Hispanic worker attitudes toward pig euthanasia on U.S. farms.

Introduction: On-farm pig euthanasia considers aspects of animal welfare and industry economics. Guidelines are available about the euthanasia process, but the agricultural workforce is highly diverse and guidelines do not consider cultural barriers. Euthanasia requires the ability to identify compromised pigs, technical skills, and willingness to euthanize pigs. In addition, timely euthanasia is part of the Common Swine Industry Audit (CSIA) and, thus, can lead to failed audits if not performed as required by the audit standards. The United States (US) swine industry employs a high percentage of Latin American workers, some US residents/citizens, and others through non-immigrant North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) visas. These workers vary in their level of education and swine industry experience. Proper training of this workforce and identification of the barriers associated with performing timely euthanasia are critical to promote improved welfare practices. The objectives of this study were to: (1) develop a survey instrument to identify Hispanic caretaker attitudes toward pig euthanasia, (2) assess and describe swine caretakers' attitudes toward pig euthanasia using the developed survey instrument, and (3) determine the demographic and psychological barriers associated with performing pig euthanasia. Methods: Participants (n = 163) were surveyed from 16 farms across the State of Iowa. The on-farm survey was administered for two days in a period of 60 min per day. Results: The results for demographics and the swine management survey data indicated that employees with less time working on the farm showed less knowledge of the CSIA, lower perceived ability to identify compromised pigs that needed to be euthanized, lower willingness to pecrform euthanasia on their own, and preferred not to have the responsibility of telling others when to euthanize pigs (p < 0.001). Secondary traumatic stress and transgressions were significantly correlated scales, associated with burnout, betrayals, and worker satisfaction (p = 0.022). Furthermore, individuals identifying as female had higher secondary traumatic stress scores (p = 0.026) and lower compassion satisfaction scores (p = 0.015). Discussion: This data suggest that there are demographic, psychometric, and training-related factors correlated with Hispanic caretakers' feelings about pig euthanasia. The results of this study could be used to further improve and develop targeted training programs for Hispanic caretakers for early identification of compromised pigs and timely euthanasia, which could benefit human well-being, animal welfare, and the swine industry audit performance.

Semiochemicals from Domestic Cat Urine and Feces Reduce Use of Scratching Surfaces.

Scratching is a natural behavior in cats but can cause damage to household furnishings. In this work, we sought to identify potential semiochemicals in the urine and feces of domestic cats that may modify cat scratching behavior. Sex differences among adult, intact cats were examined for volatile molecules in their urine (n = 7 females, 7 males) and feces (n = 8 females, 10 males) using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Males had seven times more 3-Mercapto-3-Methyl Butanol (MMB, p < 0.001) in the urine and 98% more butanoic acid (p = 0.02) in the feces than females. One mL of mineral oil without (i.e., control) or with MMB (0.1 µg/mL) and butanoic acid (100 µg/mL; i.e., treatment), which corresponds to the estimated biological amount in a single elimination from a male cat, were evaluated for their effectiveness in modifying the use of scratching devices by cats. Two identical cardboard standing scratchers, treated with either the control or the solution containing both semiochemicals delivered through a hanging cotton sock were placed side by side in a home/shelter environment. The preference test consisted of exposing individual cats (n = 28) to both scratchers for 20 min and recording the duration and frequency they interacted or scratched each scratcher. The semiochemical solution significantly decreased scratching time (21.19 ± 3.8 vs. 6.08 ± 3.8 s; p < 0.001) and interaction time (31.54 ± 5.9 vs. 12.90 ± 5.9 s; p = 0.0001) and tended to reduce scratching frequency (1.49 ± 0.3 vs. 0.82 ± 0.3 times; p = 0.07) compared with the control solution. The male-representative solution of MMB and butanoic acid was aversive to cats and might have future applications in protecting furniture from the destructive scratching or in modifying behavior of domestic cats.

Semiochemical 2-Methyl-2-butenal Reduced Signs of Stress in Cats during Transport.

Some cats experience stress when they have novel experiences, such as infrequent transport. This study was a randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded study that sought to objectively evaluate the effects of a 2M2B collar on transported cat physiology and behavior. The statistical model included effects of cat treatment (2M2B vs. control), period (70 min), sex, and interactions. Cats wearing 2M2B collars had an 8% lower PR (p < 0.01), and they slept more and did not hide at the back of the kennel. While control cats vomited or showed excess salivation, cats with 2M2B collars did not show these signs of stress. Male cats were less active during transport than females. Male cats slept more with 2M2B collars compared with male cats with a control collar, but females showed similar sleeping overall regardless of which collar they wore. Female cats increased activity during transport when they had a 2M2B collar, while male activity did not differ with control or 2M2B collars. These data support the concept that the semiochemical 2M2B can reduce stress in transported cats based on objective physiological and behavioral measures.

An investigation of the use of ethyl chloride and meloxicam to decrease the pain associated with a single or double incision method of castration in piglets.

Castration is a stressful and painful procedure that can impact swine welfare negatively. The objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate the effect of one incision compared to two incisions and the use of a topical vapocoolant (VAPO; ethyl chloride; a topical anesthetic) applied before castration and (2) evaluate the most effective combination in reducing pain in objective 1 and the use of Metacam®; meloxicam before castration on measures of performance, behavior, and physiology. Study 1 consisted of six treatment groups (N = 27 pigs per treatment) and included: nothing (NO); sham castrated (SH); one incision castration (C1); one incision castration plus VAPO (C1V); two incision castration (C2); two incision castration plus VAPO (C2V). Body weights and blood samples were taken at baseline and other time points after castration. Behavior measures were collected for 24 h after castration. Wound scores were collected daily for 10 days. The C1 pigs and C1V pigs were significantly heavier than the other castrated treatment groups but not different from NO and SH pigs. Vocalizations were louder for C1 and C1V pigs (P = 0.0015). Study 2 (N = 40 pigs per treatment) included: nothing (NO); one incision castration (C1); and one incision castration plus meloxicam administered 15 min before castration (C1M). The same measures (performance, behavior, and physiology) were collected as in Study 1. Performance measures and behavior did not differ among treatment groups. Physiological measures were only different for red blood cells (RBC; P = 0.0304). Pigs in C1 and C1M treatment groups had cortisol concentrations that were greater than the NO treatment group at 15 min post-castration (P < 0.05). The data collected give insight into the benefits of one-incision castration compared to 2-incision castration. However, the data only support a lower-level relief from acute pain associated with castration, as it is evident that pigs still experience stress at 15 min post-castration with or without the use of meloxicam. Further research could potentially identify the correct timing, route and dose for the administration of meloxicam.

Self-administration of a Salmonella vaccine by domestic pigs.

Hand vaccinating is time consuming and inefficient. Oral vaccines delivered by drenching are less likely to be used due to a lack of labor on farms. Current environmental enrichment (EE) technologies do not allow pigs to express certain natural behaviors such as rooting and getting a reward. We developed a sprayer so that domestic pigs can self-apply any liquid. By adding an attractant (pig maternal pheromone), the use of EE devices by individual pigs can be increased. In this study, we used a Salmonella oral vaccine to evaluate efficacy of three delivery methods: (1) Control, no vaccine, (2) hand drenching as labeled, and (3) self-administration by this EE rooting device. All pigs sprayed themselves within 80 min of exposure to the EE device. While control pigs had little or no Salmonella serum and oral fluid IgG or IgA, hand-drenched and self-vaccinated pigs built similar levels of both serum and oral fluid IgA and IgG. We conclude we were able to significantly reduce human labor needed and achieved 100% efficacy in eliciting a serologic response when pigs self-administered a Salmonella vaccine. This technology could benefit commercial pig production while providing an enriched behavioral environment. Self-vaccination could also assist in control or immunization of feral swine and improve domestic pig health and food safety.

Self-Administration of a Boar Priming Pheromone Stimulates Puberty in Gilts without Boar Exposure.

Labor is in short supply in animal agriculture. One time-consuming task is estrus detection in gilts. Stimulation with a live boar causes the onset of puberty in young gilts. Typically, a live boar is used to stimulate and identify estrus in the gilts by exposing the gilts to him. Recently, a boar pheromone (BB) was developed to replace the use of a live boar for sows. Additionally, a novel automatic sprayer used as environmental enrichment (EE) by gilts for the self-administration of BB has been developed by this laboratory. A commercial study was conducted to determine whether the use of a live boar could be replaced with a simple EE sprayer, allowing gilts to self-administer BB. Our objective was to determine whether the number and percentage of gilts in estrus obtained using live boars was comparable to self-administration using an EE sprayer containing BB. A total of 242 gilts were randomly assigned to either a live boar (BOAR) or BB self-administration using the environmental enrichment (EE) sprayer. Gilts began simultaneous exposure to either the BOAR or the BB when they were about 4-5 months of age and this continued until they were found in estrus or were injured, died, or never cycled about 2 months later. A total of 83.3% of gilts with exposure to BOAR were identified in estrus and bred, while exposure to BB resulted in 92.9% of gilts reaching puberty and being bred (p < 0.05). The days to reach estrus were 11 days longer for gilts exposed to BB than BOAR. Eight percent more gilts were injured by the BOAR than by using BB (and no boar). The use of BB as a priming pheromone could prevent gilt injuries, save labor, and reduce costs for pig farmers while not inhibiting reproductive output.

Interpretive review: Semiochemicals in domestic pigs and dogs.

This interpretive review includes discussion of the available scientific literature with interpretations by the authors. The broad field of semiochemicals can be confusing to scientists and consumers. This review attempts to summarize the known scientific studies for pig and dog semiochemicals while at the same time attempting to refine our use of terminology. The specific objectives of this interpretive review are to summarize and interpret much of the key scientific literature (but not the lay literature) on semiochemicals in pigs and dogs to include (1) definitions of semiochemicals and related molecules including pheromones, (2) to briefly summarize olfactory organs, and (3) and to examine the scientific literature for semiochemical mechanisms and applications in dogs and pigs (two domesticated species with known olfactory acuity). Dogs and pigs have olfactory features that are similar in that they both lack certain olfactory organs (Grueneberg ganglion and Septal Organ) and they have a small vomeronasal organ (VNO) without some major receptors that are found in other species. The primary olfactory organs for both pigs and dogs are the main olfactory epithelium and perhaps the trigeminal nerve. Several examples of pheromones activating the brain via the MOE or Trigeminal nerve rather than the VNO challenge the concept that the VNO is the site of pheromone sensing. We believe it is not appropriate to label something a pheromone when evidence is not available to show that it is a pheromone. We offer definitions for the terms semiochemicals, pheromones, interomones and others and then determine if the evidence is sufficient to call certain semiochemicals a pheromone. Here we review mixed, largely negative, scientific reports of the efficacy of some products labeled as "pheromones" that are more appropriately called semiochemicals. Interomones can have a more powerful effect on dog behavior and physiology than semiochemicals marketed as pheromones. Because marketing of semiochemicals is far ahead of the science, bringing some logic and uniformity to the field will benefit animals and hopefully cause less consumer confusion. Semiochemicals have the potential to offer powerful solutions to behavioral problems using more naturally occurring molecules.

Olfactory enrichment using a maternal pheromone improved post-weaning pig performance and behavior.

The post-weaning environment in commercial pig nursery buildings is typically devoid of both the sow and her semiochemicals. Among other factors, the loss of maternal odors may contribute to post-weaning stress. In this work, we report four studies (studies 1-4) using 192 weaned pigs to evaluate the effects of a maternal pheromone (MP) containing Myristic Acid and Skatole on weaned pig behavior and performance. Study 1 examined behavior among weaned pigs with a focus on lying, aggression and feeding behaviors. All studies used body weight gain and the percentage of pigs that lost weight the first 7 days after weaning as key response variables. The MP stimulated early feeding behavior and reduced aggressive behaviors among weaned pigs (p < 0.01). In study one, pigs were over 4 kg heavier 16 weeks post-weaning when the MP was present for 48 h post-weaning compared to control pigs (p = 0.05). The three other studies used a 7-days bioassay to assess the best dose and form of delivery of the MP among weaned pigs. The single measure that responded uniformly was the percentage of pigs that lost body weight in the first 7 days after weaning. Among control pigs in four separate studies, 25% of the weaned pigs in each study lost body weight by 7 days after weaning, while in 3 of the 4 bioassay studies, 0% of MP-exposed pigs lost weight after weaning (one study had 6% of pigs losing body weight with the MP). This MP effect is both highly statistically significant and, if found on commercial farms, would have a large positive economic benefit. Simultaneously, having fewer pigs losing weight and exhibiting less aggressive behavior will improve the health and welfare of weaned pigs. Providing biologically-relevant olfactory enrichment can improve pig health and welfare.

Animal Welfare and the Acknowledgment of Cultural Differences.

Pigs are considered sentient beings that have a mental capability that warrants attention to their welfare. Cultural values towards animal welfare differ in world regions. Still, authors have argued for worldwide harmonization of animal welfare rules. At the same time, the focus of many animal welfare rules do not address the most significant problems on modern commercial pig farms. The foci of animal welfare rules are often on space (quantity and quality), acute painful practices, equipment, and caretaker behavior. However, most serious animal welfare issues are related to episodic events such as compromised pigs, lack of appropriately skilled staff, and human behavior (or lack thereof) towards animals. Modern technologies such as image, sound, and building oversight by automated systems can potentially provide better individual pig care. The future should bring us solutions to identify and resolve episodic negative animal welfare events. The other issues of space and painful practices are best improved by using science-based solutions. We propose that science be the key resource to making animal welfare decisions, but with a healthy appreciation and respect for cultural differences in our views of animals and the economic impact of rules. Colonialism is not viewed positively today, and economic neo-colonialism should not be allowed to replace it. Respect for cultural differences should play a role in animal welfare rules within and among countries.

Identification of Faecal Maternal Semiochemicals in Swine (Sus scrofa) and their Effects on Weaned Piglets.

Piglets are attracted to maternal faeces early in life. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify faecal maternal semiochemicals that attract piglets and evaluate their effects on piglets at weaning. Faecal samples were collected from eight sows during gestation and lactation. Faecal semiochemicals were extracted and identified using solid phase extraction and GC/MS. A total of 26 volatiles were present in lactating and gestating sow faeces. Sows secreted no unique semiochemical after farrowing. However, the concentration of skatole and myristic acid were 2.68 and 1.13 times higher after farrowing. A free-choice preference assessment showed that piglets had a preference for a feeder sprayed with a solution containing skatole and myristic acid. No preference was found when feeders were sprayed with skatole and myristic acid individually. The application of skatole and myristic acid to the feeders of weaned pigs significantly reduced piglet aggression by 30% and tended to increase feeding behaviour by 35% the first 24 h post-weaning. These results suggest that skatole and myristic acid might be acting as a multicomponent maternal signal that attracts piglets and has a calming effect at weaning.

Preliminary Study: Depriving Piglets of Maternal Feces for the First Seven Days Post-Partum Changes Piglet Physiology and Performance before and after Weaning.

Coprophagy has been described in piglets although its importance has not been fully assessed. The aim of this study was to evaluate how deprivation of maternal feces influenced piglet physiology, behavior, and performance. Eight litters were randomly assigned to one of two treatments. Control (CON) litters had access to maternal feces while deprived (DEP) litters were deprived of maternal feces for the first 7 d post-partum. Piglet behavior was quantified for 24 h at 7 d of age. Blood samples were collected from one male and female from each litter at 0, 7, and 21 d for hematological analyses, and post-weaning performance was assessed until 123 d post-weaning. No treatment effects were observed on piglet behavior. DEP piglets had 25% lower leukocyte counts (p < 0.01). Relative to DEP litters, CON litters had increased post-weaning feed intake (0.998 vs 0.901 kg/d; p = 0.02) and weight gain (0.536 vs 0.483 kg/d; p < 0.01). At 123 d post-weaning, CON pigs were 9.3 ± 2.3 kg heavier than treatment pigs (p < 0.01). These results suggest that access to maternal feces improves immunocompetence and growth performance. Further studies are needed to explore the physiological mechanisms through which maternal feces improve growth performance, including nutritional and microbial factors, or the presence of maternal semiochemicals.

Multi-Farm Analyses Indicate a Novel Boar Pheromone Improves Sow Reproductive Performance.

The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a novel 3-molecule boar pheromone (BOARBETTER®, BB,) to improve sow reproductive performance (breeding, conception, farrowing rates, pigs born alive, stillborn, mummies and total born). Data from 12 commercial farm sites were used to evaluate the effectiveness of BB. Each farm was used as the experimental unit in the meta-analyses. Individual sows records were collected, merged and analyzed in overall analyses. Relative to CON, BB increased the number of total born pigs per litter (13.81 ± 0.11 vs. 14.30 ± 0.11 pigs/litter, respectively; p < 0.01) and the number of pigs born alive (12.76 ± 0.14 vs. 13.13 ± 0.14 pigs/litter, respectively; p < 0.05). In the merged dataset analyses, the parity by treatment interaction was significant for total pigs and pigs born alive per litter (p < 0.01). In parities one through three, treatment with BB increased total pigs born by 0.88 per litter, and pigs born alive per litter by 0.73 pigs per litter (p < 0.05). However, BB had no effect on these parameters in sows from parities four through six. BOARBETTER® increased reproductive success, is cost effective, safe, and can meaningfully improve sow reproductive success and performance.

Preference of kittens for scratchers.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine kitten preferences towards different scratchers and the effects of catnip and cat odor on kitten scratching behaviors. METHODS: Two-choice preference tests were conducted to compare scratchers and preferred scratchers with or without additives (ie, catnip, catnip oil, cat hair) in six studies. Kittens (n = 40, <8 weeks old) had access to two scratchers on the floor of a simulated living room for 20 mins and interactions were video-recorded. The time each kitten spent scratching each scratcher was compared. RESULTS: In study 1, the S-shaped cardboard was preferred over a hemp post with a toy on top, and no difference was observed in the other pairs of scratchers compared. In study 2, the S-shaped cardboard was preferred by kittens compared with a raised scratcher covered with window screen or with carpet, and no differences were observed between the latter two scratchers. In study 3, the scratcher covered with window screen set upright was preferred over the same scratcher laid horizontally on the floor. The S-shaped cardboard was preferred over the scratcher covered with bubble wrap. In study 4, kittens preferred the S-shaped cardboard over the scratchers covered with window screen or short-fiber carpet but not over the scratcher covered with long-fiber carpet. In study 5, the S-shaped cardboard was strongly preferred over the long cardboard and rectangular cardboard but not over the boat-shaped cardboard. In study 6, dried catnip plant, catnip oil spray or the hair from other cats did not alter the scratching behavior exhibited by the kittens vs the control S-shaped cardboard alone. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The S-shaped cardboard scratcher was a preferred scratcher for kittens. Catnip or odor of other cats did not alter this behavior in kittens. S-shaped cardboard may be a preferred scratching device for kittens.

Maternal-Neonatal Pheromone/Interomone Added to Cat Litter Improves Litter Box Use and Reduces Aggression in Pair-Housed Cats.

Introducing a new cat into a household with one or more resident cats can be a significant source of stress for the cats involved. These studies sought to determine if rabbit maternal-neonatal pheromone (2-methyl-2-butenal [2M2B]) in litter impacted cat social behaviors and litter box use. Study 1 determined that cats preferred to eliminate in litter containing 2M2B; other semiochemicals tested did not change litter box use. Cats prone to aggression were identified in an intermediate pilot study, and eight pairs of these cats were selected for Study 2. In Study 2, cat pairs were provided litter containing either vehicle or 2M2B for 24 hours. Cats experiencing control litter displayed more aggression during the first 6 hours (p < .01) and spent more time using the litter box 12 hours and 18 hours after pairing compared with cats experiencing litter with 2M2B (p = .02). These results suggest 2M2B-infused cat litter may act as an interomone in cats housed domestically to prevent initial occurrences of aggression and may improve cat welfare in multicat households.

Immunocontraceptive target repertoire defined by systematic identification of sperm membrane alloantigens in a single species.

Sperm competence in animal fertilization requires the collective activities of numerous sperm-specific proteins that are typically alloimmunogenic in females. Consequently, sperm membrane alloantigens are potential targets for contraceptives that act by blocking the proteins' functions in gamete interactions. Here we used a targeted proteomics approach to identify the major alloantigens in swine sperm membranes and lipid rafts, and thereby systematically defined the repertoire of these sperm-specific proteins in a single species. Gilts with high alloantibody reactivity to proteins in sperm membranes or lipid rafts produced fewer offspring (73% decrease) than adjuvant-only or nonimmune control animals. Alloantisera recognized more than 20 potentially unique sperm membrane proteins and five sperm lipid raft proteins resolved on two-dimensional immunoblots with or without prior enrichment by anion exchange chromatography. Dominant sperm membrane alloantigens identified by mass spectrometry included the ADAMs fertilin α, fertilin ß, and cyritestin. Less abundant alloantigens included ATP synthase F1 ß subunit, myo-inositol monophosphatase-1, and zymogen granule membrane glycoprotein-2. Immunodominant sperm lipid raft alloantigens included SAMP14, lymphocyte antigen 6K, and the epididymal sperm protein E12. Of the fifteen unique membrane alloantigens identified, eleven were known sperm-specific proteins with uncertain functions in fertilization, and four were not previously suspected to exist as sperm-specific isoforms. De novo sequences of tryptic peptides from sperm membrane alloantigen "M6" displayed no evident homology to known proteins, so is a newly discovered sperm-specific gene product in swine. We conclude that alloimmunizing gilts with sperm membranes or lipid rafts evokes formation of antibodies to a relatively small number of dominant alloantigens that include known and novel sperm-specific proteins with possible functions in fertilization and potential utility as targets for immunocontraception.

Impact of Feed Delivery Pattern on Aerial Particulate Matter and Behavior of Feedlot Cattle.

Fine particulate matter with less than 2.5 microns diameter (PM2.5) generated by cattle in feedlots is an environmental pollutant and a potential human and animal health issue. The objective of this study was to determine if a feeding schedule affects cattle behaviors that promote PM2.5 in a commercial feedlot. The study used 2813 crossbred steers housed in 14 adjacent pens at a large-scale commercial West Texas feedlot. Treatments were conventional feeding at 0700, 1000, and 1200 (CON) or feeding at 0700, 1000, and 1830 (ALT), the latter feeding time coincided with dusk. A mobile behavior lab was used to quantify behaviors of steers that were associated with generation of PM2.5 (e.g., fighting, mounting of peers, and increased locomotion). PM2.5 samplers measured respirable particles with a mass median diameter ≤2.5 µm (PM2.5) every 15 min over a period of 7 d in April and May. Simultaneously, the ambient temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, precipitation, air pressure, and solar radiation were measured with a weather station. Elevated downwind PM2.5 concentrations were measured at dusk, when cattle that were fed according to the ALT vs. the CON feeding schedule, demonstrated less PM2.5-generating behaviors (p < 0.05). At dusk, steers on ALT vs. CON feeding schedules ate or were waiting to eat (standing in second row behind feeding cattle) at much greater rates (p < 0.05). Upwind PM2.5 concentrations were similar between the treatments. Downwind PM2.5 concentrations averaged over 24 h were lower from ALT compared with CON pens (0.072 vs. 0.115 mg/m³, p < 0.01). However, dry matter intake (DMI) was less (p < 0.05), and average daily gain (ADG) tended to be less (p < 0.1) in cattle that were fed according to the ALT vs. the CON feeding schedules, whereas feed efficiency (aka gain to feed, G:F) was not affected. Although ALT feeding may pose a challenge in feed delivery and labor scheduling, cattle exhibited fewer PM2.5-generating behaviors and reduced generation of PM2.5 when feed delivery times matched the natural desires of cattle to eat in a crepuscular pattern.

Comparison of Intramuscular or Subcutaneous Injections vs. Castration in Pigs-Impacts on Behavior and Welfare.

Physical castration (PC) is painful and stressful for nursing piglets. One alternative to PC is immunological castration (IC), but the pain and stress of handling associated with injections have not been assessed. The objectives of this study were to measure the pain and distress of subcutaneous (SQ) and intramuscular (IM) injections compared to PC in piglets, and to compare SQ or IM injections in finishing pigs. After farrowing, 3 to 5 d old male piglets were randomly assigned to (control) no handling treatment (NO), sham-handling (SHAM), IM, SQ, or PC. Finishing pigs were assigned to NO, SHAM, IM, or SQ. Behavior was monitored for 1 h prior and 1 h post treatment in each age group. Social, feeding behaviors, and signs of pain were recorded. Finishing pigs treated with SQ injections had higher feeding behaviors pre-treatment than they did post-treatment. Overall, physical castrations caused measurable pain-like behaviors and general behavioral dysregulation at a much higher level than the other treatment groups. SQ and IM injections did not cause either significant behavioral or physiological alterations in piglets. SQ injections caused a decrease in finishing pig feed behaviors post treatment ( p = 0.02) and SHAM treated finishing pigs spent significantly more time lying than the other treatment groups. In general IM and SQ injections did not cause any other significant changes in behavior or physiology.

Impact of Providing Feed and/or Water on Performance, Physiology, and Behavior of Weaned Pigs during a 32-h Transport.

Transportation at weaning is a complex stressor made up of many factors, including withdrawal from feed and water, which can potentially negatively affect the health and welfare of pigs, especially those already experiencing weaning stress. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of weaning and extended transport durations (up to 32 h), with and without the provision of feed and/or water, on pig welfare. Treatment groups included: pigs neither weaned nor transported, control (CON); weaned pigs transported and provided with feed and water (T+); weaned pigs transported without feed and water (T-); weaned pigs transported with only feed (T+F); and weaned pigs transported with only water provided (TRAN+W). The effect of transport (with and without feed and/or water) on weaned pigs was assessed using behavior, performance, and physiology. After a 32-h transport period, pigs transported without water lost markedly more weight than those transported with water ( p < 0.01). Furthermore, the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio was markedly higher in male pigs transported without water ( p < 0.05). Overall, transportation had a negative effect on pig well-being, especially when water was not provided.

Impact of Androstenone on Leash Pulling and Jumping Up in Dogs.

Dogs are relinquished to shelters due to behavioral problems, such as leash pulling and jumping up. Interomones are chemical cues produced by one species that elicit a response in a different species. We reported earlier that androstenone, a swine sex pheromone, acts as an interomone to reduce barking in dogs. Here we report two models using 10 dogs/study: a dog jumping and a dog walking model. For the leash-pulling model, each time the dog pulled on the leash the walker either did nothing (NOT), or sprayed the dog with water (H2O), androstenone + water (ANH), androstenone 0.1 µg/mL (AND1), or androstenone 1.0 µg/mL (AND2). The number of pulls during each walk was counted. For the jumping up model, each time the dog jumped the researcher did nothing (NOT), or sprayed the dog with H2O, ANH, AND1, or AND2. The number of jumps and the time between jumps were recorded. In Study 1, ANH, AND1, and AND2 each reduced leash pulling more than NOT and H2O (p< 0.01). In Study 2, all treatments were effective in reducing jumping up behavior. Androstenone reduced jumping up, but not beyond that elicited by a spray of water alone. We conclude that androstenone in multiple delivery vehicles reduced leash pulling. The burst of air intended as a disruptive stimulus in the correction sprays may be too harsh for more sensitive dogs, and as such use of these sprays is cautioned in these animals. For other dogs, this interomone can be used to stop some behavior immediately or as a part of a training program to reduce undesirable behavior.

The Effects of Mindfulness-Based Movement on Parameters of Stress.

The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program (MBSR) of Kabat-Zinn includes a combination of sitting meditation, yoga, and walking; thus, movement is not emphasized primarily to induce a state of awareness. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a Mindfulness-Based Movement Program (MBM) in women on parameters of stress and coping; that is, in contrast to MBSR, MBM primarily emphasized yoga to cultivate awareness. This study investigated: (a) an objective measure of stress (the cortisol response to a laboratory stressor) following an 8-week MBM in year 1 participants only (n = 17; MBM group = 9; Control group = 8); (b) subjective measures of stress following an 8-week MBM in years 1 and 2 (n = 32; MBM = 16; C = 16); and (c) changes in coping style following an 8- week MBM in years 1 and 2 (n = 32; MBM = 16; C = 16). A mixed plot 2 (Group: TC or MBM) by 5 (Trial: Baseline, Stressor, Recovery 1, Recovery 2, and Recovery 3) repeated measures ANOVA was run for cortisol. Preliminary results indicated a strong trend towards a lowered cortisol response for the MBM group compared to the control group. A mixed plot 2 (Group: TC or MBM) by 2 (Time: Pretest, Post-test) repeated measures ANOVA was run for Spielberg's State Anxiety, the Perceived Stress Scale, and the Problem Focused Style of Coping Scale for the Suppressive, Reflective, and the Reactive Coping Style. There were significant main effects for time, group, and an interaction of time and group for Spielberg's State Anxiety and the Perceived Stress Scale. Significant differences were also found for time and the interaction of time and group for the Problem Focused Style of Coping for the Reflective Coping Style (p < 0.05). In conclusion, results indicate positive effects of the MBM program on perceived measures of stress and coping style in women.