Pub Date : 2026-01-23DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2026.106931
Jian-Zhong Ning , Da-Xing Lu , Xiong Zhao He , Xiao-Yun Wang , Kai Lin , Jun Li , Xia-Lin Zheng
Predatory stink bug Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is a polyphagous insect that has been widely used as an important biological control agent in integrated pest management (IPM) programs. The diurnal moth Phauda flammans (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Phaudidae) with instar larvae secreting body mucus is a notorious pest of Ficus spp. trees in South and Southeast Asia. To evaluate the biological control potential of E. furcellata against P. flammans, its prey stage preference, predatory behavior, functional responses, and intraspecific interference were explored under laboratory conditions. Results show that E. furcellata significantly preferred the 3rd-instar larvae of P. flammans over other instar larvae for feeding, and was more likely to attack the lateral body parts of prey. They spent significantly more time in assessing and feeding on prey. A Type II functional response was detected, i.e., proportion of prey killed by E. furcellata decreased with increasing prey density, with an instantaneous attack rate (a) of 1.28 and a handling time (Th) of 0.23. Results of this study suggest that augmentative release of mass-reared E. furcellata at low prey population densities may efficiently suppress prey population. Thus, monitoring prey population density and developmental stage, and timing predator release in the early season, are desirable for managing outbreaks of P. flammans using E. furcellata.
{"title":"Predatory performances and adaptive strategies of Eocanthecona furcellata (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) to the larvae of Phauda flammans (Lepidoptera: Phaudidae)","authors":"Jian-Zhong Ning , Da-Xing Lu , Xiong Zhao He , Xiao-Yun Wang , Kai Lin , Jun Li , Xia-Lin Zheng","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2026.106931","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2026.106931","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Predatory stink bug <em>Eocanthecona furcellata</em> (Wolff) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is a polyphagous insect that has been widely used as an important biological control agent in integrated pest management (IPM) programs. The diurnal moth <em>Phauda flammans</em> (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Phaudidae) with instar larvae secreting body mucus is a notorious pest of <em>Ficus</em> spp. trees in South and Southeast Asia. To evaluate the biological control potential of <em>E. furcellata</em> against <em>P. flammans</em>, its prey stage preference, predatory behavior, functional responses, and intraspecific interference were explored under laboratory conditions. Results show that <em>E. furcellata</em> significantly preferred the 3rd-instar larvae of <em>P. flammans</em> over other instar larvae for feeding, and was more likely to attack the lateral body parts of prey. They spent significantly more time in assessing and feeding on prey. A Type II functional response was detected, i.e., proportion of prey killed by <em>E. furcellata</em> decreased with increasing prey density, with an instantaneous attack rate (<em>a</em>) of 1.28 and a handling time (<em>T</em><sub><em>h</em></sub>) of 0.23. Results of this study suggest that augmentative release of mass-reared <em>E. furcellata</em> at low prey population densities may efficiently suppress prey population. Thus, monitoring prey population density and developmental stage, and timing predator release in the early season, are desirable for managing outbreaks of <em>P. flammans</em> using <em>E. furcellata</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"297 ","pages":"Article 106931"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146074264","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-22DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2026.106923
Kiana McDole , Katrina Merkies
In active police work, horses are primarily used to monitor urban environments and perform specialized responsibilities such as riot and crowd control. The process of selecting horses for police work requires consideration of both the physical and emotional qualities of the horse, as personality traits contribute to a horse’s ability to learn, work and interact with humans. Personality encompasses four personality dimensions – Extroversion, Neuroticism, Gregariousness and Agreeableness – exemplified by positive and negative personality traits in each dimension. The purpose of this study was to evaluate mounted police horse personality traits. Using 129 responses from a 16-item online survey, this study examined the personality traits and roles of current mounts, traits considered important for police horses and dealbreaker traits for future potential police horses. Using descriptive and Chi-squared analyses with two-tailed Fischer’s Exact Tests, results showed that current police horses possess the same four personality dimensions that are considered important for police work – Positive Gregariousness, Positive Extroversion, Positive Agreeableness and Negative Neuroticism. Most current mounts did not present with any of the top five dealbreaker traits (Aggressive, Fearful, Uncooperative, Nervous and Unreliable, p > 0.30). Current mounts typically possessed the traits considered important (Confident, Trusting, Willing and Reliable, p > 0.17), but Calm appeared less frequently in current mounts than anticipated (p = 0.0229). Mount primary role impacted what respondents felt were dealbreaker traits, with Fearful more undesirable in horses working in Neighbourhood Patrol and Park or Wilderness Patrol than the other roles (p < 0.05). However, traits considered important were consistent regardless of mount primary role (p > 0.06). Breed and sex did not appear to influence traits present in current mounts, with the exceptions of draft crosses being reported as less approachable than other breeds (p = 0.0266) and geldings being bolder than mares (p = 0.0127). These findings provide a greater understanding of what mounted police officers value in their mounts and will assist in the development of police horse testing protocols, potentially improving the success of future police horse candidate selection.
{"title":"The influence of equine personality on police horse selection","authors":"Kiana McDole , Katrina Merkies","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2026.106923","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2026.106923","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In active police work, horses are primarily used to monitor urban environments and perform specialized responsibilities such as riot and crowd control. The process of selecting horses for police work requires consideration of both the physical and emotional qualities of the horse, as personality traits contribute to a horse’s ability to learn, work and interact with humans. Personality encompasses four personality dimensions – Extroversion, Neuroticism, Gregariousness and Agreeableness – exemplified by positive and negative personality traits in each dimension. The purpose of this study was to evaluate mounted police horse personality traits. Using 129 responses from a 16-item online survey, this study examined the personality traits and roles of current mounts, traits considered important for police horses and dealbreaker traits for future potential police horses. Using descriptive and Chi-squared analyses with two-tailed Fischer’s Exact Tests, results showed that current police horses possess the same four personality dimensions that are considered important for police work – Positive Gregariousness, Positive Extroversion, Positive Agreeableness and Negative Neuroticism. Most current mounts did not present with any of the top five dealbreaker traits (Aggressive, Fearful, Uncooperative, Nervous and Unreliable, p > 0.30). Current mounts typically possessed the traits considered important (Confident, Trusting, Willing and Reliable, p > 0.17), but Calm appeared less frequently in current mounts than anticipated (p = 0.0229). Mount primary role impacted what respondents felt were dealbreaker traits, with Fearful more undesirable in horses working in Neighbourhood Patrol and Park or Wilderness Patrol than the other roles (p < 0.05). However, traits considered important were consistent regardless of mount primary role (p > 0.06). Breed and sex did not appear to influence traits present in current mounts, with the exceptions of draft crosses being reported as less approachable than other breeds (p = 0.0266) and geldings being bolder than mares (p = 0.0127). These findings provide a greater understanding of what mounted police officers value in their mounts and will assist in the development of police horse testing protocols, potentially improving the success of future police horse candidate selection.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"297 ","pages":"Article 106923"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146034528","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Providing access to fresh and dry litter, in addition to chick paper from day 1 of rearing may improve plumage and reduce fear responses in pullets due to stimulation of more positive and natural pecking behaviour. However, few studies have examined this relationship in commercial rearing flocks. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of early access to fresh litter and chick paper on fear responses and plumage quality during the rearing period. Eight commercial pullet flocks (Lohman LSL Lite n = 6 and Dekalb White n = 2) were divided in two treatments; Litter; birds with access to chick paper and cardboard trays with litter from day 0–21 and Control; birds with access to chick paper from day 0 – 21. Each flock was visited at weeks 2, 7 and 14 of age. Data collection included scoring plumage condition using two methods, (1) a whole flock assessment using transect walk with indicators on a binary scale and (2) detailed individual scoring of 30 birds/treatment/age, in addition to two behavioural tests of fear-related behaviour, (1) Novel Object (NO) test at weeks 2, 7 and 14 and (2) Stationary person (SP) test at weeks 7 and 14. Providing fresh litter during the first three weeks of life reduced fear response towards a NO, with more Litter birds approaching the NO compared to the Control group (P < 0.05). There was a significant effect of age (P < 0.0001), with more birds approaching the NO at 7 and 14 weeks of age compared to week 2 of age (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0003, respectively). Litter access had no effect on fear towards a SP at week 7 or 14, but more birds approached the SP at 14 weeks compared to at 7 weeks (P < 0.006). Furthermore, litter provision did not influence plumage quality or other health parameters at any age. Slight wear to tail feathers was detected in 65 out of 1440 birds during the individual scoring. When assessing welfare and plumage in healthy flocks with minimal welfare issues, detailed scoring of individual birds appears to be necessary, in addition to the whole flock assessment using the transect walk.
从饲养的第一天起，除了提供新鲜和干燥的垃圾之外，还可以通过刺激更积极和自然的啄食行为来改善雏鸡的羽毛，减少雏鸡的恐惧反应。然而，很少有研究在商业饲养群中检验这种关系。本研究旨在探讨早期接触鲜窝和雏鸡纸对饲养期雏鸡恐惧反应和羽毛质量的影响。8只商品鸡群（Lohman LSL Lite n = 6,Dekalb White n = 2）分为两个处理；垃圾;从第0-21天开始，有机会接触到有垃圾的小鸡纸和纸板托盘的鸟儿；从第0 - 21天获得小鸡纸的鸟。每只鸡在第2、7和14周龄时被访问。数据收集包括采用两种方法对羽毛状况进行评分，(1)采用样带步行法对整个鸟群进行评估，指标采用二进位量表；(2)对30只鸟/处理/年龄进行详细的个体评分，此外还有两次恐惧相关行为测试，(1)第2、7和14周的新对象（NO）测试和(2)第7和14周的静止人（SP）测试。在生命的前三周提供新鲜的垃圾减少了对NO的恐惧反应，与对照组相比，更多的小鸟接近NO （P <； 0.05）。年龄的影响显著（P <； 0.0001），与第2周龄相比，7周龄和14周龄接近NO的雏鸟较多（P <； 0.0001和P = 0.0003）。在第7周和第14周，雏鸟对SP的恐惧没有影响，但与第7周相比，更多的雏鸟在第14周接近SP （P <； 0.006）。此外，在任何年龄，提供凋落物都不会影响羽毛质量或其他健康参数。在个体评分过程中，1440只鸟中有65只发现了尾羽的轻微磨损。在评估福利问题最小的健康鸟群的福利和羽毛时，除了使用样带行走对整个鸟群进行评估外，还需要对单个鸟进行详细评分。
{"title":"Effect of early litter access on plumage and fearfulness in commercial laying hen pullets","authors":"G. Vasdal , K.E. Kittelsen , A.M. Janczak , R.O. Moe , T.B. Rodenburg , S.G. Gebhardt-Henrich , A.B. Riber , F.M. Tahamtani","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2026.106929","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2026.106929","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Providing access to fresh and dry litter, in addition to chick paper from day 1 of rearing may improve plumage and reduce fear responses in pullets due to stimulation of more positive and natural pecking behaviour. However, few studies have examined this relationship in commercial rearing flocks. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of early access to fresh litter and chick paper on fear responses and plumage quality during the rearing period. Eight commercial pullet flocks (Lohman LSL Lite n = 6 and Dekalb White n = 2) were divided in two treatments; Litter; birds with access to chick paper and cardboard trays with litter from day 0–21 and Control; birds with access to chick paper from day 0 – 21. Each flock was visited at weeks 2, 7 and 14 of age. Data collection included scoring plumage condition using two methods, (1) a whole flock assessment using transect walk with indicators on a binary scale and (2) detailed individual scoring of 30 birds/treatment/age, in addition to two behavioural tests of fear-related behaviour, (1) Novel Object (NO) test at weeks 2, 7 and 14 and (2) Stationary person (SP) test at weeks 7 and 14. Providing fresh litter during the first three weeks of life reduced fear response towards a NO, with more Litter birds approaching the NO compared to the Control group (P < 0.05). There was a significant effect of age (P < 0.0001), with more birds approaching the NO at 7 and 14 weeks of age compared to week 2 of age (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0003, respectively). Litter access had no effect on fear towards a SP at week 7 or 14, but more birds approached the SP at 14 weeks compared to at 7 weeks (P < 0.006). Furthermore, litter provision did not influence plumage quality or other health parameters at any age. Slight wear to tail feathers was detected in 65 out of 1440 birds during the individual scoring. When assessing welfare and plumage in healthy flocks with minimal welfare issues, detailed scoring of individual birds appears to be necessary, in addition to the whole flock assessment using the transect walk.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"297 ","pages":"Article 106929"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146074263","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-19DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2026.106925
Tennille K. Lamon , Margaret R. Slater , Courtney Daigle , Xandra Meneses , Christine M. Budke
Given that there were approximately 4 million cats in shelters across 20 countries in 2024, there is a critical need to have accurate, reliable, non-invasive tools to evaluate shelter cat stress and welfare. This study was conducted to validate the newly developed Psychological Quality of Life (PQOL) assessment tool to evaluate welfare in cats newly admitted to an animal shelter. The PQOL is an 11-question assessment of a cat’s behavior, attitude, and activity. The PQOL was compared to the Cat Stress Score (CSS), a widely used non-invasive assessment tool used to determine stress levels in shelter cats. Fifty cats from a local shelter were assessed with both the PQOL and CSS by two independent observers at two time points on their second, fourth, and sixth day in the shelter. A Spearman rank correlation evaluated the relationship between the overall PQOL and CSS scores and between the overall PQOL and select individual PQOL questions. The inter-rater reliability (IRR) and intra-rater reliability (IaRR) for the overall PQOL, CSS and individual PQOL questions were measured with a quadratic weighted Cohen’s kappa. There was a strong, positive correlation (0.73–0.79) between the CSS and overall PQOL for all three assessment days. The kappa for the CSS and overall PQOL had substantial agreement (0.58–0.75) between reviewers for all three assessment days at both time points indicating good reliability. Individual PQOL questions about interest in play, engagement with others, exploration, and showing positive emotions had a strong correlation with high overall PQOL for both time points across all three assessment days. The PQOL question about showing fear or anxiety had a strong correlation with a low overall PQOL score. The overall PQOL score was shown to be a valid and reliable metric to monitor stress and welfare in shelter cats.
{"title":"A comparative analysis of the cat stress score and the novel psychological quality of life assessment tool for cats in a shelter setting","authors":"Tennille K. Lamon , Margaret R. Slater , Courtney Daigle , Xandra Meneses , Christine M. Budke","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2026.106925","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2026.106925","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Given that there were approximately 4 million cats in shelters across 20 countries in 2024, there is a critical need to have accurate, reliable, non-invasive tools to evaluate shelter cat stress and welfare. This study was conducted to validate the newly developed Psychological Quality of Life (PQOL) assessment tool to evaluate welfare in cats newly admitted to an animal shelter. The PQOL is an 11-question assessment of a cat’s behavior, attitude, and activity. The PQOL was compared to the Cat Stress Score (CSS), a widely used non-invasive assessment tool used to determine stress levels in shelter cats. Fifty cats from a local shelter were assessed with both the PQOL and CSS by two independent observers at two time points on their second, fourth, and sixth day in the shelter. A Spearman rank correlation evaluated the relationship between the overall PQOL and CSS scores and between the overall PQOL and select individual PQOL questions. The inter-rater reliability (IRR) and intra-rater reliability (IaRR) for the overall PQOL, CSS and individual PQOL questions were measured with a quadratic weighted Cohen’s kappa. There was a strong, positive correlation (0.73–0.79) between the CSS and overall PQOL for all three assessment days. The kappa for the CSS and overall PQOL had substantial agreement (0.58–0.75) between reviewers for all three assessment days at both time points indicating good reliability. Individual PQOL questions about interest in play, engagement with others, exploration, and showing positive emotions had a strong correlation with high overall PQOL for both time points across all three assessment days. The PQOL question about showing fear or anxiety had a strong correlation with a low overall PQOL score. The overall PQOL score was shown to be a valid and reliable metric to monitor stress and welfare in shelter cats.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"297 ","pages":"Article 106925"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146034525","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-19DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2026.106924
Sky Sobol , Seana Dowling-Guyer
When hoping to improve their dogs’ behavior, owners often turn to basic obedience/manners courses. Scentwork classes, where dogs use their noses to find treats and odors, could be a potential alternative to these classes, because scentwork-based classes allow dogs to engage in the natural behavior of sniffing. The goal of this experimental study was to determine whether scentwork classes have a more positive impact on dog welfare, behavior, and the human-dog bond than basic obedience classes. Dogs and owners were randomly assigned to four-week long obedience or scentwork classes. Owners completed the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ), the Monash Dog Owner Relationship Scale (MDORS), and dogs participated in a judgment bias test before and after their assigned class. There were no significant differences between the groups in C-BARQ or MDORS scores on any scales nor was there a significant difference on the judgment bias test by group. Owners in the total sample and in the Obedience group reported a significant increase in trainability for their dogs, as measured by C-BARQ, from pre- to post-measures whereas owners in the Scentwork group reported a significant increase in C-BARQ hyperactivity for their dogs. Judgment bias test scores improved significantly for the total sample and the Obedience group. There was a significant association between training class and the owners’ perception of their dogs’ quality of life such that owners with dogs in the scentwork classes reported their dogs’ quality of life had improved. These findings suggest that positive training in general might increase positive judgement bias and thus the welfare of dogs, although obedience classes might have more general improvements for training. Although more research is needed to further explore specific potential benefits of scentwork training, the results of this study suggest that dogs participating in scentwork classes are likely to enjoy similar benefits as dogs in other positive reinforcement group courses, giving owners more options for classes based on their individual dogs’ needs and interests.
{"title":"Effects of scentwork and traditional training classes on dog welfare, behavior, and human-dog bond","authors":"Sky Sobol , Seana Dowling-Guyer","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2026.106924","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2026.106924","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>When hoping to improve their dogs’ behavior, owners often turn to basic obedience/manners courses. Scentwork classes, where dogs use their noses to find treats and odors, could be a potential alternative to these classes, because scentwork-based classes allow dogs to engage in the natural behavior of sniffing. The goal of this experimental study was to determine whether scentwork classes have a more positive impact on dog welfare, behavior, and the human-dog bond than basic obedience classes. Dogs and owners were randomly assigned to four-week long obedience or scentwork classes. Owners completed the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ), the Monash Dog Owner Relationship Scale (MDORS), and dogs participated in a judgment bias test before and after their assigned class. There were no significant differences between the groups in C-BARQ or MDORS scores on any scales nor was there a significant difference on the judgment bias test by group. Owners in the total sample and in the Obedience group reported a significant increase in trainability for their dogs, as measured by C-BARQ, from pre- to post-measures whereas owners in the Scentwork group reported a significant increase in C-BARQ hyperactivity for their dogs. Judgment bias test scores improved significantly for the total sample and the Obedience group. There was a significant association between training class and the owners’ perception of their dogs’ quality of life such that owners with dogs in the scentwork classes reported their dogs’ quality of life had improved. These findings suggest that positive training in general might increase positive judgement bias and thus the welfare of dogs, although obedience classes might have more general improvements for training. Although more research is needed to further explore specific potential benefits of scentwork training, the results of this study suggest that dogs participating in scentwork classes are likely to enjoy similar benefits as dogs in other positive reinforcement group courses, giving owners more options for classes based on their individual dogs’ needs and interests.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"297 ","pages":"Article 106924"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146034527","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-19DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2026.106928
Justine Fam , Lily Peng , Michael D. Kendig
National animal ethics policies and institutional guidelines require animal research to align with the ‘3Rs’ principles of replacement, reduction and refinement. Re-using animals across experiments is one cost-effective method of reducing animal use that is particularly viable for behavioural experiments, which tend to be lower in impact. However, there has been little research assessing whether learning and memory are altered in re-used rats with prior experience in behavioural tests. This study assessed whether previous exposure to Pavlovian conditioning or object recognition memory tests altered subsequent learning and memory in adult Long-Evans rats. Experiments 1 and 2 showed that relative to naïve controls, rats with previous exposure to fear conditioning did not differ in object recognition memory, and vice versa. Experiments 3 and 4 found that rats with previous exposure to appetitive conditioning of a tone-food association showed increased conditioned fear to a tone, relative to naïve controls, and vice versa. Experiment 5 found that in rats with previous exposure to fear conditioning, appetitive conditioning was enhanced when using a different auditory cue, and unaffected by extinction of the fear cue. Conversely, Experiment 6 found that in rats with previous exposure to appetitive conditioning, fear conditioning was not affected by extinction of the appetitive cue nor by use of a different cue. Finally, a pooled analysis indicated that the variance and stability of fear conditioning data were comparable in re-used and naïve animals. Results support the viability of animal re-use across behavioural experiments, but demonstrate that substituting a new stimulus alters future learning in distinct ways for appetitive and aversive tasks.
{"title":"Rats can be re-used across behavioural experiments: Implications for the 3Rs principle of ‘Reduction’","authors":"Justine Fam , Lily Peng , Michael D. Kendig","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2026.106928","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2026.106928","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>National animal ethics policies and institutional guidelines require animal research to align with the ‘3Rs’ principles of replacement, reduction and refinement. Re-using animals across experiments is one cost-effective method of reducing animal use that is particularly viable for behavioural experiments, which tend to be lower in impact. However, there has been little research assessing whether learning and memory are altered in re-used rats with prior experience in behavioural tests. This study assessed whether previous exposure to Pavlovian conditioning or object recognition memory tests altered subsequent learning and memory in adult Long-Evans rats. Experiments 1 and 2 showed that relative to naïve controls, rats with previous exposure to fear conditioning did not differ in object recognition memory, and <em>vice versa</em>. Experiments 3 and 4 found that rats with previous exposure to appetitive conditioning of a tone-food association showed increased conditioned fear to a tone, relative to naïve controls, and <em>vice versa</em>. Experiment 5 found that in rats with previous exposure to fear conditioning, appetitive conditioning was enhanced when using a different auditory cue, and unaffected by extinction of the fear cue. Conversely, Experiment 6 found that in rats with previous exposure to appetitive conditioning, fear conditioning was not affected by extinction of the appetitive cue nor by use of a different cue. Finally, a pooled analysis indicated that the variance and stability of fear conditioning data were comparable in re-used and naïve animals. Results support the viability of animal re-use across behavioural experiments, but demonstrate that substituting a new stimulus alters future learning in distinct ways for appetitive and aversive tasks.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"297 ","pages":"Article 106928"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146034529","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-19DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2026.106926
Fiene Steinbrecher , Eluned C. Price , Claudia A.F. Wascher , Fay E. Clark , Jacob C. Dunn
Anthropogenic activity is increasingly disturbing wildlife, leading to negative impacts on species welfare and conservation. Despite this, very few studies have investigated how the different components of anthropogenic activity (including visual, acoustic, or other components) differentially affect animals. Such studies are important to better understand what animals may perceive as aversive in order to improve, not only captive management and welfare, but also wild management. This study aimed to disentangle the impacts of the visual and acoustic components of two different anthropogenic stimuli (zoo visitors and construction activity) on the critically endangered pied tamarin (Saguinus bicolor). We exposed 12 pair-housed pied tamarins at Jersey Zoo to either no stimuli (baseline), individual components (visual or acoustic stimuli only), or combinations of components (54 trials in total). We found that pied tamarins varied in their responses to the two different stimuli and to their different components, especially when presented in isolation. Visitor visual and visitor acoustic components presented in isolation led to increased vigilance. The combined presentation of visitor components weakened responses, indicating that simultaneous exposure to visual and auditory cues may provide more perceptual context to the primates. In contrast, construction noise caused a significant decrease in environmental engagement (indicated by decreased foraging and increased retreat behaviour). These findings emphasize the importance of understanding how animals respond to different sensory components of stimuli to improve captive management practices, enhance welfare, and ultimately help the conservation of endangered species.
{"title":"Disentangling anthropogenic stimuli: Visual and acoustic components differentially impact captive pied tamarin behaviour","authors":"Fiene Steinbrecher , Eluned C. Price , Claudia A.F. Wascher , Fay E. Clark , Jacob C. Dunn","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2026.106926","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2026.106926","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Anthropogenic activity is increasingly disturbing wildlife, leading to negative impacts on species welfare and conservation. Despite this, very few studies have investigated how the different components of anthropogenic activity (including visual, acoustic, or other components) differentially affect animals. Such studies are important to better understand what animals may perceive as aversive in order to improve, not only captive management and welfare, but also wild management. This study aimed to disentangle the impacts of the visual and acoustic components of two different anthropogenic stimuli (zoo visitors and construction activity) on the critically endangered pied tamarin (<em>Saguinus bicolor</em>). We exposed 12 pair-housed pied tamarins at Jersey Zoo to either no stimuli (baseline), individual components (visual or acoustic stimuli only), or combinations of components (54 trials in total). We found that pied tamarins varied in their responses to the two different stimuli and to their different components, especially when presented in isolation. Visitor visual and visitor acoustic components presented in isolation led to increased vigilance. The combined presentation of visitor components weakened responses, indicating that simultaneous exposure to visual and auditory cues may provide more perceptual context to the primates. In contrast, construction noise caused a significant decrease in environmental engagement (indicated by decreased foraging and increased retreat behaviour). These findings emphasize the importance of understanding how animals respond to different sensory components of stimuli to improve captive management practices, enhance welfare, and ultimately help the conservation of endangered species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"298 ","pages":"Article 106926"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146071116","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-19DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2026.106927
Rimini Quinn , Sophie Masters , Melissa Starling , Sanaa Zaki , Kathryn Mills , Peter White , Peter Thomson , Christine Arhant , Paul McGreevy
Dogs have a strong motivation to chew that reflects the behaviour’s putative biological function, yet time spent performing this behaviour is often lower in companion domestic dogs than their free-ranging counterparts. The factors that reduce or prevent chewing behaviour in companion dogs are poorly understood, as is the type and variety of chewable substrates provided. To fill these knowledge gaps, we developed an online survey for dog carers. The survey was designed to reveal how demographic, environmental and morphotypic variables influence chew opportunities for companion dogs. Complete responses were gathered from 655 dog carers, 96.6 % of whom provided chews for their dogs. The reported median chew rate (total mins/day) for dogs in this study was 6.9 min per day with a mean of 20.9 min per day. Variables identified as risk factors for relatively lower chew rate were advancing dog age and single-dog households. Relatively lower chew provision occurred with low dog body weight, and having young carers (18–25 years old) compared to the highest provision (97 %) by carers 36–55-years old. The reported barriers to carers providing hard bones to dogs were ‘too messy and smelly’ (p = 0.001; No: 0.68 ± 0.062 mins/day; Yes: 0.24 ± 0.107 mins/day)(mean ± SD), ‘I'm concerned about the impact on my dog's teeth’ (p < 0.001; No: 0.76 ± 0.068 mins/day; Yes: 0.19 ± 0.082 mins/day), and ‘my vet or breeder said not to’ (p = 0.001; No: 0.67 ± 0.061 mins/day; Yes: 0.19 ± 0.118 mins/day). Other significant barriers to offering chew substrates in general occurred in the high chew group and so did not impact chew rates (‘no particular reason’, ‘they cost too much’, ‘I’m concerned about the impacts on my dog’s general health’). Dogs living mostly indoors were less likely to be offered bones while living with children in the household was associated with reduced likelihood of offering dried or fresh animal products (Dried; p < 0.01) and objects filled with food (Filled; p = 0.01). These risk factors for less than average chewing opportunity may help to identify dogs in need of improved access to chewable substrates. Assisting to remediate such individuals’ chew opportunities can improve their health and welfare.
{"title":"Cross sectional survey: Owner-reported influences on dogs’ opportunities to chew","authors":"Rimini Quinn , Sophie Masters , Melissa Starling , Sanaa Zaki , Kathryn Mills , Peter White , Peter Thomson , Christine Arhant , Paul McGreevy","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2026.106927","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2026.106927","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Dogs have a strong motivation to chew that reflects the behaviour’s putative biological function, yet time spent performing this behaviour is often lower in companion domestic dogs than their free-ranging counterparts. The factors that reduce or prevent chewing behaviour in companion dogs are poorly understood, as is the type and variety of chewable substrates provided. To fill these knowledge gaps, we developed an online survey for dog carers. The survey was designed to reveal how demographic, environmental and morphotypic variables influence chew opportunities for companion dogs. Complete responses were gathered from 655 dog carers, 96.6 % of whom provided chews for their dogs. The reported median chew rate (total mins/day) for dogs in this study was 6.9 min per day with a mean of 20.9 min per day. Variables identified as risk factors for relatively lower chew rate were advancing dog age and single-dog households. Relatively lower chew provision occurred with low dog body weight, and having young carers (18–25 years old) compared to the highest provision (97 %) by carers 36–55-years old. The reported barriers to carers providing hard bones to dogs were ‘too messy and smelly’ (p = 0.001; No: 0.68 ± 0.062 mins/day; Yes: 0.24 ± 0.107 mins/day)(mean ± SD), ‘I'm concerned about the impact on my dog's teeth’ (p < 0.001; No: 0.76 ± 0.068 mins/day; Yes: 0.19 ± 0.082 mins/day), and ‘my vet or breeder said not to’ (p = 0.001; No: 0.67 ± 0.061 mins/day; Yes: 0.19 ± 0.118 mins/day). Other significant barriers to offering chew substrates in general occurred in the high chew group and so did not impact chew rates (‘no particular reason’, ‘they cost too much’, ‘I’m concerned about the impacts on my dog’s general health’). Dogs living mostly indoors were less likely to be offered bones while living with children in the household was associated with reduced likelihood of offering dried or fresh animal products (<em>Dried</em>; p < 0.01) and objects filled with food (<em>Filled</em>; p = 0.01). These risk factors for less than average chewing opportunity may help to identify dogs in need of improved access to chewable substrates. Assisting to remediate such individuals’ chew opportunities can improve their health and welfare.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"297 ","pages":"Article 106927"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146034524","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-11DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2026.106922
Dennis C. Turner
There are a number of conflicting interests potentially affecting the future of cat-human companionship, most importantly housing regulations - including restrictions on presence and outdoor access for the cats, conservation of wildlife and biodiversity, and personal and public health. In this text I have attempted a fair appraisal of the arguments on each issue and suggest potential solutions. Depending on how open each side of a potential conflict is to the factual arguments and suggested solutions, I view the future of cat-human companionship positively or negatively. Further, there are a number of new research areas which, if pursued, will help us better understand cat behaviour and the cat-human relationship.
{"title":"The future of cat-human companionship","authors":"Dennis C. Turner","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2026.106922","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2026.106922","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>There are a number of conflicting interests potentially affecting the future of cat-human companionship, most importantly housing regulations - including restrictions on presence and outdoor access for the cats, conservation of wildlife and biodiversity, and personal and public health. In this text I have attempted a fair appraisal of the arguments on each issue and suggest potential solutions. Depending on how open each side of a potential conflict is to the factual arguments and suggested solutions, I view the future of cat-human companionship positively or negatively. Further, there are a number of new research areas which, if pursued, will help us better understand cat behaviour and the cat-human relationship.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"297 ","pages":"Article 106922"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146034526","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The morphological features of facial musculature enable mammals to produce facial expressions as part of their responses to various stimuli. Dogs are among the most suitable animals for analyzing facial expressions due to their expressiveness, ease of recording, and social and veterinary importance. In the present study, we aimed to identify dogs’ facial expressions in response to rewarding stimuli. Owners of the pet dog subjects recorded the subjects’ facial expressions under three conditions at home. In the food and non-food conditions, the subjects were given a sit-and-stay command and then presented with either their preferred food or non-food stimulus, respectively. In the control condition, the subjects were given the same command, but no stimulus followed. Their facial expressions were coded using DogFACS. We found that both the male and female subjects showed increased AU25 (lips part), AU26 (jaw drop), AD19 (tongue show), and EAD102 (ears adductor) in both the food and non-food conditions, suggesting that dogs show these action units in response to rewarding stimuli. We also found sex differences in facial action unit changes. Specifically, the male subjects additionally showed increased AU109 + 110 (nose wrinkle & upper lip raiser), AU116 (lower lip depressor), AD37 (lip wipe), and AD137 (nose lick) in both conditions. In addition, while the male subjects consistently showed the changes throughout the test period, changes in the female subjects were primarily observed during the first half of the test. Taken together, the present study provides insights into how rewarding stimuli influence dogs’ facial expressions.
{"title":"Identification of facial expressions in response to rewarding stimuli in dogs","authors":"Yasushi Kiyokawa , Kento Kawakita , Yukihiro Miwa , Ryoko Yamada , Yoshitaka Kobayashi","doi":"10.1016/j.applanim.2026.106921","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.applanim.2026.106921","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The morphological features of facial musculature enable mammals to produce facial expressions as part of their responses to various stimuli. Dogs are among the most suitable animals for analyzing facial expressions due to their expressiveness, ease of recording, and social and veterinary importance. In the present study, we aimed to identify dogs’ facial expressions in response to rewarding stimuli. Owners of the pet dog subjects recorded the subjects’ facial expressions under three conditions at home. In the food and non-food conditions, the subjects were given a sit-and-stay command and then presented with either their preferred food or non-food stimulus, respectively. In the control condition, the subjects were given the same command, but no stimulus followed. Their facial expressions were coded using DogFACS. We found that both the male and female subjects showed increased AU25 (lips part), AU26 (jaw drop), AD19 (tongue show), and EAD102 (ears adductor) in both the food and non-food conditions, suggesting that dogs show these action units in response to rewarding stimuli. We also found sex differences in facial action unit changes. Specifically, the male subjects additionally showed increased AU109 + 110 (nose wrinkle & upper lip raiser), AU116 (lower lip depressor), AD37 (lip wipe), and AD137 (nose lick) in both conditions. In addition, while the male subjects consistently showed the changes throughout the test period, changes in the female subjects were primarily observed during the first half of the test. Taken together, the present study provides insights into how rewarding stimuli influence dogs’ facial expressions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8222,"journal":{"name":"Applied Animal Behaviour Science","volume":"297 ","pages":"Article 106921"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145922500","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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