Publications

Establishing a predictable cue for catches to reduce reactivity to management events for captive rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)

Psychological duress can emerge from the perceived lack of predictability such that, in captive circumstances, reliable signals for aversive events can afford animals with the opportunity to behaviorally and physiologically prepare. Does a reliable and unique signal cue for an...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Handling, Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Pritchard, A. J., Blersch, R. A., Nathman, A. C. et al. 2025. Establishing a predictable cue for catches to reduce reactivity to management events for captive rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). Applied Animal Behaviour Science 285, 106578.

Evaluation of welfare indicators for companion parrots: A Delphi consultation survey

Parrots can experience several welfare challenges when kept as companions. Despite their popularity no science-based guidelines are available to assess parrot welfare. The aim of this Delphi study was to establish consensus on welfare indicators that could be meaningful and...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: Bird, Parrot

Citation: Piseddu, A., van Zeeland, Y. R. A., Rault, J.-L. 2025. Evaluation of welfare indicators for companion parrots: A Delphi consultation survey. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 283, 106526.

Effects of light colour and intensity on stress responses in the Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei).

Stress is a natural defence mechanism that can negatively impact the outcome of experiments and increase interindividual variability. Among environmental parameters, light colour and intensity are known to impact stress responses in numerous species. The Pacific white shrimp Penaeus vannamei...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Crustacean, Invertebrate

Citation: Pichon, C., Kersante, P., Le Reste, G. et al. 2025. Effects of light colour and intensity on stress responses in the Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei). Applied Animal Behaviour Science 289, 106694.

Increasing cage complexity reduces abnormal behaviours in farmed blue foxes

We studied the long-term effects of biweekly rotated enrichment objects and a permanent shelter screen on abnormal behaviour, daily activity, and stress physiology in juvenile female blue foxes (aged 3–9 months). The experiment lasted seven months, from August to February, following...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Abnormal/Problematic Behavior, Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Other Animal

Citation: Ojala, E. A., Valros, A., Mononen, J. 2025. Increasing cage complexity reduces abnormal behaviours in farmed blue foxes. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 284, 106559.

Behavioral and performance effects on female offspring from rabbit does housed in enriched cages during gestation and lactation

In mammals, intrauterine experiences and early-life conditions can influence future behaviors. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of enriched and conventional cages for rabbit does during gestation and lactation on the behavior and performance of the first generation of...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Rabbit

Citation: Nakamura, G. K. C., Alencar, D., Costa, L. B. et al. 2025. Behavioral and performance effects on female offspring from rabbit does housed in enriched cages during gestation and lactation. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 285, 106576.

Evaluating outcomes of diazepam administration in gradual steps introductions of adult male and female rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)

Social housing remains one of the best forms of environmental enhancement for nonhuman primates (NHPs). The gradual steps (GS) method, a 2-step plan involving an initial phase of limited physical contact (protected contact [PC]) prior to full contact (FC), is...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Social Housing & CompanionshipAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Myers, A. K., Baker, K. C., Kubisch, M. J. et al. 2025. Evaluating outcomes of diazepam administration in gradual steps introductions of adult male and female rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science 64(1), 146–154.

Biopolymer-based nesting material for sows and its consequence on nest-building behavior, farrowing kinetics and piglet vitality

In the present study, we evaluated the effects of a soluble and biodegradable biopolymer-based material, structurally resembling natural fiber, as an alternative nesting-material for prepartum gilts. A total of 18 first parity sows and their litters were studied. One hour...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Environmental Enrichment, ReproductionAnimal Type: Pig

Citation: Monteiro, M. S., Muro, B. B. D., Nicolino, M. V. B. et al. 2025. Biopolymer-based nesting material for sows and its consequence on nest-building behavior, farrowing kinetics and piglet vitality. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 284, 106555.

Comparison of different formulations of extended-release buprenorphine in perioperative pain management in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)

Common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) are increasingly used in biomedical research and often undergo surgery as part of IACUC-approved protocols. Therefore, pain control is essential to their clinical management and welfare. Extended-release buprenorphine is a valuable opioid analgesic option, as it...

Year Published: 2025Topics: AnalgesiaAnimal Type: Marmoset, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Mokhtar Pouriani, K., McAndrew, R., Chan, N. et al. 2025. Comparison of different formulations of extended-release buprenorphine in perioperative pain management in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science 64(3), 374–384.

Opinion: Ethical challenges in depression research: The tail suspension test, the forced swim test, and alternative behavioral models

Behavioral tests in laboratory animals, particularly rodents, are considered vital for understanding the mechanisms underlying depression and evaluating potential treatments. However, ethical concerns regarding the use of traditional methods, such as the tail suspension test and the forced swimming test,...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Behavioral & Cognitive TestingAnimal Type: Mouse, Rat, Rodent

Citation: Mohseni, F., Rafaiee, R. 2025. Opinion: Ethical challenges in depression research: The tail suspension test, the forced swim test, and alternative behavioral models. Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science 64(3), 352–355.

Assessing the motivation of laying hens to outdoor space access

The present study aimed at evaluating the motivation of laying hens to access outdoor space and their behavior under indoor and outdoor conditions. A total of 54 laying hens (White Leghorns) at 38 weeks of age were housed in two...

Year Published: 2025Topics: Housing, Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Bird, Chicken

Citation: Mancinelli, A. C., Chiattelli, D., Menchetti, L. et al. 2025. Assessing the motivation of laying hens to outdoor space access. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 285, 106581.