animal welfare

Animal Welfare

The physical and psychological state of an animal as it attempts to cope with its environment.

Change in Welfare

Leads to changes in physiological states and measurable physiological responses.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Comprises the Sympathetic Adrenal Medullary system (SAM) and the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS).

Sympathetic Adrenal Medullary system (SAM)

Activated by the CNS, stimulating adrenal medulla to release catecholamines, increasing cardiac output, blood flow, and air intake.

Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS)

Regulates and counters the SAM system, reducing cardiac output and heart rate.

Tachycardia

A physiological response characterized by increased heart rate.

Bradycardia

A physiological response characterized by decreased heart rate.

Heart Rate Measure

Indicates welfare at that point in time; increases and decreases can signify animal stress responses.

Blood Pressure

A chronic measure of welfare change, with increases associated with stress and aggression.

Respiratory Rate

An easy-to-observe measure closely correlated with heart rate, indicating an animal's state.

Catecholamines

Hormones released in response to stress or stimulation, important for measuring acute stress responses.

Adrenal Habituation

A chronic assessment indicating reduced responsiveness to repeated stimuli.

HPA Axis

A key neuroendocrine pathway that mediates stress response and mobilizes energy stores.

Glucocorticoids

Hormones such as cortisol and corticosterone that are useful direct measures of stress.

ACTH

Adrenocorticotropic hormone, an acute indicator of stress response from the anterior pituitary.

Stereotypies

Repetitive abnormal behaviors that indicate poor welfare, often observed in restrictive environments.

Behavioral Indicators of Poor Welfare

Signs such as limited activity, panting, shivering, abnormal fear or aggression, and stereotypies.

Temperature Measurement

An acute welfare measure indicating changes due to stress or physiological state.

Opioids

Endorphins, enkephalins, and dynorphins that function in stress-induced analgesia and hormonal control.

Learning Objectives in Welfare Science

Understanding factors influencing behavior and the role of behavioral indicators in assessing animal welfare.

Normal Animal Behavior

Indicators include alertness, curiosity, activity range, interaction with others, and play.

Behavioral Observation

A method for assessing welfare by looking at time allocation and behavior in different environments.