Improved husbandry systems - an ethological concept (1994)

Stauffacher, M.

Abstract

A social partner provides necessary diversion, occupation and probably also feelings of 'safety' and 'security'. In contrast to occupational objects, a partnership creates a repetition of new and unpredictable situations to which the animals must react and on which it must take up a position. A prerequisite for successful cohabitation is that the restrictive artificial environment should be structured in such a way that animals are able to avoid contact with each other or initiate new contacts according to circumstances.