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Author (down) Meehan, C.L.; Mench, J.A.
Title The challenge of challenge: Can problem solving opportunities enhance animal welfare? Type Journal Article
Year 2007 Publication Applied Animal Behaviour Science Abbreviated Journal Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci.
Volume 102 Issue 3-4 Pages 246-261
Keywords Cognition; Environmental enrichment; Challenge; Eustress; Problem solving; Intrinsic motivation
Abstract Cognitive mechanisms are an important part of the organization of the behavior systems of animals. In the wild, animals regularly face problems that they must overcome in order to survive and thrive. Solving such problems often requires animals to process, store, retrieve, and act upon information from the environment--in other words, to use their cognitive skills. For example, animals may have to use navigational, tool-making or cooperative social skills in order to procure their food. However, many enrichment programs for captive animals do not include the integration of these types of cognitive challenges. Thus, foraging enrichments typically are designed to facilitate the physical expression of feeding behaviors such as food-searching and food consumption, but not to facilitate complex problem solving behaviors related to food acquisition. Challenging animals by presenting them with problems is almost certainly a source of frustration and stress. However, we suggest here that this is an important, and even necessary, feature of an enrichment program, as long as animals also possess the skills and resources to effectively solve the problems with which they are presented. We discuss this with reference to theories about the emotional consequences of coping with challenge, the association between lack of challenge and the development of abnormal behavior, and the benefits of stress (arousal) in facilitating learning and memory of relevant skills. Much remains to be done to provide empirical support for these theories. However, they do point the way to a practical approach to improving animal welfare--to design enrichments to facilitate the cognitive mechanisms which underlie the performance of complex behaviors that cannot be performed due to the restrictions inherent to the captive environment.
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Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 2890
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Author (down) McGreevy, P.D.; McLean, A.N.
Title Roles of learning theory and ethology in equitation Type Journal Article
Year 2007 Publication Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research Abbreviated Journal
Volume 2 Issue 4 Pages 108-118
Keywords ethological training; equine ethnology; equitation; horse behavior; learning theory
Abstract By definition, ethology is primarily the scientific study of animal behavior, especially as it occurs in a natural environment; applied ethology being the study of animal behavior in the human domain. The terms equine ethology and ethological training are becoming commonplace in the equestrian domain, yet they seem to be used with a conspicuous lack of clarity and with no mention of learning theory. Most of what we do to train horses runs counter to their innate preferences. This article summarizes the ethological challenges encountered by working horses and considers the merits and limitations of ethological solutions. It also questions the use of terms such as “alpha” and “leader” and examines aspects of learning theory, equine cognition, and ethology as applied to horse training and clinical behavior modification. We propose 7 training principles that optimally account for the horse's ethological and learning abilities and maintain maximal responsivity in the trained horse. These principles can be summarized as: (1) use learning theory appropriately; (2) train easy-to-discriminate signals; (3) train and subsequently elicit responses singularly; (4) train only one response per signal; (5) train all responses to be initiated and subsequently completed within a consistent structure; (6) train persistence of current operantly conditioned responses; and (7) avoid and disassociate flight responses. Adherence to these principles and incorporating them into all horse training methodologies should accelerate training success, reduce behavioral wastage of horses, and improve safety for both humans and horses.
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Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4511
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Author (down) McElreath, R.; Luttbeg, B.; Fogarty, S.P.; Brodin, T.; Sih, A.
Title Evolution of animal personalities Type Journal Article
Year 2007 Publication Abbreviated Journal Nature
Volume 450 Issue 7167 Pages E5-E5
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Publisher Nature Publishing Group Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0028-0836 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes 10.1038/nature06326 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4295
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Author (down) McCall, C.A.
Title Making equine learning research applicable to training procedures Type Journal Article
Year 2007 Publication Behavioural Processes Abbreviated Journal Behav. Process.
Volume 76 Issue 1 Pages 27-28
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Notes Approved no
Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 623
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Author (down) McBride, S.D.; Wolf, B.
Title Using multivariate statistical analysis to measure ovine temperament; stability of factor construction over time and between groups of animals Type Journal Article
Year 2007 Publication Applied Animal Behaviour Science Abbreviated Journal Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci.
Volume 103 Issue 1-2 Pages 45-58
Keywords Arena test; Factor analysis; Temperament; Sheep
Abstract The ovine arena test in conjunction with multivariate statistical analysis (factor analysis) may be a means of measuring ovine temperament for practical purposes. Stability of factor construction over time and between groups of animals is considered to demonstrate trait consistency and is, therefore, one of the first steps in validating a temperament/personality test from this perspective. The aim of this study, therefore, was to assess the stability of factor construction, as a measure of trait consistency, using arena test data from three groups of animals with one group (Group 1) tested repeatedly over three rounds (twice at 8 months and once at 22 months of age). Group 1 consisted of 193 mule (Bluefaced Leicester Sire x Scottish Blackface/Welsh Speckled Face dam), ewe lambs (8 months old). Groups 2 and 3 consisted of 189 and 185 mules, respectively (14 months old). All animals were tested for 6 min in a 13 m x 3 m arena. Factor analysis (varimax rotation) was performed twice on the behavioural data (latency to bleat, total number of vocalisations, distance travelled, time spent in different areas of the arena and number of times crossing in and out of pertinent areas), initially using all data recorded on a per minute basis (`Per Minute') for all 6 min of the test (10 factors extracted) and then using total values (`Total'), the summation of the 6 min for each behaviour measured (4 factors extracted). Stability of factor loadings between rounds and between groups was tested using Kendall's coefficient of concordance. For the `Per Minute' data, 5 out of the 10 factors showed significant (p < 0.05) concordance between rounds whilst 9 out of 10 factors showed significant (p < 0.05) concordance between groups. All four factors generated from the `Total' data demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) concordance between rounds and between groups. The four factors generated from the `Total' data were considered to be of potential merit for future studies. These factors were named--`conspecific motivation-fear', `conspecific motivation-distress', `activity' and `low conspecific motivation'.
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Notes Approved no
Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 295
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Author (down) May, A.
Title Evaluierung von Stressparametern beim Pferd im Zusammenhang mit dem Klinikaufenthalt [Evaluation of stress parameters in the hospitalized horse] Type Manuscript
Year 2007 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords
Abstract Ein Klinikaufenthalt stellt für Pferde eine Stresssituation dar und viele Pferde erkranken

während eines Klinikaufenthalts an Stress-assoziierten Erkrankungen. Eine der häufigsten ist

die so genannte Colitis X, eine oft tödlich verlaufende Durchfallerkrankung. Da es im Verlauf

dieser Erkrankungen zu einem Verlust der Tiere kommen kann, hat ihre Vermeidung oberste

Priorität.

Ziel der vorliegenden Untersuchung war es, herauszufinden, inwieweit bei den Pferden der

klinisch erkennbare Stress mit Veränderungen messbarer Blutparameter (Hämatokrit,

Gesamteiweiß, Leukozyten, Glukose, Laktat, Kortisol) einhergeht und dabei einen Parameter

zu finden, mit dem Stress beim Klinikpatienten Pferd verlässlich und möglichst einfach

evaluiert werden kann. Zudem wurden in dieser Studie Freie Sauerstoffradikale („oxidativer

Stress“) und IgA im Kot bestimmt, um diese Parameter auf ihre klinische Verwendbarkeit zu

prüfen und zu untersuchen, inwieweit Stress mit dem lokalen Immunglobulingehalt

interferiert. Einigen ausgewählten Pferden wurde zudem der Paramunitätsinducer Zylexis® der

Firma Pfizer appliziert, um dessen Wirkung auf die untersuchten Parameter festzustellen.

Es wurden 110 Patienten der Klinik für Pferde untersucht, die in dem Zeitraum der Studie

zufällig hospitalisiert wurden. Die Pferde wurden in zwei Gruppen eingeteilt. Eine Gruppe

wurde in der Klinik operiert, die zweite nur stationär behandelt. Des Weiteren wurde eine

Kontrollgruppe in ihrem Heimatstall zum Vergleich miteinbezogen, die in den letzten sechs

Wochen vor der Studie nicht transportiert oder anderweitig belastet worden war.

Den Pferden wurde in definierten Abständen Blut und Kot entnommen, um den Einfluss von

Transport, Operation und Klinikstress möglichst gut zu erfassen. Die Zeitpunkte waren direkt

nach der Einlieferung, am Morgen vor der Narkose, nach der Aufstehphase und sowohl einen

als auch vier Tage nach der Narkose. Pferden, die nicht operiert wurden und der

Kontrollgruppe wurden insgesamt dreimal Blut und Kot (Tag 1, 3, Tag vor der Entlassung)

entnommen.

Für die Zylexis®-Studie wurden Vitrektomie-Patienten ausgewählt, da diese ein gutes Beispiel

für eine kurze, wenig traumatische Operation darstellen. Diese Pferde wurden mit den

anderen Pferden, die leichten Operationen unterzogen wurden, verglichen.

Bereits nach dem unterschiedlich langen Transport zeigten die Pferde signifikante Anstiege

von Gesamtleukozytenzahl, dem Verhältnis neutrophiler Granulozyten zu Lymphozyten

(N:L-Verhältnis), Glukose und den klinischen Parametern (Herzfrequenz, Atemfrequenz,

Körpertemperatur). Die IgA-Konzentration im Kot sank bei den eingelieferten Pferden nach

Einlieferung erst ab, um sich dann vermutlich durch den Kontakt mit den fremden Antigenen

in der Klinik reflektorisch zu erhöhen. Auffällig war, dass die Kortisolkonzentration nach

dem Transport bei den als „nervös, sensibel“ eingestuften Pferden signifikant höher lag als bei

den „ruhigen, ausgeglichenen“ Pferden.

Weitere deutliche Veränderungen zeigten sich nach den Operationen. Glukose, Kortisol und

das N:L-Verhältnis wiesen nach den unterschiedlich langen Eingriffen höhere Konzentrationen

auf. Die Laktatkonzentration stieg signifikant bereits nach der Operation und

anschließend noch weiter nach der Aufstehphase. Dies ist primär auf die Muskelbelastung

zurückzuführen, da Laktat vor allem muskulären Ursprungs ist. Hämatokrit und Gesamteiweiß

sanken nach der Narkose aufgrund der intraoperativ verabreichten Infusionen ab.

Einem starken hoch signifikanten Konzentrationsabfall unterlag auch der IgA-Gehalt im Kot.

Dabei war kein Unterschied zwischen den verschiedenen Operationstraumata festzustellen.

Ansonsten unterlagen die Pferde, die mit hochgradig gestörtem Allgemeinbefinden zu einer

Notoperation eingeliefert wurden, viel deutlicheren Veränderungen als die anderen Pferde.

Die Freien Radikale zeigten überhaupt keinen charakteristischen Verlauf. Sie schienen

allerdings bei den chronisch erkrankten Pferden erhöht zu sein. Des Weiteren zeigten sie

Erhöhungen bei bestimmten Erkrankungen („Equine Motor Neuron Disease“, Hufrehe).

Bei den Pferden, die Zylexis® verabreicht bekamen, konnte eine Tendenz zur Verbesserung

des Immunstatus nachgewiesen werden. Es fiel ein deutlich höherer Gesamteiweißgehalt auf,

der wahrscheinlich auf eine vermehrte Produktion von Immunglobulinen zurückzuführen ist.

Außerdem war die Kortisolkonzentration nach der Operation signifikant niedriger. Der IgAGehalt

zeigte einen weniger deutlichen Konzentrationsabfall, was aber statistisch nicht belegt

werden konnte.

Die Untersuchungen zeigten, dass das N:L-Verhältnis und Glukose geeignete Parameter

darstellen um zuverlässig den Stress, dem ein Pferd ausgesetzt ist, zu evaluieren. Kortisol ist

vorsichtig zu interpretieren, da es großen individuellen Schwankungen ausgesetzt ist.

Die Bestimmung von IgA im Kot gibt Aufschluss über den lokalen Immunstatus des

Intestinaltrakts. Da es bei allen Pferden postoperativ zu signifikanten Konzentrationsabfällen

kam, sind Pferde nach jeder Operation offensichtlich prädisponiert, eine Darmerkrankung,

wie beispielsweise Colitis X, zu entwickeln. Kortisol scheint auch Einfluss auf das lokale

Immunsystem zu nehmen, da hohe Kortisolwerte mit einem niedrigen IgA-Gehalt im Kot

korrelierten.

Um die Zusammenhänge der Blutparameter und der Colitis X näher zu erforschen und

insbesondere um die „kritischen“ IgA-Konzentrationen zu ermitteln, wären noch weiterführende

Untersuchungen aufschlußreich.

[Many horses in clinics display symptoms of stress-associated diseases. One of the most feared

is the so-called Colitis X, an often fatal ending diarrhea. As death occurs quite often in the

course of those diseases, their avoidance has first priority.

The aim of the following study was to find out whether signs of stress which are displayed by

the horses correlate with measurable blood parameters. Furthermore we tried to find a

parameter which was suitable to evaluate stress in hospitalized horses.

Apart from the commonly measured parameters (hematocrit, total protein, leucocytes,

glucose, lactate, corticosterone) we tried to include free oxygen radicals in this study.

Immunoglobulin A in faeces was investigated to find out how stress interfered with the local

immune system. A Paramunityinducer often used in Germany (Zylexis®) was administered to

10 selected horses to research its effect on the different parameters.

110 patients hospitalized in the horse clinic were examined. First the horses were organized

into two groups. One group underwent surgery and the other one received stationary

treatment. Furthermore a control group was taken into account which had not been

transported or subjected to stress in six weeks prior to the study.

The horses were drawn blood and collected faeces in defined intervals to register the

influence of transport, operation and clinic stress. Blood samples were taken directly after the

transport, prior to the operation, right after surgery and one day and four days after the

operation. Horses which did not undergo surgery including the control group were drawn

blood and faeces three times (day 1, 3, and the day prior to discharge from the clinic).

For the paramunity investigation patients for vitrectomy were chosen as they display a good

example for short little traumatic operations. Those were compared with other horses brought

into the clinic for short operations.

After the transport to the clinic horses showed significant increases in leukocyte

concentration, N:L-ratio, glucose and the clinical parameters (heart rate, breathing rate, body

temperature). The immunoglobulin concentration decreased after the transport to rapidly rise

after contact with antigens from the clinic environment.

Horses categorized as “nervous, sensitive” displayed significantly higher corticosterone

concentrations after the transport than horses categorized as “cool, calm”. Other distinct

variations showed after the operations. The lactate concentrations increased significantly after

anaesthesia and went up even further after the horse got up afterwards. This is due to

muscular fatigue as lactate is mainly produced in the muscles. Glucose, corticosterone and the

N:L-ratio also displayed higher concentrations after the operation.

Hematocrit and total protein concentrations decreased after anaesthesia ascribed to infusions

during operation. After anaesthesia a highly significant reduction of immunoglobulin

concentrations in the faeces was determined. No influence of the different operation traumas

could be recognized.

That was surprising as in all other cases horses in very bad general condition displayed

distinct changes.

The free oxygen radicals did not show any characteristic pattern. There appeared to be a

higher concentration in horses with chronic illnesses. Furthermore some diseases, like Equine

Motor Neuron Disease and laminitis, seemed to have an increasing impact on the oxygen

radicals.

Zylexis® showed a tendency to improve the immune status of the horses in this study. The

paramunized horses had more total serum protein than the others. This could be due to an

increased production of Immunoglobulins. Additionally the corticosterone concentration after

the operation stayed on a significantly lower level. The local immunoglobulin A

concentrations did not appear to decrease as much as in the non-paramunized horses but it

was not possible to statistically prove this statement.

The results of this study show that the N:L-ratio and glucose might be suitable parameters to

reliably evaluate the stress that has an effect on the hospitalized horse. Corticosterone values

have to be interpreted carefully as they are very prone to individual variations.

Measuring immunoglobulins in faeces provides information about the local intestinal immune

status. Since all horses showed significant lower immunoglobulin concentrations after the

anesthesia/operation they obviously lack immune protection and are therefore predisposed for

developing enteritis, as Colitis X. In this study corticosterone seemed to influence the local

immune system as high concentrations of corticosterone correlated with low immunoglobulin

levels.

To understand the circumstances more thoroughly and to find out which factors have to be

present additionally in order for the horses to fall ill with Colitis X, further investigations have

to be made.]
Address
Corporate Author Thesis Ph.D. thesis
Publisher LMU München Place of Publication München Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 5902
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Author (down) Mauck, B.; Dehnhardt, G.
Title Spatial multiple-choice matching in a harbour seal (Phoca vitulina): differential encoding of landscape versus local feature information? Type Journal Article
Year 2007 Publication Animal Cognition Abbreviated Journal Anim. Cogn.
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords
Abstract The nature of spatial information used for memorizing and recalling places is largely unclear. Earlier studies tested integration of geometric and feature information mostly during reorientation in artificial environments without including time as a memory-critical component. Here, we tested a harbour seal in a delayed matching-to-sample task (DMTS) in a familiar environment under two spatial multiple-choice conditions. The feature condition consisted of a DMTS task with four comparison stimuli presented on fixed positions in a classic matching apparatus and was designed to make stimulus features the most prominent information. The landscape condition consisted of a DMTS task in a familiar environment with four places marked by comparison stimuli and allowed the use of all available spatial information including geometrical and feature information. The seal's performance was impaired by delays of 3, 6, 9 or 12 s only in the feature condition; a delay of 12 s resulted in chance level performance. Replacing the comparison stimuli at the apparatus with identical spheres resulted in impaired performance. Performance in the landscape condition was impaired neither by delays nor by replacing comparison stimuli with spheres. Landscape information obviously was encoded redundantly and could be recalled more reliably and longer than feature information, which reveals feature information to be a less valuable type of spatial information for memorizing and recalling places.
Address Allgemeine Zoologie and Neurobiologie, Ruhr-Universitat Bochum, ND6/33, 44780, Bochum, Germany, Bjoern.Mauck@rub.de
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1435-9448 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:17377825 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 2412
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Author (down) Martins, A.P.; Miller, R.M.; Capaldi, E.J.
Title Memories and anticipations control responding by rats (Rattus norvegicus) in a Pavlovian procedure Type Journal Article
Year 2007 Publication Animal Cognition Abbreviated Journal Anim. Cogn.
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords
Abstract In Experiment 1 each rat received two different fixed series of three trials each. The unconditioned stimulus occurred on Trial 1 of one series and on Trial 3 of the other series, all other trials being nonreinforced. Previous Pavlovian investigations have shown that rats can remember the immediately prior reward outcome and anticipate the immediately subsequent reward outcome. Experiment 1 demonstrated that rats could remember and anticipate even more remote reward outcomes. In Experiment 2 two groups received a series of two nonrewarded trials followed by a rewarded trial. It was demonstrated that a change in the conditioned stimulus (CS) from Trial 2 to Trial 3, which occurred in one group, produced weaker responding than in the other group that did not experience such CS change. On the basis of these findings it was suggested that the rats organized the trials of a series into a unit or chunk. This was concluded for two reasons. First, remembering and anticipating remote reward outcomes strongly suggests that responding is being controlled by events extending beyond the current trial. Secondly, the experimental manipulations employed in the Pavlovian situation here are similar to those used in prior human learning and animal instrumental learning investigations concerned with chunking. Thus, it would appear that chunking is a ubiquitous phenomenon appearing in human serial learning (e.g., Bower and Winzenz 1969; Crowder 1976), in animal instrumental learning (e.g., Capaldi 1992; Hulse and Dorsky 1977; Terrace 1987), and now in Pavlovian learning.
Address Department of Psychological Sciences, School of Liberal Arts, Purdue University, 703 Third Street, West Lafayette, IN, 47907-2081, USA, julie@psych.purdue.edu
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1435-9448 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:17437140 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 2404
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Author (down) Martin, P.; Bateson P.
Title Measuring Behaviour – An Introductory Guide Type Book Whole
Year 2007 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords
Abstract
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Cambridge University Press Place of Publication Cambridge Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition Third Edition
ISSN ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 5402
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Author (down) Madden, J.R.
Title Do bowerbirds exhibit cultures? Type Journal Article
Year 2007 Publication Animal Cognition Abbreviated Journal Anim. Cogn.
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords
Abstract Definitions of what features constitute cultural behaviour, and hence define cultures are numerous. Many seem designed to describe those aspects of human behaviour which set us apart from other animals. A broad definition prescribing that the behaviour is: learned; learned socially; normative and collective is considered to apply to several species of great ape. In this paper, I review observations and experiments covering a suite of different behavioural characteristics displayed in members of the bowerbird family (Ptilonorhynchidae) and ask whether they fulfil these criteria. These include vocalisations, bower design, decoration use, bower orientation and display movements. Such a range of behaviours refutes the suggestion that these species are “one-trick ponies”-a criticism that is often levelled at claims for culture in non-primate species. I suggest that, despite a paucity of data in comparison with primate studies, it could be argued that bowerbirds may be considered to fulfil the same criteria on which we base our use of the term culture when applied to our close relatives, the great apes. If bowerbirds do have cultures, then their unusual natural history makes them a highly tractable system in which questions of social learning and culture can be tackled.
Address Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK, jrm54@cam.ac.uk
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1435-9448 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:17551758 Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 2393
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