Comparison of Cortisol Concentrations in Different Matrices in Alpine Ibex (Capra ibex) at the Zoo
The usefulness of blood collection using venipuncture versus kissing bugs or medicinal leeches and the collection of saliva, faeces, hair, urine, and tears for measuring “immunoreactive” C (iC) concentration in Alpine ibexes was verified using commercial enzyme immunoassays. The mean value of serum C was highest in serum collected using venipuncture and lowest in serums […]
Zoo research guidelines: Research sampling guidelines for zoos
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Observational methods to measure behaviors of captive cotton-top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus)
Abstract The purpose of this study was to identify efficient sampling methods for establishing accurate activity budgets for zoo animals. Seven cotton-top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus) from two zoos were videotaped for multiple 90 min sessions, 3 to 4 days per week for 12 weeks. An activity budget was constructed for each animal using a continuous sampling […]
Welfare outcomes assessment in laying hen farm assurance schemes
Most farm assurance schemes in the UK at least, in part, aim to provide assurances to consumers and retailers of compliance with welfare standards. Inclusion of welfare outcome assessments into the relevant inspection procedures provides a mechanism to improve animal welfare within assurance schemes. In this study, taking laying hens as an example, we describe […]
Foraging dynamics in Steller’s jays: size and viability of cacheable food items
Several species of birds and mammals cache food items, which in harsh conditions may translate into improved survival or reproductive success. Animals may benefit from evaluating the quality of cache items in terms of size, nutrition and storage viability. Steller’s jays, Cyanocitta stelleri, which cache seeds for later consumption, may handle multiple food items with […]
Effects of different blood collection methods on indicators of welfare in mice
Blood collection is a common experimental, procedure for which there are many different methods, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Researchers should use methods that minimize pain, suffering, distress and lasting harm to animals while meeting study requirements. The authors evaluated stress, activity and tissue damage in BALB/c01aHsd mice after collecting blood using one […]
ADVANCES IN ANIMAL WELFARE FOR FREE-LIVING ANIMALS
Over several decades, animal welfare has grown into its own free-standing field of scientific study, from its early beginnings in laboratory animal research to eventually include exhibited animals and farm animals. While it has always been present to some degree, consideration of animal welfare for free-ranging animals has lagged behind, developing as a field of […]