A5074244938- Animal Nutrition and Physiology
- Animal Behavior and Welfare Studies
- Livestock and Poultry Management
- Animal Vocal Communication and Behavior
- Human-Animal Interaction Studies
- Primate Behavior and Ecology
- Coccidia and coccidiosis research
- Urban Green Space and Health
- Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior
- Pharmacological Effects and Assays
- Mesenchymal stem cell research
- Muscle Physiology and Disorders
- Neural dynamics and brain function
- Animal Ecology and Behavior Studies
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Circadian rhythm and melatonin
- Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies
- Distributed systems and fault tolerance
- Animal health and immunology
- Telomeres, Telomerase, and Senescence
- Milk Quality and Mastitis in Dairy Cows
University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna
2020-2025
University of Bern
2017-2021
Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen
2020-2021
Abstract Due to increasing public concern regarding separation of the dairy cow and calf within first days after birth, alternative systems, where cows calves stay in contact for an extended period, are receiving interest from a broad array researchers other stakeholders. With more research area, there is risk inconsistencies emerging use terminology. To create better consensus further discussions, aim this Research Reflection provide definitions propose common terminology cow-calf...
This study investigated whether the provision of (1) a mirror or (2) video and sound playback conspecifics in home pen (i.e., playback) could alleviate stress socially isolated adult domestic chickens. Thirty chickens participated study, undergoing three-minute sessions social isolation over three consecutive days an arena containing tray food treats. Each chicken was exposed to conditions, one per day, semi-randomised order: mirror, playback, (3) control. Video recordings tests were coded...
Telomere length (i.e., the of repeated sequences DNA at end chromosomes) is a promising indicator overall stress. Our study aimed to compare effects stress-inducing separation process between dams and their calves, with either gradual or nose-flap method after three-months dam-calf contact since calving, on relative telomere (RTL). Due nature, have different behaviour, stress hormone levels physical development during separation, which requires an measure weaning both procedures. We also...
Abstract The study reported in this research communication aimed to assess the influence of maternal contact on calves' activity, fearfulness, and social competence. Calves were either dam-reared for their first 14 d age (Maternal Contact, n = 12) or separated from dams within 12 h after birth (Motherless, 12). both treatments Maternal Contact calves group-housed suckling was prevented with udder nets. general activity (lying, locomotion, swapping between lying standing) measured using...
Maternal care in commercial chickens can partially be replaced with dark brooders that offer heat and a area to rest possibly avoid negative social interactions. Previous research has established the positive effects of on reducing disturbance during resting young pullets injurious pecking laying hens, which could reduce overall activity levels. The objective this study was employ precision livestock farming techniques compare levels behavioural synchrony at resources reared until 41 days...
Abstract Under the ideal free distribution (IFD), number of organisms competing for a resource at different sites is proportional to among sites. The competitors in heterogeneous environment often predicts habitat matching, where relative individuals using any two patches matches availability resources those same patches. If scarce, access might be restricted with high holding potential, resulting deviation from IFD. animals may also deviate IFD case abundance, when social attraction or...
For behavioural tests such as the cognitive judgement bias task (JBT), animals usually undergo weeks of training involving various elements, handling, social isolation and learning task. These may influence their affective state other welfare indicators. Here, we investigated effects for a JBT on fear-related behaviour in laying hens potential indicator – telomere shortening. Hens were trained (N=16, across 2 batches), or kept controls batches) that received no training-related handling....
Dark brooders, i.e., horizontal heating elements for chicks equipped with curtains, mimic some aspects of maternal care, such as the provision heat and a dark area to rest. Thus, they can be considered artificial passive replacements mother hen. Despite their advantages in animal welfare likely positive outcomes production economy, brooders are rarely used commercial layer pullet facilities. The main effect on is reduction injurious pecking during rearing laying periods, which results...
Welfare of fast growing broilers is often compromised due to leg health issues. A more complex environment such as the provision elevated platforms facilitates activity and improves in broilers. Thus, encouraging use might further enhance health. Chickens are known follow mother roost, if not vicinity chicks will her vocalisations. This study aimed investigate, whether exposing broiler chickens a sound before and/or after hatching could be used manipulate move onto for roosting. We identify...
Maternal care in commercial chickens can partially be replaced with dark brooders that offer heat and a area to rest possibly avoid negative social interactions. Previous research has established the positive effects of on reducing disturbance during resting young pullets injurious pecking laying hens. Additionally, influence behavioural synchrony, which seems relate pullet age. The objective this study was compare activity levels synchrony at resources reared until 41 days age versus whole...
For behavioural tests such as the cognitive judgement bias task (JBT), animals usually undergo weeks of training involving various elements, handling, social isolation and learning task. These may influence their affective state other welfare indicators. Here, we investigated effects for a JBT on fear-related behaviour in laying hens potential indicator – telomere shortening. Hens were trained (N=16, across 2 batches), or kept controls batches) that received no training-related handling....