Behavioural responses of laying hens following a period of spatial restriction
Six laying hens were housed singly in small cages (area 847 cm2) and six were housed singly in large cages (2310 cm2) for a period of 4 weeks. Many significant differences were found between the behaviour of the birds in the two groups. In addition, the frequency of performance of some activities, e.g. wing stretching […]
Effects of human–dog familiarity on dogs’ behavioural responses to petting
The complex, subtle body postures and facial expressions used by dogs for communication is sometimes contrary to the human–dog communication mainly focused on verbal and tactile signals. Human–dog interactions might lead to misunderstandings because humans perform gestures that the pet interprets as social behaviours that are inappropriately performed by the human. Therefore, the behavioural responses […]
Behavioural responses of Argentine coastal dusky dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obscurus) to a biopsy pole system
In recent years, analysis of tissue samples has become a powerful tool in cetacean ecology since it provides information for effective conservation and management policies. Biopsy samples taken for such studies have been obtained by various means including crossbows, rifles, and pole systems. We investigated sampling success and the reaction of dusky dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obscurus) […]
Cumulative experience, age-class, sex and season affect the behavioural responses of European badgers (Meles meles) to handling and sedation
The restraint and sedation of wild animals has welfare implications, thus animal handling procedures should be well-informed and optimised to adhere to welfare standards. Furthermore, it is important that handling procedures should not cause future trap avoidance. This is of particular pertinence to European badgers (Meles meles), subject to extensive cage-trapping, relating to bovine tuberculosis […]