SCIENCE UPDATE ISSUE 63 – JANUARY 2019

The aim of the update is to keep you informed of developments in animal welfare science relating to the work of the RSPCA. The update provides summaries of the most relevant scientific papers and reports received by the RSPCA office in the past quarter. Email [email protected] to subscribe. ANIMALS USED FOR SPORT, ENTERTAINMENT, RECREATION AND WORK

Exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage in Thoroughbred racehorses

Exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) is a racing records for each horse, such as the number of highly prevalent disease of racehorses that consists races started, the temperature on race day, the days of bleeding within the airways following a race. EIPH since the horse’s last race, and the weight carried. is associated with poor race performance and horse welfare, and horses will be banned from racing if The results showed that blood was detected in they bleed from both nostrils after racing. This study over half of all examinations (55.6%) and that the monitored EIPH in Thoroughbred racehorses over time population prevalence of EIPH increased as the number to determine whether the prevalence and/or severity of examinations for each horse increased. When of the disease changed, and if so, what contributed to comparing consecutive EIPH scores, the score was these changes. likely to increase on colder days, possibly associated with airway inflammation, and when the horse was Australian Thoroughbred trainers were invited to enrol carrying less weight. Horses may be given less weight their horses in the study when racing at three racing to carry when they advance to a higher race class. tracks in Western Australia. Thirty minutes after a race, The increased speed of the competitors combined the horses’ airways were examined using an endoscope with less weight are likely to result in more pressure to check for blood. The airways of each horse were on the airways. Horses received a lower EIPH score graded on a 0-4 scale (EIPH score), with 0 indicating if they had had a longer break between races. The no blood, and 4 indicating substantial amounts of authors conclude that limiting the intensity of training blood present covering more than 90% of the tracheal and spacing race days for horses with EIPH may be surface. Horses could be assessed following multiple beneficial for reducing the severity of this disease. races, and data collection occurred over 2.5 years. Only horses that had been assessed at least twice were Crispe EJ, Secombe CJ, Perera DI et al (2019) Exercise- induced pulmonary haemorrhage in Thoroughbred included in the study, resulting in a total sample size racehorses: a longitudinal study. Equine Veterinary Journal of 747 horses. Additional data were collected on the 51:45-51.

Retiring and replacing performing captive cetaceans

Seaworld was founded in 1959 and has since profited with organisations. However, from its use of captive marine species such as dolphins Seaworld still possesses 29 orcas, 168 other whales and orcas for human entertainment purposes. These and dolphins, and numerous other non-cetacean species are intelligent, have complex social structures, species such as sharks and sea lions. The continued and would naturally roam vast distances in the wild. The use of these animals for ‘viewing’ purposes is still likely substantial negative impacts of keeping these species, to result in welfare problems. As the orcas are unable particularly orcas, in captivity were widely publicised by to be released into the wild, the authors propose that the release of the 2013 documentary Blackfish. This Seaworld invest in sea-pens so that their orcas can documentary criticised the policies and practices of be housed in much larger and more natural spaces Seaworld and other marine entertainment parks that without the close proximity of human crowds. severely compromised the welfare of its captive orcas and contributed to the deaths of four people. The resulting Sea-pens are expensive and cost up to $600,000/ public backlash and collapse in share prices that followed year to maintain. To generate the funds required the release of Blackfish are indicative of the change in to maintain these pens, the authors suggest that public sentiment regarding the exploitation of intelligent Seaworld invest in other forms of entertainment for animals for theatrical entertainment. This article from its guests that do not involve animals. These include the UK discusses how Seaworld could use this situation virtual reality amusement rides with underwater as an opportunity to reform itself and provide peaceful themes, and shows involving hologram orcas retirement for its captive orcas. combined with human performers wearing aquatic jetpacks. Adopting these themes would allow Since the release of Blackfish, Seaworld has announced Seaworld to maintain its unique selling point while that it will cease its orca breeding program, replace adopting ethically neutral practices. its orca and dolphin theatrical shows with ‘viewing’ tanks, and build new and stronger partnerships Javanaud K, Sanghani H, Yound GC (2018) The future of Seaworld. Journal of Animal Ethics 8:133-137.

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Ensuring the welfare of animals used in animal-assisted interventions

Animal-assisted-intervention (AAI) is defined as ‘any intervention that intentionally includes or incorporates animals as part of a therapeutic or ameliorative process’. The popularity of AAI has been increasing, and in the last decade there has been a surge of research in this area. Because humans are the subject of AAI, researchers may fail to recognise that the animal use should be approved by an animal ethics committee. This approval ensures that the welfare of the animals is monitored to ensure their needs are met. For example, animals may be regularly exposed to traumatised or severely disabled people and this may be stressful for the animal, or in rare cases may even be dangerous. This USA study reviewed published research articles involving AAI to determine how often they reported animal ethics approval, and to describe the animals used in these studies.

A comprehensive literature search identified 923 articles relating to AAI. These articles were reviewed to ensure they contained sufficient detail for analysis, resulting in 139 articles that were suitable. Each article was then assessed to determine: whether the study obtained approval from an animal ethics or human ethics committee; the species, number, age and sex of animals used; whether the animals had received AAI training, and whether the animals’ health or welfare was monitored during the study.

Of the 139 articles reviewed, only 14 (10%) reported obtaining animal ethics approval. This low rate may be because some studies had approval but did not report it, or because ethics approval was not applied for. More stringent reporting requirements by funding bodies and journal editors may encourage researchers to explicitly state when ethics approval has been obtained. Dogs were the most commonly used animal (65%), followed by horses (19%). Other details about the animals, such as the number used or their age, were inconsistently or rarely reported. In conclusion, the lack of ethics approval in AAI studies indicates that this field is underutilising this method of monitoring animal health and welfare.

Ng Z, Morse L, Albright J, et al (in press) Describing the use of animals in animal-assisted-intervention research. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science.

3 Improving our understanding of assessing pain in horses

Unlike humans, animals cannot verbally describe the pain Facial expressions can be used as valid indicators of they experience. Researchers must rely on behavioural emotional states in horses. Facial-expression based pain and physiological indicators to determine the location scales are used to score features of the face and head to and severity of . Objective and reliable create a total pain score. Facial indicators of pain include pain recognition is essential in treating horses, allowing the ears being held back, and tense muscles around the analgesics to be tailored to individual differences in the mouth, nostrils and eyes. One scale also includes head amount of pain experienced. This article discusses the movement such as teeth grinding and yawning. These current pain scales that have been published for horses in facial expressions only take two minutes to assess, thus terms of design, validity and limitations. providing a promising tool for valid and quick assessment of acute pain in horses. Further research should A pain scale is a rating system in which the appearance investigate the impact of individual personalities and of a horse is rated using numbers, with a higher total coping styles on the behavioural indicators of pain, and score indicative of greater pain. Currently, composite pain recent improvements in digital technology may enable scales and facial-expression based pain scales appear automated recognition of more subtle indicators of pain. to be the most promising tools for pain assessment in Improved pain scoring could refine the criteria used to horses. Composite pain scales include multiple variables, evaluate the clinical efficacy of new analgesic drugs and such as different behaviours and physiology, which are techniques, potentially benefitting horse welfare. individually scored and then summed to obtain an overall composite pain score. These assessments can be time Van Loon JPAM, Van Dierendonck MC (2018) Objective pain consuming but can be very useful in clinical settings assessment in horses (2014-2018). The Veterinary Journal when assessing acute pain. 242:1-7.

Cumulative bone fatigue in Thoroughbred racehorses

The forelegs and joints of racehorses are subjected to collection, or at rest if they had not been exercised in extremely high loads during galloping. Subchondral the previous week. The training history of the horse bones act as shock absorbers beneath the cartilage in was then compared to the bone microdamage data. joints, and the high loads experienced during racing and training can lead to bone fatigue and microcracks Bone fatigue is prevalent in Thoroughbred racehorses in the subchondral bone of the forelegs. These with microcracks detected in each of the 46 horses microcracks may extend into the surrounding bone to sampled at post-mortem. Microdamage became form larger fractures, with catastrophic consequences. more extensive as the racing career progressed, and Subchondral bone injuries are very difficult to treat, the authors discuss how this effect is likely to be due thus a better understanding of the factors leading to the strain of training rather than an effect of age. to bone fatigue will aid in developing preventative Damaged bone can heal if given sufficient rest, and strategies. This study investigated the relationship accordingly the microdamage was greater in horses between training history and the occurrence of that were in training rather than at rest. To reduce subchondral microcracks in Thoroughbred racehorses. the incidence of microdamage to subchondral bone in racehorses, the authors recommend that the Subchondral bone samples were collected from the intensity and duration of racing training be reduced, or forelegs of 46 Thoroughbred racehorses at post- alternately, the duration of rest periods be increased. mortem. The cause of death of these horses was not stated. These bone samples were subjected to two Whitton RC, Ayodele BA, Hitchens PL et al (2018) Subchondral bone microdamage accumulation in distal types of scanning (microcomputed tomography and metacarpus of Thoroughbred racehorses. Equine Veterinary light microscopy) to determine the nature and number Journal 50:766-773. of microcracks present. The racing and training histories of each horse were obtained from online records and from discussions with the horses’ trainers. Horses were classified as being in race preparation if they had been exercised in the week prior to sample

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COMPANION ANIMALS

Assessment of quality of life and chronic pain in dogs

The assessment and management of chronic pain and conditions. In comparison, QOL assessments are less quality of life (QOL) in dogs are key aspects of clinical tangible, in that they are attempting to assess the veterinary practice. These assessments are essential sum of all experiences that the dog is experiencing for making good treatment decisions and advising to determine how the dog ‘feels’. There is no single, owners. Chronic pain serves no function, but may validated test for QOL, and veterinarians must make be difficult to recognise and can seriously impact the a holistic ‘best guess’ based on the behavioural signs QOL experienced by the patient. QOL refers to the of physical and mental health in dogs, as well as their aspects of an animal’s life that make that life better environmental conditions. or worse for that animal. Chronic pain and QOL are closely related, and improvements in one may lead to Assessments of chronic pain and QOL should be improvements in the other. This UK article reviews this pro-active, global, regular, applied to answer specific relationship, and provides guidance for recognising questions for researchers and decision makers, and signs of chronic pain or poor QOL in dogs. transparent about what has been assessed. This will help veterinarians and researchers to consider the Chronic pain is typically recognised through changes in overall impact of a condition on the animal, such as the behaviour of dogs, such as posture, temperament, side effects and co-morbidities, as well as to help vocalisation or movement. The behavioural signs monitor changes in individuals over time. Relying on of chronic pain may vary with the type of pain, and owner reports of pain may not be reliable. Further due to individual variation such as past experience, research into the relationships between chronic pain environmental factors, or personality. For these and QOL should be prioritised. reasons, behavioural signs of chronic pain may be subtle and require a good knowledge of how Belshaw Z, Yeates J (2018) Assessment of quality of life ahronic pain in dogs. The Veterinary Journal 239:59-64. each individual dog usually behaves under specific

5 The status of pet rabbit breeding and online sales in the UK

Rabbits are the third most popular pet in the UK, and During the one-month observation period, 1910 yet little is known about the pet rabbit population in advertisements for pet rabbit sales were recorded. this country or where the rabbits come from. Previous 74% of these adverts were for young rabbits (< 16 research has revealed that rabbit owners often don’t wks), and the authors used these figures to estimate provide the minimum requirements of care for their that over 250 000 young rabbits may be sold online pets, such as sufficient space, social companionship in the UK each year. The most commonly advertised or healthcare. This raises concerns for the breeding breeds were Mini-lops and Netherland Dwarfs, which stock used to supply the pet rabbit industry, as almost are susceptible to health problems. The breeder nothing is known about this population. Unlike questionnaire also raised concerns about the housing laboratory and farmed rabbits, there are no guidelines of rabbit breeding stock. Most breeding animals were in place to safeguard the welfare of these animals. housed individually, with some breeders providing This study investigated the conditions of rabbits in the less space than that required for laboratory rabbits, pet breeding trade, and the demographics of the UK particularly for males. Only 1% of pet rabbit breeders rabbit sales market. were licenced. The licensing requirements varied between different councils and were not sufficiently Several methods were used to collect data on the clear for practical use. The authors conclude that pet rabbit breeding population in . Basic standardised guidelines must be created for pet rabbit husbandry and housing information was gathered breeders to ensure the minimum requirements of care using an online survey targeting pet rabbit breeders are met for their animals. and received 33 responses. Online sales of pet rabbits were monitored for one month to gather Gosling EM, Vasquez-Diosdado JA, Harvey ND (2018) The information on the types of rabbits being sold. A status of pet rabbit breeding and online sales in the UK: A freedom of information request was sent to 10% of glimpse into an otherwise elusive industry. Animals 8, 199. English councils to determine what the legal licensing requirements were for pet rabbit breeders, and how they varied between councils.

Identifying negative responses to restraint in cats

There are over 100 million pet cats in the USA and each cat was then carried to a second room for a 2 Canada, with many of these animals requiring restraint minute physical examination that measured heart and during routine veterinary check-ups and procedures. respiration rate, as well as ear temperature. The cats One study found that 30% of cats show fear and were restrained either using full body restraint (held aggression during these procedures, resulting in 24% completely flat and immobile on the table) or passive of examinations that could not be completed and restraint (cat remains in their preferred posture and potential misdiagnoses. The potential for negative can move somewhat). The behaviour of the cats was health and welfare consequences of excessive restraint observed during and after the examination, and their in cats is becoming increasingly recognised, but there eyes photographed for pupil measurement. are no scientifically validated measures available for assessing the level of aversion experienced by the cats. Several behavioural and physiological differences were This study investigated indicators of negative responses identified between the two types of restraint. Cats to handling in cats. receiving full restraint showed more struggling, lip licking and flattened back or sideways ears. They also An experiment comparing the effects of full bodily showed increased respiratory rate and pupil dilation, restraint against light minimal restraint during a consistent with a stress response, and jumped off the veterinary examination was conducted at an animal examination table faster than the passively restrained shelter in Canada, using 51 adult cats. All cats were cats. These measures are all indicative of an aversive tested for friendliness using an Unfamiliar Human experience for cats and are considered suitable for use Test and were classified as ‘friendly’ if they voluntarily in identifying a negative handling experience for cats. emerged from a cat carrier and approached within 50cm to an unfamiliar human sitting on a chair, and Moody CM, Picketts VA, Mason GM et al (2018) Can you handle it? Validating negative responses to restraint in cats. then allowed that human to approach and pat them. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 204:94-100. If they showed any avoidance of the human then they were classified as ‘unfriendly’. Following this test,

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The impact of the Cat Tracker citizen science project in South Australia

Cats are a popular pet worldwide but their outdoor the impact of the project on the participants, an access must be managed to avoid substantial evaluation survey was sent to owners regarding what predation on native wildlife and other negative they had learned, their cat management practices and impacts. A novel method of engaging cat owners their attitudes to cats. This evaluation survey received with pet cat management was to include them in a 410 valid responses and was compared to the initial citizen science project that tracked the movements of survey to determine how participation had changed their pet cats while roaming outdoors. Citizen science the behaviour and attitudes of cat owners. involves public contributions to organised research projects, where members of the public volunteer The majority of participants were educated women their time to assist scientists with data collection. This in their 50s. Participants that were most involved arrangement is mutually beneficial, with many citizen with the project were most influenced by it; all cat scientists finding this work rewarding and educational, owners increased the importance they placed on however the full extent of the impact of citizen science confining their pet cat, but this increase was greater projects on citizens has not been explored. This study for people who had had their cats tracked. Most measured the impacts of the Cat Tracker project on people stated that they would keep their pet cats the volunteers that participated. indoors more after participating, even though the project did not specifically advocate this behaviour. The Cat Tracker project was a well-publicised study The authors conclude that citizen science projects can that took place in South Australia. The public were benefit participants and onlookers by improving their invited to complete an online survey about cat knowledge, attitudes and behaviours toward the study ownership, cat personality, attachment to cats, subject. cat management, and participant demographics. This survey received 3192 responses, of which 428 Roetman P, Tindle H, Litchfield C (2018) Management of pet cats: The impact of the Cat Tracker citizen science project in participants were selected to have their cats tracked South Australia. Animals 8, 190. for one week using a GPS harness unit. To evaluate

7 Welfare-Adjusted-Life-Years: A novel measure of animal welfare

Disease can compromise animal welfare and cause considered. The severity of each welfare impediment premature death, but the effect of disease on these was weighted based on the opinions of 61 veterinarians two parameters are measured separately. For example, recruited at a veterinary conference in Australia. many disease studies focus on survival times, without acknowledging that poor welfare can occur without The authors were successfully able to apply the WALY the animal dying from the disease. In human medicine, to 10 common diseases in dogs, and this is the first time the burden of disease caused by premature death and that this sort of metric has been calculated. The welfare impaired health can be measured by a single metric impediment that was given the least weight was called the Disability-Adjusted Life Year (DALY). This “amputation: one limb”, while the welfare impediment study adapted the DALY for use with animals to create that was given the most weight and considered the a new metric; the Welfare-Adjusted Life Year (WALY). most severe was “respiratory distress”. The disease that received the lowest WALY value was thoracolumbar WALY is the sum of two components: the number intervertebral disc disease (2.83), while the highest of years lived with impaired welfare (YLIW) due to a WALY was allocated to atopic dermatitis (9.73). The particular cause, and the estimated number of years of greater the WALY value, the greater the adverse impact life lost (YLL) due to premature death from the same of the disease on the dog. These results demonstrate cause. To demonstrate the use of WALY, 10 common that the WALY metric is able to summarise the welfare diseases in dogs were selected and their welfare compromise as perceived by humans and the total impediments were identified. For example, mitral valve impact of diseases on individual animals. disease will cause mild-severe heart failure, frequent veterinary visits (which may be stressful for fearful Teng KT-Y, Devleesschauwer B, Maertens De Noordhout C et al (2018) Welfare-Adjusted Life Years (WALY): A novel metric animals), and death. Welfare impediments caused by of animal welfare that combines the impacts of impaired treatments and complications of the disease were also welfare and abbreviated lifespan. PLoS ONE 13(9):e0202580

Reptilian and mammalian brains are molecularly similar and share evolutionary origins

In all developing bird, reptile and mammal embryos, and the descendant species (mouse and human) to the brain begins developing with the same regions, elucidate whether some shared features were present but by the time these animals reach adulthood in the brain of the common ancestor (320 million years these regions have differentiated into very different ago), or had evolved concurrently since mammals and structures for mammals and reptiles. For example, the reptiles diverged. neocortex is only present in mammalian brains and the dorsal ventricular ridge is only present in birds These analyses provide support for the concept that and reptiles. These different structures perform similar many brain regions found in mammals were probably roles and are involved in higher brain functions. It is present in the common ancestor 320 million years known that mammals and reptiles shared a common ago. These include homologs on the mammalian ancestor about 320 million years ago, and it is of neocortex, ‘core’ hippocampus, claustrum and pallial interest to know how the reptilian and mammalian amygdala. This suggest that mammalian and reptilian brains diverged since this common ancestor. This study brains diversified by expansions and independent examined gene expression data from reptilian and evolution of different regions in the grey and white mammalian brains to study the evolution of neuronal matter (the pallium). These expansions coincided with diversity in these animals. the evolution of new types of neurons in mammals. This paper does not discuss how the similarities and Samples of brain tissue were collected from three differences between mammal and reptile brains may different areas within lizard, turtle and mouse brains, affect their , and thus their capacity to and this tissue was genetically sequenced to determine suffer, but does pave the way for future studies of the which genes were being expressed in the different evolution of brain function. brain regions. Regions that expressed the same genes were considered to be similar, even if they were not in Tosches MA, Yamawaki TM, Naumann RK et al (2018) Evolution of pallium, hippocampus and cortical cell types the exact same physical location between the different revealed by single-cell transcriptomics in reptiles. Science types of animals. These regions were then compared 360(6391):881-888. between the progenitor species (lizard and turtle)

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Shelter housing for cats: Principles of design for health, welfare and rehoming

The design of an and the housing within privacy and an elevated resting place. Group housing will affect both the success of the organisation and is not recommended. The indicators of stress in cats the experience of each animal that passes through its are subtle, and their behaviour should be monitored care. Cats are particularly susceptible to environmental carefully for signs of stress of that the environment change, and poor housing in shelters can negatively needs adjustment. For example, a cat resting in its litter impact both their health and welfare. This article tray may need a more comfortable or more private reviews the practical aspects of shelter design for resting place. Providing environmental enrichment optimal cat health, welfare and adoption rates. not only benefits cat welfare, but has been associated with improved adoption rates, presumably due to the The number of cats that can be housed by a shelter at cats being more relaxed and likely to interact positively any one time must be carefully considered. Ideally, a with adopters. Disease control is an ongoing concern shelter will hold a relatively small population of cats, as cats are more likely to become sick when stressed, but each cat will be adopted quickly so that a high particularly with upper respiratory tract infections. throughput is maintained. Research has repeatedly Optimal housing with enrichment can be more difficult shown that doubling the cage size (and consequently to disinfect but can improve the immune function of halving the shelter population) results in a range of cats by reducing stress. In conclusion, optimal housing benefits for cats, such as increased adoption rates, for cats in shelters can improve adoption rates, reduce improved health, reduced veterinary costs and less stress, improve the cat welfare, and provide a more time spent at the shelter. In addition, having fewer cats pleasant working environment for shelter staff. on display also improves adoption rates. Wagner D, Hurley K, Stavisky J (2018) Shelter housing Shelter housing should be designed to accommodate for cats. 1. Principles of design for health, welfare and the specific needs of cats to ensure optimal welfare. rehoming. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 20:635- Cats are solitary, territorial predators and require 642.

9 FARM ANIMALS

Rearing male layer chickens: A German perspective

The negative relationship between egg production rear the males of specialised egg production strains for and fattening performance in chickens has resulted in meat production. specialised strains for egg and meat production. The egg industry produces large numbers of male chicks Rearing males for meat production is currently being each year that are killed at one day old because they used by the organic sector as an interim method serve no economic purpose. This article discusses the while dual-purpose breeds are in development, as in current developments to avoid killing male layer chicks ovo sex determination is not considered acceptable in Germany. to this sector. The number of male layer chicks raised in Germany has increased from 100,000 per year in There are currently three different methods available to 2015 to 270,000 per year in 2018. These birds take avoid the killing of male chicks in the egg industry. The 8.5 to 18 weeks to reach a marketable weight. In first is in ovo sex determination. This method involves terms of animal welfare, rearing male layers is largely sexing the eggs using endocrinological or optical unproblematic, and 89% of the German consumers methods and destroying the male embryos prior to would be willing to pay more for eggs if the male hatch. This system is 98% accurate by the ninth day of chickens were raised. While there are challenges incubation and is commercially available in Germany. in raising male chickens in a resource-friendly and The second method involves the use of dual-purpose ecologically sustainable manner, this practice serves as breed. Hens from these lines lay a sufficient number an example of how an industry can react to societal of eggs, while the males have an acceptable fattening concerns immediately, before longer-term solutions performance. Using dual-purpose breeds allows are available for the entire system of modern poultry females to be used for egg production and males production. to be fattened for meat production. However, these breeds will never achieve the high production rates of Giersberg MF, Kemper N (2018) Rearing male layer chickens: A German perspective. Agriculture 8:176. the specialised breeds and are not yet available on a commercial scale in Germany. The final method is to

Reducing sow confinement at 3 days post-partum may not be detrimental to piglet survival

Farrowing crates are used to prevent the sow crushing Saliva samples were collected on Days 2, 4 and 25 young piglets as she changes posture. This protection for analysis of stress hormone (cortisol) and immune is generally most necessary during the first 3 days function (IgA). Piglet performance was assessed using after birth. Temporary crating is a procedure in which mortality rates and weight gain. the farrowing crate is opened when the piglets are 3 days old, allowing the sow to move about within the The temporarily crated sows showed no differences farrowing pen. The effect of temporary crating on in cortisol, but a decrease in IgA on the day after the the sow and piglets is currently unknown; the greater crate was opened (Day 4). The decrease in IgA may freedom of movement may improve sow welfare indicate a reduction in sow stress. The temporarily but may also increase the risk of piglet crushing. This crated sows also showed increased activity after the study investigated the effects of temporary crating crate was opened on Day 3. There was no difference on the behaviour and physiology of sows, and the in the mortality rate, growth rate or behaviour of the performance of their piglets. piglets, indicating that the additional activity shown by the sows on Day 3 did not pose a risk of crushing An experiment was conducted at a research farm to the piglets. In conclusion, temporary crating limited in the Czech Republic using 27 sows. All sows were to the first 3 days postpartum may be a feasible placed into farrowing crates prior to parturition, and alternative to improve sow welfare under intensive half of these sows had their crates opened at Day 3 production conditions. postpartum (the treatment group). The remaining sows acted as the control group, and their crates remained Goumon S, Leszkowová I, Šimečková M et al (2018) Sow stress levels and behavior and piglet performances in closed throughout the lactation period until weaning farrowing crates and farrowing pens with temporary crating. at Day 28. Sow and piglet behaviour was monitored Journal of Animal Science 96:4571-4578. on Days 3, 4 and 25 using overhead video cameras.

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RSPCA Australia Animal Welfare Seminar 2019 22 February 2019, Canberra. Program and registration available now! More info here.

The effect of UV light on broiler chicken welfare

For animals that are housed indoors such as broiler feather condition, fearfulness and walking ability. The chickens, the quality of artificial lighting can influence feather condition of each bird was assessed at 24 days their behaviour and welfare. Chickens can see old using a 5-point scoring system. A sample of 100 ultraviolet (UV) light that is imperceptible to humans. birds per treatment were tested for fearfulness at 29 Providing UVA light, part of the UV spectrum, days old using the duration of tonic immobility after appears to make the environment more attractive as gentle restraint. Walking ability was assessed for half it encourages foraging activity and preening while of the birds using a 5-point scoring system at 31 days reducing fearfulness and stress. In addition, UVB light of age. supports the synthesis of vitamin D, which increases bone strength. This UK study investigated the effect The results suggest that UVA and UVB light may offer of providing artificial UVA and UVB light on broiler potential welfare benefits to indoor reared broilers. chicken welfare. The UVA+UVB treatment led to improved walking ability and a tendency to be less fearful. UVA led to 638 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to one of reduced fearfulness, improved walking ability and three lighting treatments: UVA light only for 18hrs/ improved feather condition in male broilers. Installing day; UVA and UVB light for 8 hrs/day; or standard LED UV lights in broiler farms has the potential to improve light with no UV wavelengths (control). The UVA+UVB the welfare of indoor reared broiler chickens. treatment needed to be limited to 8hrs/day to avoid overexposing the birds to UVB. Each treatment group James C, Asher L, Herborn K et al (2018) The effect of supplementary ultraviolet wavelengths on broiler chicken was housed in a separate room until 35 days of age welfare indicators. Applied Animal Behaviour Science when the experiment ended. Three measures were 209:55-64. used to assess the welfare of each treatment group;

11 One Welfare Conference II 14-16 October 2019, Sydney. Call for abstracts closing soon. More info here.

HUMANE KILLING

Testing a non-penetrating captive-bolt system for piglet euthanasia under commercial conditions

On pig farms, piglets may need to be euthanased for brain dissection. Dissection allowed the extent of a variety of reasons. A common method for killing brain trauma to be determined. A second trial was piglets is manual blunt force trauma to the head using conducted at the same farm using 106 piglets to a heavy instrument or by swinging the piglet against determine the speed of the method under commercial a hard surface. This method is heavily dependent conditions. on the strength and skill of the stockperson, and is aesthetically unpleasant to perform. An alternative The Zephyr EXL caused immediate loss of method is the use of a captive bolt device. The Zephyr consciousness and brain death in all piglets, and EXL is a type of non-penetrating captive bolt gun it took less than 7 seconds to select, place and which is fired against the piglet’s head. This model of euthanase a piglet using the device. Brain dissection captive bolt gun has been shown to cause immediate revealed substantial physical damage to the skull and death in piglets under laboratory conditions. This study brain of piglets following administration of the Zephyr investigated the efficacy of the Zephyr EXL for piglet EXL. Some piglets showed signs of agonal gasping euthanasia under commercial conditions. or clonic movements following application, to which the stockpeople expressed concern. However, once The research was conducted on a commercial pork the researchers explained that the animals were not farm in the USA. Standard farm procedures were conscious, their concerns were abated. These results, used to identify 207 piglets that required euthanasia. combined with the results from the previous laboratory Each piglet was individually restrained in a restraining study, led the authors to recommend the Zephyr EXL device, with their head held firmly against a hard as suitable as a single application euthanasia device for surface. The Zephyr EXL was administered to the piglets up to 10.9kg liveweight. frontal-parietal position of the head, and each piglet was then monitored for three minutes for signs of Grist A, Knowles TG, Wotton SB (2018) Humane euthanasia of neonates II: field study of the effectiveness of the Zephyr sensibility. After death was verified, the head of EXL non-penetrating captive-bolt system for euthanasia of each piglet was removed, labelled and frozen for newborn piglets. Animal Welfare 27:319-326.

12 RSPCA AUSTRALIA SCIENCE UPDATE – ISSUE 63 – JANUARY 2019 SCIENCE UPDATE

Management of cull dairy cows in Canada

Around one third of dairy cows in Canada and the US take up to 10 days to reach slaughter due to various are culled each year, usually because of poor health or delays and auctions. Research is needed to better production. Culled cows are removed from the herd and understand what delays these cows experience and transported to slaughter, and for cattle that are already why. 2. Farmers and herd veterinarians need greater in poor health, this process may result in poor welfare. In awareness of how long it takes a cow to reach addition, many slaughter plants do not accept dairy cattle slaughter. 3. Pro-active culling should be promoted for slaughter, and consequently cull dairy cattle may to prevent poor welfare and improve the commercial be transported long distances to reach an appropriate value of the carcass. 4. Cattle should be assessed slaughter plant. While there are many apparent risks to for fitness-for-transport prior to loading due to the welfare of cull dairy cattle, this topic has received the likelihood of poor health. 5. Local options for little scientific attention. This article discusses the diverse slaughter plants that accept cull dairy cows should management of cull dairy cows in Canada, and possible be promoted. 6. Cull dairy cow management varies improvements that could be made. between jurisdictions. Options such as mobile slaughter should be investigated. 7. Farmers need Due to the lack of scientific literature on this topic, training in making on-farm euthanasia decisions. 8. a panel of 15 experts was convened over 2 days to Consistent enforcement of the relevant regulations discuss regional management practices, risk factors, could help to address welfare problems and create welfare problems, and recommendations for cull public confidence. These insights into cull dairy cow dairy cow welfare. The experts consisted of farmers, management can be used to guide research to aid veterinarians, regulators, researchers and people policy decisions in this area. involved in the transport, sale and slaughter of cull dairy cows. Stojkov J, Bowers G, Draper M et al (2018) Hot topic: Management of cull dairy cows – Consensus of an expert The 8 main themes arising from the meeting are consultation in Canada. Journal of Dairy Science 101:11170- summarised in the following: 1. Cull dairy cows may 11174.

13 RESEARCH ANIMALS

Emotions and ethical decision-making in animal ethics committees

In the European Union, research projects that use research and ethical evaluation but had not been animals must be evaluated and approved by an animal involved in the online survey. These qualitative ethics committee (AEC). This committee weighs the interviews helped to elucidate some of the key findings expected benefits of the research against the harms from the survey in more detail. imposed on the animals to decide whether the research should be approved. In Sweden, each AEC Laypersons on the ethical committees felt that they consists of one chairperson, a deputy chairperson, held less influence in ethical decision making than six scientific representatives and six laypersons. The the scientists. The laypersons also reported more scientific representatives allow the research proposals emotional involvement in the decision-making process, to be assessed for scientific rigour, while the laypersons whereas the scientists relied more on utilitarian represent the views of society in relation to acceptable reasoning. The authors argue that emotions such animal use. These committees have been criticised for as empathy are the very basis of morality, and it dismissing or minimising the views of the laypeople for appears illogical to actively disregard them in moral being too emotional. This study investigated whether deliberations. It is recommended that the chairpersons differences exist between different categories of AEC of AECs be trained in facilitating equal discussion members, particularly in terms of using reason and between the members, and clearly define the roles emotions to make ethical decisions. of each member. It is only when laypeople feel equal in the discussion that they truly fulfil their task as An online survey was distributed to AEC members in society’s representatives. AECs should also consider Sweden, containing questions about the experiences other ethical models besides the standard utilitarian working in the committee, how they perceived the approach to achieve a more thorough, balanced and ethical decisions to be made, and how their emotions inclusive ethical evaluation. influenced their ethical decision making. This survey received 74 useable responses. In addition, detailed Tjärnström E, Weber EM, Hultgren J et al (2018) Emotions and ethical decision-making in animal ethics committees. telephone interviews were conducted with eight Animals 8, 181. people who had previous experience with animal

14 RSPCA AUSTRALIA SCIENCE UPDATE – ISSUE 63 – JANUARY 2019 SCIENCE UPDATE

TRANSPORTATION OF ANIMALS

Australian meat consumers’ perceptions about sheep and beef cattle transport

Public concern for farm animal welfare has been Participants were required to be regular consumers increasing over the last 50 years due to a combination of meat to participate, and were recruited through of increased awareness of animal sentience, the community and social media announcements, and intensification of animal agriculture, the increasing public events. urbanisation of societies, as well as a tendency to anthropomorphise. Understanding which specific A recurring theme expressed by participants was welfare concerns are most prominent among members concern for livestock during transport by road and of the public is critical to improve processes in the sea. Participants described concerns for the animals meat production industries. This study examines the being ‘packed in’ tightly to the trucks and transported public’s concern for the welfare of sheep and cattle for long distances, and these aspects of transport during transport. were perceived to have a negative impact on animal welfare. This recurring theme may have been due The views of the Australian public regarding livestock to the high visibility of livestock transport vehicles in transport were collected qualitatively using a urban areas, combined with the extensive coverage combination of focus groups (27 people) and ‘mall- of the live-export industry in the media. Public intercept interviews’ (39 people). Both focus groups concern for transported animals may also be driven by and interviews were structured and included a series anthropomorphism, the inevitable connection between of discussion points about the welfare of sheep and transport and slaughter, and a genuine concern for cattle more broadly, with this paper focusing on animal welfare. The results of this study suggest the responses relating to transport by land or sea. that the red meat sector may need to reconsider Participants were not asked explicitly about particular some of their transport practices to better align with production practices (e.g. transport) but were asked community expectations and current animal welfare open-ended general lines of questioning to determine science. what topics were of most concern to the participants. For example, the researchers asked the participants Buddle EA, Bray HJ, Ankeny RA (2018) “I feel sorry for them”: Australian meat consumers’ perceptions about sheep to describe what images came to mind when they and beef cattle transportation. Animals 8, 171, doi:10.3390/ thought of the sheep and beef industries, rather than ani8100171. asking them what they thought of specific practices.

15 WILD ANIMALS

Combining conservation and animal welfare to create ‘conservation welfare’

Conservation biology and animal welfare science work collaboratively to progress both conservation and both aim to improve the lives of animals. However, welfare of wild animals. there has been very little collaboration between the two fields and to some extent, they have been in The dominant theme emerging from the workshop opposition. For example, welfare scientists prioritise was the need for a common language. In conservation the welfare of the individual and consider particular biology, welfare is often equated with ‘fitness’; that is, conservation practices to incur suffering, such as the the ability of the animal to survive and reproduce, thus hot iron branding of seals for research purposes. In contributing to a viable population. For animal welfare contrast, conservation biologists prioritise the welfare scientists, welfare relates to the ‘feelings’ of an animal, of the population and consider branding to be a and its capacity for positive or negative experiences. necessary practice to allow population monitoring. Focusing only on mortality or reproduction rates is Attempts by welfare scientists to end or replace this unlikely to fully encompass the wide range of suffering practice are viewed as stymieing conservation efforts, that wild animals can experience, and a common and conflict ensues. This paper summarises the main understanding of what animal welfare is must be points regarding the scientific assessment of wild achieved before progress can be made. Following animal welfare and the barriers to progress. this, inconsistencies in animal welfare legislation must be addressed. For example, many pest species are A facilitated discussion between conservation exempt from animal welfare consideration, particularly biologists and animal welfare scientists was conducted in relation to lethal control methods. To facilitate during a one-day workshop at a conference in New constructive collaboration between the two fields, the Zealand. There were 14 participants, comprised formal development of a new discipline, ’conservation of welfare scientists, conservation scientists, NGO welfare’, is proposed. representatives, wildlife veterinarians and wildlife rehabilitators. The purpose of the workshop was to Beausoleil NJ, Mellor DJ, Baker L et al (2018) “Feelings and fitness” not “feelings or fitness” – The raison d’être of explore the various roles of science in developing a conservation welfare, which aligns conservation and animal new field called ‘Conservation Welfare’, in which welfare objectives. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 5:296. conservation biologists and welfare scientists could

Using virtual fences to reduce the amount of roadkill on Tasmanian roads

Wildlife roadkill is a welfare, environmental and extended to 5km. The number and type of roadkill economic issue. The combination of abundant on the ‘fenced’ section (5km) and ‘unfenced’ sections medium-sized nocturnal macropods with narrow (8km) of the road were monitored daily for 3 years. windy roads with high speed limits has led to Tasmania Roadkill rates were also monitored for 4 months prior having Australia’s highest incidence of wildlife roadkill. to the virtual fence being installed. Animals have insufficient time to detect oncoming vehicles, and drivers have limited time to respond to The total roadkill rate was reduced by 50% after wildlife on the road. This is of particular concern for installation of the virtual fence, suggesting that these Tasmania’s unique and endangered species, such as devices have enormous potential to substantially the Tasmanian devil, with 300-450 devils killed on reduce roadkill rates. The total roadkill rate for the roads every year. This study trialled a virtual fencing most commonly struck species, Bennett’s wallaby, was system as a potential method to reduce wildlife significantly reduced from 120 to 38 and from 218 roadkill. to 49 for the pademelon. The roadkill rate for the Tasmanian devil was reduced from 14 to 5, which is The virtual fencing system involves a series of devices promising for this endangered species. The success of mounted on poles at 25 metre intervals along the this virtual fencing trial should support the roll-out of roadside. When these devices detect the oncoming this technology at other identified roadkill hotspots in headlights of a car at night they emit an audible siren, Tasmania to help protect wildlife. as well as flashing blue and yellow lights. This system is designed to alert wildlife to the presence of an Fox S, Potts JM, Pemberton D et al (2018) Roadkill mitigation: trialing virtual fence devices on the west coast of approaching vehicle in time for them to move away Tasmania. Australian Mammalogy. from the road. The virtual fence was installed along a 3 km stretch of Tasmanian road, which was later

16 RSPCA AUSTRALIA SCIENCE UPDATE – ISSUE 63 – JANUARY 2019 SCIENCE UPDATE

Wildlife welfare associated with veterinary treatment

Wild animals are often faced with multiple threats, including disease, predation, and anthropogenic threats such as vehicle collisions and habitat loss. Increasing pressure on wildlife appears to be increasing admission rates to hospitals, but little is known about the extent and role of private veterinarians in treating and rehabilitating wildlife. This study investigated the extent, costs, demands and expectations of private veterinary practice treatment of wildlife in Australia.

The public phone directory was used to systematically search all towns and cities in Australia for veterinary clinics, resulting in 902 clinics with valid email addresses. These clinics were emailed an online questionnaire containing questions about: veterinarian demographics, the types of wildlife seen, the resources available for wildlife treatment, the cost and time required to treat wildlife, the outcomes of treated wildlife, the availability of wildlife carers, and the need for further education in this area. The questionnaire received 132 responses.

The most important constraint on treating wildlife was a lack of knowledge and lack of time. This resulted in only 20% of wildlife being examined immediately on admission, with most wildlife only being seen when the veterinarian had a spare moment. The cost of treatment was only a barrier in some clinics, with most clinics rarely receiving reimbursement for their wildlife work. Birds were the most common type of animal admitted to clinics, followed by marsupials, reptiles, non-native animals and amphibians. 82% of wildlife presented to veterinary clinics was for trauma, including vehicle collision and predation. Most clinics saw less than 10 wildlife cases each week, and this figure was extrapolated to create an estimated annual caseload of 178,000 – 355,000 wildlife patients in New South Wales alone. The most common outcome for wildlife was rehabilitation with a wildlife carer. In conclusion, private veterinary practices play a significant role in wildlife treatment and care, and the estimated annual caseload was much higher than previously thought. The development of educational resources to aid veterinary assessment of wildlife should be considered.

Orr B, Tribe A (2018) Animal welfare implications of treating wildlife in Australian veterinary practices. Australian Veterinary Journal 96:475-480.

17 ARTICLES OF INTEREST

ANIMALS USED FOR SPORT, ENTERTAINMENT, Fawcett A, Barrs V, Awad M et al (2019) Consequences and RECREATION AND WORK management of canine brachycephaly in veterinary practice: Perspectives from Australian veterinarians and veterinary Bremhorst A, Mongillo P, Howell et al (2018) Spotlight on specialists. Animals 9(1), 3, https://doi.org/10.3390/ assistance dogs — legislation, welfare and research. Animals ani9010003. 8(8), 129, doi:10.3390/ani8080129. Flint HE, Coe JB, Serpell JA et al (2018) Identification of Bryant DA, Dunham AE, Overall KL (2018) Roles for fear behaviours shown by puppies in response to non-social referential focus in effective and efficient canine signaling: stimuli. Journal of Veterinary Behavior 28: 17-24. Do pet and working dogs differ? Journal of Veterinary Behavior 27:55-66. Gerencser L, Bunford N, Moesta A et al (2018) Development and validation of the Canine Reward Responsiveness Scale – Jamieson TJ, Baxter GS, Murray PJ (2018) You are not examining individual differences in reward responsiveness of my handler! Impact of changing handlers on dogs' the domestic dog. Scientific Reports 8(1): 4421. behaviours and detection performance. Animals 8(10), 176, doi:10.3390/ani8100176. Humby L and Barclay E (2018) Pawsitive solutions: an overview of prison dog programs in Australia. The Prison Ijichi C, Griffin K, Squibb K, Favier R (2018) Stranger danger? Journal. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F0032885518793951 An investigation into the influence of human-horse bond on stress and behaviour. Applied Animal Behavior Science Luna-Cortes G (2018) The influence of materialism and 206:59-63. self-congruity on the relationship of humans with their companion dogs. Social Marketing Quarterly 24(4): 249-263. McVey A, Wilkinson A, Mills DS (2018) Social learning in horses: The effect of using a group leader demonstrator on Mueller MK, Chubb S, Wolfus G et al (2018) Assessment the performance of familiar conspecifics in a detour task. of canine health and preventative care outcomes of a Applied Animal Behavior Science 209:47-54. community medicine program. Preventative Veterinary Medicine 157: 44-49. Rørvang MV, Christensen JW (2018) Attenuation of fear through social transmission in groups of same and differently Owczarczak-Garstecka SC, Watkins F, Christley R et al (2018) aged horses. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 209:41-46. Exploration of perceptions of dog bites among YouTube™ viewers and attributions of blame. Anthrozoos 31(5): 537- Shaw R (2018) A case for recognizing the rights of animals 549. as workers. Journal of Animal Ethics 8(2):182-198. Siniscalchi M, d’Ingeo S, Minunno M et al (2018) van Bressem, MF, Waerebeek KV, Duignan PJ (2018) Communication in dogs. Animals 8(8): 131. Epidemiology of tattoo skin disease in captive common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncates). Are males more Talamonti Z, Zusman N, Cannas S et al (2018) A description vulnerable than females? Journal of Applied Animal Welfare of the characteristics of dogs in, and policies of, 4 shelters in Science 21(4):305-315. different countries. Journal of Veterinary Behavior 28: 25-29. van Houtert EAE, Endenburg N, Wijnker JJ et al (2018) The COMPANION ANIMALS study of service dogs for veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: a scoping literature review. European Journal of Psychotraumatology 9(3): 1503523. Dogs van Rooy D, Thomson PC, McGreevy PD et al (2018) Risk Berteselli GV, Arena L, Candeloro et al (2019) Interobserver factors of separation-related behaviours in Australian agreement and sensitivity to climatic conditions in sheltered retrievers. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 209: 71-77. dogs’ welfare evaluation performed with welfare assessment protocol (Shelter Quality protocol). Journal of Veterinary Wilson B, Serpell J, Herzog H et al (2018) Prevailing clusters Behavior 29: 45-52. of canine behavioural traits in historical US demand for dog breeds (1926-2005). Animals 8(11): 197. https://doi. Bir C, Croney CC, Widmar NJO (2019) US residents’ org/10.3390/ani8110197 perceptions of dog welfare needs and canine welfare information sources. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science 22(1): 42-68. Cats

Bremhorst A, Mongillo P, Howell T et al (2018) Spotlight on Bessant C (2018) Why has it taken so long to improve cat assistance dogs – legislation, welfare and research. Animals care? Veterinary Record 183(1): 29. 8(8): 129. Gunther I, Raz T and Klement E (2018) Association of Bryant DA, Dunham AE, Overall KL (2018) Role for referential neutering with health and welfare of urban free-roaming focus in effective and efficient canine signalling: Do pet and cat population in Israel during 2012-2014. Preventative working dogs differ? Journal of Veterinary Behavior 27: 55-66. Veterinary Medicine 157: 26-33.

18 RSPCA AUSTRALIA SCIENCE UPDATE – ISSUE 63 – JANUARY 2019 SCIENCE UPDATE

McDonald JL, Farnworth MJ, Clements J (2018) Integrating General trap-neuter-return campaigns into a social framework: Developing long-term positive behavior change toward Baker T, Kutz S, Toews L et al (2018) Are we adequately unowned cats in urban areas. Frontiers in Veterinary Science evaluating subsidized veterinary services? A scoping review. 5:258. Preventative Veterinary Medicine 157:59-69.

McGlone JJ, Garcia A, Thompson WG et al (2018) Maternal- Crane M (2018) Influencing animal welfare after Brexit. neonatal pheromone/intermone added to cat litter improves Veterinary Record 183(9): 301. litter box use and reduces aggression in pair-housed cats. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science. https://doi.org/10 Farstad W (2018) Ethics in animal breeding. Reproduction in .1080/10888705.2018.1446341 Domestic Animals 53(S3) doi: 10.1111/rda.13335.

Pongracz P, Szapu JS (2018) The socio-cognitive relationship Kipperman BS, German AJ (2018) The responsibility of between cats and humans – Companion cats (Felis catus) as veterinarians to address companion animal obesity. Animals their owners see them. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 8(9): 143. 207: 57-66. White SC, Scarlett JM, Levy JK (2018) Characteristics of Rand J, Lancaster E, Inwood G et al (2018) Strategies to clients and animals served by high-volume, stationary, non- reduce the euthanasia of impounded dogs and cats used by profit spay-neuter clinics. Journal of the American Veterinary councils in , Australia. Animals 8(7): 100. Medical Association 253(6):737-745.

Vitale KR (2018) Tools for managing feline problem FARM ANIMALS behaviors: pheromone therapy. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 20(11): 1024-1032. Cattle Wagner D, Hurley K and Stavisky J (2018) Shelter housing for cats: practical aspects of design and construction, and Becker T, Kayser M, Tonn B et al (2018) How German dairy adaptation of existing accommodation. Journal of Feline farmers perceive advantages and disadvantages of grazing Medicine and Surgery 20(7): 643-652. and how it relates to their milk production systems. Livestock Science 214:112-119.

Exotic pets Beggs DS, Jongman EC, Hemsworth PE et al (in press) Lame cows on Australian dairy farms: A comparison of farmer- Bertin A, Cornilleau F, Lemarchand J et al (2018) Are identified lameness and formal lameness scoring, and the there facial indicators of positive emotions in birds? A first position of lame cows within the milking order. Journal of exploration in Japanese quail. Behavioural Processes 157: Dairy Science. 470-473. Bokma J, Boone R, Deprez P et al (in press) Risk factors for Fernandez-Alacid L, Sanahuja I, Ordonez-Grande B et al antimicrobial use in veal calves and the association with (2018) Skin mucus metabolites in response to physiological mortality. Journal of Dairy Science. challenges: A valuable non-invasive method to study teleost marine species. Science of the Total Environment 644: 1323- Campler MR, Jensen MB, Munksgaard Lene (2018) The 1335. effect of deep straw versus cubicle housing on behaviour during the dry period in Holstein cows. Applied Animal Hawkins P (2018) Report of the 2017 RSPCA/UFAW rodent Behaviour Science 209:1-7. and rabbit welfare group meeting. Animal Technology and Welfare 17(2): 75. Ceballos MC, Sant'Anna AC, Boivin X et al (2018) Impact of good practices of handling training on beef cattle welfare Londono C, Bartolome A, Carazo P et al (2018) and stockpeople attitudes and behaviors. Livestock Science Chemosensory enrichment as a simple and effective way 216:24-31. to improve the welfare of captive lizards. Ethology 124(9): 674-683. Ceballos MC, Sant'Anna AC, Gois KCR et al (2018) Investigating the relationship between human-animal Newman C (2018) Keeping snakes. Veterinary Record interactions, reactivity, stress response and reproductive 183(18): 573-574. performance in Nellore heifers. Livestock Science 217:65-75. Oxley JA, Ellis CF, McBride EA et al (2018) A survey of Destrez Alexandra, Haslin Emmanuelle, Boivin Xavier (2018) rabbit handling methods within the United Kingdom and What stockperson behavior during weighing reveals about the Republic of Ireland. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare the relationship between humans and suckling beef cattle: A Science. https://doi.org/10.1080/10888705.2018.1459192 preliminary study. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 209:8-13. van der Eijk JAJ, Lammers A, Kjaer JB et al (2019) Stress Fordyce G, McMillan H, McGrath N (2018) Postoperative response, peripheral serotonin and natural antibodies in healing and behaviour when surgical swabs are applied feather pecking genotypes and phenotypes and their relation to calf dehorning wounds. Australian Veterinary Journal with coping style. Physiology and Behavior 199: 1-10. 96(12):508-515.

19 Gómez JFM, Saran Netto A, Antonelo DS et al (2018) Effects disbudding methods for dairy calves. Journal of Dairy Science of immunocastration on the performance and meat quality 102(1):666-671. traits of feedlot-finishedBos indicus (Nellore) cattle. Animal Production Science Volume 59(1):183-190. Tresoldi G, Schütz KE, Tucker CB (2018) Cooling cows with sprinklers: Timing strategy affects physiological responses to Kismul H, Sporndly E, Hoglind M et al (2018) Morning and heat load. Journal of Dairy Science 101(5):11237-11246. evening pasture access - comparing the effect of production pasture and exercise pasture on milk production and cow Vázquez Diosdado JA, Barker ZE, Hodges HR et al (2018) behaviour in an automatic milking system. Livestock Science Space-use patterns highlight behavioural differences linked 217:44-54. to lameness, parity, and days in milk in barn-housed dairy cows. PlosONE doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0208424. Koyama K, Koyama T, Sugimoto M et al (2018) Prediction of calving time in Holstein dairy cows by monitoring the ventral Wickramasinghe HKJP, Kramer AJ, Appuhamy JADRN (2019) tail base surface temperature. Veterinary Journal 240:1-5. Drinking water intake of newborn dairy calves and its effects on feed intake, growth performance, health status, and Lambert (nee Proctor) H, Carder G (2018) Positive and nutrient digestibility. Journal of Dairy Science 102(1):377-387. negative emotions in dairy cows: Can ear postures be used as a measure? Behavioural Processes 158:172-180. Williams LR, Bishop-Hurley GJ, Anderson AE et al (2018) Application of accelerometers to record drinking behaviour Lin XY, Wang Y, Wang J et al (2018) Effect of initial time of beef cattle. Animal Production Science Volume 59(1):122- of forage supply on growth and rumen development in 132. preweaning calves. Animal Production Science 58(12):2224- 2232. Pigs Llonch P, Mainau E, Ipharraguerre IR et al (2018) Chicken or the egg: The reciprocal association between feeding Camerlink I, Farish M, D’Eath RB et al (2018) Long Term behavior and animal welfare and their impact on productivity Benefits on Social Behaviour after Early Life Socialization of in dairy cows. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, doi:10.3389/ Piglets. Animals 8(11):192. fvets.2018.00305. Colpoys JD, Johnson AK, Gabler NK (2018) The efficacy of Marti S, Melendez DM, Pajor EA et al (2018) Effect of a novel rope flavours as environmental enrichment for stalled single dose of subcutaneous meloxicam prior to band or gilts. Animal Welfare 27(4):351-356. knife castration in 1-wk-old beef calves: II. Inflammatory de Briyne N, Berg C, Blaha T et al (2018) Phasing out pig response and healing. Journal of Animal Science tail docking in the EU – present state, challenges and 96(10):4136-4148. possibilities. Porcine Health Management 4, 27, doi:10.1186/ Mellado M, Saavedra E, Gaytan L et al (2018) The effect s40813-018-0103-8. of lameness-causing lesions on milk yield and fertility of Grimberg-Henrici CGE, Buttner, K, Ladewig, RY et al (2018) primiparous Holstein cows in a hot environment. Livestock Cortisol levels and health indicators of sows and their piglets Science 217:8-14. living in a group-housing and a single-housing system. O'Leary NW, Bennett RM, Tranter RB et al (2018) The Livestock Science 216:51-60. extent that certain dairy farmer attitudes and behaviors are Grumpel A, Krieter J, Veit C et al (2018) Factors influencing associated with farm business profitability. Journal of Dairy the risk for tail lesions in weaner pigs (Sus scrofa). Livestock Science 101(12):11275-11284. Science 216:219-226. Park SJ, Piao M, Kim H et al (2018) Effects of castration and King RL, Baxter EM, Matheson SM et al (2018) Sow free a lidocaine-plus-flunixin treatment on growth and indicators farrowing behaviour: Experiential, seasonal and individual of pain, inflammation, and liver function in Korean cattle bull variation Applied Animal Behaviour Science 208:14-21. calves. Livestock Science 216:61-66. Larsen MLV, Andersen HML, Pedersen LJ (2018) Tail posture Smid AMC,Burgers EEA, Weary DM (in press) Dairy cow as a detector of tail damage and an early detector of tail preference for access to an outdoor pack in summer and biting in finishing pigs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science winter. Journal of Dairy Science. 209:30-35. Stephansen RS, Fogh A, Norberg E (2018) Genetic Morgan L, Klement E, Novak S et al (2018) Effects of group parameters for handling and milking temperament in housing on reproductive performance, lameness, injuries Danish first-parity Holstein cows. Journal of Dairy Science and saliva cortisol in gestating sows. Preventive Veterinary 101(12):11033-11039. Medicine 160:10-17. Studds MJ, Deikun LL, Sorter DE et al (2018) Short Schild SLA, Rangstrup-Christensen L, Bonde M et al (2018) communication: The effect of diarrhea and navel The use of a shaded area during farrowing and lactation in inflammation on the lying behavior of veal calves. Journal of sows kept outdoors. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 209: Dairy Science 101(12):11251-11255. 22-29. Sutherland MA, Huddart FJ, Stewart M et al (2019) Väärikkälä S; Artukka S-M, Hänninen L et al (2018) Finnish Short communication: Evaluation of the efficacy of novel cattle and pig farmers’ perceptions of animal welfare inspections 27(4):369-377.

20 RSPCA AUSTRALIA SCIENCE UPDATE – ISSUE 63 – JANUARY 2019 SCIENCE UPDATE

Wedin M, Baxter EM, Jack M (2018) Early indicators of tail and performance, and future ewe performance. Journal of biting outbreaks in pigs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science Animal Science 96(12):4944-4958. 208:7-13. Sales F, Peralta OA, Narbona E et al (2018) Hypoxia and Yunes MC, Keyserlingk MAG, Hötzel MJ (2018) Restricting oxidative stress are associated with reduced fetal growth in the ability of sows to move: a source of concern for some twin and undernourished sheep pregnancies. Animals 8(11), Brazilians. Animal Welfare 27(4):379-392. 217, doi:10.3390/ani8110217.

Stachowicz J, Gygax L, Hillmann E et al (2018) Dairy goats Poultry use outdoor runs of high quality more regardless of the quality of indoor housing. Applied Animal Behaviour Science Campbell DLM, Horton BJ, Hinch GN (2018) Using 208:22-30. Radio-Frequency Identification Technology to Measure Synchronised Ranging of Free-Range Laying Hens. Animals Tamioso PR, Molento CFM, Boivin X et al (2018) Inducing 8(11):210. positive emotions: Behavioural and cardiac responses to human and brushing in ewes selected for high vs low social Dudde A, Schrader L, Weigend S (2018) More eggs but less reactivity. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 208:56-65. social and more fearful? Differences in behavioral traits in relation to the phylogenetic background and productivity Walkom SF, Thompson AN, Bowen E et al (2018) Weaner level in laying hens. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 209: survival is heritable in Australian Merinos and current 65-70. breeding objectives are potentially leading to a decline in survival. Animal Production Science Volume 59(1):35-47. Krause ET, Schrader L (2018) High, low, or familiar? Nest site preferences of experienced laying hens. British Poultry Science 59:359-364. General

Norman KI, Weeks CA, Pettersson IC (2018) The effect of Cornish A, Fisher AD, Collins T et al (2018) Ranking of experience of ramps at rear on the subsequent ability of production animal welfare and ethics issues in Australia and layer pullets to negotiate a ramp transition. Applied Animal New Zealand by veterinary students. Veterinary Sciences 5(3), Behaviour Science 208:92-99. 65, doi:10.3390/vetsci5030065.

Gygax L, Hillmann E (2018) “Naturalness” and its relation to Rabbits animal welfare from an ethological perspective. Agriculture 8(9), 136, doi:10.3390/agriculture8090136. Ruchti S, Meier AR, Wurbel H et al (2018) Pododermatitis in group housed rabbit does in Switzerland-Prevalence, severity McCulloch SP (2018) Brexit and animal protection: legal and risk factors. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 158:114- and political context and a framework to assess impacts 121. on animal welfare. Animals 8(11), 213, doi:10.3390/ ani8110213.

Sheep/goats Parker C, Carey R, Scrinis G (2018) The meat in the sandwich: welfare labelling and the governance of meat- Allworth MB, Egerton JR (2018) Comparison of footbathing chicken production in Australia. Journal of Law and Society and vaccination to control ovine footrot in an experimentally 45(3):341-369. infected flock. Australian Veterinary Journal 96(10):395-399.

Cannas S, Palestrini C, Canali E et al (2018) Thermography HUMANE KILLING as a non-invasive measure of stress and fear of humans in sheep. Animals 8(9), 146, doi:10.3390/ani8090146. Chalmers H, Levison LJ, Schwean-Lardner K et al (2018) Assessing a method of mechanical cervical dislocation as a Damián JP, Hötzel MJ, Banchero G et al (2018) Growing humane option for on-farm killing using anesthetized poults without a mother during rearing affects the response to and young turkeys. Frontiers in Veterinary Science5, 275, doi: stressors in rams. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 209:36- 10.3389/fvets.2018.00275. 40. Mason A, Tolo E, Hektoen L et al (2018) The effect of Grant EP, Brown A, Wickham SL et al (2018) What can the electrical head-to-chest stunning on the EEG in sheep. quantitative and qualitative behavioural assessment of videos Animal Welfare 27(4):343-350. of sheep moving through an autonomous data capture system tell us about welfare? Applied Animal Behaviour Meléndez DM, Marti S, Pajor EA et al (2018) Effect Science 208:31-39. of meloxicam and lidocaine administered alone or in combination on indicators of pain and distress during and Mace T, Gonzalez-Garcia E, Pradel J et al (2018) Genetic after knife castration in weaned beef calves. PlosOne, analysis of robustness in meat sheep through body weight doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0207289. and body condition score changes over time. Journal of Animal Science 96(11):4501-4511.

Notter DR, Mousel MR, Leeds TD et al (2018) Effects of rearing triplet lambs on ewe productivity, lamb survival

21 MISCELLANEOUS WILD ANIMALS

Cornish A, Wilson B, Raubenheimer D et al (2018) Carder G, Plese T, Machado FC et al (2018) The impact of Demographics regarding belief in non-human animal ‘Selfie’ tourism on the behaviour and welfare of brown- sentience and emotional empathy with animals: A pilot study throated three-toed sloths. Animals 8(11), 216, doi:10.3390/ among attendees of an animal welfare symposium. Animals ani8110216. 8(10), 174, doi:10.3390/ani8100174. Eagan T (2019) Evaluation of enrichment for reptiles in zoos. Sandoe P, Rollin BE, Blokhuis H et al (2018) Ethical and Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science 22(1):69-77. political approaches to nonhuman animal issues. Animal Welfare 27(4):395-400. Harvey ND, Daly C, Clark N et al (2018) Social interactions in two groups of zoo-housed adult female Asian elephants Spain CV, Freund D, Mohan-Gibbons H et al (2018) Are (Elephas maximus) that differ in relatedness. Animals 8(8), they buying it? United States consumers’ changing attitudes 132, doi:10.3390/ani8080132. toward more humanely raised meat, eggs and dairy. Animals 8(8), 128, doi:10.3390/ani8080128. Howell CP, Cheyne SM (2019) Complexities of using wild versus captive activity budget comparisons for assessing captive primate welfare. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare RESEARCH ANIMALS Science 22(1):78-96.

Carvalho C, Gaspar A, Knight A & Vicente L (2019) Ethical Queiroz MB, Young RJ (2018)The different physical and and scientific pitfalls concerning laboratory research with behavioural characteristics of zoo mammals that influence non-human primates, and possible solutions. Animals 9, 12 their response to visitors. Animals 8(8), 139, doi:10.3390/ doi:10.3390/ani9010012. ani8080139.

Crump A, Arnott G, Bethell EJ (2018) Affect-driven attention Sherwen SAL, Hemsworth LM, Beausoleil NJ et al (2018) An biases as animal welfare indicators: Review and methods. animal welfare risk assessment process for zoos. Animals Animals 8(8), 136, doi:10.3390/ani8080136. 8(8), 130, doi:10.3390/ani8080130.

Watkins GE, Willers N, Raudino H et al (2018) Success criteria TRANSPORTATION OF ANIMALS not met, but valuable information gained: monitoring a reintroduction of the tammar wallaby. Wildlife Research Bravo V, Gallo C, Acosta-Jamett G (2018) Effects of short 45(5):421-435. transport and prolonged fasting in beef calves. Animals 8(10), 170, doi:10.3390/ani8100170.

Collins T, Hampton JO, Barnes AL (2018) A systematic review of heat load in Australian livestock transported by sea. Animals 8(10), 164, doi:10.3390/ani8100164.

Collins T, Stockman CA, Barnes AL et al (2018) Qualitative Behavioural Assessment as a method to identify potential stressors during commercial sheep transport. Animals 8(11), 209, doi:10.3390/ani8110209.

Dahl-Pedersen K, Herskin MS, Houe H et al (2018) A descriptive study of the clinical condition of cull dairy cows before transport to slaughter. Livestock Science 218:108- 113.

Minka NS, Ayo JO (2018) Effects of different road conditions on rectal temperature, behaviour and traumatic injuries during transportation of different crosses of temperate/ tropical breeds of heifers. Animal Production Science 58(12):2321-2328.

Navarro G, Col R, Phillips CJC (2018) Effects of space allowance and simulated sea transport motion on behavioural and physiological responses of sheep. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 208:40-48.

Padalino B, Rogers, CW, Guiver D et al (2018) Risk factors for transport-related problem behaviors in horses: A New Zealand survey. Animals 8(8), 134, doi:10.3390/ani8080134.

Padalino B, Tullio D, Cannone S et al (2018) Road transport of farm animals: Mortality, morbidity, species and country of origin at a southern Italian control post. Animals 8(9), 155, doi:10.3390/ani8090155.

22 RSPCA AUSTRALIA SCIENCE UPDATE – ISSUE 63 – JANUARY 2019 ANIMAL WELFARE SCIENCE UPDATE ISSUE 63 – JANUARY 2019