Animal welfare: a social networks perspective
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
2016 |
Authors: |
T. K. Kleinhappel, E. A. John, T. W. Pike, A. Wilkinson, O. H. P. Burman |
Publication/Journal: |
Science Progress |
Keywords: |
behavior, complex networks, dominance, education, entire male pigs, feather, fin damage, laying hens, multidisciplinary sciences, optical-flow patterns, pecking, scientific disciplines, single-sex groups, transmission |
ISBN: |
0036-8504 |
Abstract:
Social network theory provides a useful tool to study complex social relationships in animals. The possibility to look beyond dyadic interactions by considering whole networks of social relationships allows researchers the opportunity to study social groups in more natural ways. As such, network-based analyses provide an informative way to investigate the factors influencing the social environment of group-living animals, and so has direct application to animal welfare. For example, animal groups in captivity are frequently disrupted by separations, reintroductions and/or mixing with unfamiliar individuals and this can lead to social stress and associated aggression. Social network analysis of animal groups can help identify the underlying causes of these socially-derived animal welfare concerns. In this review we discuss how this approach can be applied, and how it could be used to identify potential interventions and solutions in the area of animal welfare.