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Author Ahrendt, L.P.; Labouriau, R.; Malmkvist, J.; Nicol, C.J.; Christensen, J.W. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Development of a standard test to assess negative reinforcement learning in horses Type Journal Article
  Year 2015 Publication Applied Animal Behaviour Science Abbreviated Journal Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci.  
  Volume 169 Issue Pages (up) 38-42  
  Keywords Algometry; Horse behaviour; Learning performance; Operant conditioning; Pressure-release; Horse training  
  Abstract Most horses are trained by negative reinforcement. Currently, however, no standardised test for evaluating horses' negative reinforcement learning ability is available. The aim of this study was to develop an objective test to investigate negative reinforcement learning in horses. Twenty-four Icelandic horses (3 years old) were included in this study. The horses were tested in a pressure-release task on three separate days with 10, 7 and 5 trials on each side, respectively. Each trial consisted of pressure being applied on the hindquarter with an algometer. The force of the pressure was increased until the horse moved laterally away from the point of pressure. There was a significant decrease in required force over trials on the first test day (P<0.001), but not the second and third day. The intercepts on days 2 and 3 differed significantly from day 1 (P<0.001), but not each other. Significantly stronger force was required on the right side compared to the left (P<0.001), but there was no difference between first and second side tested (P=0.56). Individual performance was evaluated by median-force and the change in force over trials on the first test day. These two measures may explain different characteristics of negative reinforcement learning. In conclusion, this study presents a novel, standardised test for evaluating negative reinforcement learning ability in horses.  
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  ISSN 0168-1591 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 6650  
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Author Dixon, G.; Green, L.E.; Nicol, C.J. doi  openurl
  Title Effect of diet change on the behavior of chicks of an egg-laying strain Type Journal Article
  Year 2006 Publication Journal of applied animal welfare science : JAAWS Abbreviated Journal J Appl Anim Welf Sci  
  Volume 9 Issue 1 Pages (up) 41-58  
  Keywords *Animal Feed; *Animal Nutrition Physiology; Animals; Behavior, Animal/*physiology; Chickens/*physiology; Crowding; Feeding Behavior/*physiology; Female; Food Preferences/physiology; Oviposition; Random Allocation; Taste  
  Abstract Injurious pecking has serious welfare consequences in flocks of hens kept for egg laying, especially when loose-housed. Frequent diet change is a significant risk for injurious pecking; how the mechanics of diet change influence pecking behavior is unknown. This study investigated the effect of diet change on the behavior of chicks from a laying strain. The study included a 3-week familiarity phase: 18 chick pairs received unflavored feed (Experiment 1); 18 pairs received orange oil-flavored (Experiment 2). All chicks participated in a dietary preference test (P); a diet change (DC); or a control group (C), 6 scenarios. All P chicks preferred unflavored feed. In Experiment 1, DC involved change from unflavored to orange-flavored; Experiment 2, orange- flavored to unflavored. Compared with controls, Experiment 2 DC chicks exhibited few behavioral differences; Experiment 1 DC chicks exhibited increased behavioral event rates on Days 1 and 7. They pecked significantly longer at their environment; by Day 7, they showed significantly more beak activity. There was little evidence of dietary neophobia. Change from more preferred to less preferred feed led to increased activity and redirected pecking behavior.  
  Address School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, England  
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  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1088-8705 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:16649950 Approved no  
  Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 64  
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Author Nicol, C.J. url  doi
openurl 
  Title How animals learn from each other Type Journal Article
  Year 2006 Publication Applied Animal Behaviour Science Abbreviated Journal Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci.  
  Volume 100 Issue 1-2 Pages (up) 58-63  
  Keywords Social learning; Chickens; Demonstrators; Dominance  
  Abstract This paper explores ways by which animals may learn from one another, using examples drawn mostly from the chicken, an animal for which social learning is likely to be less dangerous than individual learning. In early life, the behaviour of the hen is important in encouraging chicks to peck at edible items. Maternal display not only attracts chicks to profitable food items, but also redirects their attention away from harmful or non-profitable items. Older chicks can enhance their foraging success by observing the behaviour of conspecifics within their own social group. Hens have been trained to perform a novel behaviour (key-pecking for food) by observation of a trained demonstrator bird. Moreover, observers learnt most from watching dominant demonstrators. Thus the ability to learn from others is not `fixed', but depends on the context and the social identity of both the observer and the demonstrator.  
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  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 564  
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Author Crosby, M.B.; Svenson, J.L.; Zhang, J.; Nicol, C.J.; Gonzalez, F.J.; Gilkeson, G.S. doi  openurl
  Title Peroxisome proliferation-activated receptor (PPAR)gamma is not necessary for synthetic PPARgamma agonist inhibition of inducible nitric-oxide synthase and nitric oxide Type Journal Article
  Year 2005 Publication The Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics Abbreviated Journal J Pharmacol Exp Ther  
  Volume 312 Issue 1 Pages (up) 69-76  
  Keywords Animals; Cell Line; Gene Expression/drug effects; Macrophages/drug effects/metabolism; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Nitric Oxide/*metabolism; Nitric Oxide Synthase/*metabolism; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II; PPAR delta/metabolism; PPAR gamma/*agonists/deficiency; Thiazolidinediones/pharmacology  
  Abstract Peroxisome proliferation-activated receptor (PPAR)gamma agonists inhibit inducible nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-6. Because of these effects, synthetic PPARgamma agonists, including thiazolidinediones, are being studied for their impact on inflammatory disease. The anti-inflammatory concentrations of synthetic PPARgamma agonists range from 10 to 50 microM, whereas their binding affinity for PPARgamma is in the nanomolar range. The specificity of synthetic PPARgamma agonists for PPARgamma at the concentrations necessary for anti-inflammatory effects is thus in question. We report that PPARgamma is not necessary for the inhibition of iNOS by synthetic PPARgamma agonists. RAW 264.7 macrophages possess little PPARgamma, yet lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/interferon (IFN)gamma-induced iNOS was inhibited by synthetic PPARgamma agonists at 20 microM. Endogenous PPARgamma was inhibited by the transfection of a dominant-negative PPARgamma construct into murine mesangial cells. In the transfected cells, synthetic PPARgamma agonists inhibited iNOS production at 10 microM, similar to nontransfected cells. Using cells from PPARgamma Cre/lox conditional knockout mice, baseline and LPS/IFNgamma-induced nitric oxide levels were higher in macrophages lacking PPARgamma versus controls. However, synthetic PPARgamma agonists inhibited iNOS at 10 microM in the PPARgamma-deficient cells, similar to macrophages from wild-type mice. These results indicate that PPARgamma is not necessary for inhibition of iNOS expression by synthetic PPARgamma agonists at concentrations over 10 microM. Intrinsic PPARgamma function, in the absence of synthetic agonists, however, may play a role in inflammatory modulation.  
  Address Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA  
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  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0022-3565 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:15356214 Approved no  
  Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 73  
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Author Nicol, C.J. openurl 
  Title Development, direction, and damage limitation: social learning in domestic fowl Type Journal Article
  Year 2004 Publication Learning & behavior : a Psychonomic Society publication Abbreviated Journal Learn Behav  
  Volume 32 Issue 1 Pages (up) 72-81  
  Keywords Adaptation, Psychological; Age Factors; Animals; Behavior, Animal; *Chickens; *Feeding Behavior; *Food Preferences; *Imitative Behavior; Imprinting (Psychology); *Learning; Maternal Behavior; Reinforcement (Psychology); *Social Environment; *Social Facilitation  
  Abstract This review highlights two areas of particular interest in the study of social learning in fowl. First, the role of social learning in the development of feeding and foraging behavior in young chicks and older birds is described. The role of the hen as a demonstrator and possible teacher is considered, and the subsequent social influence of brood mates and other companions on food avoidance and food preference learning is discussed. Second, the way in which work on domestic fowl has contributed to an understanding of the importance of directed social learning is examined. The well-characterized hierarchical social organization of small chicken flocks has been used to design studies which demonstrate that the probability of social transmission is strongly influenced by social relationships between birds. The practical implications of understanding the role of social learning in the spread of injurious behaviors in this economically important species are briefly considered.  
  Address Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford, Bristol, England. c.j.nicol@bristol.ac.uk  
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  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1543-4494 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:15161142 Approved no  
  Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 75  
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Author Nicol, C.J. url  openurl
  Title The social transmission of information and behaviour Type Journal Article
  Year 1995 Publication Applied Animal Behaviour Science Abbreviated Journal Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci.  
  Volume 44 Issue 2-4 Pages (up) 79-98  
  Keywords Social learning; Imitation; Social facilitation; Cultural transmission; Stereotypies  
  Abstract Social influences on established behaviour and on the acquisition of new information and behaviour are reviewed. Distinctions between social facilitation and contagious behaviour are drawn and suggestions for further research on contagious behaviour are made. Socially derived visual, olfactory and auditory cues are considered as important influences on behaviour and subsequent learning. The evidence supporting two potential mechanisms of social learning, i.e. stimulus enhancement followed by individual learning, and imitation, is reviewed in detail. It is argued that the functions of social learning are similarly heterogeneous and include motor skill acquisition, gathering of environmental information, and social conformity. Factors affecting the spread of socially acquired skills, including the social relationship between demonstrator and observer, are highlighted. Lastly, the few studies of social learning that have been conducted with domestic species are reviewed and potential applied goals that could stimulate further research in this area are suggested.  
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  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 577  
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Author McGreevy, P.D.; Cripps, P.J.; French, N.P.; Green, L.E.; Nicol, C.J. openurl 
  Title Management factors associated with stereotypic and redirected behaviour in the thoroughbred horse Type Journal Article
  Year 1995 Publication Equine veterinary journal Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J  
  Volume 27 Issue 2 Pages (up) 86-91  
  Keywords Animal Husbandry/*methods; Animals; Horse Diseases/psychology/*therapy; Horses; Risk Factors; *Stereotyped Behavior; Time Factors  
  Abstract A greater knowledge of the effect of management factors is required to investigate the ontogeny of abnormal behaviour in the stabled horse. A postal survey of racehorse (flat) trainers yielded information about 22 yard and management factors. The relationship of the factors to the prevalence of abnormal behaviour was analysed by logistic regression. Management factors related to the time spent in the stable showed the strongest associations with stereotypic behaviour. The risk of horses performing abnormal behaviour increased: 1) as the amount of forage fell below 6.8 kg/day, 2) when bedding types other than straw were used, 3) when the total number of horses on the yard was fewer than 75, 4) in association with box designs that minimised contact between neighbouring horses, 5) when hay, rather than other types of forage, was used.  
  Address Department of Animal Health and Husbandry, School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford, UK  
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  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0425-1644 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:7607155 Approved no  
  Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 91  
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Author McGreevy, P.D.; Richardson, J.D.; Nicol, C.J.; Lane, J.G. openurl 
  Title Radiographic and endoscopic study of horses performing an oral based stereotypy Type Journal Article
  Year 1995 Publication Equine veterinary journal Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J  
  Volume 27 Issue 2 Pages (up) 92-95  
  Keywords Animals; Endoscopy/*veterinary; Esophagus/physiopathology/radiography; Female; Fluoroscopy/veterinary; Horse Diseases/physiopathology/*psychology/radiography; Horses; Male; Pharynx/physiopathology/radiography; *Stereotyped Behavior; Video Recording  
  Abstract There is confusion in the veterinary literature concerning the definition of oral based stereotypies in the horse. This study reports the use of fluoroscopy and endoscopy during cribbiting/wind-sucking in afflicted horses. This permitted observations of movements of the pharyngeal and oesophageal tissues and of the air column within during the stereotypic behaviour. The findings reported show that the sequence of events during crib-biting/wind-sucking is not related to deglutition and that air is not swallowed to the stomach. Transient dilation of the upper oesophagus was recorded and the characteristic noise of wind-sucking coincided with the in-rush of air through the cricopharynx. The oesophageal distension was relieved when the air returned to the pharynx although small quantities passed caudally. It is proposed that the role of contraction of the strap muscles of the neck is to create a pressure gradient in the soft tissues surrounding the oesophagus which provokes movement of air from the pharynx into the oesophagus. The findings suggest that the definitions currently used in the sale of horses are in need of revision.  
  Address Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford, UK  
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  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
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  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0425-1644 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:7607156 Approved no  
  Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 90  
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Author Søndergaard, E.; Jensen, M.B.; Nicol, C.J. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Motivation for social contact in horses measured by operant conditioning Type Journal Article
  Year 2011 Publication Applied Animal Behaviour Science Abbreviated Journal Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci.  
  Volume 132 Issue 3-4 Pages (up) 131-137  
  Keywords Horse; Housing; Social behaviour; Operant conditioning; Motivation  
  Abstract Although horses are social animals they are often housed individually with limited social contact to other horses and this may compromise their welfare. The present study included eight young female horses and investigated the strength of motivation for access to full social contact, head contact and muzzle contact, respectively, to a familiar companion horse. Horses were housed individually next to their companion horse and separations between pens prevented physical contact. During daily test sessions horses were brought to a test area where they could access an arena allowing social contact. Arena access during 3 min was given after completion of a predetermined number of responses on a panel. Fixed ratios (FR) of 8, 16, 24, 32 and 40 responses per arena access were applied in a random order, one per daily test session, within each test week (Monday to Friday), and the number of rewards per daily test session was recorded. All horses could access all three types of social contact in a cross-over design, and an empty arena was used as control. Motivational strength was assessed using elasticity of demand functions, which were estimated based on the number of rewards earned and FR. Elasticities of demand for the three types of social contact were low (-0.20), and not significantly different, although increasing FR still resulted in a decrease in rewards obtained for all three types of social contact (P < 0.001). Across FR-levels horses earned more rewards for social contact than for an empty arena, as shown by much higher intercept values (2.51 vs. 0.99; P < 0.001). However, the elasticity of demand for infrequent access to an empty arena (-0.08) was lower than for social contact (P < 0.01) and not significantly different from zero (P = 0.07). Horses performed more social behaviour the lesser the restriction on social contact (full > head > muzzle). However, the finding that horses showed a similar and high motivation for all three types of social contact suggests that they are valued equally highly in a situation where the alternative is no social contact.  
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  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0168-1591 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 5410  
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Author Nicol, C.J.; Brown, S.N.; Glen, E.; Pope, S.J.; Short, F.J.; Warriss, P.D.; Zimmerman, P.H.; Wilkins, L.J. doi  openurl
  Title Effects of stocking density, flock size and management on the welfare of laying hens in single-tier aviaries Type Journal Article
  Year 2006 Publication British poultry science Abbreviated Journal Br Poult Sci  
  Volume 47 Issue 2 Pages (up) 135-146  
  Keywords Animal Husbandry/*methods; *Animal Welfare; Animals; Body Constitution/*physiology; Chickens/*physiology; Crowding; Feathers; Female; *Housing, Animal/standards; Mortality; Organ Size; Oviposition/physiology; Population Density; Population Dynamics; Random Allocation  
  Abstract Management practices, stocking rate and flock size may affect laying hen welfare but there have been few replicated studies in commercial non-cage systems that investigate this. This study used a broad range of physical and physiological indicators to assess the welfare of hens in 36 commercial flocks. Six laying period treatments were examined with each treatment replicated 6 times. It was not possible to randomly allocate treatments to houses, so treatment and house were largely confounded. Three stocking rates were compared: 7 birds/m(2) (n = 2450), 9 birds/m(2) (n = 3150) and 12 birds/m(2) in either small (n = 2450) or large (n = 4200) flocks. In addition, at 12 birds/m(2), in both small and large flocks, birds were subjected to either standard (SM) or modified (MM) management. MM flocks had nipple drinkers and no nest-box lights. Bone strength, fracture incidence, heterophil:lymphocyte (H:L) ratio, live weight, organ weights, serum creatine, serum osmolality, muscle pH and faecal corticosterone were measured on samples of birds at the end of the rearing period and at the end of lay. During the laying period, mortality, production and integument condition were recorded at regular intervals. Birds housed at 9 birds/m(2) had higher mortality than birds housed at 12 birds/m(2) by the end of lay, but not higher than birds housed at 7 birds/m(2). Birds housed at 7 and 9 birds/m(2) had lower percent liver weight, and worse plumage condition than most of the 12 bird/m(2) treatments. Modified management tended to improve plumage condition. There were no clear effects of flock size on the welfare indicators recorded. At the end of the rearing period fracture incidence was almost negligible and H:L ratio was within a normal range. By the end of lay fracture incidence was 60% and H:L ratio was high, with no treatment effect for either measure. This, together with information on faecal corticosterone, feather loss and mortality, suggests that the welfare of birds in all treatments was relatively poor by the end of lay.  
  Address School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford BS40 5DU and ADAS Gleadthorpe, Meden Vale, Mansfield, Notts NG20 9PF, England. c.j.nicol@bristol.ac.uk  
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  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0007-1668 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:16641024 Approved no  
  Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 65  
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