The effect of different types of environmental enrichment on Humboldt penguin Spheniscus humboldti behaviour
Penguins exhibited at zoological institutions can be prone to a foot condition known as pododermatitis (or bumblefoot) if they have high levels of sedentary behaviour. Providing penguins with environmental enrichment can increase activity levels by offering opportunities to engage in species-appropriate behaviour such as swimming and locomoting around the exhibit. The goal of the current […]
Comparative growth and survival of juvenile hard clams, Mercenaria mercenaria, fed commercially available diets
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.20113.abs Hobbyist and researchers often use commercially available phytoplankton concentrates to maintain filter feeding organisms held in their ornamental or experimental tanks. This study investigated the nutritional value of 10 products available commercially for juvenile hard clams, Mercenaria mercenaria. Growth and mortality rates in clams fed these products were compared with those found in […]
Investigating the influence of predictable and unpredictable feed delivery schedules upon the behaviour and welfare of Atlantic salmon parr (Salmo salar) using social network analysis and fin damage
Social network analysis was utilised to quantify the effect of short-term predictable (PD) and unpredictable (UD) feed delivery schedules of 10 days on behavioural interactions and the frequency and severity of fin damage in Atlantic salmon. Fin damage was only observed on the dorsal fin and its frequency and severity was significantly higher in UD […]
Investigating the relationship between feed and helminthic burden of captive birds of prey in Hong Kong
The life cycle of most parasitic helminthes is related to their hosts feeding habits. Thus we need to investigate the impact of diet on the host’s helminthic parasite burden. Not many studies in captive raptors have been conducted and published regarding parasitic infections. The aim of this study is to evaluate the helminthic burden of […]
Awareness concerning optimal pig production management and animal welfare among smallholder farmers in Tanzania
The aim of this study was to assess smallholder farmer awareness in terms of good pig management and to identify serious management issues that should be readily changeable despite resources being limited in a rural setting. Methodology was a combination of questionnaire and observational surveys performed at pig-keeping households practising either confinement or a free-range […]