Reproduction

Testing the weekend effect hypothesis: Time of day and lunar phase better predict the timing of births in laboratory‐housed primates than day of week

The weekend effect hypothesis proposes that captive primates are more likely to give birth during times of low disturbance and reduced staff activity. The hypothesis specifically predicts that laboratory‐housed primates will be more likely to give birth during the weekend...

Year Published: 2019Topics: ReproductionAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate, Owl Monkey, Squirrel Monkey

Citation: Hopper, L. M., Fernandez‐Duque, E., Williams, L. E. 2019. Testing the weekend effect hypothesis: Time of day and lunar phase better predict the timing of births in laboratory‐housed primates than day of week. American Journal of Primatology 81(7), e23026.

Female mate choice significantly increases captive breeding success, and scents can be frozen to determine choice, in the stripe-faced dunnart

Devising non-invasive techniques to maintain natural behaviours and increase breeding success of captive populations is a high priority in the conservation of endangered species. Allowing animals to choose their own mates not only preserves behaviours that are essential for successful...

Year Published: 2019Topics: ReproductionAnimal Type: Other Animal

Citation: Parrott, M. L., Nation, A., Selwood, L. 2019. Female mate choice significantly increases captive breeding success, and scents can be frozen to determine choice, in the stripe-faced dunnart. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 214, 95-101.

Female social behaviour during three male introductions in captive groups of rhesus macaques

Introductions of new males into captive primate groups are often necessary to prevent inbreeding, but also bear high social risks. To minimize these risks, it is crucial to understand the social behaviour accompanying male introductions. While the behaviour of new...

Year Published: 2018Topics: Reproduction, Social Housing & CompanionshipAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Rox, A., de Vries, H., Louwerse, A. L. et al. 2018. Female social behaviour during three male introductions in captive groups of rhesus macaques. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 207, 89-97.

Intergenerational sex-specific transmission of maternal social experience

The social environment is a major determinant of individual stress response and lifetime health. The present study shows that (1) social enrichment has a significant impact on neuroplasticity and behaviour particularly in females; and (2) social enrichment in females can...

Year Published: 2018Topics: Reproduction, Social Housing & CompanionshipAnimal Type: Rat, Rodent

Citation: Faraji, J., Karimi, M., Soltanpour, N. et al. 2018. Intergenerational sex-specific transmission of maternal social experience. Scientific Reports 8, 10529.

Associations between the dominance status and sexual development, skin lesions or feeding behaviour of intact male pigs

In boars, social relationships could influence pubertal development and feeding behaviour. The objectives of the present study were to determine the relationships between behaviour (agonistic, mounting and feeding behaviours), plasma sex steroids (oestradiol, testosterone) and fat androstenone. A total of...

Year Published: 2017Topics: Reproduction, Social Housing & CompanionshipAnimal Type: Pig

Citation: Parois, S., Larzul, C., Prunier, A. 2017. Associations between the dominance status and sexual development, skin lesions or feeding behaviour of intact male pigs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 187, 15-22.

Synchronisation of oestrous cycle on C57BL/6J mice after the introduction of a hanging perforated container with bedding soaked by the excretions of male mice

Synchronisation of oestrous cycle is a commonly used method to manage pregnancies either for breeding or for research purposes. Based on Whitten effect, the aim of our study was to introduce a new refined method for oestrous synchronisation and to...

Year Published: 2018Topics: ReproductionAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Balafas, E., Stasinopoulou, M., Alexakos, P. et al. 2018. Synchronisation of oestrous cycle on C57BL/6J mice after the introduction of a hanging perforated container with bedding soaked by the excretions of male mice. Animal Technology and Welfare 17(1), 9-11.

Evaluation of a zinc gluconate neutralized with arginine product as a nonsurgical method for sterilization of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)

Because rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) are prolific breeders, overpopulation can be problematic in both research and feral populations. Currently, the most effective contraceptive methods are hormonal control in female macaques and vasectomies in males. These methods each come with innate...

Year Published: 2017Topics: ReproductionAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Woodward, K. N., Keesler, R. I., Reader, J. R. et al. 2017. Evaluation of a zinc gluconate neutralized with arginine product as a nonsurgical method for sterilization of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). JAALAS 56(5), 520-526.

Effect of chronic social stress on prenatal transfer of antitetanus immunity in captive breeding rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)

Because tetanus can cause significant morbidity and mortality in NHP, colonywide vaccination with tetanus toxoid is recommended for outdoor breeding colonies of rhesus macaques, with primary immunizations commonly given to infants at 6 mo of age followed by booster vaccines...

Year Published: 2018Topics: Reproduction, Social Housing & CompanionshipAnimal Type: Macaque, Nonhuman Primate

Citation: Stammen, R. L., Cohen, J. K., Meeker, T. L. et al. 2018. Effect of chronic social stress on prenatal transfer of antitetanus immunity in captive breeding rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). JAALAS 57(4), 357-367.

Objective measures for the assessment of post-operative pain in Bos indicus bull calves following castration

The aim of the study was to assess pain in Bos indicus bull calves following surgical castration. Forty-two animals were randomised to four groups: no castration (NC, n = 6); castration with pre-operative lidocaine (CL, n = 12); castration with...

Year Published: 2017Topics: Reproduction, Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: Cattle

Citation: Musk, G., Jacobsen, S., Hyndman, T. et al. 2017. Objective measures for the assessment of post-operative pain in Bos indicus bull calves following castration. Animals 7(10), 76.

Comparison of intramuscular or subcutaneous injections vs. castration in pigs—impacts on behavior and welfare

Physical castration (PC) is painful and stressful for nursing piglets. One alternative to PC is immunological castration (IC), but the pain and stress of handling associated with injections have not been assessed. The objectives of this study were to measure...

Year Published: 2016Topics: ReproductionAnimal Type: Pig

Citation: McGlone, J., Guay, K., Garcia, A. et al. 2016. Comparison of intramuscular or subcutaneous injections vs. castration in pigs—impacts on behavior and welfare. Animals 6(9), 52.