From: IN%"rushenj@EM.AGR.CA" "Jeff Rushen" 16-OCT-1997 07:22:43.95 To: IN%"applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca" CC: IN%"stookey@sask.usask.ca" Subj: important message Apparently, there are still problems on a-e and Joe asked me to say something over the net so that he can check who is receiving what etc. So........um........well, how you then? Nice day isn't it?.. ......................ahh..........a bit cold here actually........hasn't snowed yet......uhhhhh........ummmmmmm................is that enough Joe? From: IN%"dmills@dmu.ac.uk" "Daniel Mills" 17-OCT-1997 03:32:35.15 To: IN%"applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca" CC: IN%"joseph.garner@new.oxford.ac.uk" "Joe Garner .", IN%"jon.cooper@zoology.oxford.ac.uk" "Jonathan Cooper" Subj: Looking for Feldman Does anyone know how / where I can contact R.S. Feldman, or locate a copy of his 1978 paper: Feldman R.S. (1978) Environmental and physiological determinants of fixated behaviour in mammals. In: Proceedings of the 1st World Congress on Ethology Applied to Zootechnics. Ed. Garsi pp487-493 From: IN%"Frank.Odberg@rug.ac.be" "Frank Odberg" 17-OCT-1997 08:58:24.80 To: IN%"dmills@dmu.ac.uk" "Daniel Mills" CC: IN%"applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca", IN%"joseph.garner@new.oxford.ac.uk" "Joe Garner .", IN%"jon.cooper@zoology.oxford.ac.uk" "Jonathan Cooper" Subj: RE: Looking for Feldman Whoops! Reading again your message I realize you had the information. So I'll send a copy right away. Prof.Dr. Frank O. Odberg University of Ghent Dpt. of Animal Nutrition, Genetics, Production and Ethology Heidestraat 19 B-9820 Merelbeke Belgium tel: +32-(0)9-2647804 fax: 7849 From: IN%"Frank.Odberg@rug.ac.be" "Frank Odberg" 17-OCT-1997 08:58:24.83 To: IN%"dmills@dmu.ac.uk" "Daniel Mills" CC: IN%"applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca", IN%"joseph.garner@new.oxford.ac.uk" "Joe Garner .", IN%"jon.cooper@zoology.oxford.ac.uk" "Jonathan Cooper" Subj: RE: Looking for Feldman That text was Bob's contribution to a round-table I organized at the Ist World Congress on Ethology Applied to Zootechnics, Madrid, 1978. You can find it in the proceedings from that meeting (edited by Garsi). If you can't locate it with this information, get in touch again and I will send you a copy of all the papers from that round table (Feldman, Randrup, Ewbank, Keiper, Odberg). Prof.Dr. Frank O. Odberg University of Ghent Dpt. of Animal Nutrition, Genetics, Production and Ethology Heidestraat 19 B-9820 Merelbeke Belgium tel: +32-(0)9-2647804 fax: 7849 On Thu, 16 Oct 1997, Daniel Mills wrote: > Does anyone know how / where I can contact R.S. Feldman, or locate a copy > of his 1978 paper: Feldman R.S. (1978) Environmental and physiological > determinants of fixated behaviour in mammals. In: Proceedings of the 1st > World Congress on Ethology Applied to Zootechnics. Ed. Garsi pp487-493 From: IN%"v8350@bealenet.com" 17-OCT-1997 18:28:58.71 To: IN%"Applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca" CC: Subj: Intro. Hello All, I am a wildlife rehabilitator in Virginia, about 60 miles south of Washington D.C. Squirrels, (eastern greys mostly), mice, and eastern cottontail rabbits are the main species I work with. Orphans: injured and fragile labor intensive individuals are my main focus. Designing housing to safely accomodate animals as they recover their physical abilities is one of the most interesting aspects; with squirrels particularly! I've had great difficulty finding information on the care of insectivore infants and on captive diets for injured adults. If anyone has experience, particularly with eastern moles, I would be very interested in hearing of it. Odd "rodentlike" species get referred here and I would like to give good care to these charming unrodents. Mary D. Smith e-mail: v8350@bealenet.com Address: 8418 Fredericksburg Tpke. Woodford, Va. 22580 U.S.A. Phone: 804-633-5070 From: IN%"mb0u5038@liverpool.ac.uk" "Lester, Gibbs...G" 17-OCT-1997 20:21:14.79 To: IN%"Applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca" CC: Subj: New to this. To whom and all it concerns. I guess this could be termed an introduction, it's more of a what I'm doing at present description. My name is Geoff Gibbs, and am at present reading marine biology at Liverpool Uni, located at the Port Erin (Isle of Man) campus. For my final year, my thesis will be based on behavioural responses to a range of abiotic and biotic conditions in intertidal fish spp. endemic to the I.O.M. Thus the ethology mail base will hopefully help me to an extent in my research. If anyone recieves this and is interested in this field of ethology, please do not hesitate to contact me. Ideas and thoughts could be swapped and developed. Alternativly if I can aid anyone with any field that is linked to the Isle of Man...I will do my best to help out. Please bare in mind that I am dyslexic, and that any grammatical or spelling errors are due to this. Yours faithfully. G Gibbs. From: IN%"reedd@cjnetworks.com" 18-OCT-1997 19:33:23.14 To: IN%"Applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca" "Ethology" CC: Subj: gerbil parental care To any- I have gerbils that just gave birth a few hours ago. I was just curious as to the normal behavior of the parents to the young. The female seems not so gental, and does not seem to let them feed(inleast not enough for me to see) and she seems to constantly groom their hairless little bodies w/o much regard to how hard she throws them around. The male seems to have no intrest in the babies, he does, however, keep re-arranging the nest they built a week ago(that the mother and her babies are not using) He does seem to want to behave the same around the female, nudging her as he does when he wants the female to "play". Thanks for any info MAREN DAVIS( @ From: IN%"uds-vete@salvador.edu.ar" "Dr. Leopoldo Estol" 18-OCT-1997 19:40:38.34 To: IN%"Applied-Ethology@sask.usask.ca" "Applied-Ethology" CC: Subj: Introduction from Argentina This is a multi-part message in MIME format. --Boundary_(ID_/9Z01l8zw0DennyZd2T8zQ) Content-type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-transfer-encoding: quoted-printable Hello all:=20 I'm usually a silent lurker on this list, but I finally felt compelled = to present myself to the network. My name is Leopoldo Estol, and my = nickname is Polo. I ask for patience in advance for some mistake in my = English and some grammatical wrong spelling. I am veterinarian with a = degree in public health ; I=92m the Director of a Veterinary School in = Argentina. Since aprox. 10 years ago, I am involved mainly in Animal Welfare but = also in Ethology issues ; I=92m the former Chairman of the Sud-American = Branch of the Animal Welfare, Well-being and Ethology Committee at the = World Veterinary Association. I guess that maybe I=92m the first = veterinary involved in this issues in my country, but I=92m sure that = really I=92m the first in have a Chair as Professor on Animal Welfare in = a Veterinary School here and to develop an Animal Welfare Program at the = National Service of Animal Health . My areas of primary interest are the education of the Animal Welfare, = the Ethology and the Ethic in both issues ; teaching to undergraduate = and sharing information with peers and general audience.=20 With my message, I wanted both not only to introduce myself but also see = if anyone has suggestions for my task. This is a extremely hard = challenge and I need help from every place and every person, so I hope = to find some in this group. Sorry for the long introduction Thank you J . --Boundary_(ID_/9Z01l8zw0DennyZd2T8zQ) Content-type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-transfer-encoding: quoted-printable

Hello all:

I'm usually a silent lurker on this list, but I finally felt = compelled to=20 present myself to the network. My name is Leopoldo Estol, and my = nickname is=20 Polo.  I ask for patience in advance for some mistake in my English = and=20 some grammatical wrong spelling. I am veterinarian with a degree in = public=20 health ; I’m the Director of a Veterinary School in = Argentina. 

Since aprox. 10 years ago, I am involved mainly in Animal Welfare but = also in=20 Ethology issues ; I’m the former Chairman of the Sud-American = Branch of=20 the Animal Welfare, Well-being and Ethology Committee at the World = Veterinary=20 Association. I guess that maybe I’m the first veterinary involved = in this=20 issues in my country, but I’m sure that  really I’m the = first=20 in have a Chair as Professor on Animal Welfare in a Veterinary School = here and=20 to develop an Animal Welfare Program at the National Service of Animal = Health=20 .

My areas of primary interest are the education of the Animal Welfare, = the=20 Ethology and the Ethic in both issues ; teaching to undergraduate and = sharing=20 information with peers and general audience.

With my message, I wanted both not only to introduce myself but also = see if=20 anyone has suggestions for my task. This is a extremely hard challenge = and I=20 need help from every place and every person, so I hope to find some in = this=20 group. Sorry for the long introduction

Thank you J .

 

 

--Boundary_(ID_/9Z01l8zw0DennyZd2T8zQ)-- From: IN%"v8350@bealenet.com" 19-OCT-1997 05:05:30.93 To: IN%"Applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca" CC: Subj: RE: gerbabes Maren, I've not worked with gerbils, but it does sound like the mother is nervous and stressed. With many rodents it would be better to remove the male to another cage while the babies are so young. With too much stress the mother can decide to eat the babies, or the male might. Also, it would be good if you put soft shredded tissues in with the mother and babies and drape a cloth over one end of the cage to give her some private quiet area. Having the cage itself in a quiet room without a lot of people coming and going is good too. The less the mother is disturbed, the more likely she will settle down and take care of them. Stress and distraction can really interfere with their maternal behaviour. Hope they do well! Mary From: IN%"uds-vete@salvador.edu.ar" "Dr. Leopoldo Estol" 19-OCT-1997 11:55:43.68 To: IN%"Applied-Ethology@sask.usask.ca" "Applied-Ethology" CC: Subj: canine ADN & human death This is a multi-part message in MIME format. --Boundary_(ID_UeOn092HkHKHoRo39SqA1A) Content-type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-transfer-encoding: quoted-printable Dear all=20 Thanks for all the answers to my question about canine investigation of = ADN in a human death in Argentina. I send a resume of the answers in the near future to the list. --Boundary_(ID_UeOn092HkHKHoRo39SqA1A) Content-type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-transfer-encoding: quoted-printable

Dear all

Thanks for all the answers to my question about canine investigation = of ADN=20 in a human death in Argentina.

I send a resume of the answers in the near future to the=20 list.

--Boundary_(ID_UeOn092HkHKHoRo39SqA1A)-- From: IN%"uds-vete@salvador.edu.ar" "Dr. Leopoldo Estol" 19-OCT-1997 11:55:53.18 To: IN%"Applied-Ethology@sask.usask.ca" "Applied-Ethology" CC: Subj: Sleep in bed with pets This is a multi-part message in MIME format. --Boundary_(ID_DGF6img28oPkKBOQgtjx0g) Content-type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-transfer-encoding: quoted-printable Hi pals : Where I can find information about people who has the habit of sleep in = the bed with pets ? Someone has made some research about this habit & risk in the field of = human-animal bond or pet=92s attachment ? Thanks Polo --Boundary_(ID_DGF6img28oPkKBOQgtjx0g) Content-type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-transfer-encoding: quoted-printable

Hi pals :

Where I can find information about people who has the habit of sleep = in the=20 bed with pets ?

Someone has made some research about this habit & risk in the = field of=20 human-animal bond or pet’s attachment ?

Thanks

Polo

--Boundary_(ID_DGF6img28oPkKBOQgtjx0g)-- From: IN%"geert.mondelaers@skynet.be" "Mondie" 19-OCT-1997 14:59:51.23 To: IN%"Applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca" CC: Subj: introduction This is a multi-part message in MIME format. --Boundary_(ID_mYkPbUiw5VwUvIqb7jDqYA) Content-type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-transfer-encoding: quoted-printable Hello everyone, My name is Ilse Rediers and I am a young belgian veterinarian. Because = of my high interest in ethology I want to be a part of this group. In my = last year of study I made a thesis on the effect of castration on the = behaviour of dogs and cats. One day I hope to be a part of a research group in applied ethology and = who knows maybe I can make this dream come true via this group. With kind regards, Ilse Rediers e-mail:geert.mondelaers@skynet.be --Boundary_(ID_mYkPbUiw5VwUvIqb7jDqYA) Content-type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-transfer-encoding: quoted-printable
Hello everyone,
 
My name is Ilse Rediers and I am a young belgian = veterinarian.=20 Because of my high interest in ethology I want to be a part of this = group. In my=20 last year of study I made a thesis on the effect of castration on the = behaviour=20 of dogs and cats.
One day  I hope to be a part of a research = group in=20 applied ethology and who knows maybe I can make this dream come true via = this=20 group.
 
With kind=20 regards,
 
Ilse Rediers
e-mail:geert.mondelaers= @skynet.be
--Boundary_(ID_mYkPbUiw5VwUvIqb7jDqYA)-- From: IN%"ElfDryadWz@aol.com" 19-OCT-1997 19:01:19.79 To: IN%"uds-vete@salvador.edu.ar", IN%"Applied-Ethology@sask.usask.ca" CC: Subj: RE: Sleep in bed with pets Hello, I am one of the mere "people"out there without a degree, but I sleep with my cat (she snoozes on my stomach). Many of my cat-owned friends sleep with their cats, also, and the result seems to be a happier, more affectionate cat. Now, whether that is actually the result, or in fact the cause, is up for debate. Paige Steadman From: IN%"ElfDryadWz@aol.com" 19-OCT-1997 19:02:37.66 To: IN%"uds-vete@salvador.edu.ar", IN%"Applied-Ethology@sask.usask.ca" CC: Subj: RE: Sleep in bed with pets Hello, I am one of the mere "people"out there without a degree, but I sleep with my cat (she snoozes on my stomach). Many of my cat-owned friends sleep with their cats, also, and the result seems to be a happier, more affectionate cat. Now, whether that is actually the result, or in fact the cause, is up for debate. Paige Steadman From: IN%"reedd@cjnetworks.com" 20-OCT-1997 21:09:22.10 To: IN%"Applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca" "Ethology" CC: Subj: Lonely cat? We recently sent two of our three cats to live with my brother. The one left hee has become acting strangely. First I will describle the personality of the cat we call Tan(the one left here alone) Tan was a very quiet cat never asking for much attention while the other two cats were always crawling on people and begging for attention constantly. Tan had a habbit of bringing in a dead animal to my room about once a month, no more, no less. Tan often found his way to my bed, the most frequent place he ever slept. Tan was almost always quiet, except for when meat was brought out. Now Tan starts to meow for no obvious reason, loudly and it sounds distressed, almost more like he's tring for our attention and can't get it, like a small child yelling for his mother when she is in a conversation 3 ft from him. He will never come in my room to sleep anymore. But he spends about twice as much time inside as he used to. Tan also leaves a dead animal on the back porch almost weekly,(we won't let him get inside with them anymore, we've come to check him before we blindly open the door. Can reasons for all this behavior be surmised? THANK YOU MAREN Davis ( email) From: IN%"M.Kiley-Worthington@exeter.ac.uk" "room 016 wsl-Animal behaviour" 21-OCT-1997 04:46:47.75 To: IN%"rushenj@EM.AGR.CA" "Jeff Rushen" CC: IN%"M.B.M.BRACKE@imag.dlo.nl", IN%"applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca" Subj: RE: sow welfare assessment -REPONSE On Thu, 09 Oct 1997 09:23:49 -0400 Jeff Rushen wrote: > From: Jeff Rushen > Date: Thu, 09 Oct 1997 09:23:49 -0400 > Subject: sow welfare assessment -REPONSE > To: M.B.M.BRACKE@imag.dlo.nl, applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca > If all the conditions you have descirbe cause stereotypic chewing, then I would suggest that all of them are not appropriate for the keeping of the animal. It is not a question of which is worse, it is a question of should it happen at all?it is quite easy to design environments ttwhere sows ( and other animals ) do not show stereotypies, other evidence of distress and do not have sever behavioural restrictions, and still have an economic system ( although it may not make a fortune). It really is time that those who are involved with animal welfare in fact, rather than just getting research money, should look seriously at this argument ( see Kiley-Worthington 1990, 1989, 1987, 9997)! > > Marthe Kiley-Worthington . > >>> "Marc B.M. Bracke 31-317-476554" > 09/10/ 07h08 >>> > Dear all,I find experts disagree on the following issue. I'd be interested to > hear your opinion. Pregnant sows in individual housing are known to > show a substantial amount of stereotypies. Suppose that we would > observe even a lot more stereotypies when a chain is added. > WHICH IS BETTER FOR SOW WELFARE: WITH A CHAIN OR WITHOUT > (and do you believe there is a big difference)?>>> > > Whether or not there is a chain seems irrelevant to me. It is abundantly > clear that one of the main resons why gestating sows perform > stereotypies is because they are underfed. The main welfare problem is > the hunger of the animals, not that they are performing stereotypies, > which are just one symptom of the hunger. Underfed sows that are > tethered with a chain will chew the chain, those without a chain will > probably chew the bars or overdrink, those kept loose on straw will root > around and eat straw, those kept outdoors will chew rocks etc. I am not > sure that any one group is necessarily better off than another, although I > suppose it is better to chew straw than rocks or metal, and it is probably > better to be loose than tethered (although for reasons other than the > stereotypies). > > To improve the welfare of the sows, we need to reduce the hunger. This > can be done by feeding the sows with a bulkier, high fibre diet. Don't > worry about the chain. > > Jeff Rushen > > **************************************************************************** Dept. of Psychology Washington Singer Labs Room No: 016 University of Exeter Perry Road Exeter EX4 4QG, UK FAX +44 1392 264623 **************************************************************************** From: IN%"uds-vete@salvador.edu.ar" "Dr. Leopoldo Estol" 21-OCT-1997 11:36:56.23 To: IN%"ElfDryadWz@aol.com" CC: IN%"Applied-Ethology@sask.usask.ca" Subj: RE: Sleep in bed with pets Thanks Paige I appreciate your contribution, and I share with you my personal experience. I, and sometimes my son and my daugther, use to sleep with our dog, STORM, a female giant schnauzer and she feel like a kitty of 40 kgs. She´s temper is always like a puppy, with all of us, and sometimes also with extrangers. I hope find more about studies with groups of peole with the same habit, and more technical that warm and affective histories. Polo ----Original Message----- From: ElfDryadWz@aol.com To: uds-vete@salvador.edu.ar ; Applied-Ethology@skyway.usask.ca Date: Lunes 20 de Octubre de 1997 00:02 Subject: Re: Sleep in bed with pets >Hello, I am one of the mere "people"out there without a degree, but I sleep >with my cat (she snoozes on my stomach). Many of my cat-owned friends sleep >with their cats, also, and the result seems to be a happier, more >affectionate cat. Now, whether that is actually the result, or in fact the >cause, is up for debate. > Paige Steadman From: IN%"jkaine@zoo.uvm.edu" "Jackie-O" 22-OCT-1997 10:38:40.01 To: IN%"Applied-Ethology@sask.usask.ca" CC: Subj: Sexaul Behavior of cats I'm trying to do a research project on the sexaul behavior of cats and I think that it would be intersting to compare behavior before neutering or spaying to behavior after the surgery is done. I don't have a cat, nor have I ever, but to those of you who do or have...what are the biggest changes in behavior that you notice? I'm not neccessarily talking about sexual behaviors exclusively. From: IN%"Per.Jensen@hmh.slu.se" "Per Jensen" 23-OCT-1997 01:57:30.28 To: IN%"applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca" CC: Subj: Def of early handling Dear all, I am looking for a good definition of "early handling". Is anyone aware of which definition is most commonly accepted among people working in this area? Best wishes, Per Jensen *********************************************************** PER JENSEN, Professor of Ethology Swedish University of Agricultural Scinces Department of Animal Environment and Health Section of Ethology POB 234, SE-532 23 SKARA, Sweden Tel +46 511 67219 Fax +46 511 67204 E-mail Per.Jensen@hmh.slu.se *********************************************************** From: IN%"bjarne.braastad@nlh10.nlh.no" "Bjarne O. Braastad" 23-OCT-1997 02:51:35.77 To: IN%"applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca" CC: Subj: RE: Def. of early handling Dear all, I don't know if I have the best definition, but the definition should account for the neurobiological effects of handling. Handling of young animals is inherently aversive (at least initially) and may as a more long-term effect lead to a strengthening of the negative feedback of glucocorticoids in the brain (increase in number of glucoccorticoid receptors in hippocampus and frontal cortex). This leads to a more short-lasting response of the HPA axis, which may be beneficial to the animal. The HPA response becomes more finely tuned to what is needed. (These effects are exactly the opposite of what is found after prenatal stress, which reduces these receptors in the offspring leading to an exaggerated and long-lasting HPA response.) There are also a number of other physiological effects of early handling which sometimes are reported, mainly regarded as positive, e.g. earlier myelinization, earlier locomotion, earlier sexual maturation (in rats). In the dog, earlier maturation of the EEG is reported. Therefore early handling may be defined as an initially aversive physical treatment of a young animal by a human which may result in avoidance of hyperreaction to mild stressors in the adult animal, and sometimes other positive effects. Early gentling is sometimes used for the treatment which also initially is non-aversive (e.g. Paul Hemsworth, Vivi Pedersen). The handler stops or gives weaker stimuli if defensive or fear reactions are seen. Rewarding active avoidance behaviour should not be done, so it is important to avoid onset of defensive reactions. I am sure there are other opinions about this. Bjarne ************************************************************************** Bjarne O. Braastad (Dr.Philos.) Associate Professor of Ethology Dept. of Animal Science, Agricultural University of Norway, P.O. Box 5025, N-1432 Aas, Norway e-mail: bjarne.braastad@ihf.nlh.no fax: +47 64 94 79 60 phone: +47 64 94 79 80 http://wwwnlh.nlh.no/Institutt/IHF/Presside/bobu.htm ************************************************************************** From: IN%"hanno.wuerbel@inw.agrl.ethz.ch" "Hanno Wuerbel" 23-OCT-1997 06:15:36.40 To: IN%"applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca" CC: Subj: RE: Def of early handling Dear Per 'Early handling' is not a well defined term (at least not accross species),= but more important than that, it is a misleading term. The notion of early= handling goes back some 40 years to the early work of Vic Denenberg,= Seymour Levine and others on the effects of 'neonatal handling' in rats.= Their procedure (and the one still used today in rat studies) was to= separate newborn rats from their mothers for 15 min daily during the first= few (usually two) weeks of life. In this respect 'handling' was nothing= more than taking away the newborns from the mother (by hand) and putting= them in a seperate (warm) cage for 15 min before putting them back to the= mother. This treatment has dramatic and persistent effects on= neuroendocrine, neurochemical and behavioural parameters, and it is= important to note that these changes are beneficial to the animals (at= least under laboratory conditions). For example, 'neonatal handling'= produces decreased secretion of glucocorticoids and thus is causing less= neurodegeneration and fewer cognitive deficits in old age. However, rats= handeled at later points in time did not produce the same changes, and= separating newborns for longer periods (e.g. hours) has even deleterious= effects. The question then arises as to what handling means to the rats.= Interestingly, Levine speculated a long time ago that not the handling, but= the response of the mother to it might cause these changes. However, not= until last month had this question been seriously examined. Now, Liu et al.= (1997, Nature, vol. 277, p. 1659) have demonstrated experimentally that it= is the increased mothering (licking and grooming) induced by separation= that causes these effects. This should be enough to illustrate how problematic the use of the term= 'handling' or 'early handling' can be, but also how fascinating research on= 'neonatal handling' actually is! With best wishes, Hanno Wuerbel. At 09:43 23.10.97 +0100, you wrote: >Dear all, > >I am looking for a good definition of "early handling". Is anyone aware of >which definition is most commonly accepted among people working in this >area? > >Best wishes, > >Per Jensen > >*********************************************************** >PER JENSEN, Professor of Ethology >Swedish University of Agricultural Scinces >Department of Animal Environment and Health >Section of Ethology >POB 234, SE-532 23 SKARA, Sweden >Tel +46 511 67219 >Fax +46 511 67204 >E-mail Per.Jensen@hmh.slu.se >*********************************************************** ____________________________ Dr. Hanno Wuerbel Institute of Animal Sciences Physiology and Husbandry ETH Zurich Schorenstrasse 16/SLA B14 8603 Schwerzenbach phone: ++41.1.825.74.79 fax: ++41.1.825.04.76 hanno.wuerbel@inw.agrl.ethz.ch From: IN%"hanno.wuerbel@inw.agrl.ethz.ch" "Hanno Wuerbel" 23-OCT-1997 07:15:24.11 To: IN%"applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca" CC: Subj: RE: Def of early handling Sorry, the reference I quoted was published in Science (not in Nature). The correct reference is of course: Liu et al. (1997) Science, vol. 277, p.= 1659 Hanno Wuerbel. ____________________________ Dr. Hanno Wuerbel Institute of Animal Sciences Physiology and Husbandry ETH Zurich Schorenstrasse 16/SLA B14 8603 Schwerzenbach phone: ++41.1.825.74.79 fax: ++41.1.825.04.76 hanno.wuerbel@inw.agrl.ethz.ch From: IN%"wattsjon@duke.usask.ca" "Jon Watts" 23-OCT-1997 08:42:11.61 To: IN%"Per.Jensen@hmh.slu.se" "Per Jensen" CC: IN%"applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca" Subj: RE: Def of early handling Any handling before 8.00 A.M. seems early to me Jon ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jon Watts (___) ) ) University of Saskatchewan |o o|___________/ ( Dept of Herd Medicine O \#/ | ) and Theriogenology |bser| | Statistical | ( Western College of Vet. Med. |vati| | analysis | ) 52 Campus Drive |ons.| \___________/| *& Saskatoon ------ || || %$#@ S7N 1B4 / \ || || ^*@*~ Canada &^%%#$@ wattsjon@duke.usask.ca "The Holy Cow" ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- On Thu, 23 Oct 1997, Per Jensen wrote: > Dear all, > > I am looking for a good definition of "early handling". Is anyone aware of > which definition is most commonly accepted among people working in this > area? > > Best wishes, > > Per Jensen > > *********************************************************** > PER JENSEN, Professor of Ethology > Swedish University of Agricultural Scinces > Department of Animal Environment and Health > Section of Ethology > POB 234, SE-532 23 SKARA, Sweden > Tel +46 511 67219 > Fax +46 511 67204 > E-mail Per.Jensen@hmh.slu.se > *********************************************************** From: IN%"robin@coape.win-uk.net" "Robin Walker" 23-OCT-1997 23:57:20.94 To: IN%"applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca" "Applied Ethology Network (E-mail)" CC: Subj: FW: Sexaul Behavior of cats -----Original Message----- From: Robin Walker [SMTP:robin@coape.win-uk.net] Sent: 23 October 1997 19:44 To: 'Jackie-O' Subject: RE: Sexaul Behavior of cats Something that has been under researched is the effect of neutering on fearfulness in the domestic cat. It has been postulated that there should be no sex differences in a species in which the formation of hierarchies plays little part in social life. The prediction is that it would be maladaptive for independent cats to differ in this respect. Warren, J. M., and Levy, S. J. (1979) Fearfulness in female and male cats. Animal Learning and Behaviour, 7, 521-524 studied responses to novel stimuli in entire males and females and seemed to confirm the supposition. Neutering, male and female cats might well alter this parity. Some case histories accumulated by the APBC seemed to suggest that female cats were more frequently reported for fear related problems than neutered males. On the other hand I have seen a number of timid (afraid to go out) cats which also overgroom themselves and have apparently reversed the behaviors by giving testosterone injections. I venture on the basis of a very small cluster of such cases that testosterone is the hormone of confidence. Among my cases is one female which responded to the same treatment. An interesting project would be to attempt to confirm Warren's work and run a comparison with some neutered cats or retest the entires after neutering. A third stage with hormone replacement would be even more interesting. A large rescue facility with incoming entire cats could provide the opportunity to test. These cats are destined for neutering anyway but would need to be retained from rehoming for a spell. To take it further and run replacement hormone tests of course gets you into the licensed experimental realm. Neat though. -----Original Message----- From: Jackie-O [SMTP:jkaine@zoo.uvm.edu] Sent: 22 October 1997 17:38 To: Applied-Ethology@sask.usask.ca Subject: Sexaul Behavior of cats I'm trying to do a research project on the sexaul behavior of cats and I think that it would be intersting to compare behavior before neutering or spaying to behavior after the surgery is done. I don't have a cat, nor have I ever, but to those of you who do or have...what are the biggest changes in behavior that you notice? I'm not neccessarily talking about sexual behaviors exclusively. From: IN%"C.Dwyer@ed.sac.ac.uk" "cathy dwyer" 24-OCT-1997 05:00:15.59 To: IN%"applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca" CC: Subj: (Fwd) (Fwd) Conference on rare breeds of UK livestock ------- Forwarded Message Follows ------- From: "Dr Ron Lewis" Organization: Scottish Agricultural College To: c.dwyer@ed.sac.ac.uk Date: Fri, 24 Oct 1997 10:18:11 +0000 Subject: (Fwd) Conference on rare breeds of UK livestock Priority: normal I was asked to forward the following message to the applied ethology list. The symposium follows a literature review of rare livestock breeds and aims, I think, to focus attention on areas for future research, including behaviour. And Appleby Castle in Cumbria is supposed to be a beautiful location if anyone needs another reason to go! Cathy ================================================== British Society of Animal Science Conference & Workshop The Potential Role of Rare Livestock Breeds in UK Farming Systems 1-2 December 1997 Appleby Castle Appleby, Cumbria Co-hosted by: Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) Evidence of genetic diversity in livestock is both scientific and anecdotal in its origin. Understanding whether and how different kinds of animals have adapted to their environment is the first step in developing strategies for their use in farming systems. This meeting follows a 6 month literature review about how and why breeds differ to establish the possible roles of rare breeds in farming systems. The findings of this review will be available at the meeting and will provide the framework for the conference. The conference proceedings will be included in the final report to MAFF. Part of this will be a summary of the workshop sessions (described below) planned for the meeting, which will include a list of research identified by the session's delegates as needed to better understand the role of, and ways in which rare and traditional livestock breeds can contribute to current and future farming systems in the UK. Conference: Monday 1 December 1997 10.00 Coffee & Registration 10.30 Introduction Ron Lewis, Scottish Agricultural College 10.40 MAFF Presentation 11.00 Overview of Literature Review Jon Mercer, Independent Breeding Consultants 11.30 Are rare breeds genetically distinctive? Mike Bruford, Institute of Zoology 12.00 Relationships between fat metabolism and fitness in modern and traditional breeds of farm animals Ray Noble, Scottish Agricultural College 12.30 Lunch 13.30 Behavioural and other aspects of the adaptations of rare breeds to their surroundings Peter Jewell, Cambridge University 14.00 Rare and minority livestock breeds in management for nature conservation: many questions and few answers? David Bullock, The National Trust 14.30 Producing and marketing traditional breeds David Lishman, Lishmans of Ilkey (Traditional Meats Marketing Scheme) 15.00 Tea & Poster Session 16.00 General Discussion 17.00 Finish Workshops - Tuesday 2 December 1997 The purpose of the workshop is to identify and prioritise areas of research to better understand the role of and ways to integrate rare breeds into farming systems in the UK. 09.30 Workshop sessions WS1 Natural heritage The historic development of native breeds in adaptation to their environment through natural and artificial selection WS2 Animal conservation management Strategies for maintaining genetic variation in small populations and their implications in terms of the conservation of rare breeds WS3 Molecular tools Techniques for measuring allelic diversity within and between species, and their role in defining the origin and maintaining the integrity of rare breeds WS4 Land usage The use, maintenance and re-habilitation of urban and rural land resources, utilizing the social and grazing behaviours of rare breeds WS5 Performance attributes Establishing the qualities of meat, egg, milk and fibre production, and the fitness attributes of rare breeds, and their contribution to agricultural systems WS6 Marketing opportunities Identifying marketing opportunities for rare breeds, and developing schemes to service speciality and commercial outlets 11.30 Coffee - Workshops come together for discussion 12.30 Meeting finishes followed by lunch Each workshop will have two convenors and consist of 8/12 people. Please note that workshop numbers will be limited to enable adequate discussion and debate to take place. Accommodation: A limited number of rooms are available in Appleby Castle. Delegates will alternatively be accommodated in nearby comfortable hotels in the town. Location: The venue for the meeting is within the Norman Castle of Appleby, in the Eden Valley. Appleby Castle is situated half a mile from Appleby Station (Leeds-Carlisle Line) at the edge of the town. Situated on the A66 (Penrith-Scotch Corner). Appleby is easily reached from the M6 (Junction 40 - south bound, Junction 38 north bound). Nearest airports are Manchester and Leeds. Sponsor: The British Society of Animal Science would like to acknowledge the financial support for this conference and workshop provided by Sainsbury's. Registration: Places at this conference and especially the workshop are very limited. You are consequently urged to register for the meeting as soon as possible. For registration materials please contact: Rare Breeds Conference & Workshop BSAS, PO Box, Penicuik Midlothian EH26 ORZ, UK Tel: 0131 445 4508 Fax: 0131 535 3120 Email: BSAS@ed.sac.ac.uk http://www.bsas.org.uk _________________________________________________ Dr Cathy Dwyer, Department of Genetics and Behavioural Sciences, SAC - Edinburgh, Bush Estate, Penicuik, EH26 0QE Scotland, UK tel. 0131-535 3228 fax. 0131-535 3121 email C.Dwyer@ed.sac.ac.uk From: IN%"Raf.Freire@bristol.ac.uk" 24-OCT-1997 06:24:30.30 To: IN%"Applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca" CC: Subj: behaviour of laying hens in large groups Dear All, I am interested in hearing of current/recent research in the movement and social structure of laying hens in large groups (1000+). As this is probably not of general interest could replies be sent to me rather than the list. By way of information about myself I am a post-doc at Bristol University (England) with interests in cognition and welfare of farm animals. Many thanks, Raf Freire raf.freire@bristol.ac.uk From: IN%"R.I.Horrell@psy.hull.ac.uk" 24-OCT-1997 08:21:45.16 To: IN%"Applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca" CC: Subj: All feline ethologists in the UK: I have a couple of third year undergraduate students who want to carry out a project on suckling in cats. We shall be wanting to get close enough, without upsetting the mum, to record all the usual things so well documented in pigs - sucking, with any differences in the character sucking at different stages, nipple number/location for each cat, paw/treading/nuzzling, teat switching etc. However, we are held up for lack of subjects. Cats breed like rabbits, to judge by the strays on the streets. But, believe it or not, no-one we have contacted so far seems able to say to us "here is a fine furry feline who is going to give birth in two weeks and will be happy to have you peering into its bosom for hours on end" PLEA: If anyone in England, Wales, Scotland or Cornwall can help us to find subjects - obviously, the nearer to Hull the better - we should be truly grateful, and happy to reciprocate on some other occasion if we can. We should be quite prepared to travel some distance if we could find a few cats at a similar stage of lactation at the other end, and to travel more than once to catch them at different ages. Ian Horrell, Dept of Psychology, University of Hull, HU6 7RX, UK. R.I.Horrell@psy.hull.ac.uk From: IN%"joseph.stookey@sask.usask.ca" 24-OCT-1997 09:32:34.75 To: IN%"applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca" CC: Subj: job announcement (fwd) The following note was sent to me for posting on the network. It does not relate specifically to applied ethology, but neither do request to subscribe or unsubscribe (which should be sent directly to me or to: applied-ethology-REQUEST@sask.usask.ca Joe Stookey ============================================================= ROEHAMPTON INSTITUTE LONDON SCHOOL OF LIFE SCIENCES 3 YEAR POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP IN BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY (START DATE FEBRUARY 1998 (NEGOTIABLE)) We are looking for a biological anthropologist whose work will complement our research specialisms of primate biology and socioecology, the evolution of language, life history evolution and ethnobotany. Applicants from any area of biological anthropology are encouraged to apply but we are particularly interested in those whose work has an evolutionary outlook, e.g. primate (including human) evolution, behavioural ecology, evolutionary psychology, or research which will integrate biological anthropology with other areas of research in the School. The School of Life Sciences has 27 academic staff working in the fields of biological anthropology, biology, health, nutrition, environmental science and geography. There are also social anthropologists in the School of Sociology and Social Policy. Many people in the School of Life Sciences are engaged in interdisciplinary research, both with each other and with colleagues in other institutions. In the 1996 RAE the anthropology unit received a 3a rating. The successful applicant will have a doctorate in a relevant field, preferably some good publications record and the ability to carry out independent and innovative research in biological anthropology. Application form and full details are available from: Human Resources, Senate House, Roehampton Institute London, Roehampton Lane, London SW15 5PU. Please make informal enquiries to Dr. Ann MacLarnon (tel: 0181 392 3645; e-mail: a.maclarnon@roehampton.ac.uk), or Dr. Caroline Ross (tel: 0181 392 3529; e-mail: c.ross@roehampton.ac.uk). Closing date: 21st November 1997 Caroline Caroline Ross (Dr.) Roehampton Institute London School of Life Sciences West Hill London SW15 3SN UK Tel. (direct line): +44 (0)181 392 3529 Tel. (School office): +44 (0)181 392 3524 Fax: +44 (0)181 392 3527 e-mail: c.ross@roehampton.ac.uk From: IN%"radfordg@silyn.net" "Michael and Gabrielle Radford" 24-OCT-1997 13:32:00.76 To: IN%"jkaine@zoo.uvm.edu" "'Jackie-O'", IN%"Applied-Ethology@sask.usask.ca" "Applied-Ethology@sask.usask.ca" CC: Subj: RE: Sexaul Behavior of cats --Boundary_(ID_PQADt6/oe2rVB05/nTzKgw) Content-type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Content-transfer-encoding: quoted-printable With sexually mature males the first thing that you notice is the = "Tomcat" smell goes away. In most cats marking tends to subside. Males = tend to wander less, stay closer to home, and fight less. Females can = have different reactions. Females no longer have heat cycles, though = some have signs that mimic heat, and some become more human = affectionate. In the stray facility that our clinic maintains once in a = while we get sexually mature female cats that become aggressive after = spaying. I have noticed this more often in the slightly feral cats = then the domesticated ones. Because of this I am debating on having my = feral kitten spayed. (I have work many long hours getting her to trust = me enough that I can let her roam in my room and she'll come when I = call.) Because of the reduction in hormones and slowing of metabolism = spayed or neutered cats need to be fed a lower protein diet. At our clinic we encourage early spaying and neutering. The kittens in = our facility are neutered/spayed at 8-10 weeks. The most amazing thing = is how quickly they recover. There was a study preformed by the Winn = Foundation explaining the effects of early neutering. If I think of = anything else I'll let you know. =20 =20 --Boundary_(ID_PQADt6/oe2rVB05/nTzKgw) Content-type: text/html; name="report-early-neuter.htm" Content-transfer-encoding: quoted-printable =0A= =0A= =0A= The Winn Feline Foundation Reports On...=0A= =0A= =0A= =0A=
    =0A=
      =0A=

      The Winn Feline Foundation =0A=
      Reports On...

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      Early Spay/Neuter In The Cat

      =0A= =0A= Are fears of negative side effects of early neutering warranted? = Background=0A= and medical issues including a summary of an ongoing Winn Foundation = funded=0A= project to evaluate the long term effects of early altering.=0A= Developmental and Behavioral Effects of Prepubertal Gonadectomy. Mark = S.=0A= Bloomberg, DVM, MS; W.P. Stubbs, DVM; D.F. Senior, BVSc; Thomas J. Lane, = BS,=0A= DVM; University of Florida at Gainesville. Funded by the Winn Feline=0A= Foundation, February 1991. Continuation funded February 1992.=0A= =0A=

      =0A= A progress report on a study=0A= funded by The Winn Feline Foundation=0A= =0A=

      * Summary prepared by Diana Cruden, Ph.D.=0A= =0A=

      Early Spay/Neuter In The Cat

      =0A= =0A= The concept of early spaying and neutering (e.g. before the animal is=0A= sexually mature) is not a new one. In the early 1900's, early neutering = was=0A= the norm and it was not until much later that questions were raised = about the=0A= negative side effects of such a procedure. Today most of the experts=0A= acknowledge that there has not been enough scientific information = available=0A= about the most appropriate age to neuter a pet. Until recently, there = was no=0A= research data that either supported or disproved the idea that neutering = dogs=0A= and cats at ages younger than five to eight months was deleterious. = There is,=0A= in fact, little scientific basis for selecting this age group as the = most=0A= appropriate time for neutering. Indeed, one investigator points out that = many=0A= veterinarians have been practicing early neutering for years, since = there is=0A= an incredible range of ages when puppies and kittens reach sexual = maturity.=0A= Large animal practitioners have long practiced early neutering on = their=0A= livestock and consider it not only acceptable, but desirable in many = cases.=0A= Even before concerns for the burgeoning population of unwanted pets = raised=0A= our collective consciousness, there were many scientifically = documented=0A= reasons to spay and castrate. Spayed females are protected against = mammary=0A= cancer and uterine infections. In males, castration reduces the risk = of=0A= testicular cancer and enlargement of the prostate and related = infections.=0A= From the pet owners point of view, the spayed or castrated pet is a = much=0A= better companion. They are less aggressive and more affectionate than = their=0A= unaltered counterparts. Since they are not driven by the urge to = reproduce,=0A= they are less likely to roam and fight.=0A= =0A=

      Controlled studies into the short- and long-term effects of early = neutering=0A= have been sadly lacking until recently. While there had been numerous=0A= anecdotal reports of early spaying and neutering, these cases were = generally=0A= uncontrolled from the scientific viewpoint. Most reported cases were = random=0A= bred, unrelated animals from a variety of backgrounds and no attempt was = made=0A= to control for these variations. There have been few university based = studies=0A= in this area. M.A. Herron of Texas A&M reported in 1972 that neutering = before=0A= sexual maturity had relatively little effect on the diameter of the = urethra=0A= in male cats. Studies have more recently been conducted at Angell = Memorial=0A= Hospital in Boston, the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University = of=0A= Minnesota, and the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at = the=0A= University of Florida. The Florida project, begun in 1991 and completed = in=0A= 1992, was funded by the Winn Feline Foundation in conjunction with = the=0A= American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). A serious attempt was = made in=0A= this study to limit background influences and genetic variation. The = kittens=0A= were bred especially for the project and litter mates were divided among = the=0A= three groups. The queens were bred and housed in quarantined facilities = since=0A= both pre- and post-natal nutrition and other factors can contribute to = the=0A= ultimate size, weight, and overall health of the kittens. Dr. Mark = Bloomberg=0A= indicates that although long-term follow-up results are incomplete, = the=0A= initial results are extremely positive. Prior to undertaking the Winn=0A= Foundation study, Dr. Bloomberg had completed a similar study in = dogs.=0A= Animals involved in that study have now been followed for over five = years,=0A= with no negative side effects reported. In the Winn Foundation study, = there=0A= were a total of 31 domestic shorthair kittens from 7 litters born on = the=0A= Gainesville campus.=0A= =0A=

      The kittens were divided into three groups:=0A=

        =0A=
      • Group 1 (11 kittens) were neutered or spayed at 7 weeks of age.=0A=
      • Group 2 (11 kittens) were neutered or spayed at 7 months.=0A=
      • Group 3 (the control group of 9 kittens) were not neutered until = maturity =0A= and after the completion of the first phase of the study at 12 = months.=0A=
      =0A= The investigators reported that the surgical procedures in the Group = 1=0A= kittens were straightforward and uncomplicated, and that the kittens=0A= recovered even more rapidly than the Group 2 kittens and Group 3 cats. = Dr.=0A= Bloomberg notes that although there is very little material on = pediatric=0A= anesthesia in animals, the pediatric patient in human medicine is = generally=0A= considered to be a very good surgical candidate and there is no reason = why=0A= this should not also be true for dogs and cats. The major concerns in=0A= pediatric surgery are: preventing hypothermia (maintaining body = heat);=0A= utilizing proper doses of anesthetic agents (since the respiratory = centers=0A= are not as well developed in the pediatric patient); and maintaining = proper=0A= blood glucose. The investigators did not fast the pediatric patients as = long=0A= as adult patients and administered small amounts of Karo syrup prior = to=0A= induction of anesthesia as a precaution. It should be noted that due to = the=0A= rapid recovery of the pediatric patient, the common practice of = reducing=0A= anesthesia during final stages of the surgery was modified.=0A= =0A=

      Critics have claimed several possible detrimental side effects from = early=0A= neutering. It is commonly believed that neutered animals are less active = and=0A= more prone to obesity than unaltered animals. It was also suggested = that=0A= neutering at an early age would stunt normal growth. In male cats in=0A= particular, it was feared that early castration would affect the = development=0A= of the urinary tract and lead to an increased incidence of cystitis = or=0A= urinary obstruction. Concerns have also been raised as to the effect of = early=0A= neutering on behavior, food consumption and dietary requirements, etc. = The=0A= investigators attempted to answer most of these questions by = evaluating=0A= several parameters in the three groups of kittens. In particular, they = looked=0A= at weight and body composition (i.e., percent of body fat); bone length = and=0A= the age of physeal closure (the age when long bone growth stops); = behavior;=0A= food consumption; development of the urinary tract; and the development = of=0A= secondary sexual characteristics and degree of sexual maturity.=0A= =0A=

      The results of the comparisons of weight showed some differences = between the=0A= three groups. Males weighed consistently more than females, but this = was=0A= uniform in all groups. The studies of body composition and body fat = indicated=0A= that Group 1 (neutered at 7 weeks) and Group 2 (neutered at 7 months) = were=0A= identical and were generally fatter than Group 3 (neutered at 12 = months,=0A= after they were sexually mature). Investigators point out that by 12 = months,=0A= the male cats in Group 3 were already exhibiting the normal adult = male=0A= characteristics of decreased weight and the development of jowls, = which=0A= accounts for some of the differences. It has also been noted that in = the=0A= course of follow-up, the differences between the weight in cats from = Group 1=0A= and 2 and Group 3 are becoming less apparent. All these cats have been = placed=0A= in selected and supervised pet homes and are more active than they were = in=0A= the University facilities. A three-year follow-up exam was to be = conducted in=0A= May of 1994. =0A= =0A=

      OBSERVATIONS

      =0A= =0A=

      There was generally no difference in food consumption between the = three=0A= groups other than the differences between males and females, which = were=0A= consistent in all groups. There was no difference observed in the = growth=0A= rates in all three groups, although the males grew faster in all = groups.=0A= Increased long bone length was observed in both males and females in = Groups 1=0A= and 2. This appeared to be due to the fact that physeal closing (closure = of=0A= the bone growth plate) was delayed in Groups 1 & 2. This explains why = cats=0A= neutered and spayed as kittens are frequently larger (longer and taller) = than=0A= unaltered cats or cats altered later in life. This seems to be = particularly=0A= true for males.=0A= =0A=

      In terms of behavior, after 7 months, the cats in Group 3 were = noticeably=0A= less affectionate and more aggressive prior to altering than the cats = in=0A= Groups 1 and 2. Contrary to popular opinion, neutered animals were as = active=0A= as their unaltered age mates.=0A= =0A=

      Observations of urinary tract development showed no differences = between the=0A= three groups other than the differences related to sex and these were=0A= consistent across all groups. The investigators measured the diameter of = the=0A= urethra in the male kittens only and found no differences between the = groups.=0A= Concerns have been raised that early neutering would result in = smaller=0A= diameters in the urinary tract, resulting in an increased incidence = of=0A= cystitis and related problems. This does not appear to be the case.=0A= The main differences observed between the groups occurred in the = comparison=0A= of secondary sex characteristics. Males were examined for differences in = the=0A= development of the penis and prepuce (skin covering the penis), as well = as=0A= for the development of penile spines. The penile spines were absent in = Group=0A= 1, smaller than normal in Group 2, and normally developed in Group 3. In = the=0A= examination of the female kittens, investigators found that the vulvas = were=0A= more infantile in Groups 1 and 2 and normal in Group 3. None of these=0A= differences had any impact on the ability to catheterize the kittens.=0A= Concerns that development of the urinary tract might be arrested or = impaired=0A= by early spaying and neutering proved unsupported.=0A= =0A=

      The results of this study so far indicate that the differences = between cats=0A= neutered at 7 weeks and 7 months are insignificant. The differences = observed=0A= between animals in Groups 1 and 2 and the animals in Group 3, while in = some=0A= cases statistically significant, are not differences which appear to = affect=0A= the health of the animal in a negative way. While the final results = will=0A= depend on the analysis of long-term follow-up, the indications are that = early=0A= neutering is not detrimental to the overall health of the animal. From = the=0A= perspective of shelters and particularly in respect to the problem of = surplus=0A= puppies and kittens these results are encouraging. If all the animals = adopted=0A= from shelters, including puppies and kittens, are neutered prior to = adoption,=0A= there should be a corresponding decrease in the numbers of animals = euthanized=0A= each year in this country. Preliminary results from Alachua County, near = the=0A= University of Florida at Gainesville, would seem to support this = theory.=0A= =0A=

      Alachua County Animal Control has been working with the investigators = at the=0A= University and have had an early neuter policy in place since 1990. No = animal=0A= leaves the shelter without being neutered. In 1987 the county = euthanized=0A= 1,250 cats and dogs per month. Since implementing the early neuter = policies=0A= they have seen the numbers drop to 940 per month in 1992 and there has = been=0A= no increase in morbidity or mortality associated with the program.=0A= =0A=

      In the last year, recognition of the safety and efficacy of early = spay/neuter=0A= has grown rapidly. The American Humane Association has endorsed early=0A= neutering prior to adoption as a "feasible solution to decreasing pet=0A= overpopulation and the tragedy of resulting deaths." In July 1993, = delegates=0A= to the American Veterinary Medical Association Annual Meeting voted to = give=0A= AVMA's support to the concept of early neutering. Work done by = veterinarians=0A= at Angell Memorial Hospital for the Massachusetts Society for the = Prevention=0A= of Cruelty to Animals supports Dr. Bloomberg's observations. Other=0A= organizations involved in early neuter programs include the Denver = Dumb=0A= Friends League in Colorado, the Miami Humane Society and Alachua = County=0A= Animal Control in Florida, The Humane Society of Austin and Travis = County in=0A= Texas, the Chicago Animal Control in Illinois, the King County Animal = Control=0A= in Washington state, the Vancouver SPCA in British Columbia and the = Southern=0A= Oregon Humane Society in Oregon. The Dekalb Humane Society in Decatur, = Collie=0A= Rescue of Metro Atlanta, the Georgia Alliance of Purebred Canine = Rescuers,=0A= The Haven (dog rescue) and Dog River Sanctuary in Douglasville are among = the=0A= Georgia organizations working with early neuter in dogs and cats, as = well as=0A= exotic species.=0A= =0A=

      The Cat Fanciers' Association has changed its show rules to permit = altered=0A= kittens to compete. Many breeders of pedigreed cats are working with = their=0A= veterinarians to neuter pet quality kittens prior to placement in new = homes.=0A= Those breeders who have adopted this policy report that they are very = happy=0A= with the practice. New pet owners indicate that acquiring an already = neutered=0A= animal relieves them of the worry and expense of scheduling the surgery = at a=0A= later date, enabling them to relax and enjoy their new companion. As is = the=0A= case for shelter managers, breeders can relax in the knowledge that = the=0A= kitten they place today is not going to contribute to the surplus pet=0A= population tomorrow.=0A=

      =0A= The Winn FelineFoundation=0A=
      c/o The Cat Fanciers' Association, Inc.=0A=
      PO Box 1005 =0A=
      Manasquan NJ 08736-0805=0A=
      Tel: 908-528-9797=0A=
      =0A=
      Email: cfa@cfainc.org with = Winn Feline Foundation in the subject line.
      =0A= =0A=

      =0A= =0A=
      =0A= =0A= 
      =0A=
3D"News"3D"Top3D"Caring"3D"Shows"3D"Breeds"3D"Inside"=0A=
      =0A= =0A= =0A= =0A= Copyright © 1995, 1996 The Cat Fanciers' Association, with the = exception=0A= of the photographic images which are Copyright © by the = individual=0A= photographers. Many people have contributed to this site. Please send=0A= comments to cfa@cfainc.org.=0A= =0A= =0A= =0A=
    =0A=
=0A= =0A= =0A= =0A= --Boundary_(ID_PQADt6/oe2rVB05/nTzKgw) Content-type: text/plain; name="cats.txt" Content-transfer-encoding: quoted-printable In the society of cats.=20 Long reputed to be consummate loners, cats display a rich set of social = behaviors.=20 His cool, unwavering stare sent B.J. packing. With that nasty bit of = business out of the way, Bully dutifully settled down in the comfiest = chair in the house. Moments later he was joined by his lanky sidekick, = Maumau, who amicably offered a gratuitous grooming. Reluctant to share = the fresh fruits of his victory, Bully turned his most sinister gaze to = the intruder, hoping to run her off as well. As if to say, "Ah, shut = up," Maumau firmly, but gently, dealt a quick blow to Bully' s head with = a massive double paw. This quickly laid the dispute to rest, and the = grooming continued unhindered.=20 A brief glimpse into the life of any feline fellowship would reveal = several such squabbles, as well as many benign interactions. The good = news is that the covert codes of feline sociability are finally being = cracked, and the myths of aloof felines are falling by the wayside.=20 Despite their reputation for being independent, cats' social = interactions are as complex as those of dogs, if not more so. = Veterinarian and renowned authority on animal behavior Michael W. Fox = says that the difference lies largely in presentation. Cats are much = more subtle. "It's a myth that they're antisocial," says Fox. "Actually = they're highly social; it's their solitary hunting behavior that gives = them this bad rap."=20 Veterinarian and animal behaviorist Sharon Crowell-Davis of the = University of Georgia also debunks the stereotype of the loner cat. As = the primary researcher for an ongoing study of feral and stray cats = residing at a local farm, Crowell-Davis has had ample opportunity to = observe feline camaraderie. Mutual grooming, rubbing, playing, and plain = old-fashioned hobnobbing are important social behaviors in both her = study group and house pets. "We are finding cats are very different from = what popular myth portrays them as," she says. "We're finding cats are = really a very social species, with a strong need for social interaction. = "=20 Crowell-Davis recalls a telling incident that took place among cats in = her feral study group one typically sultry Georgian afternoon. "This is = Georgia, where things get really hot and humid. Here are these three = cats cuddled up together, thoroughly entangled. Now they' re not doing = that to stay warm. There is only one reason they are together like that: = it's an important social interaction."=20 Amy Marder, veterinarian and consulting behaviorist for the = Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, is = disconcerted by the popular belief that social cats are somehow = abnormal. "I probably see more asocial than social cats," admits Marder. = "But when you see really social, playful cats, and I see many, they are = usually passed off as being 'doglike.' In reality they are behaving like = true cats. Maybe more social than most but cats nonetheless."=20 Amiable social behaviors are found in any clan of cats. Cliques are = formed and special buddies hang out together. There is usually a = dominant individual or two at the top of the social order, with the = others resting on the same level below. According to Fox, unlike the = fixed dominance found in the canine realm, cats are more opportunistic = in their social hierarchy. "In a group of cats we have what is called = situational dominance," he says. "In the dog pack you have a boss dog = who bosses everywhere. Feline dominance is more related to personal = need. Some need to be petted more, others need to have the favorite = resting place, and they'll assert themselves as they see fit to = accommodate those needs."=20 This "relative rank order" simply means that among feline interactions, = first-come is usually first-served. Even a fundamentally dominant cat = will yield the right of way to an earlier arrival, and all cats = participate in time-sharing. A sunny windowsill may be the prime realty = of one cat in the morning and afford the languid enjoyment of sunset for = another. This avoidance of conflict is the golden rule of feline society = and is of paramount importance in strategic social planning.=20 Personal space is a big thing for cats, says Fox. The most diminutive, = unassuming tabby needs at least one spot to call her own. Feral and = free-roaming domestic cats claim at least one private area for sleeping = and rearing young but share a communal gathering place. Confrontation is = rare in these meeting spots, which are used purely for social reasons = that we have yet to understand.=20 Fights are uncommon in established groups, and when they do occur, they = usually involve new cats attempting to establish a place in the group. = Disagreements among house cats are often just that. Says Fox: "Most = squabbles are just spats. The cats have already worked it out, and = they're just having a tiff, as you see in any family. Sometimes you run = into problems, particularly when introducing new individuals to the mix, = but eventually the cats work things out."=20 When confrontations do occur, they are usually limited to intimidation. = With great bravado, backs arch, hair bristles out in all directions, = eyes widen, ears flatten. Growling and hissing from an opponent make = most cats think twice before "taking it out back." Fights are brief, but = intense, and occur most frequently between toms seeking entry to the = local group. After proving themselves worthy, the cats will sometimes = form buddy systems, exchanging affectionate rubs, mutually grooming each = other, and just hanging out together.=20 Fighting has traditionally been attributed to territorial defense, but = experts have begun to question its role in feline conflicts. One thing = is sure, however: cats, like dogs, use scent markers to define the = borders of their territory. But although intact cats spray urine like = dogs, neutered cats rarely do. There are other feline calling cards, = however, that may be more subtle to us yet serve as clear signals to = other cats. Sharpening the claws on nearby objects not only deposits = scent from toe glands but also provides visual testimony of dominion. = All felids, both wild and domestic, also stake their claims using scent = dispersed from glands in the forehead, on the lips, under the chin, and = in the tail. In fact, says Fox, rubbing and grooming other clan members, = including human caretakers, unifies the cat's social group. "Cats who = smell the same stay together," he says.=20 While conflicts give rise to brash posturing and occasional bloodshed, = signs of social amiability are less obvious. According to animal = behaviorist John Wright, walking with the tail held high indicates = goodwill and confidence. "If their tails are not in the air, they don't = seem to be as open to receiving a greeting," Wright observes.=20 Most friendly greetings between cats are precipitated with a gentle = nose-to-nose touch. It is unknown whether this is done for = identification purposes or perhaps even as a kind of feline handshake. = The nose touch is then followed by rubbing or mutual grooming.=20 "Cheek rubbing appears to be reserved for other animals and people, = rather than for things, as seen with chin rubbing," Wright says. He = finds head butting particularly interesting, since it seems to be = reserved for only the closest friends. "You just don't see that with = inanimate objects or other animals and people that the cat is not = genuinely fond of," he adds.=20 In some cases, both in the farm group and in some feral colonies, = Crowell-Davis and her team have found that familiarity among cats leads = to cooperation similar to that observed in lion prides. Females will den = together and nurse and groom each others' kittens. They even actively = defend each others' kittens from rogue toms seeking to usurp the = resident leader. These toms often commit infanticide to ensure the = succession of their own offspring over the deposed leaders'. It is = important to note, though, that there are just as many accounts of male = cats, usually the suspected fathers, protecting kittens as there are = horror stories of murder and mayhem.=20 In fact, the only thing that can be said with any certainty is that no = two feline social structures are exactly the same. Every feline society = is a culture unto itself, and cats everywhere adapt their social = relationships to prevailing conditions. In the wild, for example, food = supply significantly influences not only colony size and composition but = social conduct. More plentiful food often means more cordial behavior. = Where food is hard to come by, much more time has to be put into = hunting. "A cat that lives in an area where food is scarce probably = doesn't have much time available to be social, even if he wants to, " = observes Crowell-Davis.=20 Marder notes that "among domestic species, the cat is uniquely flexible = in adapting to a multitude of social situations. Other domestic animals = rely on established social systems or variations of these. Cats tend to = make up the rules as they go along."=20 Since social etiquette is defined in kittenhood, early-age handling is = encouraged to influence adult social behavior. "It's real clear that if = you want a playful, social pet, you can certainly influence that in the = first 10 weeks or so. If you interact, handle, and play with them during = that time, you'll find that they turn out to be more playful," Wright = says.=20 To many, cats' sometimes asocial behavior suggests that multicat = households are fundamentally in conflict with the feline nature. Not so, = according to Fox: "Generally, two cats are much healthier and happier = than one. " Most cats benefit from the mental stimulation of relating to = members of their own species, although there are exceptions. Certain = behaviors, such as mutual grooming and rubbing, are specifically used = for social satisfaction. Solitary cats seem to do well enough on their = own, but boredom can lead to several problems, including destructive = playfulness and sleeping and overeating, which make for a tubby tabby.=20 Conversely, overcrowding can have serious consequences. Even the most = adaptable and successful social structures may break down. Spats and = squabbles become more commonplace as stress mounts. This most often = happens when the addition of one more cat acts as the proverbial straw = and breaks the familial back. Every feline system has its own limit. = Some break down at seven cats; others lose it when cat number three is = added to the mix. But in two-cat families, adding a third can sometimes = actually make life easier. "Cats of equal intensity, or equal = motivation, will not give way to the other. This can cause a chronic = stress situation. Sometimes getting a third cat helps break things up," = says Fox.=20 Any society has its fair share of misfits, and the domestic cat's world = is no exception. These outsiders are known as pariahs. Where crowded = conditions prevail, these cats are hounded mercilessly by their peers. = All cats suffer when not provided at least one private retreat, however = small. But these outsiders are often harassed relentlessly by the = others. Life for them can be miserable.=20 Wright believes pariahs are the victims of their own personalities: = "Everyone dumps on this cat, and that seems to be his role, to be dumped = on." Surprisingly, using drugs to artificially boost the confidence of = these cats wreaks havoc in an otherwise peaceful household. "Before the = roles were stable. By [artificially] increasing the cat's confidence, = you're now having fights. So by changing the pariah's role, you may = stress the relationship it has with the others, and you have a breakdown = of the social structure."=20 As both companions and caretakers, where do we fit in? The general view = is that cats perceive us as surrogate mothers. Says Fox: "The cat living = in a human family is in a perpetual state of kittenhood. Having a parent = provider creates a socialized state of dependence. " But Crowell-Davis = takes a different stance. "The assumption is that the only time cats are = social is during kittenhood," she says. "That' s just not true. We see a = great amount of social behavior among adult intact cats. I feel that = general amicable behavior is just transposed towards humans. Cats may = identify people as members of their group and just want to hang out with = them," she says.=20 Wright agrees with Crowell-Davis. "They enjoy us. We provide resources = for them, whether it's food, fun, or affection. We confide in them. We = talk to them, and they pay attention. I think it's that they're a social = species. We've bred them to be that way," Wright says. He cites greeting = the owner at the end of the workday, soliciting food, petting, playing, = and just spending time on or near a cozy lap as examples of feline = sociability. With the exception of ferals, who are often understandably = wary of humans, Wright believes that "if given the opportunity or = option, cats prefer to be with people."=20 Cats are selective in their associations. Each forms special bonds and = relationships. And some individuals simply do not get along. Every cat = expresses its affections differently. Some are shoulder perchers, others = are simply lap cats. Still others like to come along when you are = walking the family dog. Unbelievable as it sounds, Wright finds that, = more often than not, cats happily come when called. But he is quick to = warn: "Not all cats are alike, obviously. So if you happen to have one = that's not quite as social as another, that's already an adult, you may = just have to be happy with what the cat gives you. "=20 Although they may live in a society of cats and/or people, no two = felines exhibit precisely the same social behavior or attitudes, or have = the same likes, dislikes, wants, or needs. "That's the beauty of cats. = You have to live with them on their terms. It's much more a relationship = of equality," says Fox.=20 We are only now getting a handle on these terms and beginning to = understand the complex social relationships of our feline friends. In = the end, however, feline social behavior may prove as inscrutable as = cats themselves. Knowing these remarkably adaptable animals, once we = learn the rules, they may very well change the game.=20 PHOTO (COLOR): Right: Three house cats enjoy each other's company on a = sunny windowsill.=20 PHOTO (COLOR): Opposite: Multicat households provide easy opportunities = to observe feline relationships. Surprisingly, feral and flee-roaming = cats also exhibit social behaviors.=20 PHOTO (COLOR): Cats let us know they enjoy our company. Head butts are = reserved for only the closest of friends.=20 PHOTO (COLOR): Cats sleep together for companionship, not just warmth, = as observations of a feral cat colony in the summer revealed.=20 PHOTO (COLOR): Play fights and spats are common among cats that know = each other. Real fights may break out when a newcomer seeks entry into = an established group.=20 PHOTO (COLOR): Cats are social beyond kittenhood, although early = experiences may influence how social they become.=20 ~#126~#126~#126~#126=20 By Denise Perry Freelance writer Denise Perry's personal society of = animals includes five cats and two dogs.=20 Copyright 1995 by Mass. Soc. for the Prev. of Cruelty to Animals. Text = may not be copied without the express written permission of Mass. Soc. = for the Prev. of Cruelty to Animals.=20 Perry, Denise, In the society of cats.., Vol. 128, Animals, 05-01-1995, = pp 12.=20 Document Help | Help Index | Customer Service=20 --Boundary_(ID_PQADt6/oe2rVB05/nTzKgw)-- From: IN%"ivan@siu.edu" 24-OCT-1997 15:36:29.70 To: IN%"agness@siu.edu", IN%"aguent@po-box.mcgill.ca", IN%"tmah@telusplanet.net", IN%"101561.626@CompuServe.COM", IN%"bkoch@www.stardate.bc.ca", IN%"cprice@siu.edu", IN%"guenc@sk.sympatico.ca", IN%"jenkins@midamer.net", IN%"djenkins@lib.siu.edu", IN%"72420 CC: Subj: update on Ivan Hello everyone!!! I know that some of you have not heard from me in ages so I want to briefly update everyone on what is happening in my life these days. I have some happy news to report! (No, I'm not getting married.) A certain chapter in my life is coming to an end. Next Friday morning I am finally doing the oral defense of my thesis. My topic is "The Effectiveness of Japanese-Made Magazine Advertising on an American Consumer Audience." Exciting, or what?? My professors will likely suggest some minor changes and then that will FINALLY be it. I will be FINISHED graduate school!!!! YIPEEEEEEE!! I will officially "graduate" in December with my Master of Arts in Journalism. Or something like that. More good news...I found out today that I have a new job. On Monday I will begin working for the Ulysses S. Grant Association here at SIU. It is a huge collection of his papers and stuff. The position title is Associate Textual Editor. The bad news is that this position for now is only temporary. Maybe two or three months. It may become permanent but there is no way to know that right now. Anyway, this has been a real answer to prayer in that it allows me to use my work visa which runs out next summer. (By the way, for anyone of my international friends that may not know, U.S. Grant was a Civil War general that later went on to become the President.) So, I want to thank each one of you for your prayers, support, and encouragement these last three years. It means more to me than you will ever possible know. God has been very faithful to me here in Carbondale and I have grown a great deal. I am sorry that this is so short. I will do another mass mailing soon to let you know how the job is going (or if for some reason I should get engaged!). Thanks again for all your encouragement and prayers. God bless. As always, Ivan From: IN%"rc_rutt@ndirect.co.uk" 24-OCT-1997 17:30:24.04 To: IN%"applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca" CC: Subj: Cat nursing There are several Cat Fancy magazines here in the UK, I suggest a letter to the editors might produce the help you need. My "senior queen" would let you do the study, but I am a long way from Hull ~(Hatfield, Herts) and in any case am not planning to breed her again until after Christmas. Best wishes Chris rc_rutt@ndirect.co.uk http://www.rc-rutt.ndirect.co.uk/ Best wishes Chris rc_rutt@ndirect.co.uk http://www.rc-rutt.ndirect.co.uk/ From: IN%"filip.mulkens@agr.kuleuven.ac.be" 25-OCT-1997 10:38:37.55 To: IN%"Applied-Ethology@sask.usask.ca" CC: Subj: Proceedings of the "Animal Choices" Meeting Dear all I've read a report on the "Animal Choices" Occasional Meeting on 19th September 1996 in "Livestock Production Science 49, p. 70 (1997)". Does anybody know where I can order the Proceedings of this meeting? Thank you very much in advance Filip Mulkens, DVM Laboratory for Agricultural Buildings Research Faculty of Agricultural and Applied Biological Sciences K.U.Leuven Kardinaal Mercierlaan 92 B-3001 HEVERLEE BELGIUM Tel: +32-16-32 17 28 Fax: +32-16-32 19 77 E-mail: filip.mulkens@agr.kuleuven.ac.be From: IN%"billcamp@cdsnet.net" 26-OCT-1997 12:37:55.48 To: IN%"Applied-Ethology@sask.usask.ca" CC: Subj: Carbohydrate mystery A Nutrition Question for the List The following analysis for an All Pellet horse feed appears to total 52.2 percent. Is it safe to assume that the remaining 47.8 percent is carbohydrate? If so, can anyone explain why the commerical feed manufacturers rigorously avoid publishing any guaranteed minimum or maximum figures for carbohydrate, whether it is horse, dog or cat food? GUARANTEED ANALYSIS Minimum Crude Protein 15.0% Minimum Crude Fat...... 2.5% Maximum Crude Fiber 18.0% Minimum Crude Calcium 0.5% Maximum Crude Calcium 0.8% Minimum Crude Phosphorus0.4% Minimum Vitamin A IUlLa 4000. Minimum Vitamin D3 Mu 1000. Minimum Vitamin E Ulna 12. Minimum Selenium 0.00003% Maximum Ash 9.0% Maximum Added Minerals 6.0% I NGREDIENTS Alfalfa Meal, Oats, Millrun, Barley, Linseed Meal, Cane Molasses, Soybean Meal, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Mono-Dicalcium Phosphate, Vitamin A Acetate, D-Activated Animal Sterol (source of Vitamin D3), dl Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Vitamin b-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenale, Choline Chloride, Folic Acid, Ethoxyquin (a preservative) Calcium Idodate, Cobalt Carbonate, Copper Oxide, Ferrous Carbonate, Maganous Oxide, Zinc Oxide, Sodium Selenite (Selenium), Feed Flavor FEED INSTRUCTIONS Feed as sole ration depending on condition and level of activity. Mature horses maintenance: Approx. 1 112 lb per 100 pound bodyweight (no activity). Approx. 21121b per 100 pound bodyweight (heavy activity). Bill Campbell From: IN%"MURN@URIACC.URI.EDU" "Murn Nippo" 26-OCT-1997 14:48:14.94 To: IN%"APPLIED-ETHOLOGY@sask.usask.ca" CC: Subj: RE: Carbohydrate mystery The "puzzle" is that the Weende (Proximate Analysis) of feeds determines soluble carbohydrates by difference, not by a direct determination. The remainder will not be just carbohydrates since even a dry feed has moisture in it. What goes on a feed tag or pet food label is set by your home atate. A feed company is not going to put things on the label the state does not require them to put on. There is not a standard analysis done for carbs, they are estimated to provide energy figures. Hope this helps. Murn DR. MURN M. NIPPO PHONE 401-874-2940 DEPT. FISH., ANIMAL & FAX 401-874-4017 Veterinary Science University of Rhode Island Kingston, RI 02881 USA From: IN%"pdkaio@pobox.ruu.nl" "Pascalle" 27-OCT-1997 02:53:15.94 To: IN%"Applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca" CC: Subj: animal choices proceedings Dear Filip, The proceedings of the Animal Choices meeting may be obtained from: British Society of Animal Science PO box no. 3 Penicuik Midlothian EH26 0RZ U.K. I'm afraid I don't know what the costs are, but some papers are definitely worth reading. Pascalle van Loo * Department of Laboratory Animal Science * * Utrecht University ( ) ( ) * * PO.Box 80.166, 3508 TD Utrecht O O * * The Netherlands = o = * * Phone: ++ 31 30 2532033 Fax: ++ 31 30 2537997 * * 3 R's: Replacement, Reduction and Refinement of animal experiments * From: IN%"lmoffat@uoguelph.ca" "L. Moffat" 27-OCT-1997 22:14:08.93 To: IN%"Applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca" CC: Subj: foraging behaviour in domestic chickens Hi! My name is Lesley Moffat and I am just starting a Masters in Animal Science at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. I have always been in disfavour of battery cages for laying hens, but after reading many articles on aviaries it seems as if aviraies too have some welfare problems - large groups of hens placed together resulting in great difficulty to establish a stable pecking order leading to feather pecking and aggression. Anyhow, I was thinking that if one were to somehow encourage the hens to forage for food, rather than simply feeding them a concentrated feed in a trough, this might alleviate some of the problems in aviaries for the birds will be spending more time searching for food and less time picking on others or becoming bored (???). Anyhow, I am not sure of the details yet and how I could have birds forage for feed in an aviary (astro turf shelves along the perimeter of the building with grains of food of different sizes and tastes?) but the point of this message is to ask if any of you know of some decent references dealing with foraging behaviour in hens or similar bird species. Any help or ideas would be much appreciated! Lesley Moffat lmoffat@uoguelph.ca From: IN%"M.Kiley-Worthington@exeter.ac.uk" "room 016 wsl-Animal behaviour" 28-OCT-1997 05:52:21.45 To: IN%"Per.Jensen@hmh.slu.se" "Per Jensen" CC: IN%"applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca" Subj: RE: Def of early handling On Thu, 23 Oct 1997 09:43:52 +0100 Per Jensen wrote: > From: Per Jensen > Date: Thu, 23 Oct 1997 09:43:52 +0100 > Subject: Def of early handling > To: applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca > > Dear all, > > I am looking for a good definition of "early handling". Is anyone aware of > which definition is most commonly accepted among people working in this > area? > > Best wishes, > > Per Jensen > > *********************************************************** > PER JENSEN, Professor of Ethology > Swedish University of Agricultural Scinces > Department of Animal Environment and Health > Section of Ethology > POB 234, SE-532 23 SKARA, Sweden > Tel +46 511 67219 > Fax +46 511 67204 > E-mail Per.Jensen@hmh.slu.se > *********************************************************** > **************************************************************************** Dept. of Psychology Washington Singer Labs Room No: 016 University of Exeter Perry Road Exeter EX4 4QG, UK FAX +44 1392 264623 What an extraordinary statement, what evidence has the previous writer that handling is initially inevitabley aversive in all species? It surley depends on how it is done! We have tried to outline some of the base rules, with large mammals anyway, recently in a couple of papers from our research centre so if anyone is interested, pleasee let us know. Since we are a self financing organisation, we do have to charge for the copies I am afrai £2.00 per paper plus po & p. How handling is done is extreemely important in animal educational psychology. It is not something one learns in an afternoon either, a weeks lectures and practicals does help tho! Marthe Kiley-Worthington. a************************************************************************* From: IN%"bjarne.braastad@nlh10.nlh.no" "Bjarne O. Braastad" 28-OCT-1997 08:33:50.76 To: IN%"applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca" CC: Subj: RE: Definition of early handling Dear Dr. Marthe Kiley-Worthington (and all interested), You wrote, apparently as a response to my recent contribution (23rd Oct.): > What an extraordinary statement, what evidence has the previous writer that handling is initially inevitably aversive in all species? It surely depends on how it is done! ...... We agree about this. I made a distinction between early handling and early gentling, the latter being (probably) in accordance with the principles you advocate. I realize that people use these terms with different meaning. It is also a problem that a particular term depends on the consequences of the behaviour performed (by the human handler), while in ethology the motivational aspect, the intention of the performer, should be in focus. Hanno Wuerbel explained the historical background of the term early (or neonatal) handling as used on rats, and concluded that the term might be misleading. This may be so, but I think we still could use the term for handling of farm, pet, lab, and zoo animals in cases where handling by a human per se is the only treatment, without any separation or other milieu differences. The exact handling method should of course be specified. Best regards, Bjarne O. Braastad ************************************************************************** Bjarne O. Braastad (Dr.Philos.) Associate Professor of Ethology Dept. of Animal Science, Agricultural University of Norway, P.O. Box 5025, N-1432 Aas, Norway e-mail: bjarne.braastad@ihf.nlh.no fax: +47 64 94 79 60 phone: +47 64 94 79 80 http://wwwnlh.nlh.no/Institutt/IHF/Presside/bobu.htm ************************************************************************** From: IN%"k.waelbers@biol.ruu.nl" 28-OCT-1997 09:19:35.09 To: IN%"Applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca" CC: Subj: Transgenic fish Hi, I am Katinka Waelbers, a student from the University of Utrecht. I am new on this web. At the moment I am writing a review about transgenic fish, and therefore I need any kind of information about the subject. Not only about the researchprograms, but also about opinions of people, expectations for the future in aquaculture, risks for the environment and ethics. If you think you have got some information that's interesting for me, please let me know, I would be very greatful. Greetings, Katinka Waelbers. Katinka Waelbers Wetenschapswinkel Biologie Afdeling Ecologie Padualaan 8 3584 CH Utrecht 030-2535794 prive: 0412-646145 email: k.waelbers@biol.ruu.nl From: IN%"Linda.Keeling@hmh.slu.se" "Linda Keeling" 29-OCT-1997 10:21:16.47 To: IN%"Applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca" CC: Subj: Job Vacancy 1 Post-doctoral research position in poultry behaviour and welfare at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. There is a vacancy in the Department of Animal Environment and Health, Section of Ethology, for a person to work within an EU grant on feather pecking in laying hens. The grant will start in January 1998 and will run for 3 years. The post-doctoral person employed within this grant will be expected to take responsibility for the Swedish part of this collaborative research project. Most work will be carried out at the poultry research facilities in Skara, Sweden, but there will be some travel to Holland and Britain. The research involves behavioural observations of feather pecking behaviour and some clinical scoring of feather condition. A strong background in ethology is required and experience with poultry would be an advantage. It is not necessary to be able to speak Swedish initially. Salary will depend on qualifications and experience. The Ethology Section in Skara currently consists of 3 senior researchers and 6 PhD students, plus there are numerous other researchers and students in the Department of Animal Environment and Health working on related topics. This position offers a person with research experience the opportunity to join a lively, enthusiastic group and to expand their knowledge in the areas of applied ethology and welfare. For further information please contact: Linda Keeling, Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O.Box 234, SE 532 23 Skara, Sweden. Tel: +46 511 67220. Fax +46 511 67204 E-mail Linda.Keeling@hmh.slu.se. From: IN%"Linda.Keeling@hmh.slu.se" "Linda Keeling" 29-OCT-1997 10:40:41.76 To: IN%"Applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca" CC: Subj: Job vacancy 2 Development of a computer based instruction program for teaching in animal welfare A person is required to coordinate the gathering of material for an interactive computer program for undergraduate teaching in animal welfare. It is not necessary for this person to be able to do the programming, but a strong scientific background related to animal welfare research and a working knowledge of ethics, legislation etc is required. Candidates should have good contacts within the area of animal welfare and preferably a PhD degree. The position is for 1 year, with the possibility of some shorter consultancy tasks later. Salary will depend on qualifications and experience. This position will be an excellent opportunity for a person to become established in the field of animal welfare as well as giving valuable information technology experience. The project is a collaboration between the Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Skara, who are responsible for the content of the course, and the Animal Science Department at the University of Cornell, USA, who are responsible for the technical aspects of the instruction program. The position will be based in the Department of Animal Environment and Health in Skara, Sweden. For further information contact: Linda Keeling or Bo Algers Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O.Box 234 532 23 Skara Fax +46 (0)511 67204 telephone +46 (0)511 67220 or +46 (0)511 67200 E-mail Linda.Keeling@HMH.SLU.SE or Bo.Algers@HMH.SLU.SE From: IN%"nell215@siu.edu" 29-OCT-1997 11:39:27.21 To: IN%"Applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca" CC: Subj: Job vacancy 2 Development of a computer based instruction program for teaching in animal welfare A person is required to coordinate the gathering of material for an interactive computer program for undergraduate teaching in animal welfare. It is not necessary for this person to be able to do the programming, but a strong scientific background related to animal welfare research and a working knowledge of ethics, legislation etc is required. Candidates should have good contacts within the area of animal welfare and preferably a PhD degree. The position is for 1 year, with the possibility of some shorter consultancy tasks later. Salary will depend on qualifications and experience. This position will be an excellent opportunity for a person to become established in the field of animal welfare as well as giving valuable information technology experience. The project is a collaboration between the Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Skara, who are responsible for the content of the course, and the Animal Science Department at the University of Cornell, USA, who are responsible for the technical aspects of the instruction program. The position will be based in the Department of Animal Environment and Health in Skara, Sweden. For further information contact: Linda Keeling or Bo Algers Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O.Box 234 532 23 Skara Fax +46 (0)511 67204 telephone +46 (0)511 67220 or +46 (0)511 67200 E-mail Linda.Keeling@HMH.SLU.SE or Bo.Algers@HMH.SLU.SE From: IN%"filip.mulkens@agr.kuleuven.ac.be" 29-OCT-1997 12:32:05.82 To: IN%"applied-ethology-error@sask.usask.ca" CC: Subj: RE: animal choices proceedings Beste Pascalle Dank voor het berichtje. Ik heb het werkje besteld. Vriendelijke groeten Filip Dear Pascalle Thank you very much for your message. I have ordered the proceedings; Kind Regards Filip "Pascalle" Wrote: | | Dear Filip, | | The proceedings of the Animal Choices meeting may be | obtained from: | | British Society of Animal Science | PO box no. 3 | Penicuik | Midlothian EH26 0RZ | U.K. | | I'm afraid I don't know what the costs are, but some | papers are definitely | worth reading. | | Pascalle van Loo | | * Department of Laboratory Animal Science | * | * Utrecht University ( ) ( ) | * | * PO.Box 80.166, 3508 TD Utrecht O O | * | * The Netherlands = o = | * | * Phone: ++ 31 30 2532033 Fax: ++ 31 30 2537997 | * | * 3 R's: Replacement, Reduction and Refinement of animal | experiments * | | From: IN%"filip.mulkens@agr.kuleuven.ac.be" 30-OCT-1997 03:43:51.95 To: IN%"Applied-Ethology@sask.usask.ca" CC: Subj: (E-mail) Address of Hans W. Erhard Dear all Does anybody knows the current (E-mail) address of Hans W. Erhard? He works/worked at the Genetics and Behavioural Sciences Department, SAC Edinburgh. Thank you very much in advance Filip Mulkens, DVM Laboratory for Agricultural Buildings Research Faculty of Agricultural and Applied Biological Sciences K.U.Leuven Kardinaal Mercierlaan 92 B-3001 HEVERLEE BELGIUM Phone: +32-16-32 17 28 Fax: +32-16-32 19 77 E-mail: filip.mulkens@agr.kuleuven.ac.be From: IN%"eoprice@ucdavis.edu" "Edward O. Price" 30-OCT-1997 10:03:49.33 To: IN%"applied-ethology-error@sask.usask.ca" "applied-ethology-error" CC: Subj: RE: (E-mail) Address of Hans W. Erhard Dear Dr. Mulkins: Han's current e-mail address is: mi698@highgate.mluri.sari.ac.uk Ed Price University of California, Davis eoprice@ucdavis.edu ---------- >From: applied-ethology-error >To: Applied-Ethology >Subject: (E-mail) Address of Hans W. Erhard >Date: Wednesday, October 29, 1997 4:59PM > >Dear all > >Does anybody knows the current (E-mail) address of Hans W. Erhard? He >works/worked at the Genetics and Behavioural Sciences Department, SAC >Edinburgh. > >Thank you very much in advance > >Filip Mulkens, DVM >Laboratory for Agricultural Buildings Research >Faculty of Agricultural and Applied Biological Sciences >K.U.Leuven >Kardinaal Mercierlaan 92 >B-3001 HEVERLEE >BELGIUM >Phone: +32-16-32 17 28 >Fax: +32-16-32 19 77 >E-mail: filip.mulkens@agr.kuleuven.ac.be > From: IN%"jiracka@ids.pl" 30-OCT-1997 11:18:50.53 To: IN%"robin@coape.win-uk.net" CC: IN%"Petra.Mertens@lrz.uni-muenchen.de", IN%"applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca" Subj: RE: A case of cat behavior - please help Dear Dr. Walker, I just wanted to update you on my case. I started the cat on phenobarbital two weeks ago. The owners have observed no side effects even though she is getting now almost 5 mg/kg (divided BID; I started from 2,5 mg/kg div. BID but have augmented the dose). I think that the results are supportive of your diagnosis. The "attacks" last shorter then before starting her on phenobarbital, and the duration decreases with each attack. Also, it is much easier to calm her down. There is a significant decrease in her aggressiveness and irritability and during the last attack she hasn't been at all aggressive nor frightened; she was only very agitated, running around the flat like mad. The only worsening is that the attacks are more frequent now (this is why I increased the dose); before treatment with phenobarbital the interval was from 3 to 4 weeks, now she had three attacks 6-8 days apart. The owner had one interesting observation: she can predict the attack the day before, since the cat is "different", quiet and avoiding social interaction; yet the attack itself starts about half an hour after administration of phenobarbital. Could it have something to do with the fragment of the text cited by you that I asked you before about: "Although this behaviour resolves if epileptic seizures remit spontaneously, it is exacerbated when seizures are abolished by antiepileptic medication (39), suggesting it is a consequence of active inhibitory mechanisms that develop to suppress ictal events." Thank you very much again, Joanna Iracka From: IN%"simon@simons0.demon.co.uk" "Simon Sharp," 30-OCT-1997 14:58:02.25 To: IN%"applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca" CC: Subj: introduction + info on anal glands Hello, I'm new to the network so will briefly introduce myself. My interest in ethology concerns the ethology of the dog - this being due to working for 'Hearing Dogs for Deaf People' in the UK. I work in the training and socialising departments. Before joining Hearing Dogs I worked in Rescue Centres for a number of years - my interest being in the treatment and prevention of behaviour problems. Can anyone send me (or point me in the right direction) information regarding the behavioural effects that anal glands play in interactions between conspecifics. My major interest is what effect the removal of anal glands might have in communication or mis-communication between dogs. -- Simon Sharp, From: IN%"jcha@u.washington.edu" "James Ha" 30-OCT-1997 15:41:56.21 To: IN%"applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca" CC: Subj: Applied Animal Behavior Certification Program: info now on the WWW The following pamphlet: Program for Certification of Applied Animal Behaviorists Prepared by the ABS Board of Professional Certification is now on the ABS web site at: http://www.cisab.indiana.edu/ABS/Applied/index.html The pamphlet covers the following topics: *WHAT IS CERTIFICATION? *WHO SHOULD BE CERTIFIED? *WHAT ARE THE LEVELS OF PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION? *WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION? *HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BECOME CERTIFIED? *WHAT DO I DO TO BECOME CERTIFIED? A current directory of certified Applied Animal Behaviorists is also on the web site. From: IN%"mb0u5038@liverpool.ac.uk" "Lester, Gibbs...G" 30-OCT-1997 20:43:22.74 To: IN%"Applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca" CC: Subj: A plea for help. If there is anyone awake at this unearthly time (2:30am here)with a science background...I need a little help. I have to submit my honours project proposal in about 12 hours. Would anyone possibly be prepared to read approximately 500 words (the introduction)and let me know what they feel about it. The tiltle is: Behavioural modifications in the face of fluctuating salinties in the shanny (Blennius pholis L.) with regards to solitary and conspecific actions. The help would be extremely helpful as I am dyslexic. I just need to know if the introduction flows ok. I'm hoping there is someone up at 2:30 am somewhere, unfortunately no one is here (the Isle of Man, GB). If you can help, please mail me on mb0u5038@liv.ac.uk Thanks Geoff. ***************************************************** * I might be an adult but I'm a minor at heart!!! * ***************************************************** ***************************************************** * http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/2962 * ***************************************************** From: IN%"mb0u5038@liverpool.ac.uk" "Lester, Gibbs...G" 30-OCT-1997 21:24:15.64 To: IN%"Applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca" CC: Subj: Thanks, I have the help now. Thanks to those who offered there help. I have had plenty of offers now, and enough to get by on I hope. Its times like this at nearly 3:30 am, crisis city and the deadline gets nearer...that a little help goes a long way. It restores a little more faith in humanity when someone can offer there help, wisdom, time and thought. Once again, my sincere thanks for all those who offered there help, and if I can do the same in return (for anyone on ethology network), I will do my upmost best. If your ever on the Isle of Man, the Guinness is on me! Geoff. ***************************************************** * I might be an adult but I'm a minor at heart!!! * ***************************************************** ***************************************************** * http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/2962 * ***************************************************** From: IN%"robin@coape.win-uk.net" "Robin Walker" 31-OCT-1997 02:15:50.03 To: IN%"jiracka@ids.pl" "'jiracka@ids.pl'" CC: IN%"applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca" "applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca" Subj: RE: A case of cat behavior - please help Dear Dr. Iracka, You are quite right. As the seizure activity is controlled the cat is left with sensations of withdrawal and frustration which are can be evoked by conditional stimuli. These may be numerous and very potent as anyone who has tried to give up smoking (or any other drug) can attest. The evocation of escape or avoidance behaviour by the handling involved in dosing with medication presumably has it genesis in the original response to threatening gestures as you described in the history. We tend to forget just how "addictive" escape behaviour can become. If you can persuade the owner of the cat to be patient and not over inclined to intervene, a process of extinction should reduce the behaviour you are now seeing. There is a battery of medication which directly or indirectly enhances reward chemistry and could theoretically alleviate the cravings of withdrawal. There are pitfalls. One of my favourite cases was a German Pointer which frantically and endlessly chased the shadows of birds on bright sunlit days. If forcibly restrained by being brought indoors the dog became extremely agitated and obviously distressed. {As do dogs in the shuttle box when attempts are made to restrain them). I was persuaded to try fluoxetine (Prozac) to alleviate the apparent frustration. The result was a spectacular increase in the speed and duration of the chasing behaviour! I had obviously increased the reward which the dog gained from the behaviour. When brought inside the distress was also greatly increased and the dog became aggressive Judging this to be a result of increased withdrawal in contrast to increased reward I switched to phenobarbitone. The whole array of chasing behaviour ceased almost at once and the dog became apparently normal in all respects. _________ Papers of this type illustrate the rewarding nature of avoidance:- Neuroscience 1993 Feb;52(4):919-925 A neurochemical and behavioral investigation of the involvement of nucleus accumbens dopamine in instrumental avoidance. McCullough LD, Sokolowski JD, Salamone JD Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs 06269-1020. Two experiments were conducted to investigate the role of nucleus accumbens dopamine in the performance of a lever press avoidance task in the rat.....(snip)..... There was a significant positive correlation between increases in extracellular dopamine and the number of avoidance responses emitted. In the second experiment, groups of rats were trained on the lever press avoidance procedure. After training, rats received intra-accumbens injections of the neurotoxic agent 6-hydroxydopamine or ascorbic acid vehicle. Dopamine depletion produced by 6-hydroxydopamine injection led to a substantial decrease in lever pressing to avoid or escape shock. These results indicate that dopamine in nucleus accumbens is important for operant avoidance responding, and that the involvement of accumbens dopamine in instrumental behavior is not unique to positively reinforced responses. Snip The literature on behavioural control of epilepsy is worth a glance. There are many papers of this type. (I am not suggesting that the cat should read them or in anyway try to think about its own problem! There is enlightenment here for veterinarians about the power of Pavlovian associative stimuli. Also arguments for trying to detect and avoid the evoking triggers.) Neurol Clin 1994 Feb;12(1):175-202 The behavioral treatment of epilepsy generation and inhibition of seizures. Fenwick P Department of Neuropsychiatry, Maudsley Hospital, London, England. These studies provide abundant evidence of the close interrelation between seizure activity and behavior. They reaffirm the point that epileptic seizures do not occur in a behavioral vacuum and strengthen the theoretical framework for behavioral treatment of epilepsy patients. Snip.......... Charting events surrounding the time of the seizure as described below are the engine which drives the creation of a countermeasure and its application to stopping seizures. Snip....They are the heart of a behavioral program and skill in interpreting the data will be repaid by the finding of the appropriate countermeasures for seizure reduction. .Snip A complete treatment of epilepsy involves not just medication, but includes teaching the patient about their brain and its functioning, and how they can use their feelings, thinking, and behavior in the control of their epilepsy. ____ Thank you for telling us about this fascinating case Robin Walker PS There may be something of interest in the rewarding nature of avoidance for those interested in the "resource holding" question. -----Original Message----- From: jiracka@ids.pl [SMTP:jiracka@ids.pl] Sent: 30 October 1997 19:06 To: robin@coape.win-uk.net Cc: Petra.Mertens@lrz.uni-muenchen.de; applied-ethology@sask.usask.ca Subject: Re: A case of cat behavior - please help Dear Dr. Walker, I just wanted to update you on my case. I started the cat on phenobarbital two weeks ago. The owners have observed no side effects even though she is getting now almost 5 mg/kg (divided BID; I started from 2,5 mg/kg div. BID but have augmented the dose). I think that the results are supportive of your diagnosis. The "attacks" last shorter then before starting her on phenobarbital, and the duration decreases with each attack. Also, it is much easier to calm her down. There is a significant decrease in her aggressiveness and irritability and during the last attack she hasn't been at all aggressive nor frightened; she was only very agitated, running around the flat like mad. The only worsening is that the attacks are more frequent now (this is why I increased the dose); before treatment with phenobarbital the interval was from 3 to 4 weeks, now she had three attacks 6-8 days apart. The owner had one interesting observation: she can predict the attack the day before, since the cat is "different", quiet and avoiding social interaction; yet the attack itself starts about half an hour after administration of phenobarbital. Could it have something to do with the fragment of the text cited by you that I asked you before about: "Although this behaviour resolves if epileptic seizures remit spontaneously, it is exacerbated when seizures are abolished by antiepileptic medication (39), suggesting it is a consequence of active inhibitory mechanisms that develop to suppress ictal events." Thank you very much again, Joanna Iracka