A review of injuries caused by elephants in captivity: an examination of predominant factors
Injuries to people caused by elephants in zoos can be lethal. Data on incidents of injury to keepers and visitors were collated from newspaper articles, personal communications with zoo directors and keepers, and published information from the European Elephant Group. Although the data were not of consistent quality and detail across the three sources, the […]
The value of infrared thermography for research on mammals: previous applications and future directions
1. Infrared thermography (IRT) involves the precise measurement of infrared radiation which allows surface temperature to be determined according to simple physical laws. This review describes previous applications of IRT in studies of thermal physiology, veterinary diagnosis of disease or injury and population surveys on domestic and wild mammals. 2. IRT is a useful technique […]
Frequency of nose and tail injuries in cattle and water buffalo at livestock markets in Bangladesh
A total of 560 cattle and water buffalo were examined at livestock markets in Bangladesh. The aim was to assess the frequency of nose and tail injuries that could have occurred during handling and transport. The frequency of nose piercing was 64%, and 69% of the cattle and 54% of the water buffalo had rubbing […]
Male and Female Aggression: Lessons from Sex, Rank, Age, and Injury in Olive Baboons
Aggression is ubiquitous, influencing reproduction through inter- and intraspecific effects in ways that reflect life-history strategies of species. In many social mammals, females remain in their natal group for life, whereas males emigrate and compete for rank in other social groups. Competition for rank is inherently risky. Therefore, it has long been hypothesized that risks […]
A training programme to ensure high repeatability of injury scoring of dairy cows
Obtaining reliable welfare outcome measures from commercial farms can be challenging. We developed a training programme to train observers to score injuries of the tarsal joint, carpal joint and neck on dairy cows as part of an on-farm study. Twelve trainees were trained using protocols and photographs in a classroom session and on-farm visits. Continued […]
Traumatized and inflamed — But resilient: Glial aromatization and the avian brain
This article is part of a Special Issue “Hormones & Neurotrauma”. Steroids like estrogens have potent effects on the vertebrate brain, and are provided to neural targets from peripheral and central sources. Estradiol synthesized within the vertebrate CNS modulates neural structure and function, including the pathways involved in neuroprotection, and perhaps, neural repair. Specifically, aromatase; […]
Transport of horses for slaughter in Iceland
There is interest in the transportation of horses (Equus caballus) to slaughter and a need to assess the welfare implications of this practice. Forty-six loads of 7–35 horses transported for 0.33 to 3.10 h to a slaughter plant in Iceland were studied. Adults and foals were transported together and then placed in separate pens overnight […]
Socialization in pigtailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina)
Investigations Into Equine Transport-Related Problem Behaviors: Survey Results
Transport-related problem behaviors (TRPBs) in horses are an animal welfare concern, and many training methods in loading/travelling have been recommended to reduce their incidence. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of TRPB and training methods in Australia and to identify risks for and consequences of TRPB. An online survey was conducted, and respondents reported […]