostrum and maternal milk. Each profile was analyzed individually by the Cosinor method. No rhythmicity as a group could be identifying. Our data showed that the maturation of the circadian system is almo st complete in newborn, but there is subject variability in its manif...
Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - December 9, 2016 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Claudia Giannetto, Francesca Arfuso, Francesco Fazio, Elisabetta Giudice, Michele Panzera, Giuseppe Piccione Tags: Research Source Type: research

Rhythmic function of body temperature, breathing and heart rate in newborn goats and sheep during the first hours of life
Rectal temperature, breathing and heart rate were recorded in kids and lambs starting an hour after birth. Kids and lambs were divided into two groups, singleton (5 kids and 5 lambs) and twin (8 kids and 8 lambs), born at term in spring at the same hour (08.00 ± 1hour) and clinically healthy. They were housed in a common stall and were fed only with colostrum and maternal milk. Each profile was analysed individually by the Cosinor method. No rhythmicity as a group could be identifying. Our data showed that the maturation of the circadian system is almost complete in newborn, but there is subject variability in its manifes...
Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - December 9, 2016 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Claudia Giannetto, Francesca Arfuso, Francesco Fazio, Elisabetta Giudice, Michele Panzera, Giuseppe Piccione Source Type: research

Activity rhythms and use of nest boxes of juvenile mink in seminatural group housing
The aim of this study was to investigate the activity patterns of American mink (Neovison vison). Twenty mink from a commercial mink farm were housed in a free-range enclosure (290  m2) at the age of 13 weeks. In the enclosure, the mink were offered 20 nest boxes (animal-to-nest-box ratio: 1:1), food ad libitum, and 3 kinds of water basins. The activity rhythms and the use of the nest boxes were assessed by an automatic registration device that recorded the amount of time sp ent inside or outside the nest box or in the entrance tunnel for each individual mink over a period of 18 weeks between July and December. (Source:...
Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - November 27, 2016 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Angela Schwarzer, Anne-Katrin Kaesberg, Shana Bergmann, Paul Schmidt, Michael Erhard, Elke Rauch Tags: Research Source Type: research