J. Anim Sci.
HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced]


     

J. Anim Sci. 1987. 65:1220-1227.
© 1987 American Society of Animal Science
This Article
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Services
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrow reprints & permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Wiepkema, P. R.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Wiepkema, P. R.

Developmental Aspects of Motivated Behavior in Domestic Animals1

P. R. Wiepkema

Agricultural University2, Marijkeweg 40, 6709 PG Wageningen, The Netherlands

Abstract

Biological functions like health, reproduction or the performance of specific behavior programs change over time. Therefore, their actual significance can only be understood fully if their history or development is well known. This point is illustrated with respect to behavior patterns in farm animals. Early life or ontogenetic processes strongly determine (sub)adult behavior. Prepuce suckling performed by group-housed veal calves during the age of 2 to 8 wk depends on sucking experience of the same calves during their first week of life. Restless behavior of fattening pigs is largely determined by rearing conditions in the first weeks of life. Disturbed behaviors like stereotypies develop out of conflict behaviors (biting, escape, etc.), as is the case in tethered sows. These stereotypies appear to promote the release of endorphins. In veal calves, different stereotypies (biting or licking the crate and tongue playing) develop during different periods of time and probably are related to different sorts of conflicts experienced by the developing calf. Tongue playing shows a specific relationship with abomasal ulcers. In veal calves, individual coping differences are observed that strongly parallel those described in other vertebrates (rats, dogs, men).

Footnotes

1 Presented at the Behavior and Environment Symp. entitled "Mechanisms of Animal Behavior," 78th Annu. Meet. of the Am. Soc. of Anim. Sci., July 30, 1986, Manhattan, KS.

2 Dept. of Anim. Husb., Section Ethol.






HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
Copyright © 1987 by the American Society of Animal Science.