Ear Postures Research Articles

Evaluation of inter-observer reliability in the case of trichotomous and four-level animal-based welfare indicators with two observers

This study focuses on assessing inter-observer reliability (IOR) between two observers in the case of trichotomous and four-level animal-based welfare indicators assessed at individual level. The Body Condition Score (BCS) and Knee calluses (KNC) were chosen as trichotomous indicators; data were collected in fourteen intensively managed dairy goat farms in Italy (ITF1 to ITF7) and Portugal (PTF1 to PTF7) and in extensively managed dairy goat farms exploiting three alpine pastures (AP1, AP2 and AP3) in Italy. The Ear posture (EP) and Eye white (EW) were chosen as four-level indicators; data were collected in three intensively managed dairy cattle farms (F1, F2 and F3) in Italy. The performance of the most documented agreement indices was compared. In the case of trichotomous indicators, Scott’s π, Cohen’s K, Cohen’s K C, Cohen’s weighted K and Krippendorff’s α were affected by the paradox effect: when the concordance rate (P0) was high, they sometimes gave very low or even negative values (e.g. P0(BCS-ITF3) = 74%; Scott’s π = 0.05; Cohen’s K = 0.09; Krippendorff’s α = 0.06; P0(BCS-AP3) = 74%; Scott’s π = −0.12; Cohen’s K = Krippendorff’s α = −0.11). Bangdiwala’s B, Gwet’s γ(AC1) and Quatto’s weighted S were not affected by this phenomenon and provided values very close to P0 (e.g. P0(KNC-PTF1) = 88%; Bangdiwala’s B = Gwet’s γ(AC1) = 0.85; P0(BCS-AP1) = 82%; Bangdiwala’s B = Gwet’s γ(AC1) = 0.79). In the case of four-level indicators, Cohen’s K and Krippendorff’s α were not affected by the paradox behaviour. However, Cohen’s K C in some cases exceeded the observed P0 (e.g. P0(EP-F3) = 78%; Cohen’s K C = 1). Gwet’s γ(AC1) showed the best results for four-level indicators (e.g. P0(EP-F1) = 88%; Gwet’s γ(AC1) = 0.86), followed by Quatto’s S and Holley and Guilford’s G (e.g. P0(EP-F1) = 88%; Quatto’s S = Holley and Guilford’s G = 0.84). To evaluate IOR between two observers, Bangdiwala’s B, Gwet’s γ(AC1) and Quatto’s weighted S are suggested for trichotomous indicators, while Gwet’s γ(AC1), Quatto’s S and Holley and Guilford’s G are suggested for four-level indicators.

The promotion of play behaviour in grow-finish pigs: The relationship between behaviours indicating positive experience and physiological measures

The provision of opportunities to express rewarding behaviours is a promising concept to support a better quality of life for intensively farmed pigs. Play behaviour has been associated with excitement and fun, suggesting that playing animals experience pleasurable states. Pigs play intensively between 2 and 6 weeks of age and this decreases with age thereafter. To determine if the provision of play opportunities could enhance the quality of life of pigs, this study investigated if play can be promoted and sustained in pigs beyond the natural period of expression in a commercial setting. Whether play is positive for pigs and the effect of play on average daily gain and stress physiology was also explored. Growing pigs (n = 288, 10 weeks of age), housed in standard partly-slatted pens, were assigned to either a Control treatment with no play interventions (CON, 1 m2/pig); or to a Novelty (NOV) or Play pen (PLP) treatments, with play promotion between 10 and 21 weeks delivered through play sessions 3x/week. Play treatments received the intermittent provision of destructible novel objects provided either in the home pen (NOV, 1 m2/pig), or in an enclosed ‘play pen' area providing extra space (PLP, 2.9 m2/pig). To understand if play is positive, the frequency and duration of anticipatory behaviour were recorded before play sessions, whilst play behaviour, along with indicators of emotional valence such as vocalization, tail, and ear postures, were recorded during play sessions on focal pigs (n = 144) at 11, 16 and 21 weeks. To explore the physiological response to play, saliva was collected pre and post play, and analysed for cortisol and alpha-amylase, and growth rate was calculated from trial entry and exit weights. Pigs in PLP and NOV played more frequently (p = 0.002) and for a longer duration of time (p < 0.001) across weeks compared to CON. NOV and PLP did not differ in play frequency and duration, except for week 21 when PLP played more frequently. Play treatments expressed more anticipatory behaviour and behavioural indicators associated with a positive experience (ears relaxed and forward, tail wagging, barks) compared to CON. Cortisol was elevated only in NOV compared to CON after the play session, but alpha-amylase and growth rate did not differ. Play was successfully promoted and sustained until the finishing period and equally expressed regardless of extra space. Pigs with play opportunities expressed indicators that play is a rewarding and motivating behaviour and could enhance the quality of life of farmed pigs when supported.

Exploring positive welfare measures: preliminary findings from a prototype protocol in loose housing dairy cattle farms.

Following the increasing interest about the development of indicators of positive welfare and affective state in farm animals, the aim of this research is to present some preliminary results on the application of a prototype protocol based exclusively on positive welfare measures and to suggest potential benefits that can promote positive welfare. The protocol was applied in 20 loose housing dairy cattle farms (6 on deep litter with straw, 14 in cubicles) and included only indicators of positive welfare and emotional states: feeding and resting synchronization, rumination during resting, comfortable lying postures, no visible eye white, relaxed ear postures, percentage of cow contacts with humans in the Avoidance Distance test. Potential benefits in terms of housing, feeding and management were then related to these variables (Mann-Whitney U test). Qualitative Behavior Assessment (QBA) was also carried out and analyzed by Principal Component Analysis to explore the effect of factors that were not evenly distributed in our sample (number of feed distributions, access to pasture, presence of paddock or environmental enrichments, automatic milking systems). When hay was included in the diet, higher feeding synchronization (93.7 ± 1.6 vs. 52.2 ± 4.7%; p < 0.01), percentage of cows with relaxed ear postures (35.8 ± 5.4 vs. 15.5 ± 2.1%; p < 0.01) and percentage of cows with no visible eye white (55.9 ± 17.0 vs. 36.6 ± 4.1%; n.s.) were recorded. A higher level of feeding synchronization was observed also when the feeding places/cow ratio was > 1 (72.1 ± 9.9 vs. 53.8 ± 5.8%), although differences were not significant (p = 0.14). Deep litter had a more positive effect than cubicles on comfort at resting, with a significantly higher percentage of ruminating cows (65.8 ± 10.2 vs. 34.2 ± 3.7%; p < 0.01), a higher percentage of cows with no visible eye white (55.6 ± 9.9 vs. 33.1 ± 3.7%; p < 0.05) and a higher percentage of cows in a more comfortable posture, with stretched legs (14.3 ± 5.1 vs. 5.6 ± 1.6%; p = 0.09). QBA highlighted the most positive emotional state in the only farm that allowed access to pasture. This study represents a first attempt to apply a protocol for on-farm welfare evaluation based exclusively on the use of positive welfare indicators and provides suggestions on possible benefits (e.g., deep litter, feeding places/cow ratio > 1, hay in the diet and access to pasture) to enhance dairy cattle welfare.

Sheep welfare assessment of meat farms from Spain in different breeds and production systems

Sheep production systems are diverse in Europe, and welfare assessment should consider this diversity, including differences in breed type, climatic conditions, and time of the year. The aim of this study was to evaluate welfare in 100 commercial sheep farms in Spain, and therefore in Mediterranean conditions, using a list of 24 indicators, comprising three for good feeding, five for housing, 11 for health, and five for appropriate behavior. The list includes indicators from the AWIN protocol and other suggested indicators. Level of intensification was the main parameter that affected the welfare outcomes of feeding and health, but seasonality and flock size also affected some of the outcomes. Novel indicators included in the list (sternum evaluation, crowding behavior, subcutaneous abscesses, external parasitism, aggressive behaviors, wool pulling, ear posture, and reaction during restraint) were useful to evaluate welfare in Spanish farming conditions, but further studies should be performed to validate these indicators.

A New Tool for Quantifying Mouse Facial Expressions.

Facial expressions are an increasingly used tool to assess emotional experience and affective state during experimental procedures in animal models. Previous studies have successfully related specific facial features with different positive and negative valence situations, most notably in relation to pain. However, characterizing and interpreting such expressions remains a major challenge. We identified seven easily visualizable facial parameters on mouse profiles, accounting for changes in eye, ear, mouth, snout and face orientation. We monitored their relative position on the face across time and throughout sequences of positive and aversive gustatory and somatosensory stimuli in freely moving mice. Facial parameters successfully captured response profiles to each stimulus and reflected spontaneous movements in response to stimulus valence, as well as contextual elements such as habituation. Notably, eye opening was increased by palatable tastants and innocuous touch, while this parameter was reduced by tasting a bitter solution and by painful stimuli. Mouse ear posture appears to convey a large part of emotional information. Facial expressions accurately depicted welfare and affective state in a time-sensitive manner, successfully correlating time-dependent stimulation. This study is the first to delineate rodent facial expression features in multiple positive valence situations, including in relation to affective touch. We suggest using this facial expression assay might provide mechanistic insights into emotional expression and improve the translational value of experimental studies in rodents on pain and other states.

Positive Welfare Indicators in Dairy Animals

Nowadays, there is growing interest in positive animal welfare not only from the view of scientists but also from that of society. The consumer demands more sustainable livestock production, and animal welfare is an essential part of sustainability, so there is interest in incorporating positive welfare indicators into welfare assessment schemes and legislation. The aim of this review is to cite all the positive welfare indicators that have been proposed for dairy animals in theory or practice. In total, twenty-four indicators were retrieved. The most promising are exploration, access to pasture, comfort and resting, feeding, and behavioral synchronicity. Qualitative behavioral assessment (QBA), social affiliative behaviors, play, maternal care, ear postures, vocalizations, visible eye white, nasal temperature, anticipation, cognitive bias, laterality, and oxytocin have been also studied in dairy ruminants. QBA is the indicator that is most often used for the on-farm welfare assessment. Among all dairy animals, studies have been performed mostly on cattle, followed by sheep and goats, and finally buffaloes. The research on camel welfare is limited. Therefore, there is a need for further research and official assessment protocols for buffaloes and especially camels.

Effect of mother bonded rearing on growth, health and physiological state of Murrah buffalo calves

We investigated the effect of different types of mother-young contacts (fenceline, restricted and no contact) on the health, growth performance, behaviour and physiological state of Murrah buffalo calves. A total of 24 calves were allocated to three groups of 8: NCM (no calf-mother contact), RCM (restricted calf-mother contact) and FCM (fenceline calf-mother contact). At three months of age, the FCM calves had a higher average body weight (58.6 ± 1.5 kg) than the RCM (52.8 ± 1.3 kg) and NCM (53.6 ± 1.3 kg) calves (P < 0.05). The average daily gain (ADG) at three months of age was greater in FCM (0.6 ± 0.1 kg/d) than RCM (0.5 ± 0.1 kg/d) and NCM (0.5 ± 0.1 kg/d) calves (P < 0.05). The mean immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations were significantly greater on d 7, 28, 42 and d 56 of sampling (P < 0.05 for all comparisons) in FCM than RCM and NCM calves. The mean cortisol levels were highest in the NCM calves followed by RCM and the lowest values were observed in FCM calves on d 0, d 7, d 28, d 42 and d 56, respectively (P < 0.05, for all recorded days). The diarrhoea score and eggs per gram of faeces (EPG) were significantly greater in the NCM group compared to the RCM and FCM groups. The time spent in cross sucking, licking inanimate objects and self-licking was greatest (P < 0.05) in NCM calves, followed by RCM calves, and was almost non-existent in the FCM group on all the recorded weeks. Time spent in backward ear position was greater (P < 0.05) in FCM than RCM and NCM calves. The average time spent in forward ear position was greatest (P < 0.05) in the RCM calves followed by NCM with the lowest time observed in FCM calves. The mean duration of time spent by calves in the asymmetrical and axial ear position differed significantly (P < 0.05) among NCM, RCM and FCM calves, P < 0.05. The full and fenceline buffalo calf-mother contact system showed higher growth rates, lower levels of stress responses, oral stereotypies and eggs per gram of faeces. In addition, ear postures may be used as a dependable, and reliable measure of positive, low arousal emotional states.

A CASE STUDY ON ANIMAL BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS USING GAMLSS

Animal behavior studies usually produce large amounts of data and a wide variety of data structures, including nonlinear relationships, interaction effects, nonconstant variance, correlated measures, overdispersion, and zero inflation, among others. We aimed to explore here the potential of generalized additive models for location, scale and shape (GAMLSS) in analyzing data from animal behavior studies. Data from 20 Romane ewes from two genetic lineages submitted to brushing by a familiar observer were analyzed. Behavioral responses through ear posture changes, a count random variable, and the proportion of time to perform the horizontal ear posture, a continuous random variable on the interval (0,1), with non-null probabilities in zero and one, were analyzed. The Poisson, negative binomial, and their zero-inflated and zero-adjusted extensions models were considered for the count data, whereas the beta distribution and its inflated versions were evaluated for the proportions. Random effects were also included to consider the multilevel structure of the experiment. The zero adjusted negative binomial model has better fitted the count data, whereas the inflated beta distribution performed the best for the proportions. Both models allowed us to properly assess the effects of social separation, brushing, and genetic lineages on sheep behavioral. We may conclude that GAMLSS is a flexible framework to analyze animal behavior data.

Effects of restraint on heifers during gentle human-animal interactions

Gentle human-animal interactions can induce positive emotions in cattle and enhance their welfare. We investigated whether a change in the animals’ perceived control over the situation influences their perception of the interactions. We compared the reactions of habituated heifers (n = 28) to stroking and talking in a gentle voice while they were restrained in a feeding rack as routinely practiced on farms (‘lock’) or free to move in an arena (‘free’), which allowed for a higher level of control over the situation and thus, probably a higher sense of agency. All heifers had a positive relationship to humans, i.e. freely accepted human touch, and were habituated to gentle human-animal interactions. Each animal was tested three times per condition and each trial comprised three phases: pre-stroking, stroking and post-stroking. Video recordings of the trials were analysed for behaviours associated with different affective states. We also assessed heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV). In line with our hypotheses, stroking and gentle talking led to longer durations of neck stretching, indicating a positive affective state in both conditions, with stronger effects in the ‘free’ condition. Longer durations of lower ear positions occurred during stroking primarily in ‘lock’; however, the ear positions differed already in the pre-stroking phase, suggesting that restraint itself affected the ear positions independently of the human-animal interactions. Decreased heart rates during stroking in ‘free’ suggest a calming effect of the gentle interactions when the animals were free to move, and HRV parameters imply a greater relaxation effect shortly after ‘free’ interactions. We thus conclude that heifers with a good animal-human relationship enjoy gentle interactions with humans also when they are restrained, but they seem to perceive them even more positively when allowed to move freely, possibly due to a higher degree of agency. Furthermore, the results of this study confirm ear postures as promising indicators of the affective states of cattle, but underline that external factors such as restraint can substantially influence ear positions and need to be considered in the interpretation of the results.

Happy Cow or Thinking Pig? WUR Wolf—Facial Coding Platform for Measuring Emotions in Farm Animals

Emotions play an indicative and informative role in the investigation of farm animal behaviors. Systems that respond and can measure emotions provide a natural user interface in enabling the digitalization of animal welfare platforms. The faces of farm animals can be one of the richest channels for expressing emotions. WUR Wolf (Wageningen University &amp; Research: Wolf Mascot), a real-time facial recognition platform that can automatically code the emotions of farm animals, is presented in this study. The developed Python-based algorithms detect and track the facial features of cows and pigs, analyze the appearance, ear postures, and eye white regions, and correlate these with the mental/emotional states of the farm animals. The system is trained on a dataset of facial features of images of farm animals collected in over six farms and has been optimized to operate with an average accuracy of 85%. From these, the emotional states of animals in real time are determined. The software detects 13 facial actions and an inferred nine emotional states, including whether the animal is aggressive, calm, or neutral. A real-time emotion recognition system based on YoloV3, a Faster YoloV4-based facial detection platform and an ensemble Convolutional Neural Networks (RCNN) is presented. Detecting facial features of farm animals simultaneously in real time enables many new interfaces for automated decision-making tools for livestock farmers. Emotion sensing offers a vast potential for improving animal welfare and animal–human interactions.

Digital Twins in Livestock Farming

Simple SummaryA digital twin can be described as a digital replica of a real-world entity. It simulates the physical state and maybe the biological state and behavior of the real-world entity based on input data. It helps in predicting, optimizing, and improving decision making. It has revolutionized the industrial world, particularly the manufacturing industry, construction and healthcare sector, smart cities, and energy industry. In this perspectives paper, we explore the development and implementation of the digital twin in modern animal farming. In addition to showcasing potential applications, this review provides in-depth insights about the potential implementation and characterization of digital twins in modern animal farming.Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and big data are consistently called upon to analyze and comprehend many facets of modern daily life. AI and ML in particular are widely used in animal husbandry to monitor both the animals and environment around the clock, which leads to a better understanding of animal behavior and distress, disease control and prevention, and effective business decisions for the farmer. One particularly promising area that advances upon AI is digital twin technology, which is currently used to improve efficiencies and reduce costs across multiple industries and sectors. In contrast to a model, a digital twin is a digital replica of a real-world entity that is kept current with a constant influx of data. The application of digital twins within the livestock farming sector is the next frontier and has the potential to be used to improve large-scale precision livestock farming practices, machinery and equipment usage, and the health and well-being of a wide variety of farm animals. The mental and emotional states of animals can be monitored using recognition technology that examines facial features, such as ear postures and eye white regions. Used with modeling, simulation and augmented reality technologies, digital twins can help farmers to build more energy-efficient housing structures, predict heat cycles for breeding, discourage negative behaviors of livestock, and potentially much more. As with all disruptive technological advances, the implementation of digital twin technology will demand a thorough cost and benefit analysis of individual farms. Our goal in this review is to assess the progress toward the use of digital twin technology in livestock farming, with the goal of revolutionizing animal husbandry in the future.

Can Tail and Ear Postures Be Suitable to Capture the Affective State of Growing Pigs?

ABSTRACT The present study examined whether tail and ear postures in fattening pigs (n = 228) housed in different environments could be suitable for assessing their affective state. In doing so, it investigated the appearance of curled-up, hanging, raised, tucked-under or wagging tails, respectively, ears directed forward, backward, mixed, and laterally. The environments included a barren and two enriched habitats that offered straw-bedded pens and soil-based rooting areas for the pigs. The tail and ear postures were analyzed using the scan sampling method. At the end of fattening, the pigs in the barren environment showed significantly fewer curled-up tails than those in the enriched environment. The barren-housed pigs showed also more raised, respectively, wagging tails than the enriched-housed pigs. Particularly at the end of fattening, there were no differences concerning the ears directed forward between the two environments and significantly fewer ears directed laterally were observed in the barren than in the enriched environment. Primarily, the curled-up tails could be suitable for indicating the affective state of the fattening pigs whereas the other tail, respectively, ear postures seemed to be less suitable to represent their affective state.

Attention behaviours but not pain-related behaviours are modified by the presence of a twin in lambs undergoing castration by rubber ring.

The social context of social species such as sheep can modify their physiological and behavioural responses to stressors, through social buffering and social facilitation. Social buffering can lead to amelioration of stress, while social facilitation can lead to stress responses in an observer animal in the presence of a conspecific in distress. The current study investigated twin lambs undergoing ring castration, grouped either homogeneously with a castrated lamb (actor), or heterogeneously with a non-castrated lamb (observer) to examine the impact of social grouping on behavioural responses. Each lamb was scored for two classes of behaviour: pain-related behaviours and postures that are putatively related to the response to castration; and attentional behaviours directed at its twin. Thus, each lamb participated in the experiment as an actor exhibiting pain-related behaviours and postures, and as an observer of its twin. When behaviours of lambs were assessed as actors, there was a significant (P < 0.05) effect of castration but no significant effect of social grouping on expression of pain-related behaviours. When behaviours of lambs were assessed as observers, homogeneous grouping of castrated lambs increased attention towards the other twin in comparison to non-castrated lambs grouped homogeneously or lambs grouped heterogeneously (P < 0.01). Non-castrated lambs grouped homogeneously demonstrated significantly lower numbers of head direction changes (P < 0.001) and lower number of ear posture changes (P < 0.05) than heterogeneously grouped or castrated lambs. This study indicates that social attention between twin lambs is not clearly dependent on pain status of the actor lamb. It suggests that in order for the observer lamb to provide significant attention to the actor lamb displaying pain-related behaviour, the observer lamb also needs to be experiencing pain concurrently. Furthermore, there is some evidence that the presence of pain-related behaviours can lead to increased attention to the surrounding environment in non-castrated lambs. Understanding the effect of concurrent experience and varying social context assists us to improve our understanding of results of other experiments on pain-related behavioural responses.

Chute scoring as a potential method for assessing individual differences in arousal among ewes

Chute scoring has been used among beef and dairy operations as a method to gauge the relative phenotypic characteristics of animals based on response to physical restraint. While elements of the cattle chute score, such as tail flicking, exit speed, and side kicking, have been validated as behavioral indicators of arousal in cattle, a robust and species-appropriate scale has not been developed for sheep. Given that individual monitoring of breeding ewes is growing in the sheep industry, it could be beneficial to develop such a rating system for ewes. The objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate the consistency of chute score values and behavioral measures over repeated trials, (2) provide a subjective scoring system that human observers may use to identify behavioral indicators of arousal in sheep, and (3) determine if there are physiological measurements which are related to subjective chute scores. Twenty-eight multiparous, crossbred ewes from the same breeding group were restrained in a squeeze chute for 10 min, once a week for five weeks. Trained researchers gave each ewe a chute score based on the behaviors observed. A ‘1−3’ subjective scale adapted from cattle literature was used to designate score values to each ewe (with scores increasing relative to observable agitation). Measures of heart rate, respiration rate, and surface eye temperature were collected while ewes were restrained. Video data of restrained ewes were coded for order of entry, step and bleat rate, and, latency to exit the chute. Chute scores were highly consistent within ewes between nearly all trial day combinations. Positive and significant correlations (Kendall’s Tau) were found between the third, fourth and fifth trials for bleat rate (P < 0.001), step rate (P < 0.001), latency to exit chute (P < 0.001), eye temperature (P < 0.01), and heart rate (P = 0.01). Step rate was a consistent and significant predictor of chute scores on the ‘1−3’ scale (P < 0.0001). Significant differences in heart rate and eye temperature were found between scores 1 and 2, however no overall differences were found between scores 2 and 3 when physiological measures were analyzed independently. Once physiological information was aggregated into a collective arousal response, significant differences were identified between scores 1 and 2 (P = 0.001), and, 2 and 3 (P = 0.05). The authors suggest a simple 3-point scale may be reasonable for detecting relative differences in reactivity for production ewes, with inclusion of elements of active behaviors related to arousal (e.g. vigilance behavior, ear postures).

Tail and ear postures of growing pigs in two different housing conditions

This study analyses tail and ear postures of growing pigs in two different housing systems throughout the growing period. On one farm, 168 undocked pigs (84: barren housing, 84: enriched housing) were observed individually at three time periods: beginning, middle and end of the growing period. By scan sampling, the tail (curled-up, raised, hanging, tucked under, wagging) and ear posture (forwards, sidewards, backwards, mixed) was noted. Scans were performed hourly during the activity periods by direct observation. Moreover, the body posture (standing, feeding, lying (eyes open), lying (eyes closed) and tail lesions were noted. Data were analysed using the GLIMMIX procedure in SAS. Results revealed significant differences between the enriched and barren group especially for curled-up tails, tucked under tails and ears directed forwards. More curled-up tails and ears directed forwards occurred in the enriched and more tucked under tails in the barren habitat. The time period of observation also had significant influences. Tail lesions had significant effects on most tail postures. Most ear postures were influenced by the body posture of the pigs. Overall, this study contributes to the understanding of body language, specifically tail and ear postures in pigs.

Spatial distance and reactivity traits alter the positive perception of brushing by ewes

Gentle handling seems to elicit positive states in sheep. The study investigated whether spatial distance alters sheep responses to brushing and whether spatial distance is influenced by reactivity. Twenty Romane ewes were assessed in three sessions: in Sessions 1 and 3, one grid separated the test animal from pen mates, with no distance between them, and in Session 2 two grids separated the test animal from pen mates by a distance of about 1.7 m. Ewes had been genetically selected for low (R−) or high (R+) behavioural reactivity to social isolation. Body postures, head orientation, ear postures, closed and half-closed eyes, tail wagging and feeding behaviour, in addition to heart rate (HR) and HR variability, as the root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), standard deviation of all normal-to-normal (NN) intervals (SDNN), RMSSD/SDNN ratio and ratio between low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) powers (LF/HF) were assessed. Data were analysed using generalized linear models and linear mixed models. Session, genetic line and phase (pre-, brushing and post-brushing) were considered fixed effects. Increased distance in Session 2 might not have influenced ewes’ responses. Fewer changes in ear postures were noted in Session 3 than 1 (P<0.01), suggesting that ewes were more relaxed in Session 3. The RMSSD/SDNN ratio was higher mainly during brushing in Sessions 1 and 3 (P<0.05), indicating that ewes were more relaxed during brushing, and at no distance between pen mates. However, spatial distance influenced R− and R+ ewes’ responses; R+ ewes performed more asymmetric ear postures in Session 2 than 1 and 3 (P<0.01), and in Session 3 than 1 (P<0.01), indicating that spatial distance had a negative effect on R+ ewes. Low reactive ewes spent less time on horizontal ear postures in Session 2 than 1 and 3 (P<0.01), and R+ ewes spent more time on horizontal postures in Session 1 than 3 (P<0.01). Curiously, R− ewes spent more time eating and ruminating in Session 3 than 1 (P<0.01), and in Session 2 than 1 and 3 (P<0.01), whereas R+ ewes ate and ruminated more in Session 1 than 3 (P<0.05). Higher HR was found among R− ewes in Session 2 than 1 and 3, and in Session 3 than 1 (P<0.01). High reactive ewes showed higher HR in Session 1 than 3 (P<0.01). The findings suggest that the social context might influence sheep responses to gentle handling, and the effects depend on their reactivity traits.

Evidence of Pain, Stress, and Fear of Humans During Tail Docking and the Next Four Weeks in Piglets (Sus scrofa domesticus).

Tail docking is widely performed in pig farms to prevent tail biting. We investigated the consequences of this practice on behavioral indicators of pain and stress, and on the human-piglet relationship during lactation. Within 19 litters, piglets (1–3 days of age) were submitted on day 0 (D0) to docking with a cautery iron (D), sham-docking (S), or no docking (U). Piglets from the D and S groups were observed during the procedure (body movements and vocalizations) and just after, in isolation, during 20 s for body, tail and ear postures as well as ear movements. Piglets from the three treatments were observed in their home pen after docking on D0 and D3 afternoon for body posture, tail posture and movements. Piglets from the D and U groups were observed on D6, D12, D19, and D26 in their home pen for oral behavior, body, and tail posture. Tail damage and tear staining were scored on D5, D11, D18, and D25. A 5-min motionless human test was performed on D14. During the procedure, D piglets screamed more and with a higher intensity (P < 0.05) than S piglets (n = 48–50). Just after docking, D piglets held their ears in a posture perpendicular to the head-tail axis and changed their ear posture more often (P < 0.05). Between D6 and D26, D piglets kept their tail immobile (P < 0.001) and in a horizontal position (P < 0.01) more often than U piglets (n = 45–47). Between D11 and D25, U piglets had higher scores for tail damage and damage freshness than D piglets (0.09 < P < 0.02) whereas tear-stain score was similar. In the human test, D piglets interacted later with an unfamiliar human than U piglets (P = 0.01, n = 18/group). Present data indicate signs of acute pain and stress in piglets due to docking during the procedure itself and adverse consequences throughout lactation thereafter, including on their relationship with humans. On the other hand, the presence of tail lesions shows that undocked piglets are subject to more tail biting, even before weaning.

Understanding Cows' Emotions on Farm: Are Eye White and Ear Posture Reliable Indicators?

Simple SummaryIt is globally recognized that emotions are important elements of farm animals’ life. However, scientific understanding regarding how to measure and interpret positive emotional states is currently lacking. This study investigated whether eye white and ear posture can reliably help in the interpretation of mood and level of excitement in dairy cows. We found that eye white and ear posture are strongly correlated, and that can be used as complementary measures to interpret emotions. Daily access to pasture has beneficial effects on cows’ emotions. Animals are more relaxed than in any other context, with most of the animals exhibiting half-closed eyes and ears hung down or backwards. The cows were found to be particularly excited during the execution of a human-animal relationship test, showing eye white clearly visible and ears directed forwards, towards the assessor. Housing has an important effect on cows’ emotions: the lower the competition for resources (i.e., in case of more feeding places or cubicles than the number of animals), the lower the level of excitement. This research is a further step towards the use of indicators able to measure emotions in dairy cows and can contribute to enhance animals’ quality of life on farm.Understanding the emotions of dairy cows is primarily important in enhancing the level of welfare and provide a better life on farm. This study explored whether eye white and ear posture can reliably contribute to interpret valence and arousal of emotions in dairy cows. The research was conducted in five Italian dairy farms. Four hundred and thirty-six photographs of cows’ heads were scored (four-level), according to the eye white and ear posture during feeding, resting, pasture, and an avoidance distance test at the feeding rack (ADF test). Eye white and ear posture were significantly correlated and influenced by the context (P = 0.001). Pasture was the most relaxing context for cows (67.8% of half-closed eyes; 77.3% ears hung down or backwards). The excitement during ADF test was high, with 44.8% of eye white being clearly visible and ears directed forwards to the approaching assessor (95.5%). Housing and management mostly influenced emotions during feeding and resting (P = 0.002 and P = 0.001, respectively): where competition for feeding places and cubicles was low, the cows showed the highest percentages of half-closed eyes and ears backwards or hung down. This research supports the use of eye white and ear posture as reliable indicators of emotions in dairy cows.

Changes in Ear Postures of Kid Goats in Response to Ear Tagging

No study yet is undertaken to measure pain caused by ear tagging in kid goats using ear postures. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to elucidate the effect of ear tagging procedure on pain in black Karadi kids using ear position and frequency of ear changes. Twenty black Karadi kids, aged 10-14 days, were used in this study. Ear postures were scored using focal sampling and recorded with instantaneous time sampling to measure the duration of each ear posture. Each kid was observed separately for 6 minutes before and 6 minutes after the ear tagging process with 30 seconds intervals. A total of 24 ear posture samples were recorded from each kid. Results revealed that Ear tagging significantly increased ears backward (P&lt;0.01) and decreased ears plane (P&lt;0.001). However, no significant effect of ear tagging was found on ears forward (P&lt;0.19) and asymmetrical postures (P&lt;0.43). In addition, number of ear posture changes was significantly (P&lt;0.001) increased after ear tagging. It was concluded that observing ear postures of kids directly after painful husbandry procedures such as ear tagging is a reliable non-invasive method to assess pain caused by these painful methods and hence helps better understands animal welfare.

Changes in Ear Postures of Kid Goats in Response to Ear Tagging

No study yet is undertaken to measure pain caused by ear tagging in kid goats using ear postures. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to elucidate the effect of ear tagging procedure on pain in black Karadi kids using ear position and frequency of ear changes. Twenty black Karadi kids, aged 10-14 days, were used in this study. Ear postures were scored using focal sampling and recorded with instantaneous time sampling to measure the duration of each ear posture. Each kid was observed separately for 6 minutes before and 6 minutes after the ear tagging process with 30 seconds intervals. A total of 24 ear posture samples were recorded from each kid. Results revealed that Ear tagging significantly increased ears backward (P<0.01) and decreased ears plane (P<0.001). However, no significant effect of ear tagging was found on ears forward (P<0.19) and asymmetrical postures (P<0.43). In addition, number of ear posture changes was significantly (P<0.001) increased after ear tagging. It was concluded that observing ear postures of kids directly after painful husbandry procedures such as ear tagging is a reliable non-invasive method to assess pain caused by these painful methods and hence helps better understands animal welfare.