Animal Behavior / Welfare L3

Domestication

Where we draw the line between natural selection & artificial selection

Domestication Goal

to meet human specific requirements

Domestication vs Taming

Domestication is for generations vs Taming is for lifetime

Feral

Animals that are have been placed or escaped an environment they don’t belong, they become wild

Wild vs Feral

Wild is meant to live there vs Feral is not

Isolation vs Non-Isolation

Animals isolated are more socially stunted

Sensitive Phase

Time at which a small amount of experience can have a major effect on later behavior (critical period)

Feline Gene Effect Example

“A” oxytocin = aggressive

Feline Color Effect Examp;e

Female orange, black white, grey white = human aggressive

Canine Breed Difference Examples

Border Collie best for pointing

Basenji ignore punishment

Beagles correction actions

Cocker spaniels excel in learning

Shelties do not excel in learning

Canine Heritability Examples

Golden retrievers aggression

Police GSD hyperactivity and impulsivity

Equine Breed Difference Examples

Quarter horses are faster learner than thoroughbed E

Equine Coat Difference Example

Tennessee walking horses more likely for separation anxiety vs black mares

Bovine Breed Difference Examples

Angus more maternal protective than Simmental

Hair Whorls Difference

Lower whorls = calmer

Porcine Breed Difference Examples

Yorkshire’s more aggressive than Berkshires

Male Hampshires more dominant than male durocs

Landrace likely to have lower libido

Porcine Heritability Examples

Savaging highly heritable

Ovine Breed Difference Example

Forest breeds closer than mount breeds

Merino sheep abandon more than Dorset or Romney

Tunis more docile