People in all walks of life across cultures and continents can observe incidents or behavior that... more People in all walks of life across cultures and continents can observe incidents or behavior that they find unacceptable. They are then faced with a decision about whether or not to make a disclosure in the public interest by reporting this to someone who they believe can stop the practices. In such cases they become known as "whistleblowers." The vignettes below show typical elements of incidents.
A total of 160 gilts were used to evalu- ate the effects of pen vs. crated housing systems and dr... more A total of 160 gilts were used to evalu- ate the effects of pen vs. crated housing systems and drop- vs. trickle-fed feeding systems on sow productiv- ity, occurrence of lesions during farrowing and weaning, immune measures, and behavioral responses during 2 consecutive gestation periods. Of the 160 eligible gilts, 117 farrowed in parity 1, and of those, 72 farrowed
Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science American Association For Laboratory Animal Science, May 1, 2001
Studies were initiated to determine the effects of restricted (32.2 cm2 per mouse), normal (96.8 ... more Studies were initiated to determine the effects of restricted (32.2 cm2 per mouse), normal (96.8 cm2), or excess floor space (129.0 cm2) allowances by using a model of three mice per cage. BALB/cJ mice were bred on-site and weaned at 3 weeks of age into specially designed polycarbonate shoebox cages modified to each space allowance. Cages contained aspen shavings for bedding, and mice were fed and watered ad libitum. Body weight gains, feed and water use, and immunologic measures largely were not effected by floor space allowances. Female BALB/cJ mice were heavier and had increased lymphocyte blastogenesis to phytohemagglutinin (20 microg/mL) when given 32.2 cm2/mouse than when given 129 cm2/mouse. Female mice showed an increase in grooming and sitting behaviors when given 32.2 cm2/mouse, but male mice with restricted floor space spent more time lying down but showed no change in grooming or sitting behaviors compared to mice given more space. Among male mice, limited floor space did not significantly influence growth rates, but male mice given 32.2 cm2/mouse had less mortality than did mice given more space. We conclude that floor spaces as limited as 32.2 cm2/mouse did not cause behavior, health, immune or performance problems for BALB/cJ mice.
The elevation of central corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) causes an increase in behavioral ac... more The elevation of central corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) causes an increase in behavioral activity, including increases in overall activity and oral/nasal/facial (ONF) chewing-rooting-rubbing behaviors in the pig and similar behaviors in other species. This study detailed changes in the frequency, duration and sequences of behaviors after central administration of vehicle or porcine CRF (pCRF at 0.5, 5.0, 50 and 150 Ag). A sequential analysis described the complex behaviors induced in a dose-dependent fashion by central pCRF. The frequency and duration of ONF behaviors were significantly increased among pigs receiving 50 Ag of pCRF. For behaviors such as ONF, 50 Ag represented a breakpoint at which the frequency and duration of single behaviors increased. Pigs receiving 50 Ag of pCRF were considerably more active and exhibited more ONF behaviors than did pigs receiving lower doses. The highly sensitive sequential analysis revealed that very low doses of central pCRF induced subtle changes in sequences of behaviors. Low doses of central pCRF (0.5 Ag) induced fear-related behavioral sequences that included ONF behaviors alternating with periods of inactivity. Central injection of astressin, a CRF receptor antagonist, blocked many, but not all, of CRF-induced behaviors. Compared with saline-injected control pigs, central pCRF increased general activity, ONF, fear-related freezing and sham chewing behaviors. When pCRF was given following astressin, fear-related freezing behaviors were not different compared with pigs receiving saline. However, pigs given astressin plus pCRF showed elevated sham chewing compared with saline-injected control pigs, as did pigs receiving intracerebroventricular (ICV) pCRF. These data indicate that central pCRF activates brain mechanisms associated with hyperactivity, ONF and fear-related behaviors, whereas other behaviors induced by pCRF may be nonspecifically mediated by CRF. Astressin antagonized some, but not all, pCRF-induced behaviors. This model represents the induction of hyperactivity and stereotyped behaviors, which may represent a new model for the study of mania or obsessive-compulsive behaviors. D
To evaluate the current status of farm animal behavioral research in North America, we searched a... more To evaluate the current status of farm animal behavioral research in North America, we searched and analyzed the scientific literature, consulted the national Agricultural Library and the Current Research Information System of the USDA and sought advice from several authorities. We than sent letters to 78 North American behavioral researchers, inviting them to supply information about their current projects and recently completed studies. A total of 218 efforts were identified. A quantitative and qualitative summary of current behavioral research and short reviews of selected references are provided to illustrate the broad range of current farm animal behavioral research in North America.
Four experiments were conducted to examine the effects of general and local anesthetics given pri... more Four experiments were conducted to examine the effects of general and local anesthetics given prior to castration on piglet behavior and weight gain. The first experiment showed that use of general anesthesia by xylazine, ketamine hydrochloride and glyceryl guaiacolate for 2-wk-old piglets resulted in the death of 28% of the piglets and, for those that survived, suppressed nursing behavior. In the second experiment, using 2-wk-old piglets, local anesthesia by lidocaine hydrochloride prevented the slight (30 min) castration-induced nursing behavior suppression. In the third and fourth studies, using 7-wk-old pigs, local or general anesthetic did not overcome castration-induced changes in behavior. Castration affected behavior of 7-wk-old pigs for 6 to 8 h. None of the treatments in any of the studies influenced weight gain. We conclude that castration is painful for 2-wk-old and 7-wk-old pigs. The 2-wk-old pig seems behaviorally less affected by castration than does the 7-wk-old pig. Local anesthetic prevented pain-induced behavior changes for 2-wk-old, but not for 7-wk-old, pigs. At present, the FDA does not permit use of these anesthetics in meat-producing animals.
Twenty prepubertal Yorkshire X Hampshire pigs were mixed in groups of four. Their behaviors were ... more Twenty prepubertal Yorkshire X Hampshire pigs were mixed in groups of four. Their behaviors were recorded on video tape for 48 h, and a detailed behavioral analysis was performed. Aggressive interactions of 10 unique pairs of pigs were observed. Twenty-five distinct behavioral categories were identified in the total data set, which contained 1,846 behaviors. On average, an interacting pair showed 92 behavioral elements (range: 10 to 307). Eighty-one percent of the behaviors observed consisted of bites and pushes given and received. Bites were targeted mainly at the ears (55%), face (17%) and neck (23%). Most bites to the rump and turning the body 180 degrees occurred during the last third of the fight. Pigs that eventually won fights showed higher incidences of ear bites and lower incidences than expected of head-under-head pushing and body-turning. Pigs that lost fights showed higher frequencies of head-under-head pushing and body-turning. Losers also showed a lower frequency of rump biting. Overall, many of the behaviors performed by the losing pigs were followed by the loser receiving an ear bite. Body-turning was a sign of submission and was always preceded by, and often followed, ear-biting. Once a pig showed body-turning, it generally avoided further face-to-face interaction. Behaviors exhibited as signs of submission were found in each of the 10 pairs observed.
Four experiments were conducted to examine the development of castration-induced behavioral chang... more Four experiments were conducted to examine the development of castration-induced behavioral changes, the effects of castration age on pig weight gain, and the efficacy of common analgesics for use in castrated pigs. In Exp. 1, behavioral changes associated with castration of pigs at 1, 5, 10, 15, or 20 d of age were evaluated. Castration caused measurable changes (reduced suckling, reduced standing, and increased lying times, P < .05) in the behavior of young pigs compared with that of intact pigs at all ages tested. Effects of age and interactions between age and castration treatment were not significant (P > .10) for any behaviors evaluated. In Exp. 2, the performance of pigs castrated at 1 d of age was compared with the performance of those castrated on d 14 and female littermates. Birth weights, weaning weights, and mortality were recorded. Pigs that were castrated on d 14 were heavier (P = .05) at weaning and had a higher (P < .05) weight gain during lactation compared to pigs castrated on d 1 of age. Pig mortality was similar among the treatments. In Exp. 3 and 4, the efficacies of pain-reducing drugs (non-narcotic analgesics) were evaluated for effectiveness in reducing castration-induced behavioral changes in 8-wk-old pigs. Although castration reduced (P < .05) feeding time and weight gain, neither aspirin nor butorphanol influenced behavioral changes associated with castration. We conclude that pigs show similar behavioral changes (and probably pain perception) when castrated from 1 to 20 d of age. However, pig performance data favored castration at 14 d rather than at 1 d of age.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
production system soil-nitrate concentration, and sow and litter performance in an outdoor swine ... more production system soil-nitrate concentration, and sow and litter performance in an outdoor swine Effects of stocking rate and crude protein intake during gestation on ground cover, 2002, 80:1451-1461. J ANIM SCI http://jas.fass.org/content/80/6/1451 the World Wide Web at:
To determine whether shade influences performance, carcass traits, immunology, respiration rate, ... more To determine whether shade influences performance, carcass traits, immunology, respiration rate, and behavior of cattle under conditions similar to those in commercial feedlots, we used 168 heifers in 12 soil-surfaced pens. Six pens were shaded with a galvanized steel-roofed shade (approximately 4 m high), allowing for 2.12 m 2 of shade/heifer, and six pens served as the unshaded control. Heifers were fed a 90% concentrate diet during the 121-d trial that began in mid-June, performance variables (DMI, BW, ADG, gain:feed) were measured, and dietary concentrations of NE m and NE g calculated from performance data. A blood sample was collected to assess immune measures. Respiration rates and behaviors (feeding, drinking, walking, standing, lying, agonistic, and bulling) also were measured during the study. Carcass data (yield grade, kidney, pelvic, and heart fat, longissimus muscle area, hot carcass weight, quality grade, liver abscess rate, and incidence of dark-cutting beef) were collected at slaughter. Shaded heifers had higher (P < 0.05) DMI, ADG, and final BW than unshaded heifers. The gain:feed ratio
People in all walks of life across cultures and continents can observe incidents or behavior that... more People in all walks of life across cultures and continents can observe incidents or behavior that they find unacceptable. They are then faced with a decision about whether or not to make a disclosure in the public interest by reporting this to someone who they believe can stop the practices. In such cases they become known as "whistleblowers." The vignettes below show typical elements of incidents.
A total of 160 gilts were used to evalu- ate the effects of pen vs. crated housing systems and dr... more A total of 160 gilts were used to evalu- ate the effects of pen vs. crated housing systems and drop- vs. trickle-fed feeding systems on sow productiv- ity, occurrence of lesions during farrowing and weaning, immune measures, and behavioral responses during 2 consecutive gestation periods. Of the 160 eligible gilts, 117 farrowed in parity 1, and of those, 72 farrowed
Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science American Association For Laboratory Animal Science, May 1, 2001
Studies were initiated to determine the effects of restricted (32.2 cm2 per mouse), normal (96.8 ... more Studies were initiated to determine the effects of restricted (32.2 cm2 per mouse), normal (96.8 cm2), or excess floor space (129.0 cm2) allowances by using a model of three mice per cage. BALB/cJ mice were bred on-site and weaned at 3 weeks of age into specially designed polycarbonate shoebox cages modified to each space allowance. Cages contained aspen shavings for bedding, and mice were fed and watered ad libitum. Body weight gains, feed and water use, and immunologic measures largely were not effected by floor space allowances. Female BALB/cJ mice were heavier and had increased lymphocyte blastogenesis to phytohemagglutinin (20 microg/mL) when given 32.2 cm2/mouse than when given 129 cm2/mouse. Female mice showed an increase in grooming and sitting behaviors when given 32.2 cm2/mouse, but male mice with restricted floor space spent more time lying down but showed no change in grooming or sitting behaviors compared to mice given more space. Among male mice, limited floor space did not significantly influence growth rates, but male mice given 32.2 cm2/mouse had less mortality than did mice given more space. We conclude that floor spaces as limited as 32.2 cm2/mouse did not cause behavior, health, immune or performance problems for BALB/cJ mice.
The elevation of central corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) causes an increase in behavioral ac... more The elevation of central corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) causes an increase in behavioral activity, including increases in overall activity and oral/nasal/facial (ONF) chewing-rooting-rubbing behaviors in the pig and similar behaviors in other species. This study detailed changes in the frequency, duration and sequences of behaviors after central administration of vehicle or porcine CRF (pCRF at 0.5, 5.0, 50 and 150 Ag). A sequential analysis described the complex behaviors induced in a dose-dependent fashion by central pCRF. The frequency and duration of ONF behaviors were significantly increased among pigs receiving 50 Ag of pCRF. For behaviors such as ONF, 50 Ag represented a breakpoint at which the frequency and duration of single behaviors increased. Pigs receiving 50 Ag of pCRF were considerably more active and exhibited more ONF behaviors than did pigs receiving lower doses. The highly sensitive sequential analysis revealed that very low doses of central pCRF induced subtle changes in sequences of behaviors. Low doses of central pCRF (0.5 Ag) induced fear-related behavioral sequences that included ONF behaviors alternating with periods of inactivity. Central injection of astressin, a CRF receptor antagonist, blocked many, but not all, of CRF-induced behaviors. Compared with saline-injected control pigs, central pCRF increased general activity, ONF, fear-related freezing and sham chewing behaviors. When pCRF was given following astressin, fear-related freezing behaviors were not different compared with pigs receiving saline. However, pigs given astressin plus pCRF showed elevated sham chewing compared with saline-injected control pigs, as did pigs receiving intracerebroventricular (ICV) pCRF. These data indicate that central pCRF activates brain mechanisms associated with hyperactivity, ONF and fear-related behaviors, whereas other behaviors induced by pCRF may be nonspecifically mediated by CRF. Astressin antagonized some, but not all, pCRF-induced behaviors. This model represents the induction of hyperactivity and stereotyped behaviors, which may represent a new model for the study of mania or obsessive-compulsive behaviors. D
To evaluate the current status of farm animal behavioral research in North America, we searched a... more To evaluate the current status of farm animal behavioral research in North America, we searched and analyzed the scientific literature, consulted the national Agricultural Library and the Current Research Information System of the USDA and sought advice from several authorities. We than sent letters to 78 North American behavioral researchers, inviting them to supply information about their current projects and recently completed studies. A total of 218 efforts were identified. A quantitative and qualitative summary of current behavioral research and short reviews of selected references are provided to illustrate the broad range of current farm animal behavioral research in North America.
Four experiments were conducted to examine the effects of general and local anesthetics given pri... more Four experiments were conducted to examine the effects of general and local anesthetics given prior to castration on piglet behavior and weight gain. The first experiment showed that use of general anesthesia by xylazine, ketamine hydrochloride and glyceryl guaiacolate for 2-wk-old piglets resulted in the death of 28% of the piglets and, for those that survived, suppressed nursing behavior. In the second experiment, using 2-wk-old piglets, local anesthesia by lidocaine hydrochloride prevented the slight (30 min) castration-induced nursing behavior suppression. In the third and fourth studies, using 7-wk-old pigs, local or general anesthetic did not overcome castration-induced changes in behavior. Castration affected behavior of 7-wk-old pigs for 6 to 8 h. None of the treatments in any of the studies influenced weight gain. We conclude that castration is painful for 2-wk-old and 7-wk-old pigs. The 2-wk-old pig seems behaviorally less affected by castration than does the 7-wk-old pig. Local anesthetic prevented pain-induced behavior changes for 2-wk-old, but not for 7-wk-old, pigs. At present, the FDA does not permit use of these anesthetics in meat-producing animals.
Twenty prepubertal Yorkshire X Hampshire pigs were mixed in groups of four. Their behaviors were ... more Twenty prepubertal Yorkshire X Hampshire pigs were mixed in groups of four. Their behaviors were recorded on video tape for 48 h, and a detailed behavioral analysis was performed. Aggressive interactions of 10 unique pairs of pigs were observed. Twenty-five distinct behavioral categories were identified in the total data set, which contained 1,846 behaviors. On average, an interacting pair showed 92 behavioral elements (range: 10 to 307). Eighty-one percent of the behaviors observed consisted of bites and pushes given and received. Bites were targeted mainly at the ears (55%), face (17%) and neck (23%). Most bites to the rump and turning the body 180 degrees occurred during the last third of the fight. Pigs that eventually won fights showed higher incidences of ear bites and lower incidences than expected of head-under-head pushing and body-turning. Pigs that lost fights showed higher frequencies of head-under-head pushing and body-turning. Losers also showed a lower frequency of rump biting. Overall, many of the behaviors performed by the losing pigs were followed by the loser receiving an ear bite. Body-turning was a sign of submission and was always preceded by, and often followed, ear-biting. Once a pig showed body-turning, it generally avoided further face-to-face interaction. Behaviors exhibited as signs of submission were found in each of the 10 pairs observed.
Four experiments were conducted to examine the development of castration-induced behavioral chang... more Four experiments were conducted to examine the development of castration-induced behavioral changes, the effects of castration age on pig weight gain, and the efficacy of common analgesics for use in castrated pigs. In Exp. 1, behavioral changes associated with castration of pigs at 1, 5, 10, 15, or 20 d of age were evaluated. Castration caused measurable changes (reduced suckling, reduced standing, and increased lying times, P &lt; .05) in the behavior of young pigs compared with that of intact pigs at all ages tested. Effects of age and interactions between age and castration treatment were not significant (P &gt; .10) for any behaviors evaluated. In Exp. 2, the performance of pigs castrated at 1 d of age was compared with the performance of those castrated on d 14 and female littermates. Birth weights, weaning weights, and mortality were recorded. Pigs that were castrated on d 14 were heavier (P = .05) at weaning and had a higher (P &lt; .05) weight gain during lactation compared to pigs castrated on d 1 of age. Pig mortality was similar among the treatments. In Exp. 3 and 4, the efficacies of pain-reducing drugs (non-narcotic analgesics) were evaluated for effectiveness in reducing castration-induced behavioral changes in 8-wk-old pigs. Although castration reduced (P &lt; .05) feeding time and weight gain, neither aspirin nor butorphanol influenced behavioral changes associated with castration. We conclude that pigs show similar behavioral changes (and probably pain perception) when castrated from 1 to 20 d of age. However, pig performance data favored castration at 14 d rather than at 1 d of age.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
production system soil-nitrate concentration, and sow and litter performance in an outdoor swine ... more production system soil-nitrate concentration, and sow and litter performance in an outdoor swine Effects of stocking rate and crude protein intake during gestation on ground cover, 2002, 80:1451-1461. J ANIM SCI http://jas.fass.org/content/80/6/1451 the World Wide Web at:
To determine whether shade influences performance, carcass traits, immunology, respiration rate, ... more To determine whether shade influences performance, carcass traits, immunology, respiration rate, and behavior of cattle under conditions similar to those in commercial feedlots, we used 168 heifers in 12 soil-surfaced pens. Six pens were shaded with a galvanized steel-roofed shade (approximately 4 m high), allowing for 2.12 m 2 of shade/heifer, and six pens served as the unshaded control. Heifers were fed a 90% concentrate diet during the 121-d trial that began in mid-June, performance variables (DMI, BW, ADG, gain:feed) were measured, and dietary concentrations of NE m and NE g calculated from performance data. A blood sample was collected to assess immune measures. Respiration rates and behaviors (feeding, drinking, walking, standing, lying, agonistic, and bulling) also were measured during the study. Carcass data (yield grade, kidney, pelvic, and heart fat, longissimus muscle area, hot carcass weight, quality grade, liver abscess rate, and incidence of dark-cutting beef) were collected at slaughter. Shaded heifers had higher (P < 0.05) DMI, ADG, and final BW than unshaded heifers. The gain:feed ratio
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