Principles and applications of domestic animal behavior: an introductory text

Abstract

Abstract This textbook introduces college, university and veterinary students to the principles and concepts of animal behaviour, with emphasis on domestic and captive wild animals. There are two major themes in the book, the development of behaviour and social behaviour. Chapters on biological rhythms, human-animal interactions, animal handling and atypical behaviours are also included. Four chapters are devoted on the development of behaviour, namely interaction of heredity and environment, behaviour genetics, early experience and behavioural development and learning. Eight chapters focus on social behaviours, like mating systems and reproduction, male sexual behaviour, female sexual behaviour, maternal and neonatal behaviour, communication, agonistic behaviour, social organization and personal space and social dynamics. The chapters on social behaviour can be thought of as following a general chronological progression from reproductive behaviours through to the integration of subsequent offspring into social groupings.