ABSTRACT
The characteristics of animal distribution are determined by interactions between the resource requirements of animals and ecological factors. This study sought to evaluate the effects of diverse ecological factors on the home range and core area of red-backed voles (Myodes regulus) in a natural deciduous forest located on Mt. Gariwang, Pyeongchang and Jeongseon, South Korea. Our study focused on four types of ecological factors: topography, climate, cover, and demography. A total of 29 voles were radio-tracked from August to September 2021. Home range (95% utilization distribution; UD) and core area (50% UD) were calculated using the kernel density estimator (KDE). The home range (1659.49 m2) and core area (317.08 m2) were negatively affected by altitude. The lunar phase and temperature negatively and positively influenced the home range and core area, respectively. The home range was positively affected by understory vegetation, whereas the core area was not. The core area increased within microhabitats with a high density of conspecific individuals, with males having a larger home range (2006.19 m2) and core area (375.40 m2) than females (1043.13 m2 and 213.39 m2, respectively). These findings provide a deeper understanding of the diverse ecological factors affecting the distributions of animals, especially small rodents.
Subject(s)
Arvicolinae , Homing Behavior , Male , Animals , Female , Arvicolinae/physiology , Forests , Climate , Temperature , EcosystemABSTRACT
Abstract Background: Behavioral traits of pigs have been shown to be partly under genetic control, which raises the possibility that behavior might be altered by genetic selection, resulting in pigs with better growth performance. Objective: To evaluate the behavior and growth of finishing pigs and investigate pigs selected for high or low social breeding value (SBV) in relation to social behavior and group growth. Methods: Thirty-five females and 35 boars from five positive and five negative SBV groups of finishing pigs were grown from 30 to 90 kg and housed in 10 test pens (3.0 × 3.3 m, 7 pigs/pen). Pigs were recorded with video technology for nine consecutive hours on days 1, 15, and 30 after mixing. Pigs were weighed at approximately 90 kg body weight and the number of days to reach 90 kg was then calculated. Results: The frequency and duration of behaviors were present in the positive and negative SBV groups after mixing. On day 1 after mixing, agonistic behavior was significantly higher (p=0.027) for the -SBV group compared with the +SBV group. Feeding and feeding-together behaviors were significantly higher (p<0.003) in the +SBV group on days 1 and 30 after mixing. Moreover, growth performance to reach 90 kg body weight was significantly faster (p<0.002) in the +SBV group than in the -SBV group. Conclusion: Social interactions, such as feeding-together behavior, among pen mates might affect their growth rate and feed intake. Selection for SBV could be used as an indirect technique for improving growth performance of pigs.
Resumen Antecedentes: Se ha demostrado que los rasgos conductuales de los cerdos están parcialmente bajo control genético, lo que plantea la posibilidad de que el comportamiento pueda ser alterado vía selección genética y resulte en cerdos con mejores rendimientos de crecimiento. Objetivo: Evaluar el comportamiento y crecimiento de los cerdos en etapa de finalización e investigar cerdos seleccionados por un valor alto o bajo de crianza social (SBV) en relación al comportamiento social y al crecimiento grupal. Métodos: Treinta y cinco hembras y 35 verracos, pertenecientes a cinco grupos positivos y cinco grupos negativos de SBV de cerdos en etapa de finalización, llevados hasta los 90, desde 30 kg de peso, alojados en 10 corrales de prueba (3,0 x 3,3 m, 7 cerdos/corral). Los cerdos fueron observados con la ayuda de tecnología de vídeo por nueve horas consecutivas en los días 1, 15 y 30 luego de ser mezclados. Además, los cerdos se pesaron a los 90 kg de peso aproximadamente y se calculó el número de días para alcanzar dicho peso. Resultados: La frecuencia y duración de los comportamientos de los cerdos en la etapa de finalización se presentaron en los grupos de SBV negativos y positivos luego de ser mezclados. El día 1 luego de la mezcla, el comportamiento agonístico fue significativamente mayor (p=0,027) en el grupo -SBV que en el grupo +SBV. Los comportamientos de consumo de alimento y de consumo en compañía fueron significativamente mayores (p<0,003) en el grupo +SBV en los días 1 y 30 luego de la mezcla. Además, el crecimiento para alcanzar 90 kg de peso corporal fue significativamente más rápido (p=0,002) en el grupo +SBV que el grupo -SBV. Conclusiones: Las interacciones sociales, tales como el comportamiento de consumo de alimento en compañía, entre los compañeros de corral, pueden afectar la tasa de crecimiento y consumo de alimento. La selección por SBV podría usarse como técnica indirecta para mejorar el rendimiento de crecimiento en cerdos.
Resumo Antecedentes: Os traços comportamentais dos porcos demonstraram estar parcialmente sob controle genético, o que aumenta a possibilidade de que o comportamento possa ser alterado pela seleção genética e resulte em porcos com melhor comportamento de crescimento. Objetivo: Avaliar o comportamento e o crescimento dos porcos de engorda e investigar os porcos selecionados para alto ou baixo valor de reprodução social (SBV) em relação ao comportamento social e crescimento do grupo. Métodos: Trinta e cinco fêmeas e 35 machos, pertencentes a cinco grupos de SBV positivos e cinco negativos de porcos de engorda, foram engordados até 90 de 30 kg e alojados em 10 currais de teste (3,0 × 3,3 m, 7 porcos/curral). Os porcos foram observados com o auxílio de tecnologia de vídeo durante nove horas consecutivas nos dias 1, 15 e 30 após a mistura. Além disso, os porcos foram sopesados em aproximadamente 90 kg de peso corporal e o número de dias para atingir 90 kg foi então calculado. Resultados: A frequência e a duração dos comportamentos dos porcos de engorda foram apresentadas com grupos de SBV positivo e negativo após a mistura. No dia 1 após a mistura, o comportamento agonístico foi significativamente maior (p=0,027) no grupo -SBV do que no grupo +SBV. Os comportamentos de alimentação e alimentação conjunta foram significativamente maiores (p<0,003) no grupo +SBV nos dias 1 e 30 após a mistura. Além disso, o comportamento de crescimento do grupo para atingir 90 kg de peso corporal foi significativamente mais rápido (p<0,002) no grupo +SBV do que no grupo -SBV. Conclusão: As interações sociais, como o comportamento de alimentação conjunta, entre companheiros de curral podem afetar a taxa de crescimento e a ingestão alimentar. A seleção para SBV pode ser uma técnica indireta para melhorar o comportamento de crescimento dos porcos.
ABSTRACT
We examined the influence of tree thinning on the abundance of mammals in a Japanese larch Larix kaempferi plantation in Mt Gariwang, Pyeongchang, South Korea. In 2014 and 2015, from April to October, we recorded the presence of tracks as a proxy for abundance, for the following seven mammalian species: Korean hare Lepus coreanus, raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides, Siberian weasel Mustela sibirica, Eurasian badger Meles meles, water deer Hydropotes inermis, roe deer Capreolus pygargus, and wild boar Sus scrofa. We also assessed how the intensity of tree thinning affected vegetation cover; there were significant differences in number of standing trees, basal area, coverage of vegetation layers, and number and volume of downed trees among the control, moderately thinned, and intensively thinned stands. We found significant differences in the abundance of tracks among the stands for three mammal species. In four mammal species, the abundance of track was significantly correlated with volume of downed trees, coverage of ground vegetation, number of downed trees, and number of standing trees, according to stepwise analysis. The presence and abundance of mammals is linked to habitat variables and forest managers should consider how habitat modifications will affect wildlife.
ABSTRACT
We investigated the relationships between vegetation area, edge length, and mammals in the urban woods of Daejeon Metropolitan City, South Korea. The vegetation patches included in this study varied from 2.1 to 501.0â ha in size. Surveys were conducted monthly between February and October 2015, with a survey route measuring 1â km in length and 10â m width established in each forest patch. Field signs of 14 species of mammals were recorded in the 33 chosen forest patches over the course of the study period, and the number of species in each patch varied from 2 to 11. Mammal species richness was positively correlated with vegetation area, and field sign frequency was positively correlated with vegetation area and negatively correlated with edge length. The field sign frequencies of large moles Mogera robusta, Siberian chipmunks Tamias sibiricus, leopard cats Prionailurus bengalensis, Korean hares Lepus coreanus, water deer Hydropotes inermis, and wild boars Sus scrofa were positively correlated with vegetation area. Moreover, that of large moles, leopard cats, Korean hares, and water deer were negatively correlated with edge length. Remnant vegetation area and edge length are the primary determinants of mammal species richness and field sign frequency in urban woods, highlighting the importance of vegetation patch size for mammal conservation in fragmented urban landscapes.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to characterize the behaviors and the body weight of suckling piglets in different social environments. METHODS: Two groups of sows and suckling piglets housed either in individual farrowing crates in separate pens (1.8×2.4 m, the control group) or in groups of three sows with their piglets in farrowing crates in a large common enclosure (5.4×2.2 m, the treatment group) were observed with the aid of video technology for 9 consecutive hours on days 1, 2, and 3, after mixing. RESULTS: Suckling, agonistic, and elimination behaviors of suckling piglets were significantly higher in the control group than in the treatment group. Inactive behavior was higher in the treatment group than in the control group. Most of the effects of the social environment on the suckling piglets seem to be the result of large reductions in behaviors and body weight for piglets switching from high activity to low activity. Moreover, suckling behavior and birth body weight were highly correlated with body weight at the end of the test. CONCLUSION: The social environment that resulted from mixing, thus, had significant effects on the behavior and body weight of suckling piglets, and behavioral characteristics, therefore, should be considered when making improvements to the husbandry and care methods used in swine production.
ABSTRACT
With regard to animal welfare concerns, behavioral information of weaned and mixed piglets is great interest in swine production. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the change in behavior of weaned piglets over time in two different groups (littermates and piglets from different litters) after mixing. Two weaned groups of piglets (72 individuals in all) housed either with littermates or with foreign piglets (6 individuals in 1.8 m×1.4 m pens, 28°C±1°C temperature) were observed with the aid of video technology for 9 consecutive hours on days 1, 2, and 3 after mixing. The behaviors of the weaned piglets in the control and treatment groups were significantly different among the days after mixing. Piglets were, however, more active and aggressive in the groups with foreign piglets. This study reveals a lower level of agonistic behavior in groups of piglets that came from the same litter.
ABSTRACT
In this study, we investigated the effects of mixing on the aggressive behavior of commercially housed pigs. The behavioral patterns of 36 groups of pigs (a total of 360 animals) were observed over 3 consecutive days directly after weaning (25±1.2 days of age), and 25 and 50 days later with the aid of video technology. Fight latency and total duration and frequency of fighting were significantly different among the age groups. The aggressive behaviors decreased in 75-day old pigs if compared to 25- and 50-day old animals. Moreover, dominance index (DI) was higher in 25-day old and lower in 75-day old pigs. A comparison of dominant (DI>0) and submissive (DI<0) pigs showed significant differences (p<0.05) for major aggressive behaviors in all age groups. Dominant pigs were involved in more aggressive interactions, had longer fights, and initiated more fights than submissive pigs. Post-mixing aggressive behavior was altered by previous experience of mixing. Aggressive behavior and DI are suitable methods for analyzing the effects of mixing on commercially housed growing pigs.
ABSTRACT
Background: the size of commercial cages has been raised as the major component in the welfare of laying hens. Objectives: to describe the effect of floor space on the behavior of laying hens housed in commercial cages. Methods: one hundred and thirty-five Hy-Line Brown laying hens (aged 25 ~ 50 weeks) were housed in different sized commercial cages and monitored using video technology during 10 h per day at 2-week intervals. Results: total time spent standing, dozing, and sleeping were significantly higher in small cages than in medium and large cages. Total time spent walking was higher in large cages. Cage-pecking frequency was higher in small cages while stretching frequency was higher in large cages. Moreover, preening frequency was lower in small cages. Conspecific pecking was higher in small cages. Conclusions: cage size is a critical factor affecting the behavior of laying hens. This study can help managers to understand spatial relations in caged hens.
Antecedentes: el tamaño de la jaula para gallinas en explotaciones comerciales es el principal problema de bienestar animal en esa especie. Objetivo: describir el efecto del espacio de piso sobre el comportamiento de las gallinas ponedoras alojadas en jaulas comerciales. Métodos: ciento treinta y cinco ponedoras Hy - Line Brown (25 ~ 50 semanas de edad) fueron alojadas en jaulas comerciales de diferentes tamaños y se monitorearon utilizando tecnología de vídeo durante 10 horas diarias en intervalos de 2 semanas. Resultados: la duración total de permanencia en pie, yaciendo y durmiendo fue significativamente mayor en jaulas pequeñas que en las medianas y grandes. El tiempo gastado caminando fue mayor en las jaulas grandes. La frecuencia de picoteo a la jaula fue mayor en las jaulas pequeñas y la frecuencia del estiramiento de alas fue mayor en las grandes. Por otra parte, la frecuencia de acicalamiento fue menor en las jaulas pequeñas. El picoteo entre gallinas fue mayor en las jaulas pequeñas. Conclusiones: se encontró que el tamaño de la jaula es un factor crítico que afecta el comportamiento de las gallinas ponedoras. Este estudio podría ayudar en el manejo de la gallina ponedora enjaulada al mejorar la comprensión sobre las relaciones espaciales en dicha especie.
Antecedentes: o tamanho da gaiola para galinhas de granjas comerciais é a principal questão do bem-estar animal nesta espécie. Objetivo: descrever o efeito do espaço sobre o comportamento de galinhas poedeiras alojadas em gaiolas comerciais. Métodos: 135 Hy-Line Brown (25-50 semanas de idade) foram alojadas em gaiolas comerciais de diferentes tamanhos e foram monitoradas utilizando a tecnologia de vídeo durante 10 horas por dia, em intervalos de duas semanas. Resultados: o tempo total gasto em pé, deitado e dormindo foi significativamente maior em gaiolas pequenas do que em gaiolas de porte mediano e grande. O tempo gasto caminhando foi maior em gaiolas grandes. A frequência de bicar a gaiola foi maior nas gaiolas pequenas e a frequência de alongamento das asas foi maior em gaiolas grandes. Além disso, a frequência de limpeza por elas mesmas foi menor em gaiolas pequenas. A bicagem entre as galinhas foi maior em gaiolas pequenas. Conclusões: Verificou-se que o tamanho da gaiola é um fator crítico que afeta o comportamento das galinhas poedeiras. Este estudo pode ajudar no manejo de galinhas poedeiras para melhorar a compreensão das relações espaciais nesta espécie.
ABSTRACT
Objective: this study was conducted to understand the effects of group size on the agonistic behaviors of pigs reared at differing pen densities. Methods: thirty groups of pigs (a total of 350 individuals) housed at low, medium, and high group density (5, 10, or 20 individuals in 6.0 m x 6.0 m pens) were consecutively observed for 10 h on days 30, 90, and 180 with the aid of video technology. Results: the frequency of vocalizations was lower at low group density and higher at high group density on all investigated days. Pigs housed at high group density showed significantly more agonistic behaviors than those at low group density. Conclusions: the study reveals a higher level of aggression in older pigs and at high group density. It is concluded that group density is a major cause of the observed agonistic behaviors.
Objetivo: este estudio busca comprender los efectos del tamaño del grupo sobre los comportamientos agonísticos de cerdos criados en corrales bajo diferentes densidades de animales por unidad de espacio. Métodos: treinta grupos de cerdos (un total de 350 animales) alojados en baja, media y alta densidad de animales (5, 10 ó 20 animales en corrales de 6.0 x 6.0 m) fueron observados durante 10 horas consecutivas en los días 30, 90, y 180 con la ayuda de tecnología de vídeo. Resultados: la frecuencia de vocalizaciones fue menor en el grupo de baja densidad de animales, y mayor en el grupo de alta densidad durante todos los días estudiados. Los cerdos alojados en grupos con alta densidad animal mostraron un comportamiento significativamente más agonístico que aquellos en baja densidad. Conclusiones: este estudio revela que existe un mayor nivel de agresión en los cerdos más viejos y en grupos con mayor densidad de animales. Se concluye que la densidad de alojamiento es una causa importante de la conducta agonística observada.
Objetivo: este estudo busca compreender os efeitos do tamanho do grupo acerca dos comportamentos agonísticos dos suínos criados em corrais sobre diferentes densidades de animais por unidade de espaço. Métodos: trinta grupos de suínos (um total de 350 animais) alojados em baixa, meia e alta densidade de animais (5, 10 ou 20 animais em corrais de 6.0 x 6.0 m) foram observados durante 10 horas consecutivas nos dias 30, 90 e 180 com a ajuda de tecnologia de vídeo. Resultados: a frequência de vocalizações foi menor no grupo de baixa densidade de animais, e maior no grupo de alta densidade durante todos os dias estudados. Os suínos alojados em grupos com alta densidade animal mostraram um comportamento significativamente mais agonístico que aqueles em baixa densidade. Conclusões: este estudo revela que existe um maior nível de agressão nos suínos mais velhos e em grupos com maior densidade de animais. Concluiu-se que a densidade de alojamento é uma causa importante da conduta agonística observada.
