Enclosure Use as a Measure of Behavioral Welfare in Zoo-Housed African Wild Dogs (Lycaon pictus)
African wild dogs Lycaon pictus are a popularly exhibited zoo animal, frequently housed in groups to represent their natural packs in the wild. While such group housing is common, the effects of changes to that group are seldom directly investigated. This study examined the enclosure use of three African wild dog siblings located at the […]
Spatial Distribution of a Population of Texas Horned Lizards (Phrynosoma cornutum: Phrynosomatidae) Relative to Habitat and Prey
The spatial distribution of a Texas horned lizard population was quantified with respect to habitat and prey. Horned lizard spatial distribution was clustered in three specific areas, whereas ant mounds belonging to their primary prey, Pogonomyrmex barbatus, were randomly distributed in the study area. An analysis of vegetation cover relative to horned lizard spatial distribution […]
Forced to crowd or choosing to cluster? Spatial distribution indicates social attraction in broiler chickens
We investigated the response of commercially farmed broiler (meat) chickens to their social environment at five stocking densities, using spatial distribution and behaviour. We used a computer model in which a [`]social aversion/attraction’ parameter was set at different values to give simulations in which the chickens were averse, indifferent or positively attracted to each other. […]
Influence of rearing conditions of pullets on space use and performance of hens placed in aviaries at the beginning of the laying period
little work has been done on the adaptation of hens to this system according to their previous rearing conditions, despite the specific adaptation skills it requires of them. The adaptation to laying aviaries of hens previously reared in different conditions was assessed here through their use of vertical levels, numbers and distances of flights and […]
Use of pen space and activity of broiler chickens reared at two different densities
A better understanding of the motivation of broiler chickens reared indoors to go to and remain in a different part of the pen (or not) could help to provide appropriate organisation of the rearing space on farms. This study was performed to determine whether broiler chickens reared in large pens (9 m×5 m) congregate in […]
Shelter use of familiar and unfamiliar groups of juvenile European catfish Silurus glanis
Within aquaculture systems, shelters are often used to reduce cannibalism, minimise energy consumption, accelerate the start of exogenous feeding, support growth, and improve survival and welfare. However, stronger competition for shelters in aquaculture systems relative to that under wild conditions may result in a higher level of aggressiveness accompanied by an increase in energy consumption. […]
Nest distribution varies with dispersal method and familiarity-mediated aggression for two sympatric ants
Dispersal mechanisms and competition together play a key role in the spatial distribution of a population. Species that disperse via fission are likely to experience high levels of localized competitive pressure from conspecifics relative to species that disperse in other ways. Although fission dispersal occurs in many species, its ecological and behavioural effects remain unclear. […]
Do hens have friends?
Recent interest in positive welfare has encouraged consideration of the formation of socio-positive relationships in farmed species which may provide a means by which to manage positive states. We investigated in detail the existence of dyadic preferential associations in small groups of domestic laying hens. Spatial and temporal associations were examined in two contexts (day […]
Population survey and management strategies of free-roaming dogs (Canis familiaris) on Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
ABSTRACTThe island of Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, is populated by free-roaming dogs who were introduced during World War II. The local nonhuman animal control agency manages this population; however, the demographic information and public perception of this population remain unknown. To characterize the free-roaming dog population, an island-wide survey on Saipan was […]