Assessment of animal welfare through behavioural parameters in Iberian pigs in intensive and extensive conditions
Behaviour is a significant component of well-being and should be properly considered in a pig welfare assessment. However, interpretation of variations in behaviour is usually not straightforward, especially when dealing with animals housed and managed in a variety of systems. The fourth principle of the Welfare Quality® project, labelled “Appropriate behaviour”, was assessed on 21 […]
Development of the behavioural assessment for re-homing K9’s (B.A.R.K.) protocol
Globally, millions of dogs enter the welfare shelter system each year. Before being made available for adoption dogs are typically screened for their suitability as companions by way of a “temperament test” or behavioural assessment. In Australia, the majority of dogs that fail their behavioural assessment are subsequently euthanased. Previous research has identified a lack […]
Evaluation of the predictive validity of the Behavioural Assessment for Re-homing K9’s (B.A.R.K.) protocol and owner satisfaction with adopted dogs
It is common practice for animal shelters and rescue organisations to conduct behaviour assessments on the dogs in their care. The information obtained is used to identify dogs suitable for re-homing and also assist with matching dogs to appropriate homes. Although the aim of these assessments is to provide a snapshot of the behavioural characteristics […]