Rapid animal welfare assessment : an archaeological approach

Schork, I; Young, RJ

Abstract

The welfare of an individual depends on its capacity to overcome suboptimal
conditions in its environment; otherwise, its physical and psychological
health becomes compromised. A situation that clearly indicates lack of control
of the environment is the expression of abnormal behaviours, such as stereotypies.
This study aimed to verify the well-being of police horses using a
new rapid form of welfare assessment: an archaeological approach. To this
end, we sampled and quantified marks found on the stables, deposited as a
result of abnormal behaviour. We cross-referenced these physical marks
with veterinary records of diseases, such as colic, known to be associated
with stress. A total of 46 horseswere sampled and the results showed a significant
medium-strength, positive correlation between bite mark frequency on
stable doors and the incidence of colic. Aweak significant positive correlation
was found between length of scratch marks (from pawing) and the incidence
of lameness.We conclude that these marks reflect the accumulated expression
of abnormal behaviour and can provide rapid insight into the welfare of
individual animals.

Citation

Schork, I., & Young, R. (2014). Rapid animal welfare assessment : an archaeological approach. Biology Letters, 10, 20140390. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2014.0390

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 13, 2014
• Online Publication Date: Sep 1, 2014
• Publication Date: Sep 1, 2014
• Deposit Date: Jan 20, 2015
• Journal: Biology Letters
• Publisher: The Royal Society
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 10
• Pages: 20140390
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2014.0390
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2014.0390
• Related Public URLs: http://rsbl.royalsocietypublishing.org/
• Additional Information: Funders : CAPES;CNPq;FAPEMIG