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Home / Equine Research Bank / J Anim Sci / ANIMAL BEHAVIOR AND WELL-BEING SYMPOSIUM: Interaction betwee...
Journal of animal science2016; 94(6); 2284-2296; doi: 10.2527/jas.2015-0125

ANIMAL BEHAVIOR AND WELL-BEING SYMPOSIUM: Interaction between coping style/personality, stress, and welfare: Relevance for domestic farm animals.

Abstract: This paper will argue that understanding animal welfare and the individual vulnerability to stress-related disease requires a fundamental understanding of functional individual variation as it occurs in nature as well as the underlying neurobiology and neuroendocrinology. Ecological studies in feral populations of mice, fish, and birds start to recognize the functional significance of phenotypes that individually differ in their behavioral and neuroendocrine response to environmental challenge. Recent studies indicate that the individual variation within a species may buffer the species for strong fluctuations in the natural habitat. Similarly, evolutionary ancient behavioral trait characteristics have now been identified in a range of domestic farm animals including cattle, pigs, and horses. Individual variation in behavior can be summarized in a 3-dimensional model with coping style, emotionality, and sociality as independent dimensions. These dimensions can be considered trait characteristics that are stable over time and across situations within the individual. This conceptual model has several consequences. First, the coping style dimension is strongly associated with differential stress vulnerability. Social stress studies show that proactive individuals are resilient under stable environmental conditions but vulnerable when outcome expectancies are violated. Reactive individuals are, in fact, rather flexible and seem to adapt more easily to a changing environment. A second consequence relates to genetics and breeding. Genetic selection for one trait usually implies selection for other traits as well. It is discussed that a more balanced breeding program that takes into account biologically functional temperamental traits will lead to more robust domestic farm animals. Finally, the relationship between temperamental traits, animal production, fitness, and welfare is discussed.
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Publication Date: 2016-06-11 PubMed ID: 27285906DOI: 10.2527/jas.2015-0125Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

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This research paper suggests that understanding the well-being and individual susceptibility to stress-related disease in animals requires a comprehensive understanding of individual functional variations, neurobiology, and neuroendocrinology. They argue that specific behavioral traits are related to stress vulnerability and can be used for more effective breeding programs, potentially leading to more resilient domestic farm animals.

Understanding Functional Individual Variation in Nature

  • The paper discusses the importance of understanding functional individual variation in animals. This was partly informed by ecological studies in feral populations of mice, fish, and birds recognizing differing phenotypes and their unique behavioral and neuroendocrine responses to environmental stress.
  • The researchers highlighted that variations within a species might act as a buffer against severe fluctuations in their natural habitats.

Behavioral Traits in Domestic Farm Animals

  • The study identifies ancient behavioral traits in a range of domestic farm animals including cattle, pigs, and horses. The researchers propose a three-dimensional model summarizing individual behavior variation, focusing on independent dimensions: coping style, emotionality, and sociality.
  • These identified dimensions are considered to be traits that are stable over time and across different situations for an individual animal.

Implications of Behavioral Traits

  • This conceptual model suggests several consequences. One is a strong association between coping style and differential stress vulnerability. Proactive animals are found to be resilient in stable environments but susceptible when expected outcomes change.
  • Conversely, reactive animals appear to adapt more easily to changing environments, underpinning the importance of understanding individual animals’ coping mechanisms and responses to stress.

Genetic Selection and Breeding

  • A secondary consequence the paper discusses relates to genetics and breeding. When one trait is selected for breeding, this usually means other traits are being selected simultaneously.
  • The research suggests that a balanced breeding program that considers biologically functional temperamental traits may result in more robust domestic farm animals.

Connection between Temperamental Traits and Animal Production

  • Finally, the paper discusses the relationship between temperament traits, animal production, fitness, and welfare. The implication is an understanding of these temperamental traits could lead to better animal welfare and production outcomes.

Cite This Article

APA
Koolhaas JM, Van Reenen CG. (2016). ANIMAL BEHAVIOR AND WELL-BEING SYMPOSIUM: Interaction between coping style/personality, stress, and welfare: Relevance for domestic farm animals. J Anim Sci, 94(6), 2284-2296. https://doi.org/10.2527/jas.2015-0125

Publication

Journal of animal science
ISSN: 1525-3163
NlmUniqueID: 8003002
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 94
Issue: 6
Pages: 2284-2296

Researcher Affiliations

Koolhaas, J M
    Van Reenen, C G

      MeSH Terms

      • Adaptation, Psychological
      • Animal Husbandry / methods
      • Animal Welfare
      • Animals
      • Animals, Domestic / physiology
      • Animals, Domestic / psychology
      • Behavior, Animal / physiology
      • Biological Evolution
      • Environment
      • Farms
      • Housing, Animal
      • Personality
      • Stress, Psychological

      Citations

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