Rabbits are usually singly housed in laboratories, but a new emphasis on providing social housing for social species has prompted exploration of alternative housing for this species. However, a paucity of literature on the social behavior of rabbits in captivity has prevented scientific-based...

Aims: To describe the size and type of housing used by owners for pet guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) in New Zealand. Methods: A survey was distributed via social media (3 September 2020 to 3 November 2020) to guinea pig interest groups and animal agencies in New Zealand. Participation was...

The objective of this trial was to investigate the effect of space allowance on performance, welfare-related parameters and the levels of brain neurotransmitters in growing male rabbits. In a cage housing system, a total of 96 weaned rabbits were accommodated on three space allowance conditions (S...

In 2001, the Australian Journal of Agricultural Research published a review article on the science associated with the use of the sow stall, and claimed that "no scientific evidence to support the recommendation in the Code of Practice advising against housing of sows in stalls followed by housing...

This is the seventh annual report from the Business Benchmark on Farm Animal Welfare. It analyses the farm animal welfare management and performance of 150 of the world's largest food companies, across 35 distinct, objective criteria. As such, it is the most authoritative and comprehensive global...

Historically, animal welfare has been defined by the absence of negative states such as disease, hunger and thirst. However, a shift in animal welfare science has led to the understanding that good animal welfare cannot be achieved without the experience of positive states. Unequivocally, the ...

This research aimed to take an holistic approach to assessing dry sow welfare in relation to gestation accommodation through considering multiple factors that affect the welfare of a sow. In addition, the multitude of systems in New Zealand that are used to accommodate dry sows was captured....

Pasture-based dairying in New Zealand and Australia has come under increasing animal welfare scrutiny as a result of changing public expectations for farm animal management. Concurrently, efficiency-driven changes in dairy management practices and a broadening of the feedbase beyond traditionally...

Aims : To describe basic husbandry (veterinary care, substrate and bedding, toys, frequency of cleaning) provided to guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) by a sample of owners in New Zealand. Methods : Respondents were invited to complete a survey disseminated through the social media channels of animal...

AIM: To assess the likely impact on the health and welfare of dairy cattle in New Zealand of increased use of housing. METHODS: Published data on the effect of housing on the welfare of dairy cattle were reviewed to determine whether, under New Zealand conditions, housing was likely to increase or...