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Measuring behavior
... All 30-second videos were considered for characterization of the behavior of recorded individuals. Behavior is defined as the responses coordinated by whole living organisms (individuals or groups) to internal and/or external stimuli, excluding responses more easily understood as developmental changes (Levitis et al., 2009); and behavioral category is defined as the description of a behavior that is distinguishable from other categories (Martin and Bateson, 1993). We did not find studies that describe behaviors that encompass all different species within the selected groups of this study; therefore, behavior categorization was conducted in two stages. ...
... In the first stage, we observed animals ad libitum on videos for training. The second stage involved the development of a general ethogram for all recorded species, with a qualitative description of the behavioral repertoire in behavioral categories (Altmann, 1974;Martin and Bateson, 1993;Roll et al., 2006). Furthermore, the general descriptions were refined using specific bibliographic sources, including ethograms or behavior descriptions of individual species or closely phylogenetically taxa. ...
... For further descriptions, refer to Common International Classification of Ecosystem Services (CICES) v5.1 (Haines-Young and Potschin, 2018) (Appendix S3: Table S3). For the quantitative recording of behaviors, the focal animal method was used (Altmann, 1974;Martin and Bateson, 1993;Roll et al., 2006), recording the continuous time (in seconds) of each behavior of an individual (referring to the time recorded in the video). We first analyze how the frequency of each activity recorded by the cameras varied across the different exclusion treatments. ...
... Choosing a behavioral sampling method is of paramount importance when conducting behavioral studies in the field. Sampling decisions affect the validity, reliability, and replicability of the collected data and have a significant impact on the outcome of data collection (Fragaszy et al., 1992;Martin and Bateson, 1993). Sam-pling decisions should also be made carefully when planning comparative analyses to avoid "comparing apples with oranges". ...
... When recording behaviors, researchers must decide on the rules applied for data collection (Martin and Bateson, 1993). The first, known as sampling rule, defines which subject to observe and when. ...
... A session may begin at a predetermined time or whenever a focal individual becomes visible; likewise, a session may have a fixed duration or continue for as long as the individual is visible. With time sampling, behavior is sampled periodically, either at regular intervals (instantaneous sampling), or by recording at each sample point whether or not the behavior occurred during the preceding interval (one-zero sampling) (Altmann, 1974;Martin and Bateson, 1993). ...
The choice of behavioral sampling method can impact the outcome of data collection, however, few direct comparisons between methods have been made. We compared the performance of instantaneous group scan sampling (scan sampling) and focal continuous sampling with variable session durations (focal sampling) in estimating activity patterns, diet composition, and spatial proximity in seven groups of wild coppery titi monkeys ( Plecturocebus cupreus ) in Peruvian Amazonia. We used a series of paired samples Wilcoxon tests to compare daily proportions of time allocated to each type of activity/food/proximity category in each sampling method. In addition, we compared our results with those of other studies conducted on the same population of titi monkeys at other times. Focal sampling provided significantly lower estimates for moving time and significantly higher estimates for resting time compared to scan sampling, likely because scan sampling tends to give higher estimates of more conspicuous behaviors and lower estimates of less conspicuous behaviors. For diet composition, scan sampling gave similar results to other studies, while focal sampling gave significantly lower estimates for feeding on fruits and higher estimates for feeding on arthropods. The most likely reason is that focal sampling with variable session durations tends to overestimate behaviors during which a focal animal is less likely to go out of view, such as feeding on arthropods in the lower strata of the forest. Our results suggest that a pilot study comparing different methods should be conducted prior to collecting data, as not all methods are interchangeable.
... Dropping box and Percussive box, see below), we extracted its matching stonehandling profile (i.e. a Dropping stone-handling profile and a Percussive stone-handling profile). To assess reliability of video scoring of stone-handling profiles, we calculated an interscorer reliability test for C.C. and J.B.L. when transcribing the same samples of randomly selected video records, involving a total of 68 min of stone-handling activity across nine stone-handling sequences, with a total of 558 stone-handling behavioural patterns performed (Cohen's k ¼ 0.97; Martin & Bateson, 1993). ...
... If the relative time spent performing box-matching stone-assisted actions aimed at the puzzle box significantly differed from the relative time spent performing such actions within a stone-handling context, we could conclude that actions directed at the puzzle boxes were not playful but rather utilitarian. To assess reliability of video scoring of stonedirected actions performed at the box, we calculated an interscorer reliability test for C.C. and J.B.L. when transcribing the same samples of randomly selected video records, involving a total of 167 min of videos across eight experimental sessions, with a total of 121 stonehandling behaviours performed (i.e. 6 min of stone-directed actions performed at the box; Cohen's k ¼ 0.94; Martin & Bateson, 1993). ...
... At the end of each test, bush Karoo rats were returned to their lodge. Focal animal sampling was used to record the frequency of social behaviours as described for focal animal observation above [33]. The behaviours were recorded for 15 min using a webcam. ...
Many mammal species are thought to adopt solitary living owing to mothers becoming intolerant of adult offspring and the occurrence of social intolerance between adults. However, field studies on how solitary mammals interact are rare. Here we show that solitary living can occur without social intolerance. Over 3 years, we recorded interactions between free-living bush Karoo rats (Otomys unisulcatus) and conducted dyadic encounter experiments between kin and non-kin female neighbours, both in a neutral test arena and in field intruder experiments. Social interactions were rare (230/2062 observations), and they were aggressive in only 34% of cases. In dyadic encounters, mothers interacted amicably with young offspring. Aggression between mothers and offspring was almost absent. This mother–offspring relationship remained amicable even after adult offspring had dispersed. Aggression between neighbouring adult females was low in neutral arena tests, independent of kinship and season. However, in the field, females reacted more aggressively towards non-kin than kin intruders, especially during the breeding season. Tolerance between mothers and adult offspring indicates that aggression is not the mechanism leading to dispersal and solitary living. We found a solitary social system characterized by social tolerance, suggesting that dispersal and lack of social attraction rather than aggression can lead to solitary living.
... In addition, we conducted 10-min focal-animal observations (Martin & Bateson, 1993) at least twice per week on each monkey, to obtain baseline data on the quality and frequency of social interactions between the study animals. All social interactions were recorded, including the time spent sitting in contact with other monkeys, that is, where a significant proportion of the subject's body was in contact with that of another individual, including during an embrace but not including grooming, social play, or sexual or aggressive encounters. ...
Changes in the rate of self-directed behavior—a proxy for social tension—offer valuable insights into individuals' experiences of social interactions. Many studies have tested the tension-reduction hypothesis, whereby grooming is expected to reduce social tension in the grooming partners. However, it is still unclear whether responses to grooming are affected by social factors such as an individual's role or social relationship with their partner, and whether responses are similar for females and males. Focussing on same-sex grooming in Yakushima Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata yakui), we analyzed the effects of two social factors on the change in the rate of self-scratching after receiving grooming: sitting in contact with their partner outside of grooming contexts (as a measure of relationship strength) and rank distance. We collected 10-min postgrooming and matched-control focal samples on recipients of grooming. After controlling for postinhibitory rebound effects, grooming reduced scratching in females (suggesting that grooming was relaxing for the receiver), but not in males. In females, this reduction was associated with increased sitting in contact and increased rank distance: being groomed was more tension-reducing if the grooming partners spent time together outside of grooming contexts, or if their difference in rank was greater and therefore more conspicuous. The reduction effect was mediated by sitting in contact only when females had a higher-ranking—that is, more dominant and potentially aggressive—groomer. Our findings suggest that not all grooming interactions are perceived as equal, which has implications for its use as an index of relationship quality. To our knowledge, this represents the first study of postgrooming social tension in male Japanese macaques and our results highlight the need for caution when generalizing findings from only one sex to the species level.
... For the present study, a subset of behaviours was selected, being the most informative of the observed personality traits. From the video recordings of each test, behaviours were manually documented using a hand stopwatch (Martin and Bateson, 1993). Between behavioural tests, animals were given at least a 1-day rest. ...
... The MAD and MSD calculated between the two ImageJ processors was low indicating high inter-observer reliability. Our method requires that individual users at times make subjective decisions and thus it is important to measure inter-observer reliability and reproducibility (Martin and Bateson 1993). The low values for average MAD and MSD between ImageJ processors suggest that hypsographic calculations are highly consistent between users. ...
Lake morphometry is a driver of limnological processes, yet digitized bathymetry is lacking for most lakes. Here, we describe a method for efficiently extracting hypsography from bathymetric maps using ImageJ. To validate our method, we compared results generated from two independent users to those obtained from digital elevation models for 100 lakes. The mean absolute difference between hypsographic curves extracted using ImageJ vs. digital elevation models (DEMs) was 0.049 (95% CI 0.041–0.056) proportion of lake area, suggesting that ImageJ provides accurate hypsography. We calculated the mean absolute difference between the two users (0.016; 95% CI: 0.011–0.021), which suggests high interobserver reliability. Finally, we compared DEMs to an interpolated hypsography using only the maximum lake depth and found large differences. We apply this method to extract data for 1012 lakes. Our data and approach will be useful where bathymetric maps exist but are not digitized.
... Weekly behavioral activities of the calves were observed by using an instantaneous sampling method as described by Martin and Bateson (1993). Behavior was recorded for each of the following activities by a slight modification of the methods of Panivivat et al. (2004) in which (1) resting or lying (calf's body contacted bedding and ground), (2) standing (calf was inactive in an upright position), (3) feeding or eating (calf's head was in feed bucket), and drinking (calf's head was in water bucket). ...
GM Jatropha X8#34 was placed for transgene flow assessment in the open field trial on Semakau Island, Singapore, between 2015 and 2017 to evaluate the potential gene flow to its non-GM counterparts and related species. The trial featured the GM Jatropha event X8#34, which is characterized by high oleic acid content, marker-free, and a homozygous transgene. The study focused on cross-pollination from the GM event to non-GM plants, analyzing factors such as distance, wind and insects mediated transfer, using event-specific multiplex PCR analysis of F1 seeds. Pollen dispersal by wind was also assessed to understand the extent of distance traveled and pollen load. Our results showed the maximum observed transgene flow was 4.5%, occurring in non-GM plants located 2 meters in third quarter of 2016, average for four quarters is 2.57%. However, as the distance increased, the transgene flow decreased significantly, at 4 meters distance observed 0.8% in fourth quarter and an average 0.25%. Transgene flow was not observed beyond 4 meters. These results are consistent with the exponential decrease in Jatropha pollen dispersed and captured by traps over distance, with no pollen detected beyond 6 meters through wind dispersal. Furthermore, no intrageneric transgene flow was detected from GM Jatropha to Jatropha integerrima, nor intergeneric transgene flow to related weedy species such as Euphorbia hirta, Phyllanthus niruri, or Ricinus communis (Castor bean), under open-field conditions (2015–2017). The findings suggest that Jatropha pollination is primarily facilitated by short-distance foraging insects, or overlapping branches between adjacent trees enhances cross-pollination rate due to denser floral display, and attracts more pollinators. An adequate separation distance (>8 meters) is sufficient to prevent unintended transgene flow from GM Jatropha to non-GM Jatropha in Singapore ecological conditions. Additionally, transgene flow between GM Jatropha and related horticultural shrub (Jatropha integerrima) or intergeneric relatives like E. hirta, P. niruri, and castor bean is unlikely under open field conditions.
Biologists have long been interested in the causes, costs, and benefits of group living. Within species, group sizes vary and affect the behavior of group members. Yet, few studies have investigated how behavioral diversity—defined here as the number of distinct behaviors occurring in a given time period—and frequency of agonistic behaviors relate to group size. Here, we test the predictions of the Resource Distribution Hypothesis. To do so, we analyzed > 65,000 behavioral scans collected over 15 years in Sector Santa Rosa, Costa Rica, on 214 white-faced capuchins inhabiting eight social groups. We found that cross-sectional behavioral richness and diversity was higher in larger groups than in smaller groups and that individuals in larger groups exhibited significantly higher behavioral richness and diversity across the day (longitudinally). We also found that agonism frequency at the group level was higher in larger groups, suggesting increased competition. Understanding these relationships provides insight into group dynamics, patterns of interindividual competition, and potential constraints on group size.
Food resources, as key limiting factors for wintering waterbirds, influence their habitat selection patterns and foraging behaviors. Meanwhile, seasonal fluctuations in water levels and human exploitation of lake wetlands both affect the availability of food. Therefore, knowledge of the spatio‐temporal dynamics of habitat utilization and adaptive behavior strategies can provide insights into how animals adapt to habitat changes in wetlands and has important conservation implications. In this study, we examined the effect of dynamic food resource supply on the spatial patterns, activity budget, and foraging strategy of Oriental Storks (Ciconia boyciana) at Shengjin Lake in China during a period where extensive fishing nets were present limiting the movement and dispersal of waterbirds (“pen culture period, PP” in 2017 winter) and a period after the removal of these pens during wetland restoration (“non‐pen culture period, NPP” in 2018 winter). In comparing with the wintering storks in NPP, we demonstrated an overall loss of range and a significant reduction in population size in PP, which were probably due to habitat alteration and fragmentation triggered by pen culture. We reported that a higher overall time budget in foraging and locomotion and a comparatively lower in other behaviors with storks in PP. Net pens resulted in limited activity areas of the storks and a reduction in food availability due to habitat alteration and fragmentation, thus resulting in a more flexible and radical trend in the foraging patterns of the wintering storks was triggered by the combined effects of the net pens removal and habitat connectivity in NPP. Pen culture had resulted in a more conservative foraging strategy and a homogenization of behavioral composition for wintering storks at the lake. Our study highlighted the behavior‐based results may provide key information to conceive management and conservation plans for wintering waterbirds.
An animal’s behavior can directly reflect its psychological or physiological condition. The in-depth understanding of fish behavior, especially reproductive behavior, is an important safeguard to promote sustainable aquaculture. In this study, we used the Posture-Act-Environment (PAE) coding system to construct an ethogram of Odontobutis potamophila to help people better judge and identify O. potamophila behaviors; and we designed two groups of experiments to figure out the individual factors affecting the reproduction of O. potamophila. These were the selection of female O. potamophila for male O. potamophila of different sizes, with or without nests, and with or without parental care behaviors, as well as the selection of male O. potamophila for female O. potamophila of different sizes. The results showed that we recorded 14 postures, 22 movements, and 29 behaviors of O. potamophila. Based on their biological functions, the recorded behaviors of O. potamophila were divided into nine types, that is, exploration, territoriality, attack, courtship, mating, parental care, ingestion, stationary behavior, and others. O. potamophila had nocturnal habits, and all the nighttime activities were significantly higher than those during the daytime (p<0.001). The mating system of O. potamophila was polygamous, and the average mating duration for successful spawning was 9.99 ± 1.23 h. In mate choice experiments, both females and males spent significantly more time stationary than activity (p<0.001). Females exhibited a slight preference for males with large individuals (strength of preference [SOP] = 53.46%), no nests (SOP = 50.51%), and no parental care behavior (SOP = 55.58%). The results of male mate choice were similar. Although the standard length of females was positively correlated with fecundity (r = 0.61), there were no significant differences in the number of male-to-female choices or duration of association (p>0.05). This indicated that males showed no preference for larger or high-fertility females (SOP = 47.10%). Therefore, it is likely that males may not be selective for females with different fecundity levels. This study enhances the current understanding of the behavioral patterns of O. potamophila. It establishes a foundation for further research on its reproductive behavior and contributes to the advancement of captive breeding for this species.
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of autolyzed yeast (obtained from culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in sugarcane derivatives) supplementation on diet digestibility, feeding behavior, levels of blood metabolites associated with protein and energy metabolism, and performance of Dorper × Santa Ines lambs finished in feedlot. Twenty-four non-castrated male lambs with an average age of 4 months and a body weight (BW) of 19.49 ± 3.08 kg were allocated to individual pens within a covered and elevated shed. The pens had a slatted floor without bedding suspended 1.8 m above the ground, and an area of 1.5 m². The trial was set out in a completely randomized design with two treatments and twelve replicates each. The treatments consisted of a basal diet without yeast products (Control) or with yeast culture (Yeast, RumenYeast® at 5 g/animal/day). Lambs were fed ad libitum with a total mixed ration (TMR) composed of 400 g/kg of dry matter (DM) of Tifton 85 hay (Cynodon spp.) and 600 g/kg DM of concentrate feed, and contained 146 g/kg DM of crude protein and 2.30 Mcal/kg DM of metabolizable energy. The experiment was conducted over 84 days, with the first 14 days serving as an adaptation period. The subsequent experimental period was divided into two phases to evaluate animal performance (Days 1–63) and DM digestibility (Days 64–70). The supplementation with autolyzed yeast did not affect rumen or fecal pH, the DM digestibility, as well as the feeding behavior of lambs (the time spent on feeding, rumination, water intake, and idleness activities). In addition, yeast supplementation did not alter the serum levels of albumin, creatinine, urea, or level of plasma glucose, resulting in similar animal performance compared to the Control group. The mean values for final BW, DM intake, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio were 37.52 kg, 1.051 kg/day, 0.286 kg/day, and 3.74 kg DM/kg gain, respectively. In the conditions of this study, the supplementation of autolyzed yeast in TMR (5 g/animal/day) does not affect diet digestibility, feeding behavior, blood metabolites, or performance of lambs finished in feedlot. Regarding that metabolic and performance lamb responses were not improved, the supplementation of autolyzed yeast at the tested dose is not recommended. However, it is important to note that markers related to immunity and inflammation were not evaluated in our work, and these should be considered in future studies.
The use of escape protein, which is absorbed in the small intestine, can improve the production of ruminant animals because it meets their protein requirements better. This study hypothesized that wax lipid matrices are effective encapsulants for escape lysine in ruminants and tested tannin extract as an adjuvant. Forty intact male Santa Ines × Dorper sheep (~4 months old, BW 23 ± 1.2 kg) were allocated, in a randomized block design, to four treatments: control group (no lysine addition), supplementation with free lysine, escape lysine, and escape lysine + tannin extract. The ether extract intake was higher in the sheep fed escape lysine + tannin compared to the control and free lysine group. The sheep fed escape lysine presented higher DM and aNDF eating efficiency (p ≤ 0.05) compared to the free lysine and control groups. Escape lysine with and without tannin presented greater TDN compared to free lysine and control. The NFCs were lower in the free lysine diet, and the crude protein digestibility was higher in the sheep fed lysine + tannin and the control group compared to the escape and free lysine groups. The lysine treatments did not affect (p > 0.05) the performance, ingestive behavior, and blood parameters. The rectal temperature was higher in the sheep fed lysine escape compared to those fed free lysine. The sheep fed escape lysine + tannin exhibited reduced (p ≤ 0.05) large particles and improved peNDF 12 h after feeding. The escape lysine diet, regardless of the addition of tannin, improved the total digestible nutrients and eating efficiency, without affecting the performance, feed conversion, and blood variables of the sheep.
Regurgitation and reingestion (R/R) and coprophagy are common behaviors exhibited by primates living in human care. To reduce this undesirable behavior in two troops of western lowland gorillas ( Gorilla gorilla gorilla ), the diet was modified by increasing fiber (by increasing browse) and decreasing starch (by reducing but not eliminating biscuits). We monitored behavior before, 3 weeks after, and 1 year after the diet change. One year after the diet change, the family group's diet was modified by adding more fruit to facilitate training. We documented significantly increased feeding activity for both troops, with time spent feeding doubling for one troop. Some individuals initially increased R/R or coprophagy behaviors but these increases were not significant, and 1 year after the diet change R/R was significantly reduced in the silverback male who had been known to exhibit R/R up to multiple times per day. In the family troop, coprophagy later decreased when animals were reunited and spent more time outdoors (for reasons unrelated to the diet change study), but this was not significant. This is the first published study to assess the behavioral effects of a high‐fiber, low‐starch diet on gorillas one full year after the diet change was made, and we demonstrated that the diet continued to positively impact some individuals' behavior. We discuss implications of our findings and suggest future directions for institutions that seek to reduce these behaviors in primates without necessarily completely eliminating biscuits from their diets.
Baited pelagic underwater videos are increasingly being used to assess ecological indices but they can also be effective in recording the behaviour of pelagic species attracted to the bait. In this study, the behaviour of 79 blue sharks Prionace glauca was recorded using drifting pelagic baited remote underwater video system (BRUVS) rigs, deployed outside the Professor Luiz Saldanha Marine Park, Portugal. Juveniles were more frequently sighted over epipelagic (depth between 60 and 200 m) and mesopelagic zones (200-1000 m), while adult sightings were more common further offshore, particularly over canyons (1200-2000 m). Importantly, juvenile sightings were more frequent in spring (breeding season), suggesting that the study area is likely an important nursery habitat. Blue sharks primarily exhibited inspection activities around the BRUVS. Generalised linear models indicated that visibility, distance to the shore, bathymetry and temperature influenced their behavioural patterns. Moreover, juveniles interacted with the BRUVS for a longer time (mean duration: 0.4 min) than adults (0.2 min). A preliminary analysis of blue sharks’ reaction to boat presence suggests that boat noise decreased both the duration of interaction with the BRUVS and the range of observed behaviours. This study provides valuable insights into the behaviour of this species in its natural environment, which is relevant for management and conservation efforts.
This research evaluated the effects of energy supplementation on sheep’s feeding behavior, feed preference, and thermoregulatory responses using technical cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL) and different vegetable oils with different unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) compositions. The experiment was completely randomized with five treatments: a mixture of CNSL (0.5%) + vegetable oils [canola (high in monounsaturated fatty acids—MUFA), and corn, soybean, sunflower, or cottonseed oil (high in polyunsaturated fatty acids-PUFA) at 1.5%] based on total diet dry matter, with eight replications. Forty uncastrated male sheep, with an average initial BW of 24.44 ± 1.5 kg, were evaluated for 70 days. The CNSL + vegetable oil blend did not affect DM and neutral detergent fiber (aNDF) intake (p > 0.05). However, diets with canola oil resulted in higher SFA intake (p < 0.05) than other oils. The canola oil + CNSL blend led to a higher intake of UFA and MUFA and lower PUFA intake than other oil blends (p < 0.05). Sheep fed canola oil ruminated fewer boli per day than those fed soybean and sunflower oils. Using three sieves (pef1.18) reflected in higher sheep aNDF intake. Respiratory frequency and surface temperature of sheep were lower before feeding than 3 h after, without effects of the type of oil. Higher serum creatinine and cholesterol levels were observed in sheep fed CNSL with corn and canola oils compared to other oils. Serum calcium was lower in sheep fed CNSL with soybean and canola compared to sunflower and corn. Including CNSL with vegetable oils with different FA compositions did not affect physiological and thermographic variables. However, sheep showed better diet selectivity and lower bolus rumination with higher MUFA (canola oil) content. Including CNSL with canola oil in sheep diets is recommended, as it increases dietary energy content, enhances diet selectivity, reduces PUFA intake, and does not impact animal health.
This study aimed to investigate the impact of dietary inclusion of babassu oil (BO) associated with sunflower oil (SO) on feeding behavior, water intake, and physiological parameters of feedlot lambs. Thirty-five castrated male lambs (16.6 kg ± 3.9 kg) were distributed in a randomized block design with 5 treatments (diets) and 7 replications. The tested diets were oil-free diet (OF), 45 g/kg BO (BO), 30 g/kg BO with an additional 15 g/kg SO (1.5 SO), 22.5 g/kg BO with an additional 22.5 g/kg SO (2.25 SO), and 30 g/kg SO with an additional 15 g/kg BO (3.0 SO) on dry matter (DM) basis. The experimental period lasted 60 days. Animals that received BO diet and the combination of BO with SO had lower intakes of DM and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) compared to the control diet (P<0.05). Differences on the respiratory rate (RR) was observed between animals in the control diet and those in the diets containing SO (P=0.001), with a linear increase in RR as the levels of SO in the diets increased (P=0.004). All physiological parameters showed a time effect (P<0.05). Animals fed with the control diet had higher water intake via drinking fountain (P=0.030) and total water intake (P=0.029) compared to animals fed with diets containing SO. In relation to SO levels, water intake via drinking fountain (P=0.002), total water intake (P=0.002), and total water intake per kg of DM ingested (P=0.001) linearly increased with the levels increase in the composition of the diets. The tested diets did not alter the feeding behavior of the feedlot lambs. However, the combination of BO with different levels of SO reduced DM and water intake via drinking fountain and RR.
Yeast and fibrolytic enzymes serve as additives incorporated into the nutrition of ruminants to regulate rumen fermentation and increase the digestibility of fiber, thereby enhancing the efficiency of rumen fermentation. Two experiments were conducted to assess the impact of five diets: a control diet without additives, diets with yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) or exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (EFE), and diets with a blend of 0.7yeast + 0.3EFE or 0.7EFE + 0.3Yeast (based on recommended levels in g/kg of total DM). In the first experiment, 40 five-month-old Santa Ines lambs (mean weight 25.0 ± 1.3 kg) were distributed in a completely randomized design (5 treatments and 8 lambs) for 81 days to evaluate performance, ingestive behaviour, and serum metabolites. In the second experiment, 25 Santa Ines male lambs weighing 25.7 ± 4.1 kg were housed in metabolic cages, in a randomized design with 5 treatments and 5 lambs, evaluating digestibility, nitrogen balance, and rumen pH. EFE supplementation increased intakes of dry matter (DM), total digestible nutrients (TDN), and apNDF (mean of 38.1, 5.26, and 27%, respectively) compared to yeast or the 0.7yeast-0.3EFE blend. Feed conversion was most efficient (mean of 27.1%) in lambs fed Yeast, 0.7EFE + 0.3yeast, and the control diet. Lambs fed 0.7yeast + 0.3EFE spent less time eating (mean of 16.5%) and more time idling (mean of 10.75%), whereas EFE-fed lambs spent more time eating (mean of 19.73%), and 0.7EFE + 0.3yeast-fed lambs spent more time ruminating (mean of 20.14%). Control group lambs chewed and ruminated less (means of 24.64 and 17.21%, respectively) compared to other treatments. Lambs on the 0.7yeast + 0.3EFE blend had higher eating and rumination efficiency rates for DM and apNDF (mean of 19.11 and 17.95%, respectively) compared to other additive treatments or individual additives. They also exhibited lower (means 7.59 g/d) urinary N excretion, with improved N retention (mean 3185 g/d) compared to the control group. There were significant effects on serum albumin and cholesterol concentrations, with the 0.7yeast + 0.3EFE blend showing higher albumin (mean 4.08 g/dL) levels, while diets without additives and yeast-EFE blends had higher cholesterol (mean of 62.51 g/dL) concentrations. Including Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast along with 0.7 yeast + 0.3 EFE blend is recommended when feeding similar lamb diets to those used herein because it improves the efficiency of intake, rumination of DM and NDF, and nitrogen utilization without affecting the lamb performance.
Research on exploring the relationship between computational thinking and domain specific knowledge gains (i.e. biological evolution) are becoming more common in science education research. The mechanisms behind these relationships are not well understood, particularly between computational practices and biological evolution content knowledge. Increased computational complexity (i.e. simple to complex) may support a greater comprehension of scales or levels of biological organization (i.e. micro to macro) within the context of biological evolution learning. We made use of quantitative methods from qualitative work in the form of coding and relational analysis to identify which biological levels of organization students addressed, how students made connections between these levels and the level of computational complexity displayed during evolution learning with the use of two computational interventions. The aim of this study was not only exploring the biological levels and biological level connections made during the computational thinking interventions, but also analysis of the differences between these two interventions. The results illuminated that use of specific biological levels, biological level connections and differences in computational complexity were distinguishable and there were significant differences between the interventions. These factors may contribute to better understanding of biological evolution knowledge gains.
In this study, we investigated the effects of LED illumination color on the growth, carcass characteristics, serum components, and behavior of fattening pigs housed in a windowless pig pen. Four groups were established based on the installed LED lighting color: blue, green, red, and no lighting.During the growth stage, the red group exhibited the highest daily weight gain, and there was also a significant difference in daily weight gain between the red and no-lighting groups (P < 0.05). In terms of backfat thickness, the blue group showed the lowest thickness in the shoulder and loin, which tended to be thinner than that of the red group in the shoulder (P < 0.10). Additionally, a significant difference was observed between the blue and green groups in the loin (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the no-lighting group showed the highest serum concentration of α-globulin, and there was a significant difference in α-globulin concentration between the no-lighting group and the green or blue groups (P < 0.05). The serum triglyceride concentration was higher in the blue group than in the no-lighting group (P < 0.10). Meanwhile, the green group displayed the highest total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations, significantly differing from the red group (P < 0.05), while also tending to be higher than the no-lighting and blue groups (P < 0.10) in terms of total cholesterol. Additionally, the green group tended to have higher HDL-cholesterol levels than the blue group (P < 0.10). Notably, the green group showed a significant difference compared with the red group in HDL-cholesterol (P < 0.05) and tended to have higher levels than the no-lighting group (P < 0.10) in terms of LDL-cholesterol. Regarding the fatty acid composition of the perirenal fat, the red group had significantly higher C18:1 levels than the no-lighting and green groups (P < 0.05) and tended to be higher than the blue group in fatty acid composition (P < 0.10). Conversely, the red group had lower C18:2 levels than the no-lighting group (P < 0.10). As for drinking behavior, the red group recorded the lowest scores during the growing and finishing stages, while significantly differing from the green group during the growing stage (P < 0.05) and from the blue group during the fattening stage (P < 0.05). In the dog sitting posture, the green and red groups scored the highest during the growing stage, with significant differences between the red or green groups and the no-lighting group. Moreover, the red group’s score tended to be higher than that of the blue group (P < 0.10), and the green group scored the highest during the finishing stage, with a tendency to be higher than the no-lighting group (P < 0.10). The concentrations of accumulated cortisol were also significantly higher in the green and red groups than in the no-lighting group (P < 0.05).
Overall, these results suggest that the presence or absence of illumination and the color of illumination may significantly affect the growth, carcass traits, and lipid metabolism of pigs. Specifically, red and green illumination may induce more stress in pigs during rearing compared to non-illumination.
Cell components soluble in neutral detergent are a diverse group, both compositionally and nutritionally. The present study aimed to evaluate production responses, behavior (eating, ruminating, and idling), and nitrogen balance of dairy goats fed different ratios of neutral detergent-soluble carbohydrate fractions. Five multiparous Alpine does with mean ± SD initial body mass of 49.5 ± 7.9 kg and 60 days of lactation were randomly assigned in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. The treatments were the ratios of starch (starch associated with soluble sugar [StSS]) to neutral detergent-soluble fiber (NDSF) (StSS:NDSF): 0.89, 1.05, 1.24, 1.73, and 2.92. No effect was observed (P > 0.05) of StSS:NDSF on the intakes of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and NDSC. However, DM intake showed a quadratic behavior (P = 0.049). The ingestive behavior was affected by StSS:NDSF linearly increased (P = 0.002) the feeding efficiency. The increase in StSS:NDSF caused a linear increase in fecal (P = 0.011), urinary (P < 0.001), and milk nitrogen excretion (P = 0.024). The increase in StSS:NDSF affected (P = 0.048) milk yield and net energy lactation (P = 0.036). In conclusion, dairy goats experience reduced dry matter intake and milk yield when subjected to high-NDSC diets, specifically those above 1.24 StSS:NDSF ratio. Elevated NDSC levels in the diets lead to decreased feeding time, whereas rumination remains unaffected. Nitrogen losses in goats increase linearly with high-NDSC diets, and a significant impact on nitrogen balance.
Understanding reproductive output and success is integral to the conservation and management of threatened species and populations. Little is known about the reproductive parameters of Australian humpback dolphins ( Sousa sahulensis ), a species subject to cumulative pressures from anthropogenic threats due to their coastal distribution and strong site fidelity. This study assesses several reproductive parameters, including crude birth, recruitment, fecundity, and calf survival rates, in addition to interbirth intervals of Australian humpback dolphins inhabiting the near‐urban embayment of Moreton Bay, Queensland. Between 2014 and 2020, 106 adult females were photographically identified during 222 boat surveys. Of these, 75.5% ( n = 80) were observed with calves. Birth seasonality was apparent and coincided with austral autumn and winter months. Interbirth intervals ranged between 1 and >6 years, with an average of 3.1 ( SD = 1.1) years if offspring survived. Findings indicate declining fecundity rates ( p < .05, M = 0.12, SD = 0.02), relatively low recruitment rates ( M = 0.04, SD = 0.01) and calf survival rates to 1 year of age ( M = 0.63, SD = 0.15). This study provides a useful baseline that can inform viability assessments and conservation measures, for both this population and others throughout the species range.
Surprisingly little is known about how the home environment influences the behaviour of pet cats. This study aimed to determine how factors in the home environment (e.g., with or without outdoor access, urban vs. rural, presence of a child) and the season influences the daily behaviour of cats. Using accelerometer data and a validated machine learning model, behaviours including being active, eating, grooming, littering, lying, scratching, sitting, and standing were quantified for 28 pet cats. Generalized estimating equation models were used to determine the effects of different environmental conditions. Increasing cat age was negatively correlated with time spent active (p < 0.05). Cats with outdoor access (n = 18) were less active in winter than in summer (p < 0.05), but no differences were observed between seasons for indoor-only (n = 10) cats. Cats living in rural areas (n = 7) spent more time eating than cats in urban areas (n = 21; p < 0.05). Cats living in single-cat households (n = 12) spent more time lying but less time sitting than cats living in multi-cat households (n = 16; p < 0.05). Cats in households with at least one child (n = 20) spent more time standing in winter (p < 0.05), and more time lying but less time sitting in summer compared to cats in households with no children (n = 8; p < 0.05). This study clearly shows that the home environment has a major impact on cat behaviour.
Naturalistic enclosures have become a popular exhibition technique for zoos, and reptiles and amphibians are regularly housed in these exhibits. While a considerable sum of research indicates that visitors prefer naturalistic exhibits, there are fewer studies documenting the behaviour and welfare of animals housed under these conditions. This study investigated the impact of a naturalistic enclosure on the behaviour of the turquoise dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus williamsi), and the welfare perceptions of visitors. When kept under naturalistic enclosures, dwarf geckos were seen to bask (p = 0.022), and engage in inactive behaviours (p = 0.001) significantly less frequently. A non-significant decrease was also seen in locomotion | (p = 0.074). While time spent hidden remains a confounding factor for behavioural analysis, the study indicates that when provided with hiding opportunities, L. williamsi may spend a considerable amount of time hidden from the public. Questionnaire analysis revealed that 84.6% of individuals believed that naturalistic enclosures demonstrated better welfare. Additionally, individuals who had previously owned a reptile were more likely to identify that areas to hide, enrich, and mimic the natural environment were important aspects of enclosure design. While the actual benefits of naturalistic enclosure design cannot be fully addressed by this study, this work suggests that visitors tend to inherently believe that naturalistic enclosures facilitate better welfare, even if they are not aware of the natural environment of the species being housed. This requires keepers to consider both aspects of functionality and enclosure relevance when designing exhibits for herptiles.
Although black rhinoceros Diceros bicornis are mostly solitary in the wild, the Hiroshima City Asa Zoological Park (Asa Zoo) has kept a family group together during the daytime, with good reproductive performance over five decades. Management procedures at the zoo include temporary single housing of the mother before and after giving birth, which facilitates maintenance of a compatible family group. We recorded intra‐group spatial relationships for 4 years and 4 months, during which time an adult female reared two consecutive calves. During daytime she remained in an enclosure with her new calf, one or two older offspring, and an adult male, the sire of all her offspring. Proximity (within two adult body‐lengths) scores between the mother and her two calves were especially high during the first year after birth, and only slightly lower for her older offspring. The adult male had the lowest proximity scores. The spatial relationships were visualized by applying multidimensional scaling (MDS) to the proximity scores. Mother and calves were plotted close to each other, with older offspring slightly farther apart on the two‐dimensional MDS representation; the adult male was more distant from the other group members. These findings indicate clear follower‐type characteristics in the mother−calf pair and also older immature offspring, albeit to a lesser degree. Although black rhinoceros are generally solitary in the wild, our results duplicate observations of some wild black rhinoceros groups containing an adult female, her calf, and an older immature, with adult males being largely solitary.
Ranging behavior, including home range use and daily travel distance, provides valuable information on the behavioral responses of primates to their habitats. We evaluated the ranging behavior of wild silvery lutungs (Trachypithecus cristatus) inhabiting a coastal forest in West Sumatra, Indonesia, for 614 h over 15 months in 2018–2021, focusing on the relationships between ranging behavior and activity budgets, dietary composition, and food availability. The annual home range was 8.1 ha (minimum convex polygon) and 11.7 ha (95% kernel), and the mean (± standard deviation [SD]) daily travel distance was 926 ± 385 m. Daily travel distance showed a positive correlation with percent resting and negative correlations with percent feeding and moving. Furthermore, daily travel distance was correlated positively with percent young leaf feeding and negatively with percent mature leaf feeding, ripe fruit feeding, and dietary diversity. In contrast, home range size did not vary significantly across the study period, and we found few significant correlations between home range size and dietary composition or activity budget. The longer daily travel distances in food scarce season are likely due to the lutungs needing to travel further to find trees bearing young leaves. We conclude that the silvery lutungs’ ranging behavior is linked to their high-risk, high-return strategy.
Many animal species depend on sound to communicate with conspecifics. However, human‐generated (anthropogenic) noise may mask acoustic signals and so disrupt behavior. Animals may use various strategies to circumvent this, including shifts in the timing of vocal activity and changes to the acoustic parameters of their calls. We tested whether pied tamarins ( Saguinus bicolor ) adjust their vocal behavior in response to city noise. We predicted that both the probability of occurrence and the number of long calls would increase in response to anthropogenic noise and that pied tamarins would temporally shift their vocal activity to avoid noisier periods. At a finer scale, we anticipated that the temporal parameters of tamarin calls (e.g., call duration and syllable repetition rate) would increase with noise amplitude. We collected information on the acoustic environment and the emission of long calls in nine wild pied tamarin groups in Manaus, Brazil. We found that the probability of long‐call occurrence increased with higher levels of anthropogenic noise, though the number of long calls did not. The number of long calls was related to the time of day and the distance from home range borders—a proxy for the distance to neighboring groups. Neither long‐call occurrence nor call rate was related to noise levels at different times of day. We found that pied tamarins decreased their syllable repetition rate in response to anthropogenic noise. Long calls are important for group cohesion and intergroup communication. Thus, it is possible that the tamarins emit one long call with lower syllable repetition, which might facilitate signal reception. The occurrence and quantity of pied tamarin' long calls, as well as their acoustic proprieties, seem to be governed by anthropogenic noise, time of the day, and social mechanisms such as proximity to neighboring groups.
Each species has a specific behavioural homeostasis. Camels are diurnal animals, and in nature, they spend a large proportion of the day in browsing behaviour, while they show more resting and rumination behaviour at night. Behaviour depends not only on genetics but also on the environment, so variations in behavioural patterns may be due to different factors, such as season, feed and water availability, and housing conditions. This chapter aims to critically review the literature to describe the behaviour of dromedary camels and the factors which may affect it. During the last few years, research has used behavioural responses to understand the effects of different housing systems and husbandry practices on the welfare of camels. It is worth noting that there is no standardized ethogram for camels yet, so whether behaviour can be used in an objective way to assess welfare in camels is still a matter of debate. Deep knowledge of the behavioural repertoire and behavioural needs of dromedary camels is crucial to improve management system conditions and safeguarding welfare. A large space allowance, appropriate feeding and watering practices, sufficient shaded area, more opportunity for social contact and a positive human-camel relationship have been proposed as useful and applicable practices to improve the camel management system and welfare. However, further studies on behaviour are needed for a better understanding of the behavioural needs of camels to provide evidence to the policymakers to issue regulations aiming at safeguarding the welfare of camels.
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Social species live in groups that vary in size and composition for many reasons, including resource availability, predation risk, and space restrictions. Their social interactions reflect intraspecific interactions, social bonding, rank, reproductive status, and relatedness. Titi monkeys (Callicebus, Cheracebus, and Plecturocebus) are a diverse group of pitheciid primates that are widely distributed throughout South America. Typically, they live in small groups composed of a breeding pair and their offspring. Although social structure and interactions have been studied in captive titi monkeys, there has been much less research on free-ranging groups. We used all occurrence sampling during a 16-month period to investigate group composition and within-group social interactions in five wild groups of black-fronted titi monkeys, Callicebus nigrifrons living in an Atlantic Forest fragment at the Caraça Private Natural Heritage Reserve in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Unusually for the species, we found more than one adult male in three of our study groups (three adult males in one group and two in the other two groups). As reported for other titi monkeys, the breeding pair interacted more with each other than with any other group members. We also observed that breeding males interacted more with their offspring than breeding females did. Our results expand the existing literature on the social structure of titi monkeys, demonstrating their flexible social organization, providing further evidence of the breeding pair as the nucleus of the group and showing evidence for strong paternal care and stable attachments between breeding pairs in free-ranging C. nigrifrons.
Behaviour must be quantitatively assessed to answer scientific questions through statistical analysis. We can count or measure some types of behaviour relatively easily, but often behaviours are not easy to define or to distinguish from one another. In these cases, we need to establish clear and comprehensible definitions.
We conducted two experiments. The first aimed to obtain and characterize microparticles of slow-release urea (SRU) using calcium alginate as the encapsulating agent. The second experiment evaluated their inclusion in sheep diets. In the first experiment, four treatments from a completely randomized design were employed to develop an SRU through the ionic gelification technique testing two drying methods (oven and lyophilizer) and addition or no of sulfur (S): SRU oven-dried with sulfur (MUSO) and without sulfur (MUO), SRU freeze-dried/lyophilized with (MUSL), and without sulfur (MUL). MUO exhibited better yield and encapsulation efficiency among these formulations than the others. Therefore, the second experiment was conducted to compare free urea (U) as control and three proportions (1%, 1.5%, and 2% of total dry matter) of MUO in the diet of sheep. Twenty-four non-castrated male Santa Ines lambs, with an average body weight of 22 ± 3.0 kg, were used and distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments and six replications. The inclusion of 1% alginate-encapsulated urea (MUO1%) resulted in higher dry matter (DM) intake than free urea (p ≤ 0.05). MUO2% inclusion promoted higher NDF digestibility than U and MUO1%. MUO1% showed higher DM than MUO2% and higher NFC digestibility than U and MUO2% (p ≤ 0.05). Sheep fed MUO1.5% and MUO2% exhibited similar nutrient intake and digestibility. Sheep receiving MUO1% had higher N-intake, N-urinary, N-excretion total, N-digested, and N-retained compared to U. Sheep fed MUO1% showed greater N-retained (as % ingested and digested), microbial protein production, and efficiency when compared to other treatments (p ≤ 0.05). MUO2% addition (SRU) promoted the lowest microbial protein production and efficiency in sheep. MUO dietary inclusion increased feeding time and reduced idleness time compared to U, regardless of the MUO level (p ≤ 0.05). Adding MUO1% improved the intake efficiency of DM and NDF and resulted in more feed boli than the other MUO levels (p ≤ 0.05). Sheep receiving U had (4 h after fending) higher NH3-N, pH, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and lower TGL serum compared to sheep fed MUO (p ≤ 0.05), without significant difference among MUO levels (p > 0.05), except NH3-N was higher in MUO1.5% and MUO2% compared to MUO1.0%. The external ionic gelation technique proved suitable for urea microencapsulation in calcium alginate (3%), demonstrating high quality, efficiency, and yield. MUO represents a promising slow-release urea for ruminants and is recommended for sheep diets at an inclusion level of 1.0%. This inclusion level improves intake efficiency and nutrient digestibility, increases rumen nitrogen retention, and reduces BUN without compromising sheep health.
Sustainable livestock systems focus on mitigating natural resource use such as water. Dietary management strategies can significantly reduce the water footprint of livestock animals; however, animal health is of concern when animals reduce water intake due to subacute dehydration. To evaluate potential consequences of this nutritional management intervention, a total of 23, 60 ± 3 days old nursing Holstein bull calves, weighing 94.7±12.07 kg, were distributed in a completely randomized design and received one of three diets. Control was a basal diet composed of a non-medicated milk replacer (milk replacer; n = 7), and the additional two diets, were composed of the same non-medicated milk replacer in addition to either lipid [n=8; milk replacer + menhaden fish oil (3 %)] or soluble carbohydrate [n=8; milk replacer+ corn starch (7%) isoenergetic to fat group] supplements. Animals were offered ad libitum mineral mix and water, as well as 120 g/day of a composite mix of dried microbrewery’s spent grains. Data were analyzed as linear and generalized linear mixed models with diet as a fixed effect and animal as random utilizing R studio (R Core Team, 2021, Vienna, Austria; SAS Inst., Cary, NC). Within supplementation groups, lipid supplemented calves had the highest lymphocyte (63.24 vs 57.69 counts/100 lymphocytes; P < 0.033), and lowest neutrophil counts (29.3 vs 35.3 counts/100 lymphocytes; P < 0.047). Supplementation significantly increased total serum protein (P = 0.001) and skin moisture (P < 0.011), with carbohydrate group having the highest skin moisture (5.30 vs 3.99; P < 0.047). Supplementation also decreased fecal fluidity scores (P < 0.001) with no significant change in serum electrolytes (P > 0.256). No significant differences were found amongst treatments for the ingestive behavior (P > 0.338). The carbohydrate-supplemented calves significantly decreased all daily water footprints compared to the control and fat-supplemented groups: blue a 47.55 L decrease, (P < 0.001), green a 265.62 L decrease (P = 0.005), and gray a 55.87 L decrease (P = 0.009) water footprint, as well as total water footprint (369.04 L, P = 0.004). Our results indicate the potential to maintain animal performance while increasing water use efficiency through diet supplementation tailored to mitigate water use, without adverse effects on animal health.
The contest between conspecific males for mating opportunities is common among different species. Many species of butterfly defend a territory for the purpose of mating. In our study, the mating and courtship behaviour of the Indian common crow butterfly Euploea core core (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) was observed, which is a widely distributed native and important pollinator. Indian common crow butterfly defends a sunspot as territory for mating. When other butterflies come near or into the territory, a non-contact aerial interaction occurs between them. The owner of the territory excludes the intruders by chasing them out. Males of this butterfly species prefer a territory characterized by sunlight at the edge of woodland or open tracks in the forest containing host plants and oviposition sites near it. Indian common crow butterfly exhibits territorial activity throughout the day but is more frequent in the afternoon. The frequency of chasing for a longer duration is very low. The duration of chasing for the conspecific male is higher than that of heterospecific males. This is the first documentation about the territorial and courtship behaviour of Indian common crow butterflies. A new distribution record for the species has been reported as well. Such studies are essential not only to understand their behavioural patterns but also to understand their needs while planning conservation efforts.
Background and Aims One of the neurological challenges of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) is balance. Different balance tests are used for this purpose. This study aims to measure the association between the scores of common balance tests for patients with MS. Methods In this descriptive retrospective study, participants were 41 patients with MS (27 females and 14 males) with an expanded disability status scale score of 4.5 or less (Mean= 4.02±0.61). The balance tests including Berg balance test (BBS), functional reach test (FRT), activities-specific balance confidence (ABC) scale, timed up & go (TUG) test, dynamic gait index (DGI), modified Romberg test-open eyes (RMTO), modified Romberg test-closed eyes (RMTC), and dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) were randomly performed in two days with sufficient rest interval between them. Pearson correlation test was used to measure the relationship between their scores. Results The DGI score had a high and significant correlation with the scores of ABC scale, BBS, and FRT (P<0.001). Also, there was a high and significant correlation between the scores of ABC scale and BBS (P<0.001). The correlation between the scores of BBS and FRT test was also high and significant (P<0.001). Conclusion The BBS score، as one of the most widely used balance tests in patients with MS and other balance diseases، has a high correlation with the scores of DGI، ABC scale، and FRT. These tests are suggested as supplementary tests for BBS. The findings can help therapists and neurologists to choose valid balance tests at different conditions and levels of MS.
Whether introduced into a completely novel habitat or slowly expanding their current range, the degree to which animals can efficiently explore and navigate new environments can be key to survival, ultimately determining population establishment and colonization success. We tested whether spatial orientation and exploratory behavior are associated with non-native spread in free-living bank voles (Myodes glareolus, N = 43) from a population accidentally introduced to Ireland a century ago. We measured spatial orientation and navigation in a radial arm maze, and behaviors associated to exploratory tendencies and risk-taking in repeated open-field tests, at the expansion edge and in the source population. Bank voles at the expansion edge re-visited unrewarded arms of the maze more, waited longer before leaving it, took longer to start exploring both the radial arm maze and the open field, and were more risk-averse compared to conspecifics in the source population. Taken together, results suggest that for this small mammal under heavy predation pressure, a careful and thorough exploration strategy might be favored when expanding into novel environments.
Pig manure contributes significantly to environmental pollution through nitrogen compounds. Reducing protein in feed can help, but it may lead to damaging behaviors if pigs' nutritional needs are not met. Breeding pigs for higher protein efficiency (PE) is a long-term solution to reduce nitrogen pollution, but concerns about pig welfare remain. We studied 95 pigs involved in a project on the genetic basis of PE on a 20% protein restricted diet to investigate the phenotypic connection between PE and welfare. These pigs represented natural PE variations in the population. At around 100 days, before their PE was known, we observed their behaviors. Only three pigs engaged in tail biting and manipulation of vulnerable regions, but this was not associated with PE. There was no clear link between PE and manipulating pen mates' less vulnerable regions. Such behaviors are normal but can cause stress and injury if carried out excessively due to boredom or stress. Overall, pigs with higher PE showed no major behavioral abnormalities in this study. Considering the lack of genetic knowledge, the risk of increased harmful behaviors when selecting for higher PE appears low when inferred from this purely phenotypic association.
In the light of future ocean warming scenarios and habitat fragmentation, coastal fishes must adjust their physiological and behavioral traits to face the combined effect of global warming and ecological interactions. Seahorses (Hippocampus spp.) are charismatic fishes with peculiar life cycle traits, which make them vulnerable to several anthropic pressures and natural disturbances. In this study, we investigated the behavior of two sympatric seahorse species, the long-snouted Hippocampus guttulatus (Cuvier, 1829) and the short-snouted Hippocampus hippocampus (Linnaeus, 1758). Specifically, we carried out two manipulative experiments to assess (i) the effect of temperature and habitat availability on both H. hippocampus and H. guttulatus behavior and (ii) the effect of temperature and an increased density of H. guttulatus (by 3×) on the activity level of congeneric species H. hippocampus. Our results showed that +3°C warming did not affect seahorse behavior in both experiments, suggesting greater behavioral tolerance to thermal variation. However, a significant reduction of the active behavior of H. hippocampus was observed when the artificial habitat was introduced in the tank, while H. guttulatus maintained its activity. Furthermore, a significant decrease of the H. hippocampus activity was observed with an increased relative dominance of H. guttulatus. Our results suggest that both increased density of H. guttulatus and habitat availability, but not ocean warming, will affect the behavior of H. hippocampus. Therefore, different interspecific behavioral strategies may occur, thus affecting the distribution of the two species among shallow habitats when they occur in sympatry.
Oral PrEP’s effectiveness relies on adequate adherence during periods of substantial HIV risk. Since most PrEP users will miss doses, understanding predictors within participants can help to explain adherence. We used a cross-sectional, within-participant design with 67 gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men taking PrEP daily. Using a questionnaire, informed by the Information Motivation Behavioral Skills Model, participants were asked about an adherent and a non-adherent episode. PrEP non-adherence was associated with non-normality of the day (p < .001), being out of the home (p < .001), weekend days (p = .01), having company (p = .02), using substances (p = .2), not using reminders (p = .03), lower PrEP information (p = .04), lower behavioural skills (p < .001) and less positive affect (p = .002). PrEP adherence assessment could focus on situational variations, supporting the construction of alternative strategies to facilitate adherence in these situations.
Research Findings: We examined whether Head Start teachers’ depressive symptoms are associated with their engagement in high-quality conversations with children, and we considered the extent to which this association is consistent across classroom contexts and activities. Observations of Head Start teachers’ conversations with children were conducted using a teacher-focal coding system and teachers reported on depressive symptoms. Generalized estimating equations were used to test study hypotheses. Teachers’ depressive symptoms were negatively associated with the likelihood that a high-quality conversation would occur during an observation interval. The relation between teacher depressive symptoms and high-quality conversations was negative during both structured settings and free choice settings. This relation also remained negative during play (e.g. art, music) and routine (e.g. personal care, clean up) activities. However, the relation between teacher depressive symptoms and high-quality conversations was not significant during academic activities (e.g. math, books, language). Practice or Policy: Potential explanations, strengths and limitations, and implications for study results are discussed.
Co-occurrence of species with similar ecological requirements could bring individual advantages, but when resources are scarce, co-occurring species would segregate to reduce competition and thus enable coexistence. We studied co-occurrence, group dynamics, and activity budgets, along with the seasonal and diel variation, of two sympatric species: the Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis) and Dusky Dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obscurus), in Northern Patagonia, Argentina. Dolphin groups were recorded by nautical surveys between 2006 and 2018, and classified the groups by their constituent species (single- or multispecies groups), group size, age/sex composition, predominant activity, season, and time block. Frequencies were arranged in contingency tables and analyzed by log-linear models. Activity bout duration also was recorded by focal-group follows and compared using nonparametric tests. Single- and multispecies groups’ occurrence varied throughout the year, with a period of high co-occurrence in spring and summer, when both species and most of multispecies groups were present, and a period of low co-occurrence, when mostly common dolphins remained in the area. Common dolphins occur in groups of more than a hundred while dusky dolphins do so in groups of 50 animals at most. Feeding time budget was higher in Dusky Dolphin single- and multispecies groups. Common dolphins showed a seasonal and diurnal pattern in activity budget. During the period of high co-occurrence, dusky dolphins’ group size showed a diurnal pattern, and both species increased their feeding time budgets, a putative indication of more favorable foraging conditions. During this period, dusky dolphins associate occasionally in multispecies groups, increasing feeding time budget and feeding bouts duration, suggesting that the association between the two species is beneficial.
Simple Summary
In most primates, the “challenge hypothesis” predicts increases in male–male aggressive behavior and testosterone during reproductive challenges, i.e., mating competition, or during periods of social instability, especially in seasonal breeders. However, few studies have investigated the role of stress hormones, such as glucocorticoids, and social rank in non-seasonal primates. In this study, we tested some predictors of the “challenge hypothesis” during a period of social stability in a non-seasonal primate. We collected data on aggressive behavior (male-to-male and male-to-female), copulation, and fecal samples (n = 700) to quantify testosterone and glucocorticoid metabolites (fTm and fGCm, respectively) in seven adults of stumptail macaques (Macaca arctoides) living in semi-captivity. We found that fTm and fGCm increased during times of copulation, although neither of the two hormones were associated with aggression between males. Besides, fGCm levels were positively associated with male-to-female aggression, indicating a possible social stress challenge. Both fTm and fGCm levels were higher in higher- and middle-ranking males. Our findings partially support the “challenge hypothesis” in stumptail males and highlight the importance of glucocorticoid secretion during challenging situations; our results also indicate that during periods of social stability, testosterone is not associated with aggression, at least in a non-seasonal primate.
Abstract
The “challenge hypothesis” predicts higher male–male aggressive behavior along with increases in testosterone levels during times of reproductive challenges and social instability. In addition, in some primate species, higher glucocorticoid levels can be observed as well, but this is usually modulated by dominance rank. We studied rank-related aggressive behavior, mating activity, and fecal testosterone and glucocorticoid metabolites (fTm and fGCm) in male stumptail macaques (Macaca arctoides) in order to test some predictions of the “challenge hypothesis”. Over a 20-month period, we collected data on aggressive behavior and copulation, as well as fecal samples (n = 700) to quantify fTm and fGCm in seven adult stumptail males living in captivity. During periods of mating activity, male-to-male aggression increased in higher- and middle-ranking males. Neither fTm nor fGCm levels predicted male-to-male aggression. fGCm levels (but not fTm) were positively associated with male-to-female aggression; however, this association was pronounced during periods of mating activity. fGCm levels differed according to social rank, with middle-ranking males having the highest levels. Both hormones were higher during periods of mating activity, but only in higher- and middle-ranking males. Taken together, our findings partially support the challenge hypothesis in a non-seasonal primate and shed some light on the unique social and mating system of the stumptail macaque.
Simple Summary
Wild animals in captivity need stimuli that increase their well-being. Canids in general have a well-developed sense of smell and are strongly related to environmental stimuli through scent. Therefore, we tested an olfactory enrichment method in five hoary foxes, which was successfully developed in another species of canid. We offered four stimuli (cheese, eggs, meat, and sawdust impregnated with rat urine), and observed the individuals’ reactions that indicated an improvement in well-being before, during, and after exposure to the stimuli. There were no significant changes in behaviors that indicated well-being, although there was no worsening in behaviors suggestive of stress. We suggest that the indifference to stimuli of this little-known species is due to the highly insectivorous diet of the hoary fox.
Abstract
We have tested a method of olfactory environmental enrichment in hoary foxes used in other wild canids in captivity. The individuals were exposed to four olfactory stimuli (meat, mouse urine, cheese, and egg) that were wrapped in cotton bags outside the enclosures at the zoo for five minutes. Behavioral observations were performed using the focal animal method, and all occurrences were recorded. The pre-exposure phase (Basal), exposure phase (Exp), and post-exposure phase and Basal phase (Pos) were analyzed for a period of five minutes. Behavioral responses were categorized as positive, negative, or other. Positive behavior tended to increase (p = 0.07) from the Basal phase to the Exp phase, but there was no statistical difference (p = 0.31) between the phases. Negative and other behavior did not differ statistically from the Basal phase to the Exp phase (N−, p = 0.32; Ot, p = 0.35) or Basal to the Pos phase (N−, p = 0.18; Ot, p = 0.92). The odors used seemed to elicit positive behavior weakly. Negative behavior was stable for the hoary foxes. The method failed to improve the hoary foxes’ welfare. Because their natural diet is based on insects and fruits, it is suggested that the stimuli used in this study have no appetitive value for hoary foxes. The method used with the same olfactory stimuli that were successful in other canid species is unsuitable for hoary foxes.
Improving captive conditions of pygmy slow lorises (Nekaris and Nijman have recently suggested that the pygmy slow loris should be called the pygmy loris and is distinctive enough to warrant a new genus, Xanthonycticebu) (Nycticebus pygmeaus) poses many challenges because detailed aspects of their lives in the wild are incomplete. This hinders efforts to replicate sustainable environments for them. To improve their well-being in captivity, eight rescued female pygmy slow lorises at the Japan Monkey Center (JMC) were socially housed in two types of groups following their solitary housing: two pairs and one group of four individuals. They spent much of their time in affiliative behaviors, as well as sharing sleeping sites after placement in a social group. The purpose of my study was to examine whether social housing helped in reducing stress by comparing fecal glucocorticoids and stereotypic behaviors when housed alone and when with conspecifics. Overall, the levels of fecal glucocorticoids were significantly lower when socially housed than when kept alone. One individual exhibited stereotypic behavior when housed alone, but this behavior disappeared after social housing. These findings support recent evidence that pygmy slow lorises are social animals and will benefit from group housing in captivity. We conclude that social housing of pygmy slow lorises improves their well-being by reducing stress levels, and that their group housing in captivity can provide dividends for the conservation of this endangered nocturnal primate because lorises intended for release should find it easier to adapt to natural conditions.
Simple Summary
A large percentage of dogs expresses problematic behaviors that can be explored using questionnaires. However, due to the subjectivity of owners’ replies, before their use in research, questionnaires should undergo a process evaluating their reliability and validity. This is also necessary when an existing and valid questionnaire is translated into a different language. The aim of this study was to validate an Italian translation of the widely used Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ), originally developed in English. The statistical analysis showed that 62 of the 100 questionnaire items could be grouped into 13 factors, each underlying a category of dog behaviors, as expected from the original structure of C-BARQ as well as from previous research using this tool. The main differences between the Italian factorial structure and that of the most recent English version regarded: items related to stranger-directed fear and aggression, which are represented by two separate factors in the English version, were grouped in a single factor in the Italian one; the factor Dog rivalry, present in the English version but not in the Italian one; and factors Dog-directed aggression and Touch sensitivity, which emerged in our analysis, but are not present in the English one. In spite of these differences, there is large overlap between our factorial structure and that of studies using C-BARQ in other languages, indicating that the 62-item Italian version presented in the current study can be reliably used in research.
Abstract
The aim of this study is to develop an Italian translation of the 100-item Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) version and to validate its psychometric properties, in order to facilitate systematic, large-scale studies on dog behavior for Italian-speaking dog owners. A total number of 803 responses by dog owners were collected online. Using the Principal Axis Method and Common Factor Analysis with Quartimin oblique rotation (p < 0.05), a factorial structure was found including 13 factors composed of 62 items and explaining 53.5% of the total variance. Eight factors showed high reliability (Cronbach’s alpha > 0.70), namely: stranger-directed aggression/fear, dog-directed fear, owner-directed aggression, separation-related behavior, chasing, dog-directed aggression, attachment/attention seeking, and elimination problems. Three factors were slightly under the threshold and two had only modest reliability (non-social fear, energy level, touch sensitivity, excitability and trainability). A potential explanation for factors with low reliability is that the composing items do not describe behaviors resulting from homogeneous stimuli or situations. Although our factorial structure resembled in most respects that of the most recently published Canadian version, some important exceptions are present regarding dog rivalry, intraspecific aggression, fear/aggression towards strangers, touch sensitivity and chewing inappropriate objects. Such differences may be due to demographic and/or cultural differences between the sampled populations. Overall, the results suggest that a 62-item Italian C-BARQ can be reliably used in studies on dog behavior.
In a tropical climate, air temperature can be stressful for Holstein cows throughout the year. This chapter's objective was to determine how the use of ventilation and fogging on a freestall barn can positively change the behavior, milk production, and milk quality of Holstein cows in all seasons. Twenty-eight lactating cows were divided into two groups: cooling group (CG) and non-cooled group (NCG). For different weather patterns throughout the year, behaviors (position, posture, and activity) were observed every 30 min during the day. Milk production was measured and milk samples were collected for analysis of protein, fat, lactose, total solids, and somatic cell count. All animals spent most of the day standing in the shade eating, ruminating, and idling regardless of the season (P<0.05). Also, animals under cooling system showed greater milk production, fat content, and higher somatic cell count (P<0.01). Provision of cooling system during the warmer months of the year proved to be efficiently increasing the feeding time, milk production, and milk quality of lactating cows.
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