Behavioural Indicators of Poor Welfare

Introduction

• The well-being and welfare of domesticated animals can be assessed through their behaviour.
• Certain behavioural indicators can signal poor welfare and distress in these animals.

Stereotypy

• Stereotypy refers to the repetitive, often meaningless movements or actions displayed by animals.
• It is a sign of distress and can include behaviours like pacing, head bobbing, or constant licking.
• Stereotypy may be a way for animals to cope with confinement and lack of stimulation.
• It can be reduced by enriching the animal's environment to provide more space and opportunities for natural exercise.

Misdirected Behaviour

• Misdirected behaviour occurs when normal behaviours are directed inappropriately towards the animal itself, its surroundings, or other animals.
• Examples include birds over-plucking their feathers, gnawing on objects, hyper-aggression, and reduced reproductive success.
• These behaviours are often stress-related and indicate poor welfare.

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Behavioural Indicators of Poor Welfare

Failure in Sexual Behaviour

• Poor welfare can lead to a failure in sexual behaviour among animals.
• They may stop seeking out mating partners or become physiologically incapable of mating.
• This can have reproductive implications and is a sign of underlying stress or poor conditions.

Failure in Parental Behaviour

• Failure in parental behaviour is observed when animals do not exhibit proper caregiving or maternal instincts.
• Males are often separated from females and their offspring.
• Females may abandon, act aggressively towards, or harm their young, or even steal the offspring of other females.
• Such behaviour can result from stress or overcrowding.

Altered Levels of Activity

• Altered levels of activity can be indicative of poor welfare.
• Very low levels of activity may indicate apathy, with animals remaining in the same position for extended periods.
• Very high levels of activity can manifest as hysteria, with animals exhibiting excessive movement and being easily alarmed or panicky.
• Both extremes may suggest that animals are experiencing stress or discomfort.

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Biology

Behavioural Indicators of Poor Welfare

Summary

• Behavioural indicators, including stereotypy, misdirected behaviour, failure in sexual and parental behaviour, and altered activity levels, can reveal poor welfare and distress in domesticated animals. These behaviours should be carefully observed and addressed to improve the animals' well-being.