Freedom of Movement Flashcards
What is the concept of freedom of movement in domestic animals?
The ability of an animal to move freely in its environment, enabling normal behaviours.
What are the Five Freedoms related to animal welfare?
- Freedom from hunger and thirst
- Freedom from discomfort
- Freedom from pain, injury, and disease
- Freedom to express normal behaviour
- Freedom from fear and distress
What does sufficient freedom of movement allow an animal to do?
Turn around, groom itself, get up, lie down, and stretch its limbs.
What are some arguments for freedom of movement in housing design?
- Gives the animal control of environment
- Physical and psychological benefits
- Allows fulfillment of behavioural needs
- Maintains better physical condition
What is a common argument against freedom of movement in housing design for pregnant sows?
Pregnant pigs can be aggressive, necessitating individual stalls.
Which housing system showed the greatest wing movements in hens?
Deep-litter system.
What is the relationship between housing systems and humerus strength in hens?
Greatest strength in deep-litter, 9% lower in hens from alternative systems, and 45% lower in battery cages.
What are ‘ultimate needs’ for domestic animals?
Essential needs like food and water; without them, animals die.
What are ‘proximate needs’ in the context of animal behaviour?
Less evident and less critical needs that affect animal behaviour.
What negative effects can arise from restricting important behaviours in animals?
Frustration, boredom, depression, psychosis.
What is the difference between internally motivated and externally motivated behaviours?
Internally motivated behaviours are controlled by the animal, while externally motivated behaviours are influenced by environmental cues.
True or False: All animal behaviours are primarily controlled by external factors.
False.
What is the Hughes & Duncan model used for?
Understanding stereotypies and motivation behind animal behaviours.
What is an example of externally motivated behaviour in gerbils?
Caged gerbils show digging behaviour without the presence of a burrow.
What effect does providing a tunnel have on gerbils’ digging behaviour?
Significantly reduces digging behaviour.
What is an example of internally motivated behaviour in calves?
Calves cross-suck or suck on pen fittings in absence of a teat.
What physiological benefits are linked to sucking behaviour in calves?
Greater insulin and CCK levels, better digestion, and increased satiety.
What are the internal triggers for dust bathing in chickens?
Circadian rhythm, high motivation during daylight.
What external factors influence dust bathing behaviour in chickens?
- Warmer temperatures
- Presence of suitable substrate
- High light levels
- Social facilitation
What is the final model for dust bathing motivation in chickens?
A ‘tank’ model gated by a circadian pacemaker.
What are some key behaviours that enriched cages for chickens should accommodate?
- Nesting
- Perching
- Dust bathing
- Scratching
