NCR131: Animal Behavior and Welfare
(Multistate Research Coordinating Committee and Information Exchange Group)
Status: Inactive/Terminating
Date of Annual Report: 08/04/2004
Report Information
Annual Meeting Dates: 06/18/2004
- 06/19/2004
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2003 - 09/01/2004
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2003 - 09/01/2004
Participants
Don Beermann (Univ. NE); Susan Beker (Rutgers Univ.); Boris Bilcik (U. MD College Park); Heng-Wei Cheng (USDA-ARS-LBRU); Candace Croney (Oregon State Univ); Susan Eicher (USDA-ARS-LBRU); Inma Estevez (University of Maryland); Derek Haley (Alberta Agriculture); Bradley Imwalle (Rutgers); Vanessa Kanaan (Purdue Univ);Larry Katz (Rutgers Univ.); Jill Koch (Morgantown, WV); Don Lay (USDA-ARS-LBRU); Jeremy Marchant-Forde (USDA-ARS-LBRU); Mary Margiusso (Rutgers); Kim McMunn (USDA-ARS-LBRU); Suzanne Millman (University of Guelph); Aaron Moore (IL State Univ); Ruth Newberry (Washington State Univ); Ed Pajor (Purdue University); Jiajiang Peng (Purdue); Roangels Poletto (Michigan State Univ); Richard Reynnells (USDA/CSREES/PAS,Washington D.C.); Andrea Sweeney (Rutgers); Matt Wilson (West Virginia); and Adroaldo Zanella (Michigan State Univ).Brief Summary of Minutes
The meeting was held at the USDA National Soil Erosion Laboratory, Purdue University Campus, West Lafayette, IN, in conjunction with the North American Regional Meeting of the International Society for Applied Ethology.Chair Don Lay called the meeting to order at 8:40 a.m.
Introductions were made, followed by Don Beermann?s administrative report, which summarized last year?s activities, including the previous year?s meeting at Austin, TX.
o Additionally, Beermann reviewed the structural components of NCR 131 and reported that a writing committee was put together which consisted of Don Lay, Inma Estevez, Jeremy Marchant-Forde and Ed Pajor. He noted that in 2003, it was decided to change the title of NCR 131 to Applied Animal Behavior.
o Beermann also reported that he must submit an assessment of impact and progress of NCR 131. He then reviewed the approval process for NCR 131 members. The goal of NCR 131 is to have a common umbrella project with collaborating 131 members.
Rich Reynnells then gave his report.
o The "Future Trends in Animal Agriculture" meeting is to be held in Washington, D.C. September 22, 2004. The meeting is open to the public and consists of a broad group of individuals.
o Reynnells then discussed the move to modify the animal welfare act. The recent amendment modifies the definition of the term, animal and states; ?To make the definition of animal in the regulations consistent with the definition of animal in the AWA, this final rule amends the regulations by narrowing the scope of the exclusion for birds to only those birds bred for use in research.?
o Reynnells also noted that there is an effort to move the animal welfare judging contest, led by Zanella to the 4H FFA arena.
o In addition to a number of other documents that are available, Reynnells has a summary of animal welfare legislation in Europe available to interested persons.
o A summary of the OIE ad hoc group on the slaughter of animals for human consumption guidelines for animal welfare was circulated; comments can be submitted to APHIS (?) This is strictly a USDA internal document.
o The OIE meeting on Compassion in World Farming video on transport is also available through Reynnells.
Station reports began at 9:15 am. Individuals giving reports: Pajor, Katz, Haley, Millman, Croney, Zanella (is seeking collaborators for a lameness study with dairy cows), Estevez, and Lay. Station reports concluded at 12:25 p.m., at which point the group broke for lunch.
*Note for future agenda planning: average station report time is 15 minutes (20 mins if questions are included)!
The meeting resumed at 2:30 p.m.
o The group began working on the process of re-writing the proposal for the NCR 131 project. A question was raised about the omission of the term ?welfare? from the group?s title. Beermann pointed out that we need to differentiate the 131 group from other research groups, especially others that work with animal behavior. Lay will reword objectives to include welfare. Suggested wording for NCR 131 project objectives offered by Reynnells was:
"Development, integration and validation of behavioral tests and physiological measurements related to animal welfare and productivity." For example, current and novel management practices, social environmental effects, physical environment, and characterize the adaptive and welfare state of animals relative to production.
The group decided that the project we should collaborate on is validation of methods to characterize animal subjective states.
Years 1-2. Evaluate validity of test(s) that assess fear/anxiety.
Years 3-4. Evaluate validity of test(s) that assess pleasure/pain
Year 5. Write manuscript/white paper
Possible tests (indicators of fear/anxiety) that were discussed:
-Isolation
- Open field
- Tonic immobility
- Back test
- Alarm call communication
- Freeze response
- Startle
- Social Challenge
- Emergence
- Predator/vigilance
- Return to refuge/use of cover
- Flight
These tests could be systematically conducted with different species using the following paradigm:
Test Species
Approach
Predator surprise
Business meeting:
1. 2005 meeting location.
The group decided to aim for a 2-day retreat Feb 11-12, 2005. A possible location is New Orleans.
2. Election of officers.
Officers voted in for 2004-2005 were: Chair: Croney; Secretary: Zanella.
3. New members.
New members voted in unanimously included Suzanne Millman, Larry Katz, Brad Imwalle, Aaron Moore and Jeremy Marchant-Forde.
4. 2006 NA regional meeting of ISAE.
The group was informed that the 2006 is to be held in Vancouver. It was suggested that NCR 131 meet in conjunction with the NA regional ISAE meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Candace Croney
Secretary, NCR 131
Accomplishments
A vigorous discussion of the draft of a manuscript entitled "Test-retest reliability of behavioural test of fearfullnses: a critical review" was conducted, and this served as a basis for developing specific objectives for the new project porposal. A major conclusion was that fear test measures in quail are unstable over an 18-day interval. Critical factors that affect reliability of animal behavior test measurements and results were identified and were used to define work planned for the new project. Inclusion of results in station reports in these discussions also contributed to definition of work planned.<br /> <br /> Basic and applied behavioral research was conducted and reports given to share this information. New participants became aware of existing project participants and commited to collaborations in the future. Requests for collaboration were also shared during reports.<br /> <br />Publications
Marchant-Forde, J.N. 2003. Housing the sow without crates ? challenges and solutions. J. Anim. Sci. 81(Suppl. 1):124.<br /> <br /> Marchant-Forde, J.N. and Pajor, E.A. 2003. The effects of dietary sodium bicarbonate on abnormal behavior and heart rate in sows. J. Anim. Sci. 81(Suppl. 1):158.<br /> <br /> Marchant-Forge, R.M., Marlin, D.J., and Marchant-Forde, J.N. 2003. Validation of 24h Polar RR recorder for measuring heart rate variability in pigs. J. Anim. Sci. 81(Suppl. 1):322.<br /> <br /> Damm, B.I., Pedersen, L.J., Marchant-Forde, J.N., and Gilbert, C.L. 2003. Does feed-back from a nest affect prepartum and partum behaviour and circulatory oxytocin, cortisol, 17ß-oestradiol in gilts? Applied Animal Behaviour Science 83:55-76.<br /> <br /> Pedersen, L.J., Damm, B.I., Marchant-Forde, J.N., and Jensen, K.H. 2003. Effects of feed-back from the nest on maternal responsiveness and postural changes in primiparous sows during the first 24 hours after farrowing onset. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 83:109-124.<br /> <br /> Willard, S., Ryan, P., Bailey, R., Lawrence, M., Estill, C., Gandy, S., and Lay, Jr., D.C. 2002. Development of a novel paradigm for the real-time monitoring of bacterial pathogenicity in swine. J. Anim. Sci. 85(Suppl. 1):31.<br /> <br /> Lay, Jr., D.C., Stabel, T.J., Toscano, M.J., and Vote, B.A. 2003. Effect of mixing and transportation on behavior and cortisol response in relation to Salmonella infection in swine. J. Anim. Sci. 81(Suppl. 1):323.<br /> <br /> Toscano, M.J., Scott, K.A., Smith, H.K., Cunnick, J.E., Daniels, M.J., and Lay, Jr., D.C. 2003. Effects of pre-natal stress on immunological response and weight gain during the grower finisher period. J. Anim. Sci. 81(Suppl. 1):157. <br /> <br /> Cheng, H.W., Horn, H., and Wilcox, S. 2004. Infrared beak treatment vs hot-blade beak trimming effects on laying hen well-being. Proceedings of the 38 International Congress of the International Society for Applied Ethology, August 3-7, 2004.<br /> <br /> Gustafon, L., Cheng, H.W., Pajor, E., and Mench, J.A. 2004. Effects of bill-trimming on the welfare of muscovy ducks. Proceedings of the 38 International Congress of the International Society for Applied Ethology, August 3-7, 2004. <br /> <br /> Pohle, P. and Cheng, H.W. 2004. Housing effect on behavior and physiology during a feed-withdrawal molt in laying hens: furnished cages vs conventional cages. Poult. Sci. July 25-29, 2004.<br /> <br /> Jefferson, L.D., Muir, W.M., and Cheng, H.W. 2004. Effects of acute stress on physical and hormonal responses in three genetic strains of laying hens. Poult. Sci. July 25-29, 2004.<br /> <br /> Dennis, R., Estevez, I., and Cheng, H.W. 2004. Marked for stress! North American Regional International Society for Applied Ethology, June 18-19, 2004.<br /> <br /> Cheng, H.W. and Freire, R. 2004. Behavior of chicks after beak trimming: indicators of pain and welfare. World Poultry Congress, p. 207.<br /> <br /> Pohle, K. and Cheng, H.W. 2003. Housing effect on behavior and production performance of laying hens: furnished cages vs conventional cages. Poult. Sci. 82(Suppl. 1):59.<br /> <br /> Kopka, M.N., Cheng, H.W., and Hester, P.Y. 2003. Bone mineral density of laying hens housed in enriched versus conventional cages. Poult. Sci. 82(Suppl. 1):29.<br /> <br /> Daniels, K.J., Townsend, J.R., Donkin, S.S., Eicher, S.D., Fahey, A.G., and Schutz, M.M. 2003. The effect of prepartum milking on the health and well being of first calf heifers. Midwest ADSA/ASAS abstracts:22.<br /> <br /> Eicher, S.D., Johnson, T.R., and McMunn, K.A. 2003. In vitro modulation of acute phase cytokines and toll-like receptor expression by bovine blood leukocytes stimulated with beta-glucan and ascorbic acid. J. Dairy Sci. 86(Suppl. 1):15. Oral Presentation.<br /> <br /> Johnson, T.A. and Eicher, S.D. 2003. Effects of age at transport on health and development of neonatal dairy calves. J. Dairy Sci. 86(Suppl. 1):192.<br /> <br /> Johnson, T.A. and Eicher, S.D. 2003. Expression of bovine toll-like receptors 2 and 4 after in-vitro stimulation with beta-glucan, lipopolysaccharide, and peptidoglycan. Proceedings of the Conference of Research Workers in Animal Diseases. #101.<br /> <br /> Eicher, S.D., Patterson, J.A., Wilcox, C.S., Johnson, T.A., and Schutz, M.M. 2003. Thermal imaging indication of elevated body temperatures during a Salmonella Dublin Challenge. Proceedings of the Conferences of Research Workers in Animal Diseases. #P52. Poster Presentation.<br /> <br /> Xiao, Y., Eicher, S., Cheng, H.W., Cheng, J.F., Skinner-Nober, D., and Zhang, G. 2003. Identification and characterization of a beta-defensin gene cluster in the chicken. Proceedings of the Conferences of Researcher Workers in Animal Diseases. #P82. Graduate Student Poster Competition 1st Place.<br /> <br /> Johnson, T.A., Eicher, S.D., Marchant Forde, J.N., and Wilcox, C.S. 2004. Age at transport effects on behavioral responses in dairy calves to novel stimuli. North American ISAE Regional Meeting. June 19, 2004. W. Lafayette, IN.<br /> <br /> Nobis, W., Ren, X., Suchyta, S.P., Suchyta, S.R., Zanella, A.J., and Coussens, P.M. 2003. Development of a porcine brain cDNA library, EST database and microarray resource. Physiol. Genomics, October 2003; 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00099.2003.<br /> <br /> Poletto, R., Siegford, J., Nobis, W., and Zanella, A.J. 2003. Differential expression of genes in the hippocampus of early-weaned piglets when examined using a cDNA microarray. International Symposium for Animal Functional Genomics, Michigan State University.<br /> <br /> Siegford, J., Nobis, W., Poletto, R., Ren, X., Coussens, P., and Zanella, A.J. 2003. Development and validation of a porcine brain cDNA library and microarray resource using the hippocampus of early-weaned pigs. Soc. Neurosci. Abs. 29:758.19.<br />Impact Statements
- Commitment to convert to a funded multi-state project markedly improved attendance at the technical committee meeting and increased the number of participants in the new project.
- Participants provided expertise in development of animal welfare and management guidelines through service on FASS committees, ARPAS cmmittees and representation on the national Animal Agriculture Alliance.
- Participation of undergraduates in the Animal Welfare adn Behavior Judging Team competition has increased.
Date of Annual Report: 06/24/2005
Report Information
Annual Meeting Dates: 02/11/2005
- 02/12/2005
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2004 - 09/01/2005
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2004 - 09/01/2005
Participants
Bailey,Hart (rhbailey@cvm.msstate.edu) - Mississippi State University;Beermann,Don (dbeermann2@unl.edu) - University of Nebraska;
Croney,Candace (croney@oregonstate.edu) - Oregon State University;
Marchant-Forde,Jeremy (marchant@purdue.edu)- Purdue University;
Friend,Ted (tefriend@tamu.edu) - Texas A&M University;
Garner,Joe (jgarner@purdue.edu)- Purdue University;
Haley,Derek (Derek.haley@gov.ab.ca)- Alberta Agriculture, Canada;
Imwalle,Brad (imwalle@aesop.rutgers.edu)- Rutgers University
Lay,Don (layd@purdue.edu)- Purdue University;
Newberry,Ruth (rnewberry@wsu.edu)- Washington State University;
Pajor,Ed (pajor@purdue.edu)- Purdue University;
Reynnells,Richard (rreynnells@csrees.usda.gov)- CSREES;
Webster,Bruce (bwebster@uga.edu)- University of Georgia;
Zanella,Adroaldo (zanella@msu.edu)- Michigan State University
Brief Summary of Minutes
8:30 IntroductionsNew members and old members engaged in an exercise to better integrate the committee.
8:45 Administrative reports: Don Beermann/Richard Reynnells
Don Beermann indicated that the initial review of the NCR-131 as a funded committee had some positive feedback. Steps towards realization of the goal were discussed. Some of the project ideas need refinement, stated Don Beermann. Reporting the history of successful past and present collaboration was mentioned as necessary to facilitate a favorable review of the project. A summary of successful collaborative work should be prioritized. Richard Reynnells reported on the activities related to his office in Washington. He also offered to supply current information to NCR-131 members and collected addresses from the group. He also reminded the group about the potential for updating the compendium. He received very positive feedback in relation to the possible updating of the compendium. Richards efforts in bringing speakers to address animal welfare issues were praised.
9:15 Station reports:
Stations represented presented brief reports. The target time for presentations was 10 minutes with some discussion allowed. The major focus of the retreat was to build partnerships in possible research projects associated with the committees goals hence the limited time for presentation.
10:45 Review NCR project goals; identify areas of investigation; needs; begin devising projects. The group determined that the best way forward was to select a limited number of subjective states and carry out in depth evaluation of research protocols across difference species using collaborative projects. Discussions about the different subjective states were conducted. Fear, pain, anxiety were among the subjective experience that are relevant to animal welfare, which were considered. After a thorough discussion the group decided that fear was the subjective experience with potential to reward the committee with favorable research outcomes. Species teams were divided to develop specific collaborative experiments and present experimental design for future experiments. The task for the small groups was to design the experiments, identify contributors, and describe procedures for evaluation of results. The decision was to focus on pigs, sheep, and poultry.
1:30 Project design group reports
Review paper: General issues associated with the use of tests to assess subjective experience in domestic animal species were discussed. It was deemed important to effectively capture the existing literature by preparing a review paper addressing the measurement of in different animal species. The group decided to focus the research questions using one gender per species to facilitate the use of animals in the different stations having enough animals to create valid replicates. Ewes, barrows, and hens were the animals chosen for investigation. The group considered development 2 tests for each species address different aspects of the fear response.
Criteria mentioned to validate the tests was the consistency the observed responses (e.g. is an animal responding the same way Monday versus Thursday). The need for a review paper was again emphasized. Several questions are likely to be responded by a review paper. Two main items were fear responses may compromise animal welfare are during the interactions with humans and when animals respond to novel circumstances.
Feb 12 9:00 Business meeting: elect officers
Joe Garner was elected secretary for the 2005-2006 period The next meeting of the NCR-131 was discussed. Potential locations for the annual meeting included Michigan, Bristol (in conjunction with the International Society for Applied Ethology Conference) or Vancouver (in conjunction with the North-American meeting of the International Society for Applied Ethology). Vancouver was selected as the place for the 2006 meeting and Adroaldo Zanella was asked to contact Dan Weary to organize the meeting. Don Beermann indicated that the CRIS reports from individual stations should reflect the objectives described by the Applied Animal Behavior Committee. Richard Reynnells proposed that animal welfare should be added to the title of the committee. Richard motion was approved unanimously and the committee is now named Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare. The issue of organizing a meeting in Cincinnati was discussed and approved. Conference calls will be scheduled to follow up the committees assignments. Every station is responsible for obtaining an approved animal use protocol on their particular campus. The inclusion of members from non-American Institutions in the committee was discussed. One example is the membership of Derek Haley, currently working for Alberta Farm Animal Care as an extension specialist. Richard Reynnells initiated a discussion regarding potential criteria to invite future members. Don Beermann reminded the group that the committee was not officially approved, hence the attempt to find new member should wait. An idea to prepare a poster to be displayed in meetings to get visibility to the committee was viewed favorably. Zanella will put together a display for the Animal Well-Being Symposium at the ASAS-Cincinnati. Derek Haley proposed that links to the NCR 131 committee web site should be added to the ISAE web site. The committee rejected the proposal to divide its efforts among the different societies (e.g. poultry science, animal science, dairy science). The consensus is that our committee will better serve science and society working together in different organizations. Don Beermann recognized that it would be premature to think about dividing the committee in different species group. A vote was taken approving the motion that stations, which fail to attend two meeting in succession, will be asked to leave the committee. Zanella was elected president for the 2005-2006 period. The business meeting was closed.
9:30- 2:45 Review progress from day 1 and continue working on project designs and time-lines
2:45 Report back; summarize goals
The initial discussion was followed by an in-depth group discussion exploring potential protocols to assess fear in different domestic animal species. Groups were formed to discuss pigs, poultry, sheep and goats and cattle.
The following scientists were recognized as potential contributors for future research work, Pigs: Anna Johnson, Ed Pajor, Joe Garner, Ruth Newberry, Ted Friend, Suzanne Millman Cattle/Sheep: Ted Friend, Brad Imwalle, Ed Pajor, Joe Garner, Adroaldo Zanella, Candace Croney Chickens, broilers, quail, layers, turkeys: Bruce Webster, Hart, Ed Pajor, Joe Garner, Ruth Newberry, Joy Mench, Derek , Adroaldo Zanella, Inma Estevez Ducks: Donald Lay, Jeremy Marchant-Forde, Susan Eichert, Heng-Wei Cheng. The team determined that sheep, pigs, and poultry were subjected to handling, loading, and exposure to novel environments. The working hypothesis is that the behaviors indicative of fear are known and recognizable. Questions were raised to determine the type of research that has already been carried out in particular the treatments applied to induce fear in pigs, sheep and poultry. Approach test, Novel object, Open-field, Back test, and Startle are used in the three species, with some kind of modification.The groups reported on the proposed methodology for future experiments. Next Steps action items: a) The video analysis of the different projects should be divided; it will lend objectivity to the tests.
For example: Film at site A, save files, analysis by all sites, validate for inter-reliability. During the phone conferences we will define the standard protocols. If possible we should use each animal as its own control at each specific site. The committee also encouraged the development of pilot studies to further refine the methodology. b) General: For each species: 1)Establish pilot study protocol, 2)Goal:3 station locations per species for final tests,
3)Any station participating must follow identical protocol. Currently four stations working on poultry and pigs-Each station within a species does a pilot:split the work. Delegated recorder for all species:Swine Don Lay, Poultry Joe Garner, Sheep Brad Imwalle. All species groups have individual calls to work out milestones, details, and timelines.
Respectfully submitted
AJZanella
Accomplishments
Hart Bailey (Mississippi State University) indicated that his activities are related to quality assurance and food safety. He is in charge of teaching an animal welfare course to veterinary students. Zanella indicated that MSU has two Higher Education Challenge Grants to develop animal welfare teaching modules. One of the grants targets veterinarians. Candace Croney (Oregon State University) presented the summary of her work. The influence of flooring on the occurrence of lameness in elephants was addressed by a graduate student supervised by Candace Croney. She also shared her research looking at the relationship between environmental enrichment and cognition in domestic animals. David Sheperdson, Oregon Zoo, who collaborates extensively with Candace presented some information related to his work on environmental enrichment in zoo animals. Jeremy Marchant-Forde (USDA-ARS) described the extensive research on an alternative beta-blocker that did not show observable changes in behavior as was reported previously using a commercial product. Jeremy also presented information on the work of Heng-Wei Cheng on impact of beak trimming on welfare indicators. He shared some of Susan Eichers results on dairy cattle welfare and also presented data on the impact of pre-natal stress on indicators of poor welfare, work carried out by Don Lay. Ted Friend (Texas A & M) presented information on design of drinkers for horses to be used during transportation. He presented data using markers of humoral immunity during different protocols used to transport horses. He also shared information on his continuing work assessing welfare of zoo animals. Derek Haley (Alberta Agriculture) presented his work focusing primarily on animal welfare extension. He discussed practical aspects of his interactions with different segments of Canadian animal industry. Brad Imwalle (Rutgers University) presented some of his work assessing the relationship between endocrine manipulation using reproductive hormones and some aspects of cognitive performance in sheep. Ruth Newberry (Washington State University) described her activities looking at markers of pain in cats subjected to de-clawing . She also presented some of her collaborative working exploring issues related to cannibalism in chickens. Ed Pajor (Purdue University) presented his research work looking at the impact of mixing pigs at an early-age on subsequent aggression. He also presented partial results on the study looking at preferences expressed by sows in relation to housing conditions. Bruce Webster (University of Georgia) discussed some of his work on bird welfare, primarily looking at stunning techniques. He also indicated that he has been providing support to commercial companies interested in practical application of animal welfare science. Adroaldo J. Zanella presented a brief overview of the animal welfare/assessment competition. He also presented data on indicators of pain in lame dairy cows. Zanella reported that early-weaned pigs when socially isolated showed memory impairments and changes in stress related genes in the hippocampus and frontal cortex.Publications
Indiana Station<br /> <br /> Smith, G., T. Grandin, T. Friend, D.C. Lay Jr., and J. Swanson. 2005. A compilation of research literature and best practices information related to animal welfare concerns in land transport of animals. World Organization for Animal Health Scientific and Technical Review.<br /> <br /> Toscano, M., and D.C. Lay Jr. 2005. Parsing the characteristics of a simulated udder to determine relative attractiveness to piglets in the 72 h following parturition. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 92:283-291.<br /> <br /> Koch, J.M., J. Moritz, D.C. Lay Jr., and M. Wilson. 2005. Melengestrol Acetate in Experimental Diets as an Effective Alternative to Induce a Decline in Egg Production and Reversible Regression of the Reproductive Tract in Laying Hens 1. Determining an Effective Concentration of Melengestrol Acetate. Poultry Science. 84:1750-1756.<br /> <br /> Garner, J.P. 2005. Stereotypies and other Abnormal Repetitive Behaviors: potential impact on validity, reliability, and replicability of scientific outcomes. ILAR Journal 46(2): 106-117.<br /> <br /> Marchant-Forde, R.M., Marlin, D.J. and Marchant-Forde, J.N. (2004) Validation of a cardiac monitor for measuring heart rate variability in adult female pigs: accuracy, artefacts, and editing. Physiology & Behavior, 80: 449-458.<br /> <br /> Marchant-Forde, R.M. and Marchant-Forde, J.N. (2004) Pregnancy-related changes in behavior and cardiac activity in primiparous pigs. Physiology & Behavior, 82: 815-825<br /> <br /> Marchant-Forde, J.N. and Marchant-Forde, R.M. (2005) Methods to reduce aggression at mixing in swine. Invited review Pig News & Information, 26: 63N-73N.<br /> <br /> <br /> Indiana and California Stations<br /> <br /> Shields, S.J., J.P. Garner and J.A. Mench. 2005. Effect of sand and wood shavings bedding on the behavior of broiler chickens. Poultry Science 84(12): 1816-1824.<br /> <br /> Miller, K.A., J.P. Garner, and J.A. Mench. 2005. The test-retest reliability of four behavioural tests of fearfulness for quail: a critical evaluation. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 92(1-2): 113-127.<br /> <br /> Chu, L., J.P. Garner, and J.A. Mench. 2004. A behavioral comparison of New Zealand White rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) housed individually or in pairs in standard laboratory cages. Applied Animal Behaviour Science Vol 85(1-2): 121-139.<br /> <br /> Garner, J.P., S.M. Weisker, B. Dufour, and J.A. Mench. 2004. Barbering (fur and whisker trimming) by laboratory mice as a model of human trichotillomania and Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders. Comparative Medicine 54(2): 216-224.<br /> <br /> Garner, J.P., B. Dufour, L.E. Gregg, S.M. Weisker, and J.A. Mench. 2004. Social and husbandry factors affecting the prevalence and severity of barbering ('whisker trimming') in laboratory mice. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 89(3-4): 263-282.<br /> <br /> Meehan, C.L., J.P. Garner, and J.A. Mench. 2004. Environmental enrichment and cage stereotypy in Orange-winged Amazon parrots (Amazona amazonica): insights into developmental processes. Developmental Psychobiology 44: 209-218.<br /> <br /> Shields, S.J., J.P. Garner, and J.A. Mench. 2004. Dustbathing by broiler chickens: a comparison of preference for four different substrates. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 87(1-2): 69-82.<br /> <br /> Miller, K.A., J.P. Garner, and J.A. Mench. Is fearfulness a stable and consistent trait that is measurable using behavioural tests? Animal Behaviour (in press).<br /> <br /> <br /> Michigan Station<br /> <br /> Yuan, Y.; Jansen, J.; Charles, D. and Zanella, A.J. (2004) The influence of<br /> weaning age on post-mixing agonistic interactions in growing pigs. Applied<br /> Animal Behaviour Science 88:39-6.<br /> <br /> Broom, D.M. & Zanella, A.J. (2004) Brain measures which tell us about animal<br /> welfare. Animal Welfare, 13:41-46.<br /> <br /> Dembiec, D.P.; Snider, R. and Zanella, A.J. (2004) The effects of transport<br /> stress on tiger physiology and behavior. Zoo Biology 23:335-46.<br /> <br /> Heleski, C.; Mertig, A.; and Zanella, A.J. (2004) Assessing attitudes toward<br /> farm animal welfare: a national survey of animal science faculty members. J.<br /> Anim. Sci. 82:2806-814.<br /> <br /> Moons, C., Laughlin, K., Zanella, A.J. (2005) Effects of short-term maternal<br /> separations on weaning stress in foals. Applied Animal Behavior Science<br /> 91:321-335.<br /> <br /> Heleski, C.; Mertig, A.; and Zanella A.J. (2005) Results of a national<br /> survey of US veterinary college faculty regarding attitudes toward farm<br /> animal welfare. JAVMA Vol. 226 (9), 1538-1546.<br /> <br /> Siegford J.M.,;Bernardo, T.M.; Malinowski, R.P.,;Laughlin, K. Zanella, AJ.<br /> Integrating animal welfare into veterinary education: using an on-line,<br /> interactive course. J Vet Med Educ. 2005 Winter;32(4):497-504.<br /> <br /> <br /> Nebraska Station<br /> <br /> Gaughan, J. B., M. S. Davis and T. L. Mader. 2004. Wetting and the physiological responses of grain fed cattle in a heated environment. Aust. J. of Agric. Res. 55:1-8. <br /> <br /> Holt, S. M., J. B. Gaughan, and T. L. Mader. 2004. Feeding strategies for grain fed cattle reared in a hot environment. Aust. J. of Agric. Res. 55:719-725. <br /> <br /> Mader, T. L. and M. S. Davis. 2004. Effect of management strategies on reducing heat stress of feedlot cattle: feed and water intake. J. Anim. Sci. 82: 3077-3087. <br /> <br /> Brown-Brandl, T. M., R. A. Eigenberg, G. L. Hahn, J. A. Nienaber, T. L. Mader, D. E. Spiers, and A. M. Parkhurst. 2005. Analyses of thermoregulatory responses of feeder cattle exposed to simulated heat waves. Int. J. Biometeorol. 49:285-296. <br /> <br /> Mader, T. L., M. S. Davis, and W. M. Kreikemeier. 2005. Case study: Tympanic temperature and behavior associated with moving feedlot cattle. Prof. Anim. Sci. 21:339-344. <br /> <br /> <br /> New Jersey Station- Cook College, Rutgers University<br /> <br /> Imwalle, D.B. and L.S. Katz. 2004. Divergent roles for estrogens<br /> and androgens in expression of female goat sexual behavior. Hormones and<br /> Behavior 46: 54-58.<br /> <br /> Imwalle, D.B. and L.S. Katz. 2004. Development of sexual behavior over several serving capacity tests in male goats. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 89:315-319.<br /> <br /> Imwalle, D.B., Gustafsson, J-Å, and Rissman, E.F. Lack of functional<br /> estrogen receptor beta influences anxiety behavior and serotonin content in<br /> female mice. 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- Specific methods to be tested, by species, were identified, agreed upon and used to develop a revised experimental goals and objectives section of the proposal.
- Discussion led to a committment to meet again at the ASAS,ADSA,CSAS meetings in Cincinnati to update the revision and finalize specifics on experimental protocol.
- Work completed led to submision of funding proposals by several individuals participating in the project.
- The meeting in Cincinnate was used to discuss and address each item of concern listed in the review. This included conducting a CRIS search, improve clarity of the objectives, include specific experimental methods to be used, claify replication across stations to provide robust evaluation/validation outcomes, and include outcome and milesone descriptions.
- Issues raised in the review of the sbmitted proposal were shared, discussed and resolved and led to specific changes in the revision of the proposal and resubmission in December, 2005.
- The two meetings conducted in 2005 led to a much larger group of individuals signing on to participate the project.
Date of Annual Report: 03/12/2007
Report Information
Annual Meeting Dates: 06/09/2006
- 06/09/2006
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2005 - 09/01/2006
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2005 - 09/01/2006
Participants
Hart Bailey (Mississippi State University)Marcia Endres (University of Minnesota)
Jeremy Marchant-Forde (USDA-ARS, Livestock Behavior Research Unit)
Don Lay (USDA-ARS, Livestock Behavior Research Unit)
Joy Mench (University of California - Davis)
Ruth Newberry (Washington State University)
Janice Siegford (Michigan State University)
Janice Swanson (Kansas State University)
Bruce Webster (University of Georgia)
Note: Due to meeting room deficit, a conference call-in could not be accommodated. The following members had intended to participate via conference call:
Candace Croney (Oregon State University)
Anna Johnson (Iowa State University)
Joe Garner (Purdue University)
Inma Estevez (University of Maryland)
Larry Katz (Rutgers University),
Brad Imwalle (Rutgers University)
Don Beerman (University of Nebraska)
Rich Reynnells (USDA-CSREES)
Brief Summary of Minutes
The acting chair Jeremy Marchant-Forde called the meeting to order. Marchant-Forde gave a brief overview of the conversion of NCR 131 to project status (NC 1029), reviewed the list of members to date, and explained the basis for the initial decision to pursue fear assessment in swine and poultry for the first phase of the multi-state project. A discussion regarding the remaining species (goats, sheep, dairy and beef cattle) identified goats as a promising addition to the first phase testing. Joy Mench will have a graduate student working on behavioral differences between transgenic vs non-transgenic goats and felt that the fear testing could be easily incorporated into this project. The inclusion of Fort Valley and Langston University as specialized goat centers was discussed in addition to other multi-state participants. Mench will conduct follow-up with multi-state and Fort Valley faculty in goat welfare.The group then confirmed with attendees which projects they would be participating (the lists may not be inclusive of all participants).
Poultry: Bruce Webster, Joy Mench, Hart Bailey, Joe Garner, Ruth Newberry, Candace Croney
Swine: Don Lay, Jeremy Marchant Forde, Anna Johnson, Janice Siegford, Derek Haley (Alberta Ag), Ruth Newberry, Tina Widowski and Suzanne Millman (Guelph).
Goats: Joy Mench, Brad Imwalle, Larry Katz, with potential inclusion of Fort Valley and/or Langston goat centers.
Sheep, dairy and beef cattle fear assessments would represent the second phase of the multi-state project. Potential participants are: Janice Swanson, Ruth Newberry, Janice Siegford, Marcia Endres.
Avenues to provide visibility and educational opportunities for the project were discussed. A literature review in the basic and applied aspects of fear will be an important foundation for the development of the project. The discussion centered on a symposium for the joint meeting of the ASAS/ADSA/PSA in 2007. Endres offered to present a proposal to the Animal Behavior and Welfare committee. Webster suggested a proposal to the joint planning committee for the 2007 meetings. The members of the NC 1029 would conduct literature reviews and develop presentations. One invited expert (ex. Bryan Jones) could be included in the session. A symposium draft was constructed:
Symposium Topic: Fear Assessment in Agricultural Animals
Presentations:
General Overview of fear assessment, why it is important, applications
Physiological and behavioral basis of fear
Review of fear assessment in poultry
Review of fear assessment in swine
Review of fear assessment in ruminants
The members of NC 1029 would identify members to present the papers. It is conceivable some project data may be ready for presentation at this meeting. A timeline was constructed. Abstracts would be submitted by the February 2007 deadline. A draft review of the literature will be completed and ready for comment in December 2006. Due to the abundance of information for some species and lack of information in others it was decided to combine ruminants into one presentation. Endres and Webster will follow-up on which committee to submit the proposal. A follow-up conference call will be conducted to decide on a guest speaker and who will be appointed to give presentations.
The group then discussed species testing procedures for the phase one projects in poultry and swine. Purdue and MSU are collecting data now. Marchant-Forde and Lay will lead the development of the procedures to be used in swine testing. They will examine the data to further define the potential challenges. Webster, Mench, Newberry, Bailey and Garner will develop the testing procedures for poultry. The meeting notes from the previous NCR-131 planning session will be re-circulated and used as a basis for adding detail to the testing procedures. Garner will be contacted and asked to re-circulate the notes. June 30 and July 1 deadlines were set for the development of standard fear assessment procedures in poultry and swine, respectively. The goat testing procedures are to be determined.
The following nominations were forwarded for the chair and secretary position for NC 1029: Joe Garner (Chair) and Jeremy Marchant-Forde (secretary). Other nominations are welcome. Nominations for the next annual meeting were entertained from the group. The following were suggested: ISAE annual congress Yucatan, Mexico (July 29-August 2 2007) and the Joint meeting of the ASAS/ADSA/PSA in San Antonio (July 15-19, 2007). Other suggestions are welcome. The election of leadership and selection of the next meeting site will take place through email so all members have the opportunity to vote. Don Lay will confirm the members and update the listserv. A conference call will also be organized to follow-up with committee members unable to participate by conference call in this meeting.
Endres motioned and Mench seconded to adjourn the business meeting. The poultry group then convened to develop testing procedures.