Publications

Anticipatory behaviour during the approach to feeding times as a measure of horse welfare

Anticipatory behaviour is increasingly being recognised as a measure of animal welfare. This behaviour is linked to reward sensitivity, which reflects the balance of positive and negative experiences. This study examined anticipatory behaviour in horses fed either ad libitum or...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Equine

Citation: Mata, F., Boyton, G., Young, T. 2024. Anticipatory behaviour during the approach to feeding times as a measure of horse welfare. Animals 14(24), 3677.

Novel method to investigate thermal exchange rates in small, terrestrial ectotherms: A proof-of-concept on the gecko Tarentola mauritanica

Thermoregulating ectotherms may resort to different external heat sources to modulate their body temperature through an array of behavioural and physiological adaptations which modulate heat exchange with the environment and its distribution across the animal's body. Even small-bodied animals are...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Biological Sampling & Physiological MeasurementAnimal Type: Lizard, Reptile

Citation: Mochales-Riaño, G., Barroso, F. M., Marques, V. et al. 2024. Novel method to investigate thermal exchange rates in small, terrestrial ectotherms: A proof-of-concept on the gecko Tarentola mauritanica. PLOS ONE 19(12), e0316283.

Perches used as environmental enrichment influence fast-growth broilers’ biomechanics and locomotor morphometry at the age of 42 days

Currently available conventional breeding methods for broilers often result in impaired biomechanics and skeletal growth for the animals. The addition of environmental enrichment is an alternative which can help alleviate these effects. This study examines the effects of environmental enrichment...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Bird, Chicken

Citation: Nazareno, A. C., Silveira, R. M. F., Fernandes, D. P. B. et al. 2024. Perches used as environmental enrichment influence fast-growth broilers' biomechanics and locomotor morphometry at the age of 42 days. PLOS ONE 19(11), e0313214.

Update on current hormonal and non-hormonal contraceptive options in non-human primates

Reproductive success in captive non-human primates (NHPs) has increased the demand for safe, effective, and reversible population control methods. This review provides an overview of the current literature on hormonal and non-hormonal contraceptives as reproductive control methods in NHPs. Where...

Year Published: 2024Topics: ReproductionAnimal Type: Baboon, Capuchin, Lemur, Macaque, Marmoset, Nonhuman Primate, Other Nonhuman Primate, Owl Monkey, Squirrel Monkey, Vervet (African Green Monkey)

Citation: Nederlof, R. A., Bruins-van Sonsbeek, L. G. R., Stumpel, J. B. G. et al. 2024. Update on current hormonal and non-hormonal contraceptive options in non-human primates. Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens 5(4), 606–629.

The effect of rearing and adult environment on HPA axis responsivity and plumage condition in laying hens

The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis responsivity is influenced by early life experience and also modified by the environment an individual experiences as an adult. Because laying hens are transferred from rearing to laying farms at 16–18 weeks of age, they are...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Housing, Rearing & WeaningAnimal Type: Bird, Chicken

Citation: Nordgreen, J., Dumontier, L., Smulders, T. V. et al. 2024. The effect of rearing and adult environment on HPA axis responsivity and plumage condition in laying hens. Animals 14(23), 3422.

Impact of musical rhythm on blood, physiological and welfare parameters in stabled horses

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of two styles of classical music, based on different tempos (BPM), on the physiological and blood parameters of horses during social isolation and restriction of movements. First experiment was carried...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Equine

Citation: Oliveira, F. Y. U. de, Odakura, A. M., de Castro Burbarelli, M. F. et al. 2024. Impact of musical rhythm on blood, physiological and welfare parameters in stabled horses. Scientific Reports 14(1), 31311.

Brush use in lot-fed cattle shows continued use and positive behaviour

Feedlot cattle were assessed for the consistency of enrichment brush use, higher incidence of natural behaviour, and less agonistic or abnormal behaviour compared to cattle without the brush. Cattle were assigned to one of two treatment pens, (1) access to...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Cattle

Citation: Dunston-Clarke, E. J., Stockman, C., Sinclair, J. et al. 2025. Brush use in lot-fed cattle shows continued use and positive behaviour. Animals 15(1), 44.

Place conditioning as evaluation of affective valence in piglets

The emotional valence of animals is challenging to assess, despite being a key component of welfare. In this study, we attempted to assess emotional valence through memory in 1- and 3-week-old piglets. It was hypothesized that piglets would spend less...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Emotion, Pain, & Sentience, Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: Pig

Citation: Ede, T., Ibach, S., Parsons, T. D. 2024. Place conditioning as evaluation of affective valence in piglets. Scientific Reports 14(1), 25216.

Specifically unspecific – Simple devices as feasible and effective enrichment for small mammals

Although enrichment is an essential part of modern zoo animal husbandry, research on effective enrichment for small mammals is scarce, albeit they are regularly kept in zoos. To develop solutions that are inexpensive, readily applicable, and adaptable for a variety...

Year Published: 2024Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Nonhuman Primate, Other Animal, Other Nonhuman Primate, Other Rodent, Rat, Rodent

Citation: Göbel, M., Kaiser, S., Richter, H. et al. 2024. Specifically unspecific – Simple devices as feasible and effective enrichment for small mammals. Animal Behavior and Cognition 11(3), 305–329.

Refined method of Tropicamide application in minipigs

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the efficacy of Tropicamide when administered using a new spray method (compared to eye drop method).

Year Published: 2024Topics: Drug/Substance AdministrationAnimal Type: Pig

Citation: Gracey, K. 2024. Refined method of Tropicamide application in minipigs. Animal Technology and Welfare 23(2), 145–147.