Support Animal Welfare Research Articles

Measuring Stress in Animals By Noninvasive Methods

Stress is a biological response in the form of physiological, biochemical, hematological, and behavioral changes to internal or external stimuli that threaten the homeostasis of living beings. Effects that activate the defense system in living things are defined as stressors, and it is possible to talk about many different stress factors. Factors that cause stress can be divided into environmental, physical, social or emotional. Stress reactions, which begin with the effect of the stressor, vary according to the duration and severity of exposure to stress. In animal welfare, stress has many negative effects on organism. These negative effects may cause many problems and, shape future by adding problems such as stress and chain links in animals. Just as well-being is for humans, well-being is very important for animals. To determination of glucocorticoids or metabolites in the bloodstream of an organism under stress, noninvasive methods that provide reliable stress measurement without interfering with the organism have recently become increasingly popular. In this review article study, nineteen articles from various parts of the world were examined. In this review, measures of stress by non-invasive methods by looking at GlucoCorticoid Metabolites (GCM) and the latest developments in this field are discussed. In this review article study, nineteen articles from various parts of the world were examined. As a result of the articles reviewed, non-invasive methods for measuring stress may aid and improve our understanding of stress biology and animal welfare. Applying this method to many animal species and biological materials will provide accurate results and support animal welfare.

Supplementation of Foals with a Saccharomyces cerevisiae Fermentation Product Alters the Early Response to Vaccination.

Feed supplements supporting animal welfare and performance are becoming increasingly important. Immunomodulatory effects of such products have been observed in many species. The aim of this study was to analyze whether food supplementation with a Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product (SCFP) affects the occurrence of foal diarrhea in early life, and whether the SCFP feeding has an impact on the immediate response to a parenteral vaccination at the age of 6-9 months. Eleven foals received the SCFP (OLI) and eleven foals were fed a placebo (PLA) for 29 days. Growth, diarrhea, and diarrhea severity were observed until day 30. After weaning, at the age of 6-9 months, foals were vaccinated parenterally against influenza and tetanus. The supplementation had no statistically significant effect on diarrhea duration and severity. On the day of vaccination, PLA and OLI foals did not differ significantly regarding numbers of circulating blood leukocyte subsets. However, the response to vaccination differed significantly between OLI and PLA foals. In OLI foals, the numbers of the major leukocyte fractions (granulocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, CD21+ B cells, and MHC-II+/CD21- cells) increased significantly 24 h after vaccination but remained unchanged in PLA foals. The observed results suggest that early life supplementation with an SCFP may affect the early immune response to an initial vaccination.

Human Behaviour in Veterinary Care

Abstract The human in veterinary practice is an oft-neglected component of both human and animal welfare. Those in vet practice, including veterinarians, vet nurses, technical staff, and front-of-house staff all have a role to play in ensuring that animals receive the best possible care. How should clinicians approach the cognitive load of decision making in stressful situations, recognise the biases in their decision making, and balance non-technical skills alongside highly specialised clinical skills to support animal health? Veterinary work requires effective communication across diverse teams in stressful situations, and good animal care necessitates an understanding of human factors in the veterinary practice. Even after care has concluded, veterinarians need to recognise the impact that human behaviour has on supporting animal welfare. We describe how human behaviour impacts veterinary care, and how veterinarians can utilise up-to-date research on human behaviour such as the Knowledge Deficit Model of communication, the Theory of Planned Behaviour, and the 5As Behavioural Change model to improve animal welfare. Information © The Authors 2023

Welfare Assessment of Pack Donkeys in Amaru, Zaria Ancient City, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract Donkey welfare is becoming a subject of much interest; for decades, people around the world have voiced rising worry about it. There are no studies on donkey welfare in Nigeria. This study aimed to assess the welfare state of donkeys in Amaru, Zaria Ancient City, Kaduna State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was done to purposefully select 38 pack donkeys for welfare assessment based on the first level of the Animal Welfare Indicators (AWIN) for donkeys, which covered behaviour, health, feeding, and environment and housing. Information regarding age and sex was collected. The analysed data were reported in terms of frequencies and percentages. The prevalence of donkeys with no social contact, avoidance behaviour, and walking downside was 2.6 %, 5.36 %, and 40.56 %, respectively. The most common health problems are integumentary alterations, which include an unhealthy hair coat (86.8 %), skin lesions (86.6 %), alopecia (60.5 %), and deep wounds (47.4 %). Only 5.3 % of the donkeys were lame. Around 42 % had a body condition score of 2 (moderate), while the remaining 57.9 % had a body condition score of 3 (ideal). The donkeys were poorly kept and housed, as evidenced by the high prevalence of unsatisfactory shelter dimensions (100 %), dirty bedding (89.5 %), and insufficient bedding (89.5 %). The current study found that welfare issues are serious challenges for donkeys in Amaru, Zaria Ancient City, Kaduna State, Nigeria. As a consequence of the current findings, it is recommended that donkey welfare, policies and legislative frameworks that support animal welfare and inspect animal facilities in Nigeria should to be reviewed and enforced.

Welfare management of Sumatran Tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae) in Medan Zoo and Siantar Zoo

Panthera tigris sumatrae is one of endemic species of Sumatera Island included in the endangered species red list by the IUCN. The efforts to preserve the sumatran tiger is with conservation activities both in-situ and ex-situ. One form of ex-situ conservation is to keep animals in the zoos. This study aims to assess the welfare level of Sumatran tigers are in Medan Zoo and Siantar Zoo. Aspects of tiger welfare are measured through 5 variables basedon five animal freedom, namely the free of hunger and thirst, the free of environmental discomfort, the free of pain, wounds and diseases, the free of natural behavior and the free of fear and suffering. Data collection through direct observation of animal management and assessment of minimum animal welfare standards. Interviews with veterinarians and animal keepers about human resources and management activities carried out in supporting animal welfare. The assessment is carried out by the management, namely veterinarians, animal keepers, researchers and visitors to obtain objective results. The implementation of sumatran tiger welfare management in Medan Zoo has an average of 76.9 with the category is good and for Siantar Zoo has an average of 95 with the category is very good. Recommendation that needs to be considered from the results of this study is that Medan Zoo needs to add enrichment in the cages that tigers can behave naturally.

ANIPHI: An innovative pedagogical platform based on the Delphi method to support animal welfare teaching

As a teaching subject, animal welfare is challenging for educators and learners, as was recently shown in a recent survey on the evolution of animal welfare teaching in Europe. Among several suggestions to overcome the current resistance to implementing animal welfare education, we highlight two. The first is that animal welfare education should be based on learner-centred approaches; the second is that it should encompass both animal welfare science and ethics and law. To the best of our knowledge, there are no learner-centred pedagogical approaches that can simultaneously explore scientific and ethical concepts. Furthermore, when exploring ethical concepts within the educational context, there is the additional challenge of being able to depart from discussion and debate to a systematic organization of knowledge. Our work simultaneously addresses these two challenges, presenting the design and implementation of a novel web-based learner-centred pedagogical platform for farm animal welfare teaching. The platform, named ANIPHI, uses the Delphi method's iterative nature as a learning process to generate both reflection and (online) debate among learners. ANIPHI can be used by educators in an online environment, in a classroom environment, or in a combination of the two environments. ANIPHI was developed within the ERASMUS+ ANICARE project and is an open web-based platform for all educators interested in teaching farm animal welfare. Given ANIPHI's flexible and user-friendly nature, the platform simultaneously exposes learners to ethical and scientific concepts in different educational realities, according to the educator's objectives. Furthermore, videos depicting different husbandry practices across different types of animal production and countries are embedded in the platform. These videos are commented on by the farmer himself and by animal scientists, which enriches the learner's experience. Educators across the ANICARE consortium have already successfully tested the ANIPHI platform for different farm animal welfare topics. We conclude this article by presenting one example of using ANIPHI in a real-life educational context, where we discuss some aspects of the design and use of our pedagogical platform.

Decisional Factors for Purchasing Beef Labeled with Animal Welfare in Korea

Abstract In this study, we investigate important decisional factors for the purchase intention of animal welfare labeled beef in Korea considering direct and indirect paths (trust and attitudes). Using a structural equation model with 300 samples from the Korea consumer panel survey, we find that perceived knowledge and revealed information positively affect consumer purchase intention for beef labeled as supporting animal welfare. Our results also show that a subjective norm (positive opinions of friends or family on animal welfare) has a positive effect on the purchase of beef labeled as “welfare conscious.” Based on our results, we can derive policy implications for expanding animal welfare raising practices to achieve sustainable development in the livestock sector without ethical and environmental side effects. Three possible policy alternatives include an online word-of-mouth strategy for improving subjective norms, enhancing animal welfare labeling information, and setting up public education for such labeling.

Zinc Oxide and Tea Theaflavin Suppress Enterotoxigenic Salmonella Isolated From Swine Livestock

Objectives Salmonella infection can lead to diarrhea and diminished weight gains in livestock, as well as gastroenteritis in humans. Although antibiotics have been used historically on the farm to promote animal growth, this practice may also foster development of resistant bacterial strains and thereby deplete our arsenal of effective antibiotic therapies. Here, Salmonella typhimurium (isolated from cecal contents of swine) is shown to be vulnerable to zinc oxide (ZnO) and theaflavin 3,3'-digallate (TF3), each at gastrointestinal concentrations achievable via the diet.MethodsPropagation of Salmonella in Mueller-Hinton broth suspension was assessed in dose-response experiments involving ZnO or TF3 exposures, and subsequently in experiments using a combination of these compounds.ResultsThe minimum effective concentrations against 6-hour growth of Salmonella at 37°C were 1 mM ZnO (62% inhibition) or 25 μM TF3 (30% inhibition). Salmonella growth was inhibited up to 99.6% when exposed to 7 mM ZnO, and up to 89% when exposed to 100 μM TF3. In concurrent experiments assessing individual effects of either ZnO or TF3, as well as a combination of these treatments, the minimum effective concentration of ZnO was found to be more potent given alone than when given in combination with TF3.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that physiological concentrations of ZnO within the human gut lumen (upon consuming dietary supplements containing less than the Tolerable Upper Intake Level) may limit or prevent the ability of Salmonella to propagate. Similarly, TF3 (at human gut concentrations upon consuming less than a single cup of black tea) appears to suppress Salmonella, yet TF3 could compete or otherwise constrain the efficacy of ZnO. Applications of these findings may include customized ZnO or TF3 delivery platforms for use in humans at high risk of diarrheal disease or other gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., military personnel on deployment under austere environmental conditions), as well as in agricultural practices to support animal welfare and normal growth without need for therapeutic antibiotics.Funding SourcesSupported by USDA and Texas A&M AgriLife Research.

Farmers’ Willingness to Accept Animal Welfare Practices: A Discrete Choice Experiment with German Pig Producers

Improving the welfare of animals is an important aim in livestock farming. Thereby, farmers’ willingness to implement animal welfare practices directly influences the welfare of animals. Therefore, this paper investigates pig farmers’ preferences and willingness to accept the implementation of animal welfare practices. We study individual preferences for specific animal welfare measures that are part of a hypothetical animal welfare program. The data are analyzed with a mixed logit model in WTA space and show that German pig farmers require statistically significant compensations for implementing animal welfare practices. We find evidence that farmers’ choices are driven by their trust in the consumers’ willingness to pay, their evaluation of the efficiency of specific animal welfare practices and farm characteristics. Our results further reveal that accounting for farmers’ preferences aids in understanding their willingness to implement specific animal welfare practices. Regarding the improvement of animal welfare these findings are highly relevant for politicians, food industry and producers in order to support animal welfare program design and to identify the costs of welfare improvements on the meat supply chain and future profitability.

Animal Welfare in the United Arab Emirates

Over the last year, there have been increasing reports of stray, abandoned, and surrendered animals in Ras Al Khaimah and other emirates. This has led to growing complaints from the community to address the issue and the resulting costs and demands on local governments as these animals pose environmental and safety concerns. This is especially challenging as stray and abandoned animals threaten the natural ecosystem and give the environment an unfavorable image, which can negatively impact local businesses and tourism. The stray and abandoned animal population requires human intervention to control; otherwise, the population may grow exponentially, further impacting the environment and increasing costs to the community. Several strategies can be used to control the stray and abandoned animal population, such as Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) programs. However, several factors impact the effectiveness of TNR programs, most notably the community’s knowledge and awareness. It is recommended that TNR programs be complemented by other initiatives on raising awareness and educating the public, which can be further supported through collaborations with other stakeholders in the animal welfare sector. By identifying strategies to support animal welfare and address stray and abandoned animals in Ras Al Khaimah and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in general, this report aims to identify key stakeholders, what is currently being done to support animal welfare – including TNR, and the community’s understanding and awareness around these topics. It begins with a literature review on TNR, followed by an explanation of the methodology used. The findings are presented in three parts: the stakeholder landscape, the community’s feedback, and the perspectives of concerned public sector officials before concluding with a discussion on the challenges and recommending potential next steps to consider.

Improving culture of care through maximising learning from observations and events: Addressing what is at fault.

The term ‘culture of care’ in the context of using animals for scientific purpose describes the culture in organisations that provides support to staff to strive for continuous improvement in:• animal care and welfare;• support and recognition of staff involved in the animal care and use programme;• scientific quality;• openness and transparency.We developed a systematic process for reporting observations and events that have the potential to help with continuous learning, improving animal welfare and supporting staff. The process took learning from the safety, health and environment arena on accident prevention. The two key aspects were (a) the systematic logging of observations and events; and (b) the learning approach to following up on observations. Underpinning our systematic process is the ‘Learning from Observations and Events Log’. Reported observations and events can relate to positive practices, general observations as well as near misses.We created an environment to promote continuous improvement for both animals and staff by recognising, rewarding and sharing good practice, as well as where near misses are openly reported and learnt from. Supporting animal welfare, staff welfare, improving scientific quality and transparency are the four key pillars of a positive culture of care.We recognised early on that using a system and learning approach to follow up on observations and events rather than a people and blame approach was key to developing open reporting and a positive culture. In the systems approach, errors are consequences rather than causes, having their origins in systemic factors.

'It's A Cookbook': Animal Welfare Cascades

Informational and reputational cascades often arise in the presence of four factors: (1) preference falsification; (2) diverse thresholds; (3) social interactions; and (4) group polarization. In the context of animal welfare, cascades have often occurred, and more consequential ones are possible. First: In this domain, preference falsification has run and is running rampant. Those who care about animal welfare, or are inclined to want to say or do something about it, often silence themselves. They know that if they speak or act, they might incur social disapproval or worse. Second: People have different thresholds for disclosing their views or for taking action. With respect to animal welfare, some people really will speak out or act, even if no one else does. Others need someone to follow – but only one. Still others need two, or three, or a hundred, or more. Third: Social interactions are and continue to be crucial to the movement for animal welfare. Who is seeing whom? When? Who is talking to whom? Are visible people speaking and acting in ways that support animal welfare? Are they credible? With whom? Fourth: In many times and places, believers in animal rights, animal welfare, or both have created communities of like-minded people. These communities can be highly effective. They create a commitment to a belief that might have been held tentatively. They make that belief salient, potentially part of people’s identity. They increase confidence and unity.

Welfare-Related Behaviors in Chickens: Characterization of Fear and Exploration in Local and Commercial Chicken Strains.

Simple SummaryLocally adapted chicken strains are frequently discussed as a favorable alternative in poultry production. They might serve as dual-purpose and robust strains that have advantageous behaviors, such as exploration and reduced fear reactions, which might support animal welfare in general. Therefore, it is important to characterize welfare-related behaviors, such as fear and exploration, and to identify these behavioral traits among the diversity of chicken strains. The aim of this study was to characterize fear reactions and exploration based on the avoidance of a novel object and the avoidance of a human in three different chicken strains. To identify interesting alternatives for future poultry production, a layer hybrid (Lohmann Brown), a dual-purpose hybrid (Lohmann Dual) and a locally adapted strain (Rhinelander) were tested for their fear and exploration behavior towards unknown objects and humans. Results showed clear differences in fear and exploration between all three strains, regarding fear of objects and humans. The strain-specific results illustrate the high diversity of behavioral traits. The understanding of behavioral diversity, including fear and exploration, might contribute substantially to future breeding programs, including of commercial strains, and the preservation of local strains in general, which can improve animal welfare on a genetic and individual basis.Fear and exploration are crucial traits determining how animals behave in novel situations, and thus, they influence animal welfare. The aim of this study was the characterization of these behavioral traits among different strains to identify interesting alternatives for future poultry production. Whereas the Novel Object Test (NOT) focuses on fear and exploration of novel objects, the Avoidance Distance Test (ADT) addresses this in the context of humans. Here, a commercial hybrid line, a dual-purpose hybrid and a local adapted strain were tested. For the differences between strains and development of fear, Lohmann Brown (n = 714), Lohmann Dual (n = 844) and Rhinelander (n = 458) were observed weekly until maturity. Results show that fear and exploration towards unknown objects and humans are breed-specific (all p < 0.01). Additionally, development of fear in NOT and ADT differed between all three strains (both p < 0.01). The expressions of fear of humans or objects should be regarded as characteristics adapted for different husbandry systems and breeding goals, e.g., high exploratory behavior in aviary or high avoidance of predators in free-ranging husbandry or at least a balanced ratio between fear and exploration. Characterization of behavioral traits among different strains, understanding diversity and integrating these behaviors into future breeding and husbandry systems might reflect the need to preserve local strains and the potential to improve animal welfare.

Assessing and Enhancing the Welfare of Animals with Equivocal and Reliable Cues

Simple SummaryActions of human caretakers influence the experience of animals under their care, in zoos and elsewhere. These animals often learn to associate stimuli—sights, smells, sounds—with desirable outcomes such as feedings, training sessions, or other positive experiences. Here, we propose that a conscientious approach to providing reliable cues about daily events and observing animal behavior in response to both reliable and uncertain cues can help caretakers support and assess animal welfare.The actions of human caretakers strongly influence animals living under human care. Here, we consider how intentional and unintentional signals provided by caretakers can inform our assessment of animals’ well-being as well as help to support it. Our aim is to assist in further developing techniques to learn animals’ affective state from their behavior and to provide simple suggestions for how animal caretakers’ behavior can support animal welfare. We suggest that anticipatory behavior towards expected rewards is related to decision-making behavior as viewed through the cognitive bias lens. By considering the predictions of the theories associated with anticipatory behavior and cognitive bias, we propose to use specific cues to probe the cumulative affective state of animals. Additionally, our commentary draws on the logic of reward sensitivity and judgement bias theories to develop a framework that suggests how reliable and equivocal signals may influence animals’ affective states. Application of this framework may be useful in supporting the welfare of animals in human care.

Motivations to Adopt Plant-Based Diets: Data from the Adhering to Dietary Approaches for Personal Taste (ADAPT) Study (P16-024-19)

ObjectivesTo examine the differences in key motivations to adopt a dietary pattern (1) between self-reported plant-based diet followers and omnivores, and (2) among three types of plant-based diet followers: whole food, plant-based (WFPB), vegan, and vegetarian+pescatarian. MethodsAdhering to Dietary Approaches for Personal Taste (ADAPT) is an online survey that recruits followers of popular diets. Of the 2010 enrolled participants, 1227 participants described their diet as plant-based, either WFPB (n = 705), vegan (n = 388), vegetarian (n = 103), or pescatarian (n = 31). The remaining 783 participants were categorized as omnivores. A multiple choice question with a free text option prompted participants to indicate their reasons for adhering to their self-identified dietary pattern, and a follow-up question asked them to rank their key motivations for adherence. The percentage of participants who chose each response as one of their top 2 key motivators was tabulated within each dietary pattern. Logistic regression, adjusted for age and gender, was used to compare the prevalence of top reasons among dietary patterns. The results were considered significant if <P = 0.05 after Bonferroni correction. ResultsThe majority of both plant-based diet followers (79%) and of omnivores (83%) identified disease prevention and overall wellness as top motivations for following their dietary patterns. Significantly more plant-based diet followers, versus omnivores, chose helping the environment (17% vs. 4%) and supporting animal welfare (28% vs. 1%). Significantly more omnivores chose enjoyment (39% vs. 26%) and the need to address a specific health concern (44% vs. 29%). Significantly more WFPB followers (87%) chose disease prevention and overall wellness compared to vegans (71%) and vegetarians+pescatarians (66%). Significantly more vegans (47%) and vegetarians+pescatarians (33%) chose animal welfare than WFPB followers (15%). ConclusionsThe dietary motivations of plant-based diet followers are more diverse compared to those of omnivores. Among plant-based diet followers, WFPB followers often chose health motivations, and vegans, vegetarians, and pescatarians often chose ethical motivations. Funding SourcesThe Lisa Wendel Memorial Foundation, Tufts Collaborates Seed Grant, Tufts Summer Scholars Grant, and USDA ARS agreement No. 58-1950-4-003.

Exploring demand for eco-labeled dairy product attributes in Vermont

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the potential of eco-labels to help dairy farm viability as one partial solution to a complex problem. Specifically, it aims to understand which attributes are most likely to increase consumption and garner price premiums. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses key informant interviews and a convenience sample (n=203) of supermarket shoppers in Vermont. It uses Likert-type scales to measure the likelihood of increased purchase and paying price premiums based on a series attributes including animal welfare, fair labor standards, family farms and environmental stewardship. It calculates and compares mean ratings of each attribute and use an ordinal regression to measure the effect of demographic attributes on each attribute’s rating. Findings Interviewed stakeholders named low milk prices and evolving industry structure as harming dairy farm viability. They list supply control and improved promotion as potential solutions. Survey respondents say attributes supporting animal welfare, farm workers, family farms and healthy soil are most likely to garner increased consumption and price premiums. Research limitations/implications The authors use a convenience sample, so generalization to larger populations is not advisable. Practical implications Promotion around animal welfare, farm workers, family farms and healthy soil is most likely to be effective, based on the results of this study. The survey responses are very highly correlated, suggesting that a multi-attribute eco-label may garner the most support. Social implications This work can inform efforts to promote dairy farm viability, an important sector of the agricultural economy in Vermont and elsewhere in the USA. Originality/value This research provides the ranking of attributes which may appear on eco-labels by current consumers of dairy products in a state with an important dairy heritage and industry.

RSPCA proposes two‐tier farm subsidy system to support animal welfare

Veterinary RecordVolume 182, Issue 13 p. 362-362 News and reports RSPCA proposes two-tier farm subsidy system to support animal welfare First published: 31 March 2018 https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.k1419Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume182, Issue13March 2018Pages 362-362 RelatedInformation

Effect of altered ambient temperature through shelter modifications on physiological indicators of Malpura lambs reared in semi-arid region during winter

Microclimatic factors are of crucial aspect for the welfare of animals. Therefore, a study was conducted to assess the effect of altered ambient temperature through shelter modifications on physiological indicators of Malpura lambs reared in the semi-arid region during winter. Twenty-one Malpura lambs of 3–5 week age and average body weight 9.97 ± 0.51 kg were used in the present study. The lambs were divided into three groups (eg. G1, G2, and G3) and were kept in the different microenvironment by manipulation of shelter design. The G1 lambs were maintained at lower minimum temperature (8.59 ± 0.71 °C) in asbestos roofed shed, while G2 lambs were maintained at higher minimum temperature (14.59 ± 0.54 °C) in local handmade bamboo dome structure, and G3 lambs were kept at a medium minimum temperature (11.84 ± 0.64 °C) in thermocol insulated roofed shed from evening 18:30 h to morning 07:00 h. The study was carried out for one month between January and February. The parameters studied were physiological response (respiration rate, pulse rate, rectal temperature), skin temperature, blood metabolites and endocrine profile. The data were analyzed by general linear models. Higher average daily weight gain was recorded in the lambs kept in higher minimum temperature groups (20.54% higher in G2 and 24.68% higher in G3) as compared to G1 lambs. Microenvironment manipulation had no significant (P > 0.05) effect on most of the physiological response and skin temperature except morning respiration rate within low-temperature range. The present study reveals that Hb, PCV, T3, and cortisol level were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by microenvironment manipulation. The results of the study indicated that altered ambient temperature through altered shelter design of housing for raising of lambs in the semi-arid tropical region may support animal welfare during chilling nights of the winter.

Personality Differences between Dog People and Cat People

Abstract Understanding the relationship between human personality and preferences for pet species is important for bettering human-animal relationships, supporting animal welfare, and supporting pet therapy. The present study examined personality differences between dog people and cat people with the objective of addressing some discrepancies in previous research that could be traced to the use of broadly defined versus narrowly defined traits. Participants were 418 undergraduates who completed the Sixteen Personality Factors Questionnaire (16PF) and a Pet Survey that classified them as dog or cat people. The 16PF contains 15 narrowly defined primary personality traits, a brief measure of general intelligence, and 5 global factors that are comparable in meaning to those of the Five Factor Model. The principal differences were that the 352 dog people scored higher on warmth, liveliness, rule consciousness, and social boldness compared to the 66 cat people. The latter scored higher on general intelligence, abstractedness, and self-reliance. Overall, primary traits corresponded to a pattern known to be associated with creative personalities and produced better discrimination between the two groups than traits corresponded to the Five Factor Model. Some traits were more salient for females than they were for males.

End-state welfarism

End-state welfarism