Measuring Behaviour: An Introductory Guide, Paul Martin, Patrick Bateson. University of Cambridge Press, Cambridge (1986), x, +200. Price £20.00 (hardback), £6.95 (paperback)

Weaning of beef calves is usually done abruptly and early compared to the natural weaning of the species, and is associated with simultaneous exposure of calves to a range of social and environmental stressors. Behavioural and physiological responses to weaning indicate detrimental effects on the welfare of these animals. The development and assessment of weaning methods aiming at reducing or avoiding this problem must be supported by scientific knowledge of the morphological, physiological and psychological mechanisms involved in the establishment, maintenance and braking of the cow-calf bond. Solutions also depend on the understanding of the various stressors associated with weaning, among which are the change in diet, cessation of nursing, separation from the dam, the change to a new spatial environment and the need for social reorganization following removal of the adults from the group. This review discusses these issues and assesses the effectiveness of the methods so far proposed for improving the welfare of beef calves during the weaning period.

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Minimising the stress of weaning of beef calves: a review.

The purpose of the present study was to define the normal haematologic values and some biochemical parameters in serum and in urine in both male and female New Zealand white rabbits and to determine the effect of gender on these parameters. Blood and urine samples from a total of 40 New Zealand white rabbits were investigated. The haematologic parameters were determined in whole blood samples, while serum and urine (urine protein, glucose, creatinine, urea, GGT, nitrite, Na, K, Cl, creatinine clearance) biochemical parameters were determined in serum and urine samples. Normal values of these parameters were determined and statistical comparisons between male and female animals performed. No statistically significant differences were found between male and female animals for the parameters analysed except HCT, HGB, granulocyte %, L/M and serum K concentration. As a result, it was judged that defining the normal values of given haematological factors and serum and urine biochemical parameters in this study in New Zealand white rabbits would be helpful for both clinicians and researchers.

https://polipapers.upv.es/index.php/wrs/article/download/1229/1377

Normal values of haematological and some biochemical parameters in serum and urine of New Zealand White rabbits

Mexican consumers' perceptions and attitudes towards farm animal welfare and willingness to pay for welfare friendly meat products

The effects of alternative weaning methods on behaviour in beef calves

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of day length on seminal characteristics, testicular size, sexual behaviour and testosterone (T4) concentration in Pelibuey rams subjected to different semen collection frequencies. Eighteen intact males were assigned randomly to one of two semen collection frequencies: in the high rate (HR) treatment, two ejaculations per week were obtained from each ram; one ejaculation every two weeks was collected under the low rate (LR) treatment. All animals were housed individually in contiguous 5 m × 5 m wire mesh pens and evaluated over a 12-month period. At the beginning of the experiment rams were 20 months old and 40–50 kg in weight. All rams ejaculated and produced semen throughout the year. Semen volume, sperm per ejaculation, testicular circumference and testicular volume were significantly (p < 0.05) greater during short days in all rams, regardless of the semen collection frequency, with the exception of sperm concentration, for which no variation was found in HR individuals, and reaction time and T4 levels, for which no variation was found in LR males. Rams subjected to HR collection were more affected by the short-day photoperiod than rams collected twice per week, exhibiting greater reduction (p < 0.05) in time to achieve their first ejaculation and in sperm per ejaculation, as well as greater increases (p < 0.05) in T4 concentration than LR rams (14.65 ± 1.22 vs 23.53 ± 5.34 s, (3.37 ± 0.17) × 109 vs (3.52 ± 0.20) × 109 sperm and 8.68 ± 0.44 vs 6.85 ± 0.74 ng/ml, respectively). It was concluded that: (a) the magnitude of the seasonal effects was not sufficient to prevent the rams being used for breeding throughout the year, and (b) seasonal variation within variables was affected differently between semen collection frequencies.

Effect of semen collection frequency on seasonal variation in sexual behaviour, testosterone, testicular size and semen characteristics of tropical hair rams (Ovis aries).

The purpose of this study was to evaluate if an educational package used for animal welfare teaching would have significant effects on the knowledge of first grade children in a rural area of Mexico. The research was conducted with 276 students in six public schools. In the experimental group, 177 children participated in a 10 week-long animal welfare education program that covered ten one-hour animal welfare topics. The control group, consisting of 99 children, did not receive the course. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) between pretests of the experimental and control schools (ANOVA). However, a significant effect of the program on the children’s knowledge was found when the results of the posttest were analyzed using the pretest as a covariate (ANCOVA). Furthermore, the correct responses of the children exposed to the Animal Welfare program were on average 78% richer in concepts compared to responses from children in the control group. These results contribute to the growing body of research literature on the relationship between children and animals in humane education, suggesting that first grade children living in moderate economic conditions can assimilate animal welfare concepts.

Assessment of the Impact of an Animal Welfare Educational Course with First Grade Children in Rural Schools in the State of Morelos, Mexico

Temporal weaning is a common practice to reduce the calving interval. Behavioral responses of calves to short-term separation and subsequent reunion with their mothers were measured. Twenty-seven zebu-type cow-calf pairs were assigned to 1 of 3 groups. Calves in the first group were separated from their dams for 72 hours (FC) using a fence. Calves in this group had some contact with their mothers through the fence. In the second group, calves were removed for 72 hours with no sensorial contact with their mothers (NC). The third group (CO) was used as a control group, in which calves were not separated from their mothers. After the 72-hour period, calves were reunited with their dams. Results show that FC and NC induced significant ( P P P

A note on behavioral responses to brief cow-calf separation and reunion in cattle (Bos indicus)

Breaking down the effect of Electro-Ejaculation on the serum cortisol response, heart and respiratory rates in hair sheep (Ovis aries).

The purpose of the present experiment was to describe rabbits´ early behavioral responses to illness, and its relation with physiological changes to help improve early detection of infection, particularly those induced by Taenia pisiformis in rabbits. Twenty adult female New Zealand rabbits were randomly allocated in two groups, to determine whether changes in behavior and some physiological parameters can be induced in rabbits after a T. pisiformis infection. Infected animals were orally inoculated with 3,000 eggs of T. pisiformis, while controls only received saline solution. Behavioral activity was recorded daily from 19:00 to 21:00 h starting two days before infection. Mate choice and rank status were assessed, and blood samples were collected at -2, 7, 14 and 25 days post infection (dpi) for hematological and hepatic function determinations. All animals were observed for clinical signs every other day from the beginning of the experiment and euthanized 25 dpi after last sampling. Infected animals spent more (P 0.05) were observed in the time spent at the feeder, rank status or mate choice. Leucocyte and lymphocyte concentrations increased (P<0.05) while heterophil counts decreased in infected rabbits as the experiment progressed. Furthermore, infected animals had larger concentrations of alkaline phosphatase as soon as 7 dpi. No clinical signs of the disease were detected. Necropsy findings corroborate hepatic lesions and presence of the parasite in all infected animals. It was concluded that an infection with 3,000 eggs of T. pisiformis induced changes in behavioral patterns, supported by some changes in hematological and hepatic parameters that could improve early detection of illness, regardless of clinical signs.

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Changes in behavioural and physiological parameters associated with Taenia pisiformis infection in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) that may improve early detection of sick rabbits

Virginio Aguirre

Papers

Effect of semen collection frequency on seasonal variation in sexual behaviour, testosterone, testicular size and semen characteristics of tropical hair rams (Ovis aries).

Assessment of the Impact of an Animal Welfare Educational Course with First Grade Children in Rural Schools in the State of Morelos, Mexico

A note on behavioral responses to brief cow-calf separation and reunion in cattle (Bos indicus)

Breaking down the effect of Electro-Ejaculation on the serum cortisol response, heart and respiratory rates in hair sheep (Ovis aries).

Changes in behavioural and physiological parameters associated with Taenia pisiformis infection in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) that may improve early detection of sick rabbits