Introduction to Ethology and Animal Welfare PDF

ZOOT 1 100 – Principles of Animal Production and Economics Introduction to Ethology and Animal Welfare Elfren F. Celestino Jr., DVSM, PhD Topic Overview Introduction Classical Ethology and Innate Behaviors Behavior Genetics Learning Habituation...

ZOOT 1 100 – Principles of Animal Production and Economics Introduction to Ethology and Animal Welfare Elfren F. Celestino Jr., DVSM, PhD Topic Overview Introduction Classical Ethology and Innate Behaviors Behavior Genetics Learning Habituation Sensitization Associative Learning Latent Learning Insight Learning Imprinting Topic Overview Social Behavior Communication Dominance Hierarchies Territoriality Sexual Behavior and Reproduction Play Ethics and Animal Welfare Five Freedoms Ethical Issues and Concerns Animal Welfare Act INTRODUCTION Introduction Ethology the science of animal and comparative behavior focuses on innate, species-typical behaviors seen in nature and on how these behaviors adapt animals to their environment includes evolutionary history of behaviors Behavior Genetics concerned with the relationships between genes and behavior Experimental or Comparative Psychology focus principally on learned behaviors (behaviors acquired or modified by previous experiences Introduction Behavioral Ecology focuses on the evolution of adaptive behavior in relation to the environment; utilizes theories and techniques from both classical ethology and ecology; studies the dynamics of behavior in populations of animals, in particular, behavioral differences between individuals of the same species (or between populations of different species) Classical Ethology concentrate on individuals or small groups Introduction Neurobiology explain the mechanisms of behavior in terms of structure and functions of the nervous system Neuroethology concentrates on neural mechanisms that underlie species-typical behaviors (as observed in nature) ETHOLOGY Classical Ethology Classical Ethology and Innate Behaviors Communication in Bees “dance” of honeybees – an intricate behavior that allows bees to communicate the location of a food source to other bees in the hive; performs the dance on a vertical surface of the comb moves in a figure 8, the two loops sharing a “straight run”; during the straight run the bee waggles its abdomen the movements communicate the direction and distance of the food source from the hive responses to environmental stimuli: gravitational pull and the direction of the sun Classical Ethology Classical Ethology and Innate Behaviors Fixed Action Patterns in Vertebrae neither a simple reflex nor a volitional behavior consist of a series of actions triggered by a key stimulus; the pattern will go to completion even if the stimulus is removed predictable series of actions triggered by a cue egg rolling in water fowl ❖ when an egg is removed from the nest of an incubating goose and placed a few inches in front of herm she will reach out with her neck and pull the egg back in to the nest Classical Ethology Classical Ethology and Innate Behaviors Fixed Action Patterns in Vertebrae Classical Ethology Sign Stimulus – any stimulus that elicits a FAP Super sign stimulus – strongly exaggerated sign stimulus, will trigger a response way stronger than normal ❖ e.g. choosing of larger (artificial egg to incubate rather than normal egg Classical Ethology Redirected behavior – has centered on aggression, which when not expressed at the cause of aggressive drive, is redirected at another animal or at an inanimate object ❖ e.g. an animal which has been attacked by the dominant individual it its social group may not attack back (due to the possibility of stimulating a more severe attack by the dominant) but may instead redirect its aggression to other, less-dominant, members of the social group Classical Ethology Displacement behavior – usually thought of as self- grooming, touching, or scratching, which is displayed when an animal has a conflict between two drives, such as the desire to approach an object, while at the same time being fearful of that object. ❖ self-directed behavior – indicator of anxiety Research on animal welfare has used displacement behavior as a measure of anxiety induced by captivity or other manipulations. The effectiveness of interventions intended to ameliorate the effects of captivity on animals may be measured by reductions in self directed behaviors. Classical Ethology Ritualization – describe how certain innate behaviors evolved into signals so that they function in communication ❖ e.g. tugging at an object in sea gulls (during feeding vs courtship) ❖ ritualized behavior patterns tend to vary in intensity Behavior Genetics relate specific behaviors to specific genes or groups of genes Behavior Genetics Nature vs Nurture Heritability – a measure that compares the amount of phenotypic variability that is due strictly to the variations in genes with the total amount of phenotypic variability in the population Learning 1. Habituation – the diminishing of a physiological or emotional response to a frequently repeated stimulus form of non-associative learning in which an innate (non-reinforced) response to a stimulus decreases after repeated or prolonged presentations of that stimulus e.g. diminished reaction in snail after repeated tapping Learning 2. Sensitization – a non-associative learning process in which repeated administration of a stimulus results in the progressive amplification of a response characterized by an enhancement of response to a whole class of stimuli in addition to the one that is repeated Learning 3. Associative Learning – the process by which a person or animal learns an association between two stimuli or events Classical Conditioning – a normal response to a stimulus becomes associated with a new stimulus, which then is also capable of eliciting the response ❖ (un)conditioned stimulus vs (un)conditioned response Operant Conditioning – instrumental conditioning; trial and error learning; the sequence of events is contingent upon the behavior of the animal ❖ reward vs punishment Learning 4. Latent Learning- exploratory learning; an animal stores information about its environment that later can influence its behavior Learning 5. Insight Learning – the intuitive (insightful) solution to a problem; most difficult type of learning to demonstrate conclusively in animals. Aha experience – one “sees the light”; solves a problem through insight only when it recognizes the relationships, causes and effects of a particular contingency or occurrence Learning 6. Imprinting - a form of learning in which a very young animal fixes its attention on the first object with which it has visual, auditory, or tactile experience and thereafter follows that object. Social Behavior involves adaptive interactions among animals, especially among embers of the same species Communication – exchanges of mutually recognizable signals; occurs when an animal performs an act that changes the behavior of another organism; purpose includes: hold group together warn a group of danger indicate social status solicit or indicate willingness to provide care identify members of the same species indicate sexual maturity Signals are often transmitted involuntarily as an accompaniment of physiological state of the organism. Social Behavior Modes of Communication Pheromone – secreted chemical signal used to trigger a response in another individual of the same species; purpose: attract opposite sex, raise an alarm, mark a food trail, or trigger other, more complex behavior Social Behavior Modes of Communication Four types of Pheromones Releaser – elicit an immediate response, and the response is rapid and reliable; usually linked to sexual attraction Primer – takes longer to get a response; affect over time endocrine or neuroendocrine systems related to reproductive physiology or development Signaler – provide information regarding the individual Modulator – can either alter or synchronize bodily functions; affect mood and emotion Social Behavior Modes of Communication Auditory communication – communication based on sound Visual communication – signals that can be seen, e.g. facial expression, gestures, facial expressions, body postures, and coloration Tactile communication – limited in range; play an important role in social relationships, e.g. grooming; reinforces cooperation and social bonds among group members; play a role in the survival of very young organisms Social Behavior Dominance Hierarchies a form of animal social structure in which a linear or nearly linear ranking exists, with each animal dominant over those below it and submissive to those above it in the hierarchy in birds, notably chickens (in which the term peck order or peck right is often applied) Matriarchy – system of society ruled by a female Patriarchy - system of society ruled by a male Social Behavior Territoriality a type of intraspecific or interspecific competition that results from the behavioral exclusion of others from a specific space that is defended as territory adaptive; tends to reduce conflict, control population growth, and ensure the most efficient use of environmental resources by encouraging dispersion and spacing organisms more or less evenly throughout a habitat related to the specific life-style of the organism, especially to its reproductive success Social Behavior Sexual Behavior and Reproduction sex act is adaptive; promotes the welfare of the species requires cooperation, the temporary suppression of aggressive behavior, and a system of communication has important role in natural selection courtship ensures that the male is a member of the same species, and provides the female the opportunity to evaluate the quality of the male; provides signal to trigger nest building or ovulation Social Behavior Sexual Behavior and Reproduction pair bond – a stable relationship between animals of the opposite sex that ensures cooperative behavior in mating and rearing of the young Social Behavior Sexual Behavior and Reproduction care of the young – component of successful reproduction; requires a parental investment; increased survival of the offspring but with a reduction in the number of offspring that can be produced ❖ both parents and relatives (in a group) can help in rearing, includes providing food and protection Social Behavior Play in young animals, means of practicing adult patterns of behavior and perfecting means of escape, prey killing, and even sexual conduct ANIMAL WELFARE Ethics A branch of philosophy which is concerned with the morality of an individual’s actions. Ideas of Morality It is possible for one’s actions to be morally justified even if the consequences of these actions do harm. Other people may behave in a manner which others may consider immoral in order to achieve a morally desirable objective. Ethics Utilitarianism – is the proposition that the moral worth of an action is solely determined by its contribution to overall utility. “The questions is not, can they reason? Nor, can they talk? But, can they suffer” Utilitarianism advocates ❖ harm done to a small number of individuals is justified if a larger number of individuals of the same species benefits. Ethics Immanuel Kant, late 18th century ❖ “Counter-utilitarian” idea ❖ the act itself, to be moral, must have a pure intention behind it, regardless of the final consequences. ❖ right of an individual rather than the overall benefits to many ❖ Animal Welfare Ethics Animals Rights Singer, 1995 ❖ to avoid speciesism we must allow that beings who are similar in all relevant respects have a similar right to life... ❖ the life of an animal that is self-aware, capable of abstract thought, of planning for the future and of complex acts of communication is more valuable than the life of an animal without these capacities. ❖ ‘Equal consideration of interests’ Ethics Mirror test Red spot test or mark test The ability to solve complex problems. Capacity to recognize one’s self: to be self-aware Ethics Five main ethical theories of animal use are Contractarian – what matters is relative cost and benefit to us alone, treating animals well can serve us well. Utilitarian – sentience is morally relevant so costs and benefits to people and animals must be weighed up; greatest good for the greatest number overall Respect for nature – consequences for species not individuals Ethics Five main ethical theories of animal use are Animal Rights – animals’ intrinsic value as subjects of a life confers the right to direct own lives and not be killed or used as a means to an end. This in turn obliges us to respect that right. Relational (Care Ethics) – mutually beneficial relationship – animals depend on us for food etc, and in return we use their products. Their dependence on us as caregivers obliges us to treat our animals well. Ethics Main ethical theories Obligation-based theories – known as deontological theories from the Greek word ‘deontos’, which means obligation. Consequentialist theories - animals may be used as a means to an end; the animal’s value lies only in the consequences of its use Animal Welfare Five Freedoms Freedom from hunger or thirst by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigor Freedom from discomfort by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area Freedom from pain, injury or disease by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment Freedom to express (most) normal behavior by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal's own kind Freedom from fear and distress by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering Animal Welfare Issues and Concerns in animal breeding in livestock and poultry product production in controlling infectious diseases in use of animals in research Animal Welfare Common ethical concerns in farming and eating animals farming / slaughter harms animals the food given to farm animals could feed many people instead animal products are bad for human health feeding and keeping animals, and subsequent distribution of their products, cause environmental damage religious reasons – personal purity Animal Welfare Controlling infectious diseases from wildlife (applying ethical theories) Contractarian: costs and benefits to humans Utilitarianism: consider vectors’ suffering too (e.g. rats) Rights: prove the need to kill the rats in each case Relational: no problem as no mutual relationship Respect for nature: not clear. avoid poison. Animal Welfare Controlling infectious diseases ( esp. zoonotic) (applying ethical theories) Contractarian: costs and benefits to humans Utilitarianism: consider animal suffering too Rights: minimize number culled Relational: minimize number culled Animal Welfare Use of Animals in Research Contractarian: set animal welfare standards to allay public concern and maximize benefits to people Utilitarian: animal welfare of major concern ❖ 3Rs: replace, reduce, refine ❖ use can only be justified if the benefit to people outweighs the cost paid by the animals Animal Welfare Use of Animals in Research Any researcher planning to use animals in their research must first show why there is no alternative and what will be done to minimize numbers and suffering, ie: Replace the use of animals with alternative techniques, or avoid the use of animals altogether. Reduce the number of animals used to a minimum, to obtain information from fewer animals or more information from the same number of animals. Refine the way experiments are carried out, to make sure animals suffer as little as possible. Animal Welfare Use of Animals in Research Rights: does experimentation respect the animal’s rights and preserve his/her dignity? ❖ right not be killed and not to be used as a means to an end - no animal testing even if any harm is minor or right to be protected from certain uses e.g. extreme pain, but other uses permissible Animal Welfare Broadly, the compromise policy has three elements: The research question must be of vital importance. There is no other way to study the issue except by using animals. The animals should not have to suffer more than the experiment requires, e.g. they should have enriched housing unless that would confound the results. Animal Welfare RA No. 8485 - THE ANIMAL WELFARE ACT OF 1998 (RA 10631 - AN ACT AMENDING CERTAIN SECTIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8485) Sec 1. It is the purpose of this Act to protect and promote the welfare of all terrestrial, aquatic and marine animals in the Philippines by supervising and regulating the establishment and operations of all facilities utilized for breeding, maintaining, keeping, treating or training of all animals either as objects of trade or as household pets. For purposes of this Act, pet animal shall include birds. Animal Welfare RA No. 8485 - THE ANIMAL WELFARE ACT OF 1998 (RA 10631 - AN ACT AMENDING CERTAIN SECTIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8485) “For purposes of this Act, animal welfare pertains to the physical and psychological well-being of animals. It includes, but not limited to, the avoidance of abuse, maltreatment, cruelty and exploitation of animals by humans by maintaining appropriate standards of accommodation, feeding and general care, the prevention and treatment of disease and the assurance of freedom from fear, distress, harassment, and unnecessary discomfort and pain, and allowing animals to express normal behavior.” Animal Welfare RA No. 8485 - THE ANIMAL WELFARE ACT OF 1998 (RA 10631 - AN ACT AMENDING CERTAIN SECTIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8485) Sec. 4. It shall be the duty of any owner or operator of any land, air or water public utility transporting pet, wildlife and all other animals to provide in all cases adequate, clean and sanitary facilities for the safe conveyance and delivery thereof to their consignee at the place of consignment. They shall provide sufficient food and water for such animals while in transit for more than twelve (12) hours or whenever necessary. Animal Welfare RA No. 8485 - THE ANIMAL WELFARE ACT OF 1998 (RA 10631 - AN ACT AMENDING CERTAIN SECTIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8485) Sec. 6. It shall be unlawful for any person to torture any animal, to neglect to provide adequate care, sustenance or shelter, or maltreat any animal or to subject any dog or horse to dogfights or horsefights, kill or cause or procure to be tortured or deprived of adequate care, sustenance or shelter, or maltreat or use the same in research or experiments not expressly authorized by the Committee on Animal Welfare. Animal Welfare RA No. 8485 - THE ANIMAL WELFARE ACT OF 1998 (RA 10631 - AN ACT AMENDING CERTAIN SECTIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8485) The killing of any animal other than cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, poultry, rabbits, carabaos, and horses, is likewise hereby declared unlawful except in the following instances: Animal Welfare RA No. 8485 - THE ANIMAL WELFARE ACT OF 1998 (RA 10631 - AN ACT AMENDING CERTAIN SECTIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8485) Sec. 7. It shall be unlawful for any person who has custody of an animal to abandon the animal. “Abandonment means the relinquishment of all right, title, claim, or possession of the animal with the intention of not reclaiming it or resuming its ownership or possession.” Animal Welfare RA No. 8485 - THE ANIMAL WELFARE ACT OF 1998 (RA 10631 - AN ACT AMENDING CERTAIN SECTIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8485) The killing of any animal - unlawful except in the following instances: (1) When it is done as part of the religious rituals of an established religion or sect or a ritual required by tribal or ethnic custom of indigenous cultural communities; however, leaders shall keep records in cooperation with the Committee on Animal Welfare; (2) When the pet animal is afflicted with an incurable communicable disease as determined and certified by a duly licensed veterinarian; (3) When the killing is deemed necessary to put an end to the misery suffered by the animal as determined and certified by a duly licensed veterinarian; Animal Welfare RA No. 8485 - THE ANIMAL WELFARE ACT OF 1998 (RA 10631 - AN ACT AMENDING CERTAIN SECTIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8485) The killing of any animal - unlawful except in the following instances: (4) When it is done to prevent an imminent danger to the life or limb of a human being; and (5) When done for the purpose of animal population control; (6) When the animal is killed after it has been used in authorized research or experiments; and (7) Any other ground analogous to the foregoing as determined and certified by a licensed veterinarian. Thank you..