Life Sciences Commons^™

The Psychology Of Euthanizing Animals – The Emotional Components, Charles E. Owens, Ricky Davis, Bill Smith

International Journal for the Study of Animal Problems

The emotional effects of euthanizing unwanted animals on professional animal control personnel are examined using written statements and oral discussions of twenty-six euthanasia technicians at a workshop during a national session

of the Animal Control Academy (Tuscaloosa, AL]. Emotional conflicts arise in significant part from the dilemma that the same public responsible for the problem of unwanted animals also has a markedly negative perception of euthanasia,

and by extension, of those who perform euthanasia. During discussions, the euthanasia technicians revealed various strategies for coping with feelings of isolation, alienation, and sorrow. These included intellectualization, avoidance of unnecessary contact with the …

Breeding And Use Of Nonhuman Primates In The Usa, Joe R. Held

International Journal for the Study of Animal Problems

Several species of nonhuman primates, each possessing specific characteristics of particular value, are used by the United States biomedical community in various health-related activities. These animals are man's closest relatives and are indispensable in understanding and controlling human health problems. The destruction of primate habitats and embargoes on the export of primates from source countries have decreased the supply of these animals. The inadequate and erratic supply of these resources threatens the continuation of many ongoing and new activities contributing to improving human health. In the U.S., a program has been developed to meet the health needs of primates:

1) …

A Strategy For Dog-Owner Education, Ian Dunbar

International Journal for the Study of Animal Problems

The author comments on the large number of animals being euthanized in shelters and suggests that dog owners undertake an education program before acquiring a dog as a pet. The author acknowledges to difficulties involved in such a change and recommends procedures to address them.

Behavior And Weight Loss Of Feeder Calves In A Railcar Modified For Feeding And Watering In Transit, T. H. Friend, M. R. Irwin, A. J. Sharp, B. H. Ashby, G. B. Thompson, W. A. Bailey

International Journal for the Study of Animal Problems

The behavior of Angus and Hereford calves was studied in a double deck 26m x 2.6m "jumbo" railcar equipped with feed and water. A 4,180-liter water tank positioned in the center of each deck divided the car into four compartments. Fifty heads were loaded into the lower and upper forward compartments (252kg/m² floor space], each containing 675kg of hay in racks. The two rear compartments served as quarters for equipment and researchers. Two video cameras were mounted in the upper forward compartment containing calves. The behavior of the calves was monitored, with portions video-taped during rail transport from Memphis, …

Letter To Editor: Livestock Abuse In Trucks And Sale Yards, Temple Grandin

International Journal for the Study of Animal Problems

Grandin adds comments on her observations of livestock abuse occurring in transport trucks and sale yards.

One Answer To The Confinement Pig Problem, Arthur Hehring

International Journal for the Study of Animal Problems

A new design for an intensive hog finishing operation is presented. The "maze deconfinement" system consists of 4-walled concrete pens arranged in a T-maze within a confinement building designed to utilize solar energy. In addition to low cost and efficient energy use, the system has the following advantages: higher feed conversion rate; less fighting among and injuries to hogs; some freedom for hogs to exercise and explore; decreased labor. The system has been used on the author's farm since the end of 1976.

The Buller-Steer Syndrome, Richarad Ulbrich

International Journal for the Study of Animal Problems

Bulling among steers is an abnormal behavioral trait and is a common health and economic problem in feedlot operations. Factors associated with the buller-steer syndrome are hormonal implantation, seasonality and environmental conditions, stress, overcrowding, and social interaction between individuals. Research has examined relationships between these and other factors and buller occurrence. Boredom of feedlot cattle may contribute more to buller occurrence and other undesirable behavior than we might suspect. Research is needed to determine the feasibility of enriching the environment of penned livestock in general, the goal of which would be, in theory, eliminating undesirable behavior and increasing performance.

Productivity And Farm Animal Welfare, Michael W. Fox

International Journal for the Study of Animal Problems

In the search for and debate over objective indices of farm animal welfare, productivity Is regarded by many animal scientists and others in the livestock industry as the most reliable measure of an animal's overall well-being and adaptability. On the surface, this would seem so, as productivity, in terms of growth rate, milk yield, feed conversion, and egg production, can be easily quantified. However, there are flaws in this assumption.

Abnormal Behavior As An Indication Of Immaterial Suffering, Hans Hinrich Sambraus

International Journal for the Study of Animal Problems

I do not believe I am the only one who has occasionally been satisfied to take three steps forward and two steps back. Despite the setback, "progress" of one step has been made. At present, the animal welfare task seems to me to be preserving that small bit of progress. In the animal welfare laws of various countries that have come into force in the last few years, terms like "appropriate conditions" and "species-specific activity requirements" have appeared. (These are the three steps forward.) Only the ethologist can determine what they mean in specific cases. But many ethologists who have …