Abnormal/Problematic Behavior

Causal factors of oral versus locomotor stereotypy in the horse

Stereotypic behaviors are commonly observed in domestic equids as they are in a range of captive nondomesticated species. Estimates suggest that 19.5%-32.5% of horses perform a stereotypy. The presence of these behaviors is thought to indicate suboptimal welfare status and...

Year Published: 2017Topics: Abnormal/Problematic Behavior, Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Equine

Citation: Roberts, K., Hemmings, A. J., McBride, S. D. et al. 2017. Causal factors of oral versus locomotor stereotypy in the horse. Journal of Veterinary Behavior 20, 37-43.

Stereotypic behavior is not limited to terrestrial taxa: A response to Rose et al

This comment is in response to a recent review of stereotypical behavior in captive exotic animals (Rose et al., 2017). Negative stereotypical behavior occurs across most if not all taxa, including notable aquatic invertebrates. A useful discussion of animal suffering...

Year Published: 2017Topics: Abnormal/Problematic BehaviorAnimal Type: Cephalopod, Crustacean, Insect & Spider, Invertebrate, Other Invertebrate

Citation: Cooke, G. M. 2017. Stereotypic behavior is not limited to terrestrial taxa: A response to Rose et al. Journal of Veterinary Behavior 22, 17-18.

Abnormal behavior and the self-regulation of motivational state

Although most abnormal behaviors, including all stereotypies, indicate poor welfare, some that occur in rare situations are functional and do not indicate a negative situation. There is a wide range of abnormal behaviors that occur in conditions where the animal's...

Year Published: 2019Topics: Abnormal/Problematic BehaviorAnimal Type: All/General

Citation: Broom, D. M. 2019. Abnormal behavior and the self-regulation of motivational state. Journal of Veterinary Behavior 29, 1-3.

Fur chewing and other abnormal repetitive behaviors in chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera), under commercial fur-farming conditions

Fur chewing is a behavioral disorder frequently reported in chinchillas kept for fur-farming purposes. Rodents kept in barren cages usually develop some form of abnormal repetitive behavior, which can indicate a past or present welfare problem. Fur chewing may not...

Year Published: 2016Topics: Abnormal/Problematic BehaviorAnimal Type: Chinchilla, Rodent

Citation: Franchi, V., Aleuy, O. A., Tadich, T. A. 2016. Fur chewing and other abnormal repetitive behaviors in chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera), under commercial fur-farming conditions. Journal of Veterinary Behavior 11, 60-64.

Survey of behavioral indices of welfare in research chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) in the United States

Chimpanzees demand specialized housing and care and the highest degree of attention to animal welfare. The current project used a survey method to collate information on chimpanzee housing and behavioral indices of welfare across all 6 of the chimpanzee research...

Year Published: 2019Topics: Abnormal/Problematic Behavior, Animal Training, Environmental Enrichment, Housing, Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Chimpanzee, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Bloomsmith, M. A., Clay, A. W., Lambeth, S. P. et al. 2019. Survey of behavioral indices of welfare in research chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) in the United States. JAALAS 58(2), 160-177.

Effects of pregnancy, outdoor access, and antifungal medication on hair loss in breeding-age female pigtailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina)

Over 18 mo, adult female pigtailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina) housed at a breeding facility in Arizona were monitored every 6 mo for alopecia. The study period coincided with the movement of a majority of animals from primarily outdoor housing to...

Year Published: 2019Topics: Abnormal/Problematic Behavior, HousingAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Kroeker, R., Chichester, L., Lee, G. H. et al. 2019. Effects of pregnancy, outdoor access, and antifungal medication on hair loss in breeding-age female pigtailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina). Comparative Medicine 69(3), 221–227.

Sources of maladaptive behavior in ‘normal’ organisms

A basic assumption of most researchers is that behavior is generally functional, and indeed, in most instances the function is obvious. But in a number of cases, some behaviors of neurophysiologically ‘normal' organisms appear to be maladaptive. Considerable research has...

Year Published: 2018Topics: Abnormal/Problematic BehaviorAnimal Type: All/General

Citation: Miller, R. R., Polack, C. W. 2018. Sources of maladaptive behavior in ‘normal' organisms. Behavioural Processes 154, 4-12.

Stall architecture influences horses’ behaviour and the prevalence and type of stereotypies

Despite the spatial and social restrictions it causes, single stall housing still prevails in sport and riding school horses, leading to the emergence of abnormal behaviours such as stereotypic or abnormal repetitive behaviours (SB/ARB). In the present study, we investigated...

Year Published: 2019Topics: Abnormal/Problematic Behavior, HousingAnimal Type: Equine

Citation: Lesimple, C., Gautier, E., Benhajali, H. et al. 2019. Stall architecture influences horses' behaviour and the prevalence and type of stereotypies. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 219, 104833.

Exploration of potential triggers for self-directed behaviours and regurgitation and reingestion in zoo-housed chimpanzees

The unique challenges faced by animals living in zoos can lead to the production of anxiety-related behaviours. In this study we aimed to understand what specific factors may cause chimpanzees to display these behaviours. In non-human primates, displacement behaviours, such...

Year Published: 2019Topics: Abnormal/Problematic BehaviorAnimal Type: Chimpanzee, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Wallace, E. K., Herrelko, E. S., Koski, S. E. et al. 2019. Exploration of potential triggers for self-directed behaviours and regurgitation and reingestion in zoo-housed chimpanzees. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 221, 104878.

Prevalence and severity of tail lesions as a possible welfare indicator for rabbit does

The impact of behavioural disorders on animal welfare in modern animal husbandry has been much debated. While other abnormal behaviours have been explored at length, there are a paucity of studies on tail-biting in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). In the present...

Year Published: 2019Topics: Abnormal/Problematic Behavior, Social Housing & Companionship, Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: Rabbit

Citation: Bill, J., Rauterberg, S. L., Stracke, J. et al. 2019. Prevalence and severity of tail lesions as a possible welfare indicator for rabbit does. Animal Welfare 28(4), 511-518.