Animal Welfare Research Articles

Expert Consultation: Factors Influencing End-of-Life Decision-Making for Dairy Cattle Across the United States Supply Chain

The end-of-life (i.e., on-farm euthanasia and culling, including fitness for transport to slaughter) of a dairy cow or calf is preceded by a series of decisions often influenced by many complex factors. The aim of this study was to utilize the opinions of experts with roles in the dairy supply chain to identify factors that influence end-of-life decision-making for dairy cattle. Twenty experts serving in supporting roles in the dairy supply chain participated in a survey containing 17 open-ended questions. Of the participants, 55% (n = 11) identified as veterinarians and the remaining 45% (n = 9) participated in other segments of the dairy supply chain. Twelve themes were identified in the qualitative analysis of survey responses. The themes included: Training and Resources, Cattle Health Management, Decision-Making Criteria, Company Culture, Personal Beliefs, Human Well-Being, Animal Welfare, Economics, Guidelines and Inspections, Consumer Perceptions, Supply Chain Considerations, and Communication. Experts indicated that training programs should address euthanasia or fitness-for-transport criteria, the knowledge of common health conditions, and information about what happens to cattle after leaving the dairy. Additional influencing factors included personal beliefs, economics, company culture, and supply chain considerations.

Validating Ultra-Wideband Positioning System for Precision Cow Tracking in a Commercial Free-Stall Barn

UWB positioning systems offer innovative solutions for precision monitoring dairy cow behaviour and social dynamics, yet their performance in complex commercial barn environments requires thorough validation. This study evaluated the TrackLab 2.13 (Noldus) UWB system in a dairy barn housing 44–49 cows. We assessed stationary tag positioning using ten fixed tags over seven days, proximity detection between eight cows and ten stationary tags, and moving tag positioning using three tags on a stick to simulate cow movement. System performance varied by tag location, with reliability ranging from 4.09% to 96.73% and an overall mean accuracy of 0.126 ± 0.278 m for stationary tags. After the provider updated the software, only 0.62% of measures exceeded the declared accuracy of 0.30 m. Proximity detection between moving cows and stationary tags showed 81.42% accuracy within a 2-m range. While generally meeting specifications, spatial variations in accuracy and reliability were observed, particularly near barn perimeters. These findings highlight UWB technology’s potential for precision livestock farming, welfare assessment, and behaviour research, including social interactions and space use patterns. Results emphasise the need for careful system setup, regular updates, and context-aware data interpretation in commercial settings to maximise benefits in animal welfare monitoring.

Behavior Tracking and Analyses of Group-Housed Pigs Based on Improved ByteTrack

Daily behavioral analysis of group-housed pigs provides critical insights into early warning systems for pig health issues and animal welfare in smart pig farming. In this study, our main objective was to develop an automated method for monitoring and analyzing the behavior of group-reared pigs to detect health problems and improve animal welfare promptly. We have developed the method named Pig-ByteTrack. Our approach addresses target detection, Multi-Object Tracking (MOT), and behavioral time computation for each pig. The YOLOX-X detection model is employed for pig detection and behavior recognition, followed by Pig-ByteTrack for tracking behavioral information. In 1 min videos, the Pig-ByteTrack algorithm achieved Higher Order Tracking Accuracy (HOTA) of 72.9%, Multi-Object Tracking Accuracy (MOTA) of 91.7%, identification F1 Score (IDF1) of 89.0%, and ID switches (IDs) of 41. Compared with ByteTrack and TransTrack, the Pig-ByteTrack achieved significant improvements in HOTA, IDF1, MOTA, and IDs. In 10 min videos, the Pig-ByteTrack achieved the results with 59.3% of HOTA, 89.6% of MOTA, 53.0% of IDF1, and 198 of IDs, respectively. Experiments on video datasets demonstrate the method’s efficacy in behavior recognition and tracking, offering technical support for health and welfare monitoring of pig herds.

RELAÇÃO ENTRE BOAS PRÁTICAS DE ORDENHA, ÍNDICES DE QUALIDADE DE LEITE E BEM-ESTAR ANIMAL

Milk quality is directly related to milking management practices and herd health, with mastitis being one of the main diseases that compromise milk production. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of good milking practices on milk quality and animal welfare, with an emphasis on reducing mastitis and somatic cell count (SCC). The research was carried out at Fazenda Roxa, in Candeal-BA, with 70 cows, 40 of which were in lactation. Milk samples were collected before and after the implementation of good practices, which included reorganization of the milking line, disinfection of teats, cup testing for mastitis detection, and training of milkers. The results showed a significant reduction in SCC, from 1,100,000 cells/ml to 550,000 cells/ml, within the limits of the Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (MAPA). Furthermore, there was a decrease in the incidence of clinical mastitis, indicating the effectiveness of good practices in improving milk quality. The study also showed that such practices contribute to animal welfare and the production of healthier milk, with economic benefits for producers. The implementation of these practices is essential to ensure the production of healthy milk, with positive impacts on the quality of food products and food safety.

The Impact of Human-Animal Interaction on Animal Welfare and Owners’ Job Performance: A Study on Cats, Dogs and Birds

ABSTRACT Human-Animal Interaction (HAI) has been significant since ancient times, initially with animals, especially dogs, assisting in hunting and food gathering. Over time, this relationship evolved into domestication, companionship, and therapeutic roles in society. In urban areas, pet ownership is widespread, driven by companionship, therapeutic benefits, and social status. This study focuses on urban pet owners due to structured work environments, allowing a clear examination of the relationship between HAI, animal welfare, and work performance. The study explores HAI's dual impact on animal welfare and the work performance of dog, cat, and bird owners. Key factors include psychological, social, and physical closeness in HAI; animal hygiene, physical activity, and loneliness for welfare; and work performance for owners. Data were collected from 404 pet-owning employees in Istanbul, with statistical analyses confirming tool validity. Results reveal a significant positive correlation (r = 0.568) between HAI and animal welfare, and a positive but smaller correlation (r = 0.215) between HAI and work performance. Findings support HAI's role in enhancing well-being, suggesting pet-friendly policies in workplaces to maximize benefits.

Monitoring Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Welfare During a Functional Neuroimaging Study

The development of non-invasive methods to study brain structure and function has enabled a flowering of cognitive neuroscience in humans and nonhuman species. Herein, we describe the development of protocols for functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of a bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), including protocols to monitor the health and welfare of the subject over the course of our five-year study. A Welfare Control Plan (WCP) was designed to monitor, enhance, and protect our subject’s welfare throughout the course of the study. The WCP was developed so our team of marine mammal veterinarians, trainers, and researchers could (1) identify study procedures that might negatively impact the individual’s welfare and propose measures to mitigate them, (2) define and implement protocols for monitoring the individual’s welfare throughout the study, and (3) determine the study’s temporary or final endpoints. Overall, behavioral, physiological, and health welfare indicators showed that the dolphin’s quality of life was not negatively impacted by participating in our functional neuroimaging study. Our study provides an example of how innovative, ambitious, and logistically complex animal studies can successfully be performed while protecting the welfare of participating animals through adequate planning, enough human and economic resources, and full human/institutional commitment to animal welfare.

Beyond Lux: methods for species and photoreceptor-specific quantification of ambient light for mammals.

Light is a key environmental regulator of physiology and behaviour. Mistimed or insufficient light disrupts circadian rhythms and is associated with impaired health and well-being across mammals. Appropriate lighting is therefore crucial for indoor housed mammals. Light is commonly measured in lux. However, this employs a spectral weighting function for human luminance and is not suitable for 'non-visual' effects of light or use across species. In humans, a photoreceptor-specific (α-opic) metrology system has been proposed as a more appropriate way of measuring light. Here we establish technology to allow this α-opic measurement approach to be readily extended across mammalian species, accounting for differences in photoreceptor types, photopigment spectral sensitivities, and eye anatomy. We develop a high-throughput method to derive spectral sensitivities for recombinantly expressed mammalian opsins and use it to establish the spectral sensitivity of melanopsin from 13 non-human mammals. We further address the need for simple measurement strategies for species-specific α-opic measures by developing an accessible online toolbox for calculating these units and validating an open hardware multichannel light sensor for 'point and click' measurement. We finally demonstrate that species-specific α-opic measurements are superior to photopic lux as predictors of physiological responses to light in mice and allow ecologically relevant comparisons of photosensitivity between species. Our study presents methods for measuring light in species-specific α-opic units that are superior to the existing unit of photopic lux and holds the promise of improvements to the health and welfare of animals, scientific research reproducibility, agricultural productivity, and energy usage.

Human-computer interactions with farm animals—enhancing welfare through precision livestock farming and artificial intelligence

While user-centered design approaches stemming from the human-computer interaction (HCI) field have notably improved the welfare of companion, service, and zoo animals, their application in farm animal settings remains limited. This shortfall has catalyzed the emergence of animal-computer interaction (ACI), a discipline extending technology’s reach to a multispecies user base involving both animals and humans. Despite significant strides in other sectors, the adaptation of HCI and ACI (collectively HACI) to farm animal welfare—particularly for dairy cows, swine, and poultry—lags behind. Our paper explores the potential of HACI within precision livestock farming (PLF) and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance individual animal welfare and address the unique challenges within these settings. It underscores the necessity of transitioning from productivity-focused to animal-centered farming methods, advocating for a paradigm shift that emphasizes welfare as integral to sustainable farming practices. Emphasizing the ‘One Welfare’ approach, this discussion highlights how integrating animal-centered technologies not only benefits farm animal health, productivity, and overall well-being but also aligns with broader societal, environmental, and economic benefits, considering the pressures farmers face. This perspective is based on insights from a one-day workshop held on June 24, 2024, which focused on advancing HACI technologies for farm animal welfare.

The role of dairy alternatives in just food system transitions: a scoping review

AbstractAlternatives to dairy products are becoming part of mainstream food culture in Western societies amidst growing concerns for more sustainable and healthy diets, and improved animal welfare. As more citizens opt for plant-based milks, markets have responded with an abundance of alternatives to facilitate the transition. Previous systematic reviews have examined the environmental and health impacts of plant-based products compared with dairy, yet a synthesis of empirical research on the social and environmental justice impacts of dairy alternatives is lacking. This systematic scoping review aims to explore the extent, range, and nature of peer-reviewed studies on dairy alternatives that address their outcomes for justice. Publications were sought through systematic search of two comprehensive electronic databases (Scopus and Web of Science) and screened by two independent reviewers following eligibility criteria. Included studies predominantly focused on consumer identities and values, and the market-led nature of dairy alternatives consumption. Gaps in the literature included impacts on nutritional equity and the innovation and adaptive capabilities of food producers and workers across geographies. We conclude that the heavy-handed regulation of dairy alternative terminology and the market-driven nature of this transition raise questions about injustices in governance and innovation in this sector.

Climate Change and Veterinary Medicine: A Call to Action for a Healthier Planet

Abstract Climate change is rapidly transforming ecosystems and reshaping the landscapes of animal health, with profound consequences for public health, food security, and biodiversity. Rising temperatures, shifting weather patterns, and increased frequency of natural disasters are driving the emergence and spread of infectious diseases, particularly zoonotic and vector-borne diseases. These environmental shifts endanger the health and welfare of animals and the delicate balance between human populations, livestock, and wildlife. As the stewards of animal health, veterinarians are uniquely positioned to lead the change in addressing these complex challenges at the nexus of human, animal, and environmental health and well-being. This article calls for urgent actions to integrate climate adaptation and mitigation strategies into veterinary practice and education. It underscores the critical need for veterinarians to embrace the One Health approach to tackle climate-driven disease outbreaks and the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance to safeguard human and animal populations while protecting natural ecosystems. The article further explores the role of veterinarians in fostering sustainable agricultural practices, reducing the environmental impact of livestock production, conserving biodiversity and advocating for policy reforms that protect both animal and planetary health. As we face an era of unprecedented climate disruption, this call to action aims to inspire the global veterinary community to actively get involved in combating climate change and its worst impacts. By building climate-resilient practices, enhancing disease surveillance, and championing environmental stewardship, veterinarians can contribute significantly to a healthier, more sustainable future for all species on Earth.

What lies ahead? Consumer expectations and wishes for organic animal farming: analyzing improvements to boost confidence in organic livestock farming

IntroductionTo meet the policy target of increasing the share of organic farming in the EU to 25% by 2030, it is also essential to increase consumer demand for organic products. For many consumers, animal welfare is one of the main reasons to buy organics. Trust is inherently important when purchasing organic food, as most of the standards on which organic farming relies, such as more space, cannot be verified by the consumer. Consumer trust in organic animal farming is therefore an important factor in the expansion of the market share of organic products. The aim of this study is to identify specific trust-building “changes” in organic livestock husbandry to strengthen consumer trust in the long term.MethodA total of eight regulations or practices, e.g. early cow-calf separation or regulations on the use of antibiotics, were assessed in terms of consumer awareness. Further described changes to these practices or regulations were ranked regarding their potential to improve trust in organic animal husbandry.ResultsThe results show that most of the regulations and practices mentioned were not known to consumers, confirming a low level of consumer knowledge about specific aspects of organic farming. All eight possible changes would increase consumer trust, at least somewhat.DiscussionThe ranking shows that, in particular, the practice of dam rearing and an even stronger limitation of flock sizes for poultry have the highest potential to increase consumer trust in organic animal husbandry and can therefore be recommended as important strategies to meet consumer demands in the future.

Integrating animal welfare into the WHO pandemic treaty: a thematic analysis of civil society perspectives and comparison with treaty drafting

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed critical weaknesses in the global health system, highlighting the urgent need for a coordinated international approach to pandemic prevention and management. As negotiations for a new WHO pandemic treaty progress, the effective integration of animal welfare is crucial. This paper aims to investigate the perspectives of key civil society organizations on the integration of animal welfare provisions into the pandemic treaty. Through a thematic analysis of documents prepared by FOUR PAWS, Wildlife Conservation Society, and Action for Animal Health between 2020–2023, five major themes are identified: prevention of zoonotic spillover, One Health approach, animal health systems and infrastructure, sustainable and ethical animal management practices, and policy coherence and governance. A comparative analysis of these themes against the April 2024 draft of the pandemic treaty reveals areas of alignment and divergence. Due to the ongoing controversies and the need for further improvements, the WHO's intergovernmental negotiating body was unable to finalize the treaty text for the 77th World Health Assembly in May 2024, leading to an extended mandate until 2025. Based on the findings, the paper proposes recommendations to strengthen the integration of animal welfare into the treaty, arguing that incorporating these recommendations is critical for developing a transformative, equitable, and effective treaty that addresses the systemic drivers of pandemic risk.

Efficacy of a polyherbal formula for controlling lice infestation in chickens and goats in backyard farming system in Romania

IntroductionLice infestation negatively impacts the welfare and productivity of domestic animals. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a commercial polyherbal formula (PHF) containing Asarum europaeum, Lavandula angustifolia, Artemisia absinthium, and Tanacetum vulgare in managing lice infestations in chickens and goats within a backyard farming system in Romania.MethodsThe PHF was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to determine its phytochemical composition. Chickens and goats with confirmed lice infestations were treated with the PHF by spraying it on the entire body. Treatments were administered three times at 14-day intervals for goats and at both 14- and 7-day intervals for chickens. Lice infestations were assessed in experimental groups before each treatment by counting the collected lice specimens.ResultsHPLC analysis identified key compounds in PHF: kaempferol (336.25 mg/ml), quercetin (88.38 mg/ml), epicatechin (43.98 mg/ml), and catechin (9.43 mg/ml). The PHF effectively controlled chewing lice in both chickens and goats, achieving a mortality rate of 76–98% in chickens and 96% in goats. However, the PHF was not effective against sucking lice in goats. A significant reduction in lice infestation (75% in chickens) was observed when the PHF was applied at 7-day intervals. No adverse reactions were noted in treated animals.DiscussionThe polyherbal formula demonstrated promising efficacy against chewing lice in chickens and goats, supporting its potential use as an alternative to chemical treatments, especially in organic farming settings. The findings suggest that this PHF could be a viable option for managing lice infestations in domestic animals, particularly where organic practices are prioritized.

Isolation and Characterization of a Novel Escherichia Bacteriophage with Potential to Control Multidrug-Resistant Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli and Biofilms

Background/Objectives: Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) infection is a significant problem for the global chicken industry, as it decreases animal welfare and is associated with substantial economic losses. Traditionally, APEC infections have been controlled through the use of antibiotics, which has led to an increased prevalence of antibiotic-resistant E. coli. Therefore, developing alternative treatments for APEC infection is crucial. Methods: In this study, an Escherichia phage specific to multidrug-resistant (MDR) APEC, designated as phage vB_EcoP_PW8 (phage vECPW8), was isolated. The morphology, phage adsorption to host cells, one-step growth curve, thermal stability, pH stability, whole-genome sequencing, antibacterial ability, and antibiofilm efficacy of phage vECPW8 were evaluated. Results: The results demonstrated that phage vECPW8 has a Podoviridae morphology and is effective at lysing bacteria. Phage vECPW8 exhibited a high absorption rate to bacterial cells (more than 85% within 10 min) and had a latent period of 20 min, with a burst size of 143 plaque-forming units per cell. Additionally, phage vECPW8 showed good temperature and pH stability. The phage displayed strong antibacterial activity in vitro, and its efficacy in controlling bacteria was confirmed through scanning electron microscopy. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that the phage has a linear genome with 69,579 base pairs. The genome analysis supported the safety of the phage, as no toxin, virulence, or resistance-related genes were detected. Phage vECPW8 was identified as a novel lytic phage in the Gamaleyavirus genus and Schitoviridae family. The phage also demonstrated antibiofilm efficacy by reducing and preventing biofilm formation, as evidenced by biofilm biomass and bacterial cell viability measurements. Conclusions: These results indicate that phage vECPW8 is a promising candidate for the effective treatment of MDR APEC infections in poultry.

Application of Natural Antioxidants from Fruits Waste for Improving Egg Quality Characteristics

Fruit waste poses a significant global challenge, with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reporting that about 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted annually, contributing to environmental and economic challenges. The major fruit-producing countries (United States, China, India, and Brazil) are responsible for a large portion of this waste. Fruit waste contains different bioactive compounds like polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamins, and carotenoids, which are, in large part, underutilized regardless of their antioxidant properties. These compounds can play an important function in poultry nutrition, offering natural alternatives to synthetic antioxidants. Reintegrating fruit waste into poultry diets might have potent benefits on the nutritional quality and shelf life of eggs. Some studies reported that bioactive compounds from fruit waste improve the oxidative stability of eggs and the nutritional content, potentially extending shelf life during storage. Additionally, antioxidant compounds from fruit waste have been shown to improve yolk coloration and some egg quality parameters while reducing reactive oxygen species, which cause lipid oxidation. Their inclusion in poultry diets can lower feed costs, promote animal welfare, and reduce the environmental impact of fruit waste. This review highlights some key fruit wastes, such as citrus, apple, grape, rosehip, sea buckthorn, and banana, among others, which are natural reservoirs of bioactive compounds beneficial for poultry nutrition. This strategy aligns with FAO sustainability goals, addressing both food waste and animal nutrition challenges. Future studies should focus on optimizing the inclusion rates of these natural antioxidants in poultry diets to maximize their benefits.

The Effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Fermentation Product Supplementation on Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines in Holstein Friesian Cattle Experimentally Inoculated with Digital Dermatitis

Digital dermatitis (DD) poses a major animal welfare concern for the dairy industry, with even broader economic implications for the agricultural industry worldwide. The postbiotic, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product (SCFP), has had a positive influence on the innate immune system of cattle, which makes it a potential candidate as a feed supplement as part of a prevention strategy for DD. This study investigated the effect of a commercial SCFP feed supplement compared to a control feed supplement on the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-6) by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in Holstein Friesian steers experimentally infected with DD. The results showed that SCFP supplementation was associated with an overall reduced IL-1β production (p = 0.005), particularly prior to experimental inoculation with a DD lesion homogenate. However, the results of the analysis suggest that the innate immune system in the SCFP group became prepared to respond more rapidly to DD infection post-inoculation. During active (M2), chronic (M4), and focal flare-ups (M4.1) of DD, SCFP supplementation resulted in a more rapid secretion of IL-1β (M2: p = 0.038; M4/M4/1: p = 0.034). A more rapid response to DD infection for IL-6 was only found for chronic (M4) and focal flare-ups (M4.1) of DD (p = 0.006). These findings emphasize the difference in cytokine response between various stages of DD in the SCFP group compared to the control, highlighting implications for DD prevention and treatment.

The effect of awe in wildlife tourists on animal-friendly behavioural intentions: a serial mediation model of connectedness to nature and empathy

ABSTRACT Wildlife tourism is experiencing rapid growth as people's desire to connect with nature intensifies, making the improvement of tourist behaviour in wildlife destinations a crucial research issue. In light of this, the current study, grounded in the appraisal theory of emotion, scrutinises how awe, connectedness to nature (CN), and empathy impact animal-friendly behavioural intentions (AFBI) by establishing and appraising a model incorporating serial mediation and moderation. The results reveal that awe positively influences AFBI, with CN and empathy serving as serial mediators. Furthermore, the extent to which awe, CN, and empathy affect AFBI is amplified at higher levels of animal welfare literacy. This research represents a beneficial attempt to investigate AFBI and its internal mechanisms. Destination management organisations (DMOs), tourism product and service designers, marketers, and policymakers can derive valuable practical insights from this study to enhance sustainable development in wildlife tourism.

Pet Ownership and Its Influence on Animal Welfare Attitudes and Consumption Intentions Among Chinese University Students

As global awareness of animal welfare continues to rise, it has become essential to understand the factors that shape individual attitudes and consumption behaviors related to animal welfare. This study empirically investigates how pet ownership influences attitudes towards animal welfare and related consumption intentions among Chinese university students. Findings demonstrate that students from pet-owning households exhibit significantly more favorable attitudes and behaviors concerning animal empathy, awareness of animal welfare, willingness to purchase animal welfare certified products, and the willingness to pay a premium for animal welfare labels. Pet ownership fosters emotional resonance, enhancing empathy and perceptions regarding animal welfare, and influences preferences for animal welfare certified products through simulated consumer choices. By applying propensity score matching (PSM) to mitigate endogeneity concerns, this research advances theoretical discussions surrounding animal welfare attitudes and consumption behaviors. Looking ahead, the promotion of animal welfare should involve coordinated efforts across educational institutions, policy frameworks, and market mechanisms to cultivate a broader understanding and adoption of animal welfare principles.

Novel Method for Detecting Coughing Pigs with Audio-Visual Multimodality for Smart Agriculture Monitoring

While the pig industry is crucial in global meat consumption, accounting for 34% of total consumption, respiratory diseases in pigs can cause substantial economic losses to pig farms. To alleviate this issue, we propose an advanced audio-visual monitoring system for the early detection of coughing, a key symptom of respiratory diseases in pigs, that will enhance disease management and animal welfare. The proposed system is structured into three key modules: the cough sound detection (CSD) module, which detects coughing sounds using audio data; the pig object detection (POD) module, which identifies individual pigs in video footage; and the coughing pig detection (CPD) module, which pinpoints which pigs are coughing among the detected pigs. These modules, using a multimodal approach, detect coughs from continuous audio streams amidst background noise and accurately pinpoint specific pens or individual pigs as the source. This method enables continuous 24/7 monitoring, leading to efficient action and reduced human labor stress. It achieved a substantial detection accuracy of 0.95 on practical data, validating its feasibility and applicability. The potential to enhance farm management and animal welfare is shown through proposed early disease detection.

Personality dimensions in the common octopus (Octopus vulgaris)

Abstract Understanding the origin, universality, and maintenance of among-individual variation in behaviour is a current focus of behavioural ecology and comparative psychology. Research on animal personality emphasising the central role of the individual contributes to conservation efforts and animal welfare by tailoring guidelines and interventions at the individual level. Cephalopods are understudied in this respect, despite being the only invertebrate group currently included in international directives for the protection of animals used for scientific purposes. Here, we assessed among-individual variation in behavioural responses (i.e., animal personality) of 21 common octopuses (Octopus vulgaris) temporarily kept in captivity. We performed a battery of tests across three different experimental contexts, namely a Startle test, a Foraging test, and a Disturbance test, each repeated for four consecutive days, adapting established protocols from other cephalopods. Behavioural variables were moderately repeatable. Results of a principal component analysis revealed a three-component structure, with components we labelled Alertness, Exploration, and Boldness. The components were also moderately repeatable. The components Exploration and Boldness predicted each other across experimental contexts, suggesting a behavioural syndrome. Overall, findings indicate marked individual differences in common octopuses, and provide evidence of personality dimensions in a widely used animal model in neurophysiology and cognition. Our findings thus contribute to the study of the evolution of personality structure from a comparative perspective, and may help individual-level welfare refinement.