Assessing the human–animal relationship in farmed species: A critical review (original) (raw)
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Effects of human-animal relationship on animal productivity and welfare
Journal of Animal Behaviour and Biometeorology, 2020
This is a literature review of the effects of humans ́ relationships with farm animals on animal productivity and welfare, including the following topics: definition of the concept and description of different tests that have been developed to measure human-animal relationship (HAR). Temperament and tameness, which have been considered as farm animal characteristics that are important in HAR, as are stockperson attitudes. Some international farm animal welfare protocols are also described, together with negative and positive stimuli that affect farm animal welfare and productivity. In addition to some factors affecting the quality of HAR. We conclude that even with improved precision farming and automation: a) a good HAR is still fundamental to improve farm animal welfare with associated health and production benefits and b) with the numerous tests assessing fear of humans, many are not commercially applicable.
Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2014
The development and maintenance of a positive human-horse/donkey relationship is essential in order to decrease accidents and reduce negative states of equine welfare. In many animal species the reaction of animals to humans during specific behavioural tests is influenced by their past interaction and is linked to the level of fear felt in the presence of a human. The present research aims to assess whether a set of on-farm behavioural tests allow differentiation between horse facilities with excellent or sub-optimal human-animal relationship. Furthermore, we evaluated mid-term repeatability (3-month intervals), interobserver reliability and on-farm feasibility of these behavioural tests in single stabled horses and in group housed donkeys. Eleven horse and eight donkey facilities (N = 313 adult horses; N = 47 adult donkeys) were visited twice at 3-month intervals. Horse facilities were selected on the basis of reports of inspections on animal welfare conducted by competent local authorities; they were classified as "excellent" (N = 5) and "sub-optimal" (N = 6). Four observers, with no experience in assessing equine welfare and not aware of the a priori category of the facility, were trained to perform and score standardised human-equine behavioural tests: avoidance distance test (AD), voluntary animal approach test (VAA), forced human approach test (FHA), walking down side and tail tuck.
Impact of human-animal interactions on health and productivity of farm animals
2007
While technical skills and knowledge are important attributes of the work performance of stockpeople, two other important but less well recognised characteristics of stockpeople are their attitude and behaviour towards farm animals. Research has shown that stockperson attitude can affect animal productivity, health and welfare by influencing stockperson behaviour and in turn animal fear and stress. While fear thresholds have been reduced by domestication, fear responses to humans have not been eliminated in farm animals. There is a strong case for utilizing stockperson training courses that target stockperson attitudes and behaviour.
Evaluation of on-farm veal calves’ responses to unfamiliar humans and potential influencing factors
Animal, 2012
The human–animal relationship is an important component of the welfare of farm animals and for this reason animal responsiveness tests to humans are included in on-farm welfare assessment schemes that provide indicators for this. However, apart from the behaviour of stockpersons towards their animals, other factors may also influence animals’ reactivity to humans as observed through behavioural tests, which can add a further layer of complexity to the interpretation of test results. Knowledge of these factors may help a better interpretation of differences from one farm to another in the outcome of human–animal relationship tests, and may provide clues for improving the relationship between animals and humans. The main objective of this study was to identify whether management or environmental factors could influence the outcome of human–animal relationship tests in veal calves. Two tests were performed when calves were aged 14.9 ± 1.6 (SD) weeks in 148 veal farms: the voluntary app...
The State of Assessment in Human-Animal Interaction Research
Human-animal interaction bulletin
There is a growing body of research in human-animal interaction (HAI), but the field is often criticized for its lack of methodological rigor and heterogeneous outcome assessment. In addition, there is a scarcity of valid and reliable assessment tools specific to measuring constructs directly related to HAI. As the field continues to develop, there is a critical need for the consistent use of standardized, well-validated, and appropriate assessment tools. The goal of this paper is to provide an overview of the state of assessment in HAI while identifying current needs for method standardization, development, or refinement. Specifically, we review in detail the use of (1) questionnaires, (2) physiological measures, and (3) behavior assessment tools in the field of HAI while offering examples of successful application, describing methodological limitations, and providing recommendations for use in HAI research.
Journal of Dairy Science, 2016
Human-animal relationships are essential for dairy farming. They affect work comfort and efficiency, as well as milk production. A poor human-animal relationship can result in stress and accidents to both animals and caretakers and needs to be improved. However, many studies have demonstrated the multifactoriality of these relationships. We aimed at assessing the relative importance of the various factors expected to be associated with poor human-animal relationships. On 118 dairy farms, we applied a standardized avoidance distance test to cows at the feeding rack. The sample of farms covered a wide range of situations: lowland versus highland, small versus medium size farms, cubicles versus deep-bedded systems, milking parlor versus automatic milking systems, and Holstein versus Montbéliarde breeds. We used Poisson regression to analyze the links between the number of cows that accepted being touched, and farm characteristics, animals, management, and farmers' attitudes. A multivariate analysis yielded a final model that explained 32.7% of the variability between farms. Calving conditions ("Main calving location" and "Cleaning or adding litter after calving") accounted for a significant part of the variability observed (respectively 25.8 and 13.6% of variability explained by the model, SSB). Fewer cows accepted being touched on farms where the main calving location was in the barn, and where farmers cleaned or added litter after calving. The proportion of cows that accepted being touched increased with the proportion of lean cows in the herd (18.8%), with worker/cow ratio on the farm (11.7%), when farmers considered "health" or "human-cow relationships" as most important issues for farm success (10.4%), and with farmers' years of experience (10.8%). Farmers with more negative behavioral attitudes toward cows had a lower proportion of cows that accepted being touched (8.9%). In conclusion, the human-animal relationship was not found to be associated with farm characteristics (e.g., housing or milking system) but varied with farmers' attitudes and management. We confirm that cows' fear of people is linked to negative attitudes displayed by caretakers toward cows, and is reduced in farms where several caretakers are present. Our study also suggests further exploring the key role of factors linked to calving conditions, as cows are more likely to be afraid of people when disturbed at calving.
Human-animal Relationship Assessment in Horses (Equus caballus) with Different Uses
Bulletin of University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca. Veterinary Medicine, 2014
Several researchers using different behavioural tests assessed the behavioral responses of adult horses toward humans. According to the results of the current scienti ic research, understanding and improving the quality of human-horse relationship can lead to many bene its for both humans and horses. The aim of the study was to assess comparatively the human-animal relationship in groups of horses with different uses, in order to reveal if signi icant differences can be found depending on the type of their activity. A total number of 128 adult horses were assessed (mares, stallions and geldings) in several locations, used for working, equitation and reproduction. Three simple behavioural tests were employed (the voluntary approach test, the avoidance distance measuring and the ability to touch the horse including the measuring of its tolerance for human physical contact) to assess the human-horse relationship. The results were statistically processed and interpreted. After comparing the results, statistically signi icant differences were found in the quality of the human-horse relationship in horses used for different activities. Comparing the results for several horse categories from the same facility (where it was possible) and used for the same type of purpose, the differences were not statistically signi icant. As the results of the present study show, the human-horse relation can show signi icant differences depending on the use of the horses, most probably because the differences in the type of their previous experiences with humans. Improving the quality of the human-horse relationship can lead to a higher level of human safety when working with these animals.
Human-Animal Relationship: A Comparative Study in Working and Breeding Horses
Bulletin of University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca. Veterinary Medicine
The importance of a good human-horse relationship in every equestrian discipline is recognized by the specialists all over the world. The aim of the study was to comparatively assess the behavioural response towards humans in different horse categories, in two seasons. The human-animal relationship was investigated during a year, in two different seasons in working horses (171 in the winter, 168 in the summer), stallions (62 in the winter, 66 in the summer) and broodmares and young horses (137 in the winter, 146 in the summer). Using specific methods, the general attitude of the horses was evaluated (apathetic or alert) and their reactions (aggressiveness, fear/avoidance, indifference, friendliness) to the: (1) assessors’ approach (2) walking besides and (3) the attempt of touching the animal. The data were analyzed using the SPSS statistical software. The value of minimal significance was considered at P < 0.05. The proportion of the apathetic horses recorded in this study varie...
Why Should Human-Animal Interactions Be Included in Research of Working Equids’ Welfare?
Animals, 2019
The livelihood of working horses’ owners and their families is intimately linked to the welfare of their equids. A proper understanding of human-animal interactions, as well as the main factors that modulate them, is essential for establishing strategies oriented to improve the welfare of animals and their caretakers. To date, there is still a paucity of research dedicated to the identification and assessment of the human psychological attributes that affect the owner–equine interaction, and how these could affect the welfare of working equids. However, some studies have shown that empathy, attitudes towards animals, human perception of animal pain and the owner´s locus of control are some of the psychological attributes that participate in human-equine interactions and that these can result in poor welfare of working equids. A better understanding of the relationship between human attributes and equids’ welfare can provide an opportunity to improve the quality of interactions betwe...
Human Relationships with Domestic and Other Animals: One Health, One Welfare, One Biology
Animals
Simple Summary：In a situation where human actions are damaging much of the life of the world, it is important to remember that the basic concepts of biology, welfare, and health are the same for humans and all other animals. Human actions have wide consequences and we need to change the way we interact with other living beings. An understanding of the concepts of one health, one welfare, one biology, and their application to daily decisions about production systems, public policies, markets, and consumers could mitigate current negative impacts. In particular, an understanding of human relationships with animals used for food, work, or company helps in dealing with challenges concerning their use and system sustainability, including the animal's welfare. Animal welfare should always be considered in our relationships with animals, not only for direct impacts, e.g. manipulations, but also for indirect effects, e.g., on the environment, disease spread, natural resource availability, culture, and society. Abstract：Excessive human population growth, uncontrolled use of natural resources, including deforestation, mining, wasteful systems, biodiversity reduction by agriculture, and damaging climate change affect the existence of all animals, including humans. This discussion is now urgent and people are rethinking their links with the animals we use for clothing, food, work, companionship, entertainment, and research. The concepts of one health, one welfare, and one biology are discussed as a background to driving global change. Nothing should be exploited without considering the ethics of the action and the consequences. This review concerns domesticated animals, including those used for human consumption of meat, eggs, and milk; horses kept for work; and dogs kept for company. Animal welfare includes health, emotional state, and comfort while moving and resting, and is affected by possibilities to show behavior and relationships with others of the same species or with humans. We show some examples of the relations between humans and domesticated animals in the environmental context, including zoonotic diseases, and consider the consequences and the new paradigms resulting from current awareness.