Animal Behavior Flashcards
applied ethology
general term used to refer to the study of domestic animal behavior
aggression and social structure
problems with aggression and social structure arise when humans and animals are forced to vie for dominance
biological rhythms and sleep
understanding circadian and other rhythms helps us understand animal behavior
cycles influenced by:
light(seasonal estrus), barometric pressure, endocrine system, feeding, etc
sexual behavior
requires a study of the physiological basis of sexual behavior, including endocrine and nervous system influences
maternal behavior
includes a study of bonding, mutual recognition, negligence or neglect by the female, nest-building, nursing, weaning, learned behavior
ingestive behavior: food and water intake
studying the way animals consume feed and water has implications in animal management
studying ingestive behavior requires study of what controls feed intake, such as:
influence of herd or flock behavior, palatability, environment, hormones
temperament
one determinant of how an animal will react during handling
genetics + environment
measures-
chute scoring: animal in confined area and observe behavior
exit velocity: how fast they leave the enclosure when it’s open
blood cortisol level
vision
livestock have wide-angle vision: cattle, pigs, and sheep have visual field in excess of 300 degrees
this means that objects in over 80% of the space around them can distract them
lighting can influence behavior
noise
unexpected loud or novel noises can be highly stressful to livestock
however, animals readily adapt to reasonable levels of continuous sounds
flight zone
the animal’s safety zone
when a person enters an animal’s flight zone, the animal moves away
factors that influence flight zone:
size of enclosure- smaller enclosures make smaller flight zones
approaching animal at its head increases flight zone size
flocking instinct
shelter seeking behavior that has been selected for in sheep
at the least hint of danger they move closer together
