H.R. Whay’s research while affiliated with University of Bristol and other places

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Publications (152)


Figure 1. Delimitation used for temperature data collection from thermograms of the back view of the calves (n = 36), showing the ear base areas (A).
Figure 2. Delimitation used for temperature data collection from thermograms of the front view of the calves (n = 36); showing the ears (Li1 and Li2), nostrils (El1 and El2), nasal passages (Li8 and Li9), hair whorl (El3) and muzzle areas (Li10).
Figure 3. Delimitation used for temperature data collection from thermograms of the side views of the calves (n = 36); showing the eyeball (A), inner corner (B), rostral eye surrounding (C) and caudal eye surrounding areas (D).
Figure 5. Bar chart showing the predicted values for the different observation days, based on the final model for asymmetries in the maximum temperature of the ear (front view) (n = 36 calves × 6 recording sessions; 216 images in total). * Different superscripts denote significant differences (P < 0.05).
Figure 6. Bar chart showing the predicted values for the different calf groups, based on the final model for temperature asymmetries in the inner corner of the eye (L-R) during the disbudding session (D2×T1) (n= 36 calves × 1 recording). * Bars showing different superscripts differ significantly from each other (P < 0.05).

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An exploration of surface temperature asymmetries as potential markers of affective states in calves experiencing or observing disbudding
  • Article
  • Full-text available

November 2024

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22 Reads

Animal Welfare

Marco Antonio Ramirez Montes de Oca

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Helen R Whay

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The emotional valence hypothesis suggests an increased left-brain hemisphere activation during positive situations and vice versa during negative situations. Since facial thermal asymmetries may reflect lateralised brain activity, we investigated this in dairy calves subjected to hot-iron disbudding (Disbudded; n = 12) as a model of negative affective states. As affective responses can vary due to previous experiences, we examined whether calves that had (ExpObs; n = 12) and had not (InexObs; n = 12) experienced disbudding differed in their thermal response to a conspecific being disbudded, and whether calf response to the researcher (approaching, moving away, not moving) was associated with thermal asymmetries. We made thermographic recordings of each calf on three days: Day before disbudding (D1); Disbudding day (D2); and Day after disbudding (D3), and at two different times: Disbudding time/1400(T1) and Afternoon/1700(T2). Data were analysed using multilevel models. Calves had warmer left ears on D2 compared to higher temperatures on the right ear on D1, suggesting higher right-hemisphere activity on D2. ExpObs calves had higher left-eye temperatures when observing a conspecific being disbudded (D2×T1) than InexObs calves that had warmer right eyes, but this reversed on the following day (D3×T1). Calves avoiding the researcher had warmer left eyes whereas those approaching him had warmer right eyes, suggesting greater activation of the right hemisphere in the former. This study provides initial evidence of temperature asymmetries when observing or experiencing a negative event. Further work is required to confirm and build upon these early findings. The study highlights the potential for future development of methods using infrared thermography as a proxy measure of affective valence.

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Number of workshop participants from each location and roles performed by donkeys within the communities
Being with Donkeys: Insights into the Valuing and Wellbeing of Donkeys in Central Ethiopia

July 2023

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106 Reads

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3 Citations

Society and Animals

This paper explores the interwoven lives of donkeys and the people who depend on them for their livelihoods in central Ethiopia. Drawing on data from 12 participatory workshops, insights were elicited into the ways human co-workers value and treat their donkey co-workers. Methodologically, Participatory Rural Appraisal ( PRA ) and Appreciative Inquiry ( AI ) techniques were merged to explore the complex and multi-dimensional contributions donkeys make to participants’ lives. Findings reveal working with donkeys can make the difference between destitution and modest survival, but societal perception of donkeys as low-status animals has an impact on their owners’ lives and donkey wellbeing. This research contributes empirical insights on the valuing of donkeys and enables a deepened understanding of human-donkey relations. The combination of PRA and AI in the methodology demonstrates how to formulate a compassionate and empathetic approach for exploring donkey value and wellbeing with marginalized groups.


Veterinary communication can influence farmer Change Talk and can be modified following brief Motivational Interviewing training

September 2022

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64 Reads

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9 Citations

Current veterinary communication skills training often focuses on the strategies necessary to successfully transfer information and promote shared decision making rather than inspiring client motivation to engage in behaviour change(s). One evidence-based communication methodology with a specific focus on enhancing conversations about change is Motivational Interviewing (MI), which is perceived by veterinarians to be highly relevant to their profession. We examined whether veterinarians who experienced brief (4–5 hours) MI training (BMIT) were able to change their communication behaviours to be more MI consistent. Fourteen veterinarians recorded 31 veterinary herd health consultations before (n = 15) and after (n = 16) BMIT to allow pre-post intervention analysis of veterinarian and farmer verbal behaviour. Additionally, using a sequential linguistic analysis of 3885 veterinarian-farmer communication events within these consultations, the influence of veterinarians’ verbal behaviours on farmers’ response language was explored. Analysis of veterinary consultations undertaken before and after BMIT revealed that veterinarians changed their communication style to be more consistent with the MI methodology, including more use of reflection statements, a more empathic and partnership-oriented consultation style and greater emphasis on clients’ own language in favour of change goals. In response, farmers contributed more to the conversation and discussed more herd health-related changes. Sequential linguistic analysis suggested that following a veterinarian emphasising something positive about the farmer (e.g. efforts, strengths), seeking collaboration or emphasising farmer choice, farmers were subsequently more likely to express arguments in favour of change (‘Change Talk’), especially phrases indicative of commitment. This study offers the first evidence of the potential value of a BMIT experience to enhance veterinary communication skills, although conscious and disciplined use of MI principles, strategies and Spirit–an ethos of compassion, acceptance, partnership and evocation—requires longer and more complex training. Further studies examining the longevity and consistency of these verbal behaviour changes following BMIT are required.


Comparison of the socio-economic value and welfare of working donkeys in rural and urban Ethiopia

July 2021

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100 Reads

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7 Citations

Animal Welfare

Donkeys (Equus asinus) are widely used throughout Ethiopia and play essential roles in a variety of everyday and income-generating tasks for the people that use them. The challenges faced by people and their working equids vary across communities and geographic locations. This may have implications for how donkeys are perceived by the people they work for, the roles they fulfil and ultimately their welfare. Two complementary methodological approaches were used in this study to explore the socio-economic value of donkeys for their owners and the welfare of the donkeys in rural and urban Ethiopia. Using a questionnaire, donkey owners were asked about their donkeys, their attitudes and beliefs related to donkey use and ownership, and the role donkeys played in their lives. Animal-based welfare assessments were also conducted on a sample of donkeys from different locations, with the overarching aim of the study to investigate differences in use, beliefs, and donkey welfare between rural and urban locations. In both rural and urban locations, working donkeys are critical for their owners’ income-generating activity and therefore their livelihoods. The work they undertake differs substantially between locations, as does their welfare. Work in each setting presents its own challenges and these are reflected in the behaviour and physical health of the donkeys. Rural donkeys showed more apathetic behaviour, a higher ectoparasite burden and greater evidence of tethering/hobbling. Urban donkeys were more alert and had a wider range of body condition scores. The findings highlight marked differences in the role and welfare of donkeys between different areas within the same country, demonstrating the importance of understanding the context, both from the perspective of humans and working equids, prior to staging interventions intended to benefit either party.


Blinking Patterns in Calves and Changes Following Restraint and Disbudding

June 2021

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120 Reads

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1 Citation

The use of spontaneous eye blink rate [EBR] as a non-invasive stress measure is well documented in humans and is gleaning research attention in animal studies. Thus, this study investigated the EBR patterns and changes associated with two known stressful conditions, crush-restraint and disbudding, in dairy calves. Fifty-four female Holstein dairy calves were studied. EBR patterns were assessed in two separate studies (n = 10 in first study; n = 25 in replicate study) four times daily for 4-5 days. Additionally, the EBR of 19 calves divided into two groups (disbudded group = 13; sham group = 6) was recorded following crush-restraint and disbudding (under anaesthesia)/sham-disbudding (without anaesthesia). EBR was consistent across days and times in the first study but in the replicate study, it varied across days. The disbudded group had lower EBR following crush-restraint but was comparable with the sham group following disbudding. Findings suggest that spontaneous blinking may potentially serve as an instant measure of stress in dairy calves based on the elevations associated with crush-restraint and disbudding. However, blink rates may vary across days, and this should be considered when utilizing this measure to assess stress.


Improving animal care and welfare: practical approaches for achieving change.

January 2021

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38 Reads

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1 Citation

The third edition of this book contains a total of 20 chapters (including 3 new chapters), including the implementation of an effective animal welfare programme; the importance of measurement to improve the welfare of livestock, poultry and fish; the social and ethical importance of agricultural animal welfare; the implementation of effective animal-based measurements for assessing animal welfare on farms and slaughter plants; how to improve livestock handling and reduce stress; painful husbandry procedures in livestock and poultry; the importance of good stockmanship and its benefits to animals; in-farm considerations of animal behaviour and emotions; improving livestock, poultry and fish welfare in slaughter plants with auditing programmes and animal-based measures; recommended on-farm euthanasia practices; welfare during transport of livestock and poultry; animal well-being on organic farms; a practical approach on sustainability for supply chain managers of meat, dairy and other animal proteins; the effect of economic factors on the welfare of livestock and poultry; practical approaches for changing and improving animal care and welfare; successful technology transfer of behavioural and animal welfare research to the farm and slaughter plant; technological innovations for individualized animal care and welfare; technology designed to enhance poultry welfare; precision livestock farming and technology in swine welfare and practical methods for improving the welfare of horses, donkeys and mules. There is also a list of videos that will allow students to see different types of farms and technology for raising broiler chickens, cattle, laying hens and pigs. This book provides practical information which will enable veterinarians, managers, animal scientists and policy makers to improve welfare. It will be especially useful for training animal welfare specialists.


Interview Guide for donkey owners and users.
Demographic information for the 10 key informants who participated in the study.
Understanding the Attitudes of Communities to the Social, Economic, and Cultural Importance of Working Donkeys in Rural, Peri-urban, and Urban Areas of Ethiopia

February 2020

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245 Reads

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40 Citations

Working donkeys (Equus africanus asinus) are vital to the development and support of people's livelihoods in rural, peri-urban, and urban areas of Ethiopia. However, despite their critical role in providing transport, food security, and income generation to some of the poorest and most marginalized households, donkey contributions to human livelihoods have been largely unexplored. Donkey users, veterinary surgeons, business owners, and civil servants were interviewed to investigate the role humans play in shaping donkey lives while furthering our understanding of the social and economic impacts of working donkeys to human lives. Findings are discussed through seven guiding themes; donkeys as generators of income, the relationship between donkeys and social status, donkeys and affect, empowerment through donkeys, the role of donkeys in reducing vulnerability and encouraging resilience, donkey husbandry, and gender dynamics all of which gave a broader and richer insight into the value of donkeys. Donkeys are an important support in rural, peri-urban, and urban settings through the creation of economic security, independence, and participation in local saving schemes. In addition, donkeys provide social status, empowerment to marginalized groups such as women and the very poor and provide a sense of companionship. Whether the interviewee was a donkey user or a key informant appeared to influence their views on donkeys and their welfare, as did their location. The variations in views and practices between urban and rural settings suggests that assessing the socioeconomic value of donkeys in different locations within the same area or country is critical, rather than assuming that similar views are held between compatriots. Despite their centrality to many people's lives in Ethiopia, working donkeys often hold lowly status, are misunderstood, and given little husbandry and healthcare.


To change or not to change? Veterinarian and farmer perceptions of relational factors influencing the enactment of veterinary advice on dairy farms in the United Kingdom

August 2019

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62 Reads

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69 Citations

Journal of Dairy Science

In-depth interviews with veterinarians and farmers exploring on-farm change suggest enactment of veterinary advice requires more than accuracy of advisory content. A relational context of trust, shared veterinarian-farmer understanding and meaningful interpretation of advice at a local (farmer) level is critical to promote a culture of change. Veterinarians concerned about advisory engagement should focus on eliciting and integrating farmer priorities, motivations and goals. This collaborative communication can encourage selection of appropriate, efficacious and timely veterinary expertise, leading to better integration and adoption of advice on farm.


Number of statements per theme and associated frequency ranking.
Stakeholder Perceptions of the Challenges to Racehorse Welfare

June 2019

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273 Reads

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11 Citations

Animals

The purpose of this paper is to highlight some of the key challenges to racehorse welfare as perceived by racing industry stakeholders. The paper draws upon statements and transcripts from 10 focus group discussions with 42 participants who were taking part in a larger study investigating stakeholders’ perceptions of racehorse welfare, which participants recognised as maintaining the physical and mental well-being of a performance animal. Analysis of the 68 statements participants identified as challenges produced nine themes. Among these, 26% (18 statements) of the challenges were health related, whilst 41% (28 statements) focused on the effect staff shortages were having on the racing industry. Staff shortages were perceived as affecting standards of racehorse care and the opportunity to develop a human–horse relationship. Poor employee relations due to a lack of recognition, communication and respect were perceived as having a detrimental effect on employee attitudes, behaviour and staff retention which, in turn, can have a sequential effect on the welfare and health of horses in training. Although the number of challenges produced is small (68), they emphasise the perceptions of stakeholders closely associated with the racing industry.


Citations (83)


... Improving veterinarian communication skills by tailoring advice to individuals, improving non-verbal communication, and developing motivational techniques have been widely proposed as a way of better controlling livestock diseases (e.g. (Atkinson, 2010;MacGillivray, 2020;Bard, 2022). ...

Reference:

Challenges for the management of Johne’s Disease in the UK: expectation management, space, ‘free riding’, and vet-farmer communication
Veterinary communication can influence farmer Change Talk and can be modified following brief Motivational Interviewing training

... In lower-income settings, working equids often function as the backbone of rural economies [46,47]. They are frequently employed in agriculture for ploughing fields, sowing seeds, and transporting harvests. ...

Comparison of the socio-economic value and welfare of working donkeys in rural and urban Ethiopia
  • Citing Article
  • July 2021

Animal Welfare

... Working equids support millions of low-and middle-income households worldwide, often being a central source of income and playing a key role in the wider community through their use in transport, agriculture, domestic support and supply chains (Fernando & Starkey 2004;Sturgeon 2021;Grace et al. 2022). Of all the African nations, Ethiopia has the highest number of equids (Food and Agriculture Organisation [FAO] 2021; Norris et al. 2021), where over 12 million are estimated to be used for transport and other draught or pack work (Central Statistical Agency [CSA] 2020; Geiger et al. 2020). ...

Understanding the Attitudes of Communities to the Social, Economic, and Cultural Importance of Working Donkeys in Rural, Peri-urban, and Urban Areas of Ethiopia

... These results can suggest additional research questions for further studies to better investigate, for example, whether veterinarians are consulted on a regular basis or just for unusual cases, as reported by other authors [31], and how veterinarians can support the change in the long run [32]. ...

To change or not to change? Veterinarian and farmer perceptions of relational factors influencing the enactment of veterinary advice on dairy farms in the United Kingdom
  • Citing Article
  • August 2019

Journal of Dairy Science

... A racehorse-specific welfare assessment protocol was devised based on in depth stakeholder consultation (10,16) and previously published equine welfare assessment methodologies (see Table 1). The welfare measures selected have been validated and are well developed and accepted indicators to assess equine welfare. ...

Stakeholder Perceptions of the Challenges to Racehorse Welfare

Animals

... Existing qualitative studies on equine well-being assessment with multiple equine stakeholders have focused on horse welfare or happiness in different contexts but have not yet explored how equine stakeholders use and understand equine QoL particularly for old or chronically ill horses [20,21,26,32,[44][45][46]. The present study aimed to empirically investigate the assessments of equine QoL of a variety of stakeholders including equine veterinarians, veterinary officers, horse owners, farriers, and horse caregivers in the context of making decisions about veterinary care for chronically ill or old horses. ...

Living the ‘Best Life’ or ‘One Size Fits All’—Stakeholder Perceptions of Racehorse Welfare

Animals

... The most common side effect is respiratory depression. A new formulation of alfaxalone has been employed producing light anaesthesia lasting between 30 minutes in rabbits and ferrets, to few hours in cats and dogs, depending on the dose employed, and fast recovery with minimal or limited cardiovascular effects [6][7][8][9][10][11]. However, a lack of analgesia was observed, and analgesic support should be provided in painful procedures [12]. ...

Clinical measurements performed during alfaxalone total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) for radiography and neurophysiological investigations in dogs
  • Citing Article
  • March 2019

Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia

... Pain is a major contributor to decreased joint motion [13,14], by decreasing joint motion, the nociceptive activity in the brain will be decreased [2]. Orthopaedic diseases causing pain can lead to disuse of the affected limb and inevitably muscle atrophy [15]. ...

An investigation of mechanical nociceptive thresholds in dogs with hind limb joint pain compared to healthy control dogs
  • Citing Article
  • December 2017

The Veterinary Journal

... Cognitive or judgement bias testing is used to assess emotional state in animals based on theory and empirical ndings that individuals in negative emotional states make more negative judgements about ambiguous stimuli ("pessimistic" choices) whilst those in positive states make more "optimistic" ones [34][35][36] . A more pessimistic response in cognitive bias tests has been associated with negative states in humans 37 , rats 34,38 , cows 39,40 , sheep 41 and dogs [47]. The cognitive bias test for dogs was rst described by Mendl et al. (2010) and involves a spatial learning task that uses the position of food bowls as negative, positive and ambiguous cues 42 . ...

Evidence of negative affective state in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with syringomyelia
  • Citing Article
  • December 2017

Applied Animal Behaviour Science