Positive Human-animal Interaction Research Articles

Shark Dive and Hologram Zoo: Two Case Studies of Virtual Animal Encounters as Possible Models for Sustainable Wildlife Tourism.

Wildlife tourism is commonly argued to positively contribute to nature conservation by providing humans with educational and meaningful first-hand experiences with animals. However, concern for the sustainability of nature due to the negative impacts of wildlife tourism on animals and the environment invites alternative virtual opportunities for close encounters. Participant Observation framed by an Animal Studies perspective is employed to interpret two contemporary Australian family entertainments, Shark Dive and Hologram Zoo, centred on providing people with wild animal interactions but without real animals present. Shark Dive is a theatrical puppetry production replicating a real shark dive, and Hologram Zoo is an augmented reality experience that displays a variety of animals in 3D. The content of both is examined to understand how the animals are imagined, experienced, and given significance to determine whether they offer viable alternatives or complementary additions to in situ wildlife tourism. Findings reveal both hold potential for virtual wildlife tourism. Shark Dive provides a positive representation of marine life, generating awareness about conservation and encouraging self-reflection. Hologram Zoo's depiction of wild animals is impressive, but to more closely align with contemporary wildlife tourism ideals, the experience could enhance its conservation messaging and positive human-animal interactions.

Relationships between owner and household characteristics and enrichment and cat behaviour

Owners may enhance their cats’ welfare by social enrichment (e.g. positive human-animal interactions), and physical enrichment (e.g. play objects). The purpose of this study was to investigate associations between owner characteristics (e.g. attitudes, attachment), household characteristics (the keeping of one or more cats) and owner behaviours enriching their cats’ lives. Another aim was to use the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB, using question sets targeting attitudes towards behaviours directed/activities provided to cats, normative and control beliefs) to identify predictors of owner behavior, represented by duration of a play session, number of toys constantly available/cat and frequency of outdoor access. Finally, we aimed to investigate associations between owner and cat behaviours. To this end, an online survey was conducted among cat owners. Questions assessing general attitudes, beliefs about cats’ needs, attachment, frequencies of owner-cat interactions, access to play opportunities and cat behaviour (play, unwanted behaviours) were summarised to components after principal component analyses. Owner attitudes and attachment systematically correlated with frequencies of human-cat interactions (e.g. tactile and non-tactile) and access to various play objects (p < 0.05). The general attitude that cats are ‘Beneficial’ and the TPB attitude ‘Important to play with cats’ were significant predictors of the duration of a play session (β = 0.15/0.14), accounting for 8% of the variance. Owner age, the husbandry decision to keep one or more cats and the TPB attitude ‘Important to offer different toys’ significantly predicted the number of toys constantly available/cat (β = −0.12/−0.47/0.45), accounting for 36% of the variance. Predictors of the frequency of outdoor access were the TPB attitude ‘Important to offer outdoor access’ and the control belief that the outdoors were too dangerous (β = 0.23/−0.60), accounting for 62% of the variance. According to structural models, an effect of attachment on owner behaviour is mediated by attitudes. Owner behaviours systematically correlated with cat play (p < 0.05) but not problem behaviours. The overall results suggest clearly identifiable relationships between attitudes, owner and animal behaviour. They provide insight into attitudes and owner behaviours to target when designing interventions to influence cat owner behaviour. Since positive owner–cat interactions were associated with cat play behaviour, a potential indicator of enhanced welfare, this study underlines the important role of the owner for cat welfare.

Strepsirrhine Primate Training Programs in North American Institutions: Status and Implications for Future Welfare Assessment.

Simple SummaryTraining techniques are based on operant conditioning learning (the behavior is modified by its consequences). In many nonhuman primate species, they have been used to influence animals to perform specific behaviors voluntarily and cooperate with routine husbandry and veterinary procedures. However, the information regarding the suborder of strepsirrhine primates (lemurs, lorises, and galagos) is scarce. We assessed the development and current status of training programs with these species in North American institutions through an online survey. We collected information related to training program details; animals, behaviors, and techniques; the evaluation process; and the impact of training. Seventy-one organizations completed the survey, with results showing that 97% trained their strepsirrhines with the main objectives of husbandry and veterinary care (around 80%). Sixty-eight percent of organizations did not report any risk in training these species. The benefits reported include increases in positive human–animal interactions, psychological well-being, and staff awareness of animal behaviors, supporting the success of these programs in providing optimal care for these nonhuman primates. However, we need to improve our understanding of the impact of training on the welfare of strepsirrhine primates, and we hope that the data offered in this survey can help in this future assessment.Many articles have shown the benefits of operant conditioning training techniques in the care and welfare of several species of nonhuman primates; however, the information regarding their use in strepsirrhine species is scarce. We assessed the development and current status of training programs with these species in North American institutions. An online survey was distributed through members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums using a multiple-choice format. We collected information related to training program details; animals, behaviors, and techniques; the evaluation process; and the impact of training. Seventy-one organizations completed the survey, with the results showing that 97% of respondents trained their strepsirrhines with the main objective of husbandry and veterinary care (around 80%). Sixty-eight percent of organizations did not report any risk in training these species. The benefits reported include increases in positive human–animal interactions (97%), psychological well-being (88%), and staff awareness of animal behaviors (90%). However, a multi-dimensional approach to measure the efficacy of training could provide a deeper understanding of its impact on the welfare of strepsirrhine primates. We hope that the data offered in this survey can help in this future assessment.

Impacts of Cartoon Animals on Human–Alloanimal Relations

ABSTRACT A majority of animated films incorporate alloanimal characters to some extent, either as primary or secondary protagonists. These characters generate interest in the alloanimals they represent, which have been shown to have a variety of effects such as increased visits to zoos, conservation donations, pet buying, and even animal trafficking. This research seeks to establish a general framework for understanding the potential effects these characters can have on human–alloanimal relations. By employing qualitative analyses, we first explore the affective design factors behind these characters. From there, we examine the sign function of these characters using Paul Wells’ schemata of bestial ambivalence and Dagmar Shmauks’ typology of artificial animals. The associated sign-process of these characters and the consideration for alloanimal Umwelten result in what we introduce as the “Expected Animal.” We then go on to explain how “Expected Animals” create imagined human–alloanimal relations which can impact real-world interactions between humans and other animals. This research offers insights into understanding the ecosemiotic impacts of cartoon animals, which can be used by animation studios to better mediate positive human–animal interactions with the release of their films.

50 Effects of acclimation on cattle response to humans while being handled

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of previous human interaction on the behavior of beef cows while they are being handled. To achieve this, 84 F-1 Angus x Brahman cows were randomly assigned to one of two human interaction treatments. The positive human-animal interaction group (P) was subjected to daily contact with a herdsman (on foot) for 15 minutes and was fed supplement by the herdsman. The control group (N) was checked daily and fed from a vehicle, with no direct human interaction. Each acclimation procedure was replicated in 2 pastures/herds (n = 16 to 26 cows in each herd). During routine processing times for these herds (d 0, 256, and 317), herds were gathered from their pastures and temperament was assessed. Chute and alley scores were assigned to individual animals by the same trained observer and ranged from 1 (calm) to 5 (aggressive). Chute exit velocity was also measured. Temperament variables were evaluated with ANOVA as a split plot with acclimation procedure in the whole plots and pasture as the whole-plot experimental unit, and processing time in the split plot. Neither human interaction (P = 0.99) nor time (P = 0.13) affected chute exit velocity. Chute score increased through time (P = 0.01) but was not affected by human interaction (P = 0.70). Alley score was not affected by human interaction (P = 0.32) or time (P = 0.81). Neither time nor the specific type of human acclimation we implemented affected cattle temperament, indicating other traits may be more important. Alternatively, different acclimation procedures may be more effective to improve cattle temperament.

51 Effects of acclimation on cattle response to humans while being handled

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of previous human interaction on the behavior of beef cows while they are being handled. To achieve this, 84 F-1 Angus x Brahman cows were randomly assigned to one of two human interaction treatments. The positive human-animal interaction group (P) was subjected to daily contact with a herdsman (on foot) for 15 minutes and was fed supplement by the herdsman. The control group (N) was checked daily and fed from a vehicle, with no direct human interaction. Each acclimation procedure was replicated in 2 pastures/herds (n = 16 to 26 cows in each herd). During routine processing times for these herds (d 0, 256, and 317), herds were gathered from their pastures and temperament was assessed. Chute and alley scores were assigned to individual animals by the same trained observer and ranged from 1 (calm) to 5 (aggressive). Chute exit velocity was also measured. Temperament variables were evaluated with ANOVA as a split plot with acclimation procedure in the whole plots and pasture as the whole-plot experimental unit, and processing time in the split plot. Neither human interaction (P = 0.99) nor time (P = 0.13) affected chute exit velocity. Chute score increased through time (P = 0.01) but was not affected by human interaction (P = 0.70). Alley score was not affected by human interaction (P = 0.32) or time (P = 0.81). Neither time nor the specific type of human acclimation we implemented affected cattle temperament, indicating other traits may be more important. Alternatively, different acclimation procedures may be more effective to improve cattle temperament.

Salivary oxytocin in pigs, cattle, and goats during positive human-animal interactions

Research on oxytocin (OT) has provided crucial insight into the neuroendocrine mechanisms of social behavior and human-animal interactions. Nonetheless, this peptide hormone remains challenging to sample, usually requiring invasive measures in the brain or blood, which limits its use. We conducted an analytical validation of the measurement of OT in the saliva of three common farm animal species: pigs, cattle and goats. We then investigated the biological significance of salivary OT concentrations by using a positive human-animal interaction paradigm. The paradigm varied in terms of human familiarity and included a control condition where the animal was alone in the testing pen. A total of 18 pigs, 18 cattle and 9 goats were subjected to each condition using a within-individual counterbalanced design. Animals were free to choose to interact with the human. Saliva samples were collected immediately before and after the 10-min test, and behavior during the test was analyzed. Oxytocin could be reliably measured by ELISA in the saliva of goats (without extraction), and in the saliva of pigs and cattle after extraction. Salivary OT concentration did not change consistently according to testing condition. However, salivary OT concentration was significantly associated with some behaviors, with different relationships depending on the species. In conclusion, OT can be reliably measured in the saliva of goats and, after extraction, in the saliva of pigs and cattle. The relationships of OT with human-animal interactions and animal behavior were complex and to some extent species-dependent, possibly reflecting the perception of the interaction by the animal.

Implications of human-animal interactions on mother-calf interactions in a Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) dyad

Studies on human-animal interactions (HAIs) in zoos focus on the influence of familiar (keepers) or unfamiliar (visitors) humans on the animals. Limited research focusses on the familiar HAI and is yet to investigate the impact of familiar HAIs on mother-calf interactions, a topic yet to be explored in any species. The Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) has been bred and trained in captivity for years and therefore provides scope to investigate the impact that familiar HAIs can have on mother-calf interactions. This study aimed to compare the dolphin-dyadic interactions before, during and after a training session. A single mother-calf dyad was observed for 50 hours at Mundomar dolphinarium, Spain. Instantaneous focal samples recorded the mother-calf interactions exhibited before, during and after HAI. The HAI category (medical, training, gating, separation and presentation) was also recorded. A Friedman Two-Way ANOVA and Related-Samples Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test showed no negative implications of HAI on mother-calf interactions, with ‘suckling’ observed significantly more after HAI and ‘not-interacting’ seen significantly less. HAI category found that dolphin interactions were seen more after medical interactions than other categories. Results suggest that the HAIs are encouraging increased interactions between the mother-offspring dyad and therefore suggests that the effect of HAIs is having a positive impact on dolphin mother and calf interactions. This study has provided a first step in assessing the impacts of positive HAI, in the form of training, on the development of the mother-calf relationship and given scope for further research in this area.

Zoo Animal Welfare: The Human Dimension

ABSTRACTStandards and policies intended to safeguard nonhuman animal welfare, whether in zoos, farms, or laboratories, have tended to emphasize features of the physical environment. However, research has now made it clear that very different welfare outcomes are commonly seen in facilities using similar environments or conforming to the same animal welfare requirements. This wide variation is almost certainly due, at least in part, to the important effects of the actions of animal care staff on animal welfare. Drawing mostly on the farm animal literature, we propose that this “human dimension” of animal welfare involves seven components: (1) positive human–animal interaction, (2) consistency and familiarity of keepers, (3) treating animals as individuals and taking account of their personalities, (4) the attitudes and personalities of keepers, (5) the keepers’ knowledge and experience, (6) the keepers’ own well-being, and (7) the influence of facility design on how keepers and others interact with the animals. We suggest that attention to these human factors provides major scope for improving the welfare of animals in zoos.

Impact of good practices of handling training on beef cattle welfare and stockpeople attitudes and behaviors

The aims of this study were to evaluate the potential impacts of training in good practices of cattle handling on stockpeople's attitudes and behavior, and on cattle welfare, in Brazilian beef farms. Additionally, we aimed to investigate whether the quality of cattle handling deteriorates as the working day progresses. The study was conducted on 24 commercial beef cattle farms (located in Northeastern Pará State, Brazil), which were classified into three groups with different levels of training: Regularly trained (TRAINED-R, n = 9), Occasionally trained (TRAINED-O, n = 9) and Never trained (NON-TRAINED, n = 6). A total of 150 stockpeople working on these farms were categorized according to the level of training received: i) Trained (TS, n = 43), those who attended formal handling skills training; ii) Non-trained, but had close contact with a trained stockperson (CTS, n = 62), and iii) Non-trained, and had no contact with a trained stockperson (NT, n = 45). On each farm, indicators of quality of handling (including animal and stockpeople behavior, and stockpeople attitudes) were measured on one workday, during the vaccination handling procedures of approximately 236 ± 65 (mean ± SD) heads of cattle per farm. We observed that NON-TRAINED farms had the poorest quality of handling, as well as more undesirable animal behaviors during handling (P < 0.05), when compared with the other farm categories (TRAINED-R, TRAINED-O). Stockpeople attitudes and behaviors varied according to their degree of training in good practices of beef cattle handling (P < 0.05). People who participated in a formal training course (TS) had the highest positive and the lowest negative behavior and attitude scores, compared with people in the other groups (CTS and NT). We observed an effect of the progression of the workday (P < 0.05) only on NON-TRAINED farms, where handling became worse over time. Our results support the hypothesis that training stockpeople in good cattle handling practices leads to better attitudes and behavior toward cattle. Thus, training stockpeople can be an effective and practical strategy to promote positive human-animal interactions on beef cattle farms, improving the quality of life of both animals and workers.

Looking forward to interacting with their caretakers: dolphins’ anticipatory behaviour indicates motivation to participate in specific events

Anticipatory behaviour describes the actions taken to prepare for an upcoming event. Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in captivity are known to display anticipatory behaviours before feeding sessions, but it is unknown whether they would anticipate non-alimentary events. Furthermore, there is no published information available for any species on whether the level of anticipatory behaviour is predictive of an animal’s actual participation in the following event or reward: answering this question would bring us closer to understanding this behaviour and its related affective states. In this study, we used sound cues to condition dolphins to the arrival of toys in their pool or a positive Human-Animal Interaction (HAI) with a familiar trainer, and measured their anticipatory behaviour before each event. The protocol was validated since the dolphins performed significantly more anticipatory behaviour before the toys and HAI contexts than a control situation, by means of increased frequencies of surface looking and spy hopping. Furthermore, we found that dolphins showed more anticipatory behaviour before the HAI than the toys context (Linear Mixed Model with 1000 permutations, all P < 0.001). In the second part of the investigation, higher anticipatory behaviour before toy provision, HAIs, and feeding sessions was significantly correlated to higher levels of participation in the event itself (measured by time spent with humans/toys, and number of times dolphins left during feeding sessions; LMM with 1000 permutations, respectively: β = 0.216 ± 0.100 SE, P = 0.039; β = 0.274 ± 0.097 SE, P = 0.008; β = −0.169 ± 0.080 SE, P = 0.045). Our results suggest that toys and HAIs were perceived as rewarding events, and we propose that non-food human interactions play an important role in these animals’ lives. We also provide some of the first empirical evidence that anticipatory behaviour is correlated to the level of participation in the following event, supporting anticipatory behaviour as a measure of motivation, and hope that this stimulates further work regarding the use of this behaviour to assess and improve animal welfare.

Judgement bias in goats (Capra hircus): investigating the effects of human grooming.

Animal emotional states can be investigated by evaluating their impact on cognitive processes. In this study, we used a judgement bias paradigm to determine if short-term positive human-animal interaction (grooming) induced a positive affective state in goats. We tested two groups of goats and trained them to discriminate between a rewarded and a non-rewarded location over nine training days. During training, the experimental group (n = 9) was gently groomed by brushing their heads and backs for five min over 11 days (nine training days, plus two testing days, total time 55 min). During training, the control group (n = 10) did not experience any direct interaction with the experimenter, but was kept unconstrained next to him for the same period of time. After successful completion of the training, the responses (latency time) of the two groups to reach ambiguous locations situated between the two reference locations (i.e., rewarded/non-rewarded) were compared over two days of testing. There was not a positive bias effect after the animals had been groomed. In a second experiment, 10 goats were tested to investigate whether grooming induced changes in physiological activation (i.e., heart rate and heart rate variability). Heart rate increased when goats were groomed compared to the baseline condition, when the same goats did not receive any contact with the experimenter. Also, subjects did not move away from the experimenter, suggesting that the grooming was positively accepted. The very good care and the regular positive contacts that goats received from humans at the study site could potentially account for the results obtained. Good husbandry outcomes are influenced by animals’ perception of the events and this is based on current circumstances, past experiences and individual variables. Taking into account animals’ individual characteristics and identifying effective strategies to induce positive emotions could increase the understanding and reliability of using cognitive biases paradigms to investigate and promote animal welfare.

A Comparison of Zoo Animal Behavior in the Presence of Familiar and Unfamiliar People

As recorded in domestic nonhuman animals, regular interactions between animals in zoos and keepers and the resulting relationship formed (human–animal relationship [HAR]) are likely to influence the animals' behaviors with associated welfare consequences. HAR formation requires that zoo animals distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar people. This ability was tested by comparing zoo animal behavioral responses to familiar (routine) keepers and unfamiliar keepers (participants in the “Keeper for the Day” program). Study subjects included 1 African elephant (Loxodonta Africana), 3 Rothschild's giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi), 2 Brazilian tapir (Tapirus terrestris), and 2 slender-tailed meerkats (Suricata suricatta). Different behavior was evident and observed as decreased avoidance behavior toward familiar keepers (t7 = 6.00, p < .001). This finding suggests the zoo animals have a lower level of fear toward familiar keepers. Keeper familiarity did not significantly affect any other behavioral measure. This finding suggests that in the current study, unfamiliar keeper presence did not appear to have detrimental effects. Furthermore, unfamiliar keeper–animal interactions could provide an increased number of positive human–animal interactions and potentially enhance animal welfare.

Physiological Effects of Human-Animal Positive Interaction in Dogs - Review of the Literature

Positive human-animal interactions (HAI) are known to increase the quality of life in both humans and dogs. Although there are several reviews on the benefits of HAI in humans, there are no reviews on the effects of positive HAI in dogs. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to provide a review of the articles indicating the physiological changes in dogs that correlate with welfare, during and after positive interactions with humans. The reviewed scientific papers were published between 2000-2014. HAI took place either in the laboratory context or in natural settings, such as Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) locations or dog shelters. The dogs interacted either with their owners, with a familiar person or with an unfamiliar person. The measured physiological variables were the level of blood pressure, heart rate and the levels of several hormones. The studies indicated that positive HAI was usually associated with a significant decrease in blood pressure and in the levels of cortisol, as well as with a significant increase in the levels of b-endorphin, oxytocin, prolactin, phenylacetic acid and dopamine. Some studies had contradictory results, where the levels of cortisol were higher after interaction, suggesting there are other factors which may mediate/moderate the effects. The studies which also measured the physiological changes in humans reported positive correlations between the changes in dogs and the ones in humans.

The importance of social behaviour for goat welfare in livestock farming

Abstract The domestic goat is a sociable, inquisitive, and intelligent species, which has been used for its meat, milk, skin, and fur since it was first domesticated ca. 10,000 years ago. Although it exhibits a wide range of behaviours, the domesticated goat has been the subject of relatively few behavioural studies. In domestic goats, the opportunity to express certain social behaviours can be limited by captivity and management systems, especially in modern production systems, where goats are reared intensively under high stocking densities, sexual segregation, early separation of kids from their mothers, frequent regrouping, and manipulation during critical periods, including gestation and weaning. To better understand the requirements of this species and to identify possible tools for the detection of early modifications in natural behaviours that might indicate poor welfare and the establishment of positive human–animal interactions, this review provides a detailed description of goat social behaviour. Practical recommendations arising from observations of goat social behaviour are provided in the conclusions.

Building a Better Society by Promoting Positive Human-Animal Interaction: A Multidisciplinary Challenge

Building a Better Society by Promoting Positive Human-Animal Interaction: A Multidisciplinary Challenge

Godsdienstige perspektiewe op mens-dier interaksie

Religious perspectives on human-animal interactionThe relationship between humans and animals can be influenced by religious belief. Regardless of the diversity of religions, kindness to all of God’s creatures seems to be a central concept. Theologians concerned with animal ethics currently emphasize an ecosystem approach with the focus on reverence for life and restricting harm to and suffering of all forms of life. Today many Christians experience an enriching relationship with animals. Although church leaders played an important role in the history of animal welfare, the human-animal bond is not an issue which receives much attention in the Christian church today. The role of theology in a multidisciplinary approach towards the enhancement of positive human-animal interaction, by means of research, education and congregational ministry is advocated.

The influence of positive human-animal interaction during rearing on the welfare and subsequent production of the dairy heifer

Anthrozoology (the study of human-animal interactions) is proving that human interactions with animals can have a severe impact on their welfare, production and ease of management; and can therefore have a substantial impact on productivity of a livestock unit. Recent research on dairy cattle shows how the quality of human-animal interactions has a potentially greater effect than with other intensively farmed species, due to the extended duration, intensity and frequency of contact. Early work by Bouissou and Boissy (1988) imposed various positive handling treatments on young heifers to determine the most sensitive time to socialise cattle to humans and investigate subsequent ease of handling; it revealed that the benefits of handling decreased with time, it was harder to establish a positive relationship with older animals but the work did monitor the heifers upon entry to the milking herd. Our research is designed to bring together techniques and hypotheses of previous pioneering work and carrying it to its commercially important conclusion when the dairy heifer calves, enters the herd and commences her productive milking life. The aim is to investigate whether the extent and nature of human contact during the rearing period has an effect on heifer welfare and subsequent production.

The influence of positive human-animal interaction during rearing on the approach behaviour of young dairy heifers

Modern management of dairy heifers leads to lack of familiarisation with humans. Consequently when the dairy heifer calves and enters the milking herd in close contact with humans whom she innately fears, her productivity and welfare are at risk. The rearing period has potential for shaping the heifers experiences of people prior to the regular contact of milking where productivity can suffer and behaviour be disruptive. This experiment was to determine if positive treatment reduced fear of humans and if so if heifers generalise this response to other humans. The results will be used in further analysis relating to subsequent measures of behaviour, production and welfare associated with milking.

Does breast foremilk taste calm crying 10-day old infants?

A detailed understanding of how livestock animals perceive and communicate with stockpersons is crucial to improving their welfare by means of positive human–animal interactions. However, research regarding the cognitive underpinnings of these interactions in ungulate livestock is still limited. In this review article, I summarize recent advances in research on the cognitive capacities of domestic goats (Capra hircus), with a special focus on human–animal interaction. Recent work has shown that goats respond to subtle behavioural changes by humans, but also highlighted some of their limitations in comprehending information directed towards them. Based on these findings, I outline how applied research can benefit from these findings and discuss how human behavioural changes can affect appetitive and aversive behaviour of livestock. Because goats’ socio-cognitive capacities affect their ability to adapt to human handling, a better understanding of their cognitive capacities will improve their welfare in the long term.