Stereotypic animal behavior and enrichment

Question 1

Define stereotypies

Answer 1

repetitive behaviour induced by fustration, repeated attempts to cope and/or CNS dysfunction

Question 2

What is a fustration-induced stereotypic behaviour

Answer 2

is driven directly by motivational fustration, anxiety or physical discomfort

Question 3

What is malfunction-induced stereotypic behaviour

Answer 3

is hard to diagnose. Is caused by early weaning or chronic stress which impairs brain function

Question 4

What is the function of a stereotypy

Answer 4

It is a coping methos used by the animal to reduce stress and improve well being

Question 5

What are the motivational explanations for stereotypies

Answer 5

When there is no feedback loop to orientation,oriented or consumption the animal repeats the behaviour. This can be an indication of malfunction or maladaption

Question 6

What is enrichment

Answer 6

actions taken to enhance the well being of captive animals by identifying and providing key environmental stimuli. The aim of enrichment is to pre-empt and cure stereotypies

Question 7

Explain the complexity of enrichment strategies

Answer 7

Enrichment is used to improve animal welfare e.g. free range chickens but exposure to predators will increase stress levels which is not good for welfare
Forms of environmental enrichment must be appropriate for that animal
cost association
can cause variability in lab data- rats

Question 8

What is the neurological basis for stereotypes

Answer 8

an imbalance in the mesocorticolimbic system and nigrostriatal system

Question 9

What behaviour would be a result of an imbalance of the mesocorticolimbic system

Answer 9

passive responses

helplessness, the animal is unwilling to eat or drink

Question 10

what behaviour would be a result of an imbalance of the nigrostriatal system

Answer 10

active coping response

wanting to escape