Environmental Enrichment

Investigating optimal levels of platform perch provision for windowed broiler housing

Broiler chickens show a preference for platform perches over traditional bar perches. Further information is needed on the optimal provision of these perches in order for them to be successfully installed in commercial systems. This study was designed to compare...

Year Published: 2020Topics: Environmental Enrichment, HousingAnimal Type: Bird, Chicken

Citation: Baxter, M., Richmond, A., Lavery, U. et al. 2020. Investigating optimal levels of platform perch provision for windowed broiler housing. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 225, 104967.

The scent of enrichment: Exploring the effect of odour and biological salience on behaviour during enrichment of kennelled dogs

Worldwide, millions of dogs are held in kennels for extended periods of time and may experience compromised welfare. Enrichment, often using toys, is considered important to minimize the negative impacts of kennelling. However, the value of this enrichment may be...

Year Published: 2020Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Dog

Citation: Murtagh, K., Farnworth, M. J., Brilot, B. O. 2020. The scent of enrichment: Exploring the effect of odour and biological salience on behaviour during enrichment of kennelled dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 223, 104917.

Use of a mechanical brush by dairy cows with chorioptic mange

Mechanical brushes allow cows to groom. Mange is common in indoor-housed cattle, and this affliction may affect cow motivation to use a mechanical brush. The aim of this study was to assess changes in dairy cow motivation to use a...

Year Published: 2020Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Cattle

Citation: Moncada, A. C., Neave, H. W., von Keyserlingk, M. A. G. et al. 2020. Use of a mechanical brush by dairy cows with chorioptic mange. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 223, 104925.

Variability of enriched environment does not enhance the enrichment effect on food neophobia in rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Many studies report differences between animals raised in an enriched environment and those living in standard conditions. Animals reared in enriched conditions demonstrate better memory and learning abilities, increased activity, reduced level of anxiety, etc. However, there is a shortage...

Year Published: 2020Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Rat, Rodent

Citation: Modlinska, K., Chrzanowska, A., Pisula, W. 2020. Variability of enriched environment does not enhance the enrichment effect on food neophobia in rats (Rattus norvegicus). Behavioural Processes 180, 104221.

Which types of rooting material give weaner pigs most pleasure?

Provision of rooting material as enrichment for pigs has been primarily oriented towards reducing negative affect (suffering). Information is also needed on the impact of different types of rooting materials in promoting positive affect (pleasure). We hypothesised that repeated addition...

Year Published: 2020Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Pig

Citation: Ocepek, M., Newberry, R. C., Andersen, I. L. 2020. Which types of rooting material give weaner pigs most pleasure? Applied Animal Behaviour Science 231, 105070.

WISH cages: Constructing multiple habitats for captive chimpanzees

This article aims to introduce environmental enrichment for captive chimpanzees in Japan in a historical context. It describes the most recent endeavor of constructing huge cages and connecting multiple habitats. The Ai Project, a series of studies into the mind...

Year Published: 2020Topics: Environmental Enrichment, HousingAnimal Type: Chimpanzee, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Matsuzawa, T. 2020. WISH cages: Constructing multiple habitats for captive chimpanzees. Primates 61(2), 139–148.

The cotton rat – a new challenge

This poster describes how the Animal Technologists at Envigo adapted their current practices and procedures for a new species at their laboratory: the cotton rat. The paper describes cotton rat biology and behaviour; housing; environmental enrichment; health; dosing and blood...

Year Published: 2020Topics: Anesthesia & Sedation, Biological Sampling & Physiological Measurement, Drug/Substance Administration, Environmental Enrichment, Euthanasia, Housing, Husbandry & Management, Natural BehaviorAnimal Type: Rat, Rodent

Citation: Ballantine, A., Rodgers, D., Watts, C. et al. 2020. The cotton rat – a new challenge. Animal Technology and Welfare 19(1), 92-95.

The effect of shelter on oxidative stress and aggressive behavior in crested newt larvae (Triturus spp.)

Shelters are important for animal survival. Provision of adequate hiding places allow animals to express their natural sheltering behavior and it can have different positive effects on cortisol levels, physiological processes and mental performance. Although the absence of a refuge...

Year Published: 2020Topics: Environmental Enrichment, HousingAnimal Type: Amphibian, Salamander

Citation: Petrović, T. G., Vučić, T. Z., Nikolić, S. Z. et al. 2020. The effect of shelter on oxidative stress and aggressive behavior in crested newt larvae (Triturus spp.). Animals 10(4), 603.

Risk factors for feather-damaging behavior in companion parrots: A social media study

Studies on the etiology of behavioral problems often involve interference in the animal's routine or reliance on owners' self-reports like surveys. Gathering data from videos posted on social media, a technique coined ‘video mining’, offers novel opportunities to study the...

Year Published: 2020Topics: Abnormal/Problematic Behavior, Environmental Enrichment, Husbandry & Management, Relocation & TransportAnimal Type: Bird, Parrot

Citation: Acharya, R., Rault, J.-L. 2020. Risk factors for feather-damaging behavior in companion parrots: A social media study. Journal of Veterinary Behavior 40, 43-49.

Scratcher preferences of adult in-home cats and effects of olfactory supplements on cat scratching

Preferences for scratchers in adult cats have not yet been explored. Thirty-six adult cats were the subjects in three experiments to evaluate adult cat in-home preferences for scratchers, scratching materials, and the use of scratchers with added olfactory stimuli. Scratchers...

Year Published: 2020Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Cat

Citation: Zhang, L., McGlone, J. J. 2020. Scratcher preferences of adult in-home cats and effects of olfactory supplements on cat scratching. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 227, 104997.