Life Sciences Commons^™

Letter To Editor: Reply To "In Defense Of Pound Dogs In Teaching And Research", A. F. Fraser

International Journal for the Study of Animal Problems

The use of dogs from civic pounds in medical research and teaching is the subject of concern in animal welfare circles today. This matter was the subject of a four-page comment in a recent issue of your journal (Volume 2 (5):241-244, 1981). The title of that item was provocatively given as "Sewer Science and Pound Seizure" by author Kenneth P. Stoller. It should be noted that the use of dogs in biomedical institutions greatly relates to the instruction of medical and veterinary students. Also, millions of dogs are currently being euthanized annually in shelters across the continent. Their use, "before …

Letter To Editor: Animal Suffering: Ethical Dimensions, Judith E. Hampson

International Journal for the Study of Animal Problems

The author comments that the report (in IJSAP 3(3):254) of the British Association for the Advancement of Science (BAAS) meeting has a misleading description of her exchange with Professor Dollery. The relevant text in the BAAS proceedings of the meeting is quoted.

Letter To Editor: Firm Support For Culture Training, H. C. Rowsell

International Journal for the Study of Animal Problems

Dr. Rowsell corrects a report in the Journal (IJSAP 3(3): 185) regarding official funding support for a tissue culture training course offered by Professor Sergey Federoff at the University of Saskatchewan.

The Ld50-The Beginning Of The End, Andrew N. Rowan

International Journal for the Study of Animal Problems

It has long been recognized that the LD50 measure (usually conducted using rats or mice) provides only a rough estimate of the acute toxicity of a chemical in humans. The Association of British Pharmaceutical Industry and the UK Chemical Industries Association have spoken out against the production of precise estimates of LD50 in rodents. However, the UK Home Office Report on the LD50 recommended that the LD50 should be allowed to continue. But scientific support for the test, as exemplified by recent papers in academic journals, has eroded significantly in the last few years.

Abundance And Distribution Of Large Mammals In The Upper Ogun Game Reserve, Oyo State, Nigeria, T. A. Afolayan, K. R. N. Milligan, S. O. Salami

International Journal for the Study of Animal Problems

Three different methods for estimating wild animal populations were used to assess the density of different species in a game reserve in the Sahel region of Nigeria. Hunting for bushmeat by local communities living around the reserve was identified as one of the threats to wildlife populations. Bushmeat was an essential resource for communities around the reserve.

The Effects Of Ethostasis On Farm Animal Behavior: A Theoretical Overview, A. F. Fraser, M. W. Fox

International Journal for the Study of Animal Problems

Ethostasis – the effect of constraining husbandry practices on animal behavior – is described and discussed. The review describes specific husbandry practices that may give rise to behavioral anomalies and how these anomalous behaviors may be of diagnostic value. Ready identification may facilitate correcting problems leading to lower productivity, diseases, and economic losses.

Vivisection And Misanthropy, George P. Cave

International Journal for the Study of Animal Problems

The author comments on several articles in the media that imply or state that antivivisectionists are misanthropes who like animals more than people. The author notes that one commentator mistakenly claims that Peter Singer, author of Animal Liberation, equates animals and people. Singer does not claim that animals and people should be treated identically. Instead, Singer argues that animals and people are entitled to equal consideration of their interests. Different treatments will be justified if there are relevant differences between animals and people.

Too Much Of A Good Thing: Protein And A Dog's Diet, Dana Murphy

International Journal for the Study of Animal Problems

Murphy examines messages promoting the benefits of high-protein dog foods and then discusses the health effects of too much protein in a dog’s diet.

A Different Approach To Horse Handling, Based On The Jeffery Method, Judith K. Blackshaw, Des Kirk, Sharib E. Cregier

International Journal for the Study of Animal Problems

A method of horse training is discussed, which is based on an old technique known in Australia as the "Jeffery method." It uses several behavioral principles, including understanding horse behavior, reinforcement for desired behavior, and flight distance principles.

Psychological Aspects Of Slaughter: Reactions Of College Students To Killing And Butchering Cattle And Hogs, Harold A. Herzog, Sandy Mcgee

International Journal for the Study of Animal Problems

This study examined college students' reactions to slaughtering cattle and hogs as part of their jobs on a college work crew. The 27 students were surveyed on attitudes containing items toward slaughtering animals and toward different uses of animals. Nineteen were later interviewed. Some aspects of slaughtering were reported to be more bothersome than others. There was a relationship between the subjects' experience in slaughtering, general attitudes toward various uses of animals, and their responses to several of the items on the questionnaire. The perceived benefits of the slaughtering experience and the justification for killing domestic animals for food are …

Protection Of Animals And Animal Experimentation: A Survey Of Scientific Experts, Norbert Lagoni, Joachim Fiebelkorn, Hans-Joachim Wormuth

International Journal for the Study of Animal Problems

This article summarizes information from a survey of biomedical scientists. The survey focuses on pharmacologists and toxicologists, their use of laboratory animals, and the potential for replacing their use with alternative methods for developing and evaluating pharmaceutical substances. Most surveyed felt the alternatives could supplement or complement animal tests but not replace the tests altogether. However, most favored the use of non-sentient material in safety tests.

The Behavior Of Confined Calves Raised For Veal: Are These Animals Distressed?, M. Kiley-Worthington

International Journal for the Study of Animal Problems

The behavior of twelve calves confined in crates was recorded at 1-minute intervals for 12-hour periods. These recordings were made at fortnightly intervals from approximately 2 to 16 weeks of age. In all, 864 hours of observations were recorded. The activities performed and the amount of time spent doing each are outlined. Circadian rhythms were mainly controlled by feeding time, although there was a difference between diurnal and nocturnal behavior. Individual calves varied in how they adapted to the restricted environment. Individual personality profiles and data on the ontogeny of behavior under these conditions are presented. At ten weeks of …

Alternatives To Animal Experimentation, Steven M. Niemi

International Journal for the Study of Animal Problems

Alternatives to animal experimentation are highly touted today by animal welfare advocates. Their campaign for adopting alternatives has caused much discussion and debate within and outside the biomedical community. This paper aimed to examine the controversy and assess the more common alternatives, including the bacterial mutagenicity assay or Ames test, cell culture, and mathematical models for toxicity prediction. Chemical safety testing is the most promising of the fields for alternatives where laboratory animals are used, and incorporating alternatives with live-animal assays is increasing. However, due to the limitations of alternatives in use currently, there is still a considerable need for …

The Agricide Treadmill And Farm Animal Welfare, Michael W. Fox

International Journal for the Study of Animal Problems

The author cites publications that argue that agriculture in the United States is on a treadmill where farmers continually compete to reduce their food production costs. The consequence has been a reduction in farm animal welfare.

The Potential Role Of Local Ethical Committees In The Moderation Of Experiments On Animals In Britain, D. P. Britt

International Journal for the Study of Animal Problems

Scientists working with laboratory animals in Britain are made aware forcibly that a severe ethical dilemma surrounds using animals in experiments. Certain vociferous sections of the community press the issue on the general public's attention, and media sources tend to propagate views expressed by the most extreme parties while neglecting coverage of mature, rational opinions. It is, perhaps, no bad thing for the scientific community to be frequently reminded to take a responsible attitude to the use of animals. Still, recent overt, even illegal, activity on the part of extremist animal protectionist groups has encouraged a regrettable polarization of viewpoints, …

Prostaglandin F2a Induced Nest Building Behavior In The Non-Pregnant Sow, And Some Welfare Considerations, Judith K. Blackshaw

International Journal for the Study of Animal Problems

Nest-building behavior, induced with intramuscular injections of prostaglandin F2a (PGF2a), was studied in non-pregnant sows. Acute effects were also recorded, including salivation, scratching, vomiting, defecation, and ataxia. Sows (Large White x Landrace) were housed in two different environments; six in bare pens and six in pens provided with bedding material. All cases except one (bare pen) nest-building sequences of differing intensities were recorded. Welfare suggestions include questioning the justification of using a drug (PGF2a) in pig husbandry, which has unpleasant acute effects, and the suggestion that the provision of bedding material is not necessary for a nest-building sequence to occur.

Biological Control Of Aleutian Island Arctic Fox: A Preliminary Strategy, Edward W. West, Robert L. Rudd

International Journal for the Study of Animal Problems

The intentional introduction of exotic animals can generally be expected to yield unanticipated biological consequences. Single-purpose introductions frequently result in ecological catastrophe. Islands are particularly vulnerable to such assault. Arctic foxes [Alopex lagopus), released for fur farming on the Aleutian Islands, formerly devoid of land predators, have significantly altered nesting avifaunal diversity, abundance, and productivity. A program for restoring the historical distribution and abundance of critically affected bird species is described. In a long-term study, biological control methods are proposed to test the hypothesis that introduced sterile red foxes [Vulpes fulva), apparently, a competitively superior species, will markedly …

Review Of Literature On Use Of T-61 As An Euthanasic Agent, Laaura Dalia Barocio

International Journal for the Study of Animal Problems

The available evidence indicates many questions about T-61 as a satisfactory euthanasia agent. The only controlled study of animal E EG's after T-61 administration showed that this compound could produce rapid unconsciousness. However, the drug was administered via an indwelling catheter which is not generally used in shelters euthanizing 10,000 to 20,000 animals a year. Furthermore, the investigator compared the T-61 results against the results obtained with a weak and marginally lethal dose of sodium pentobarbital.

Ethologic And Economic Examination Of Aviary Housing For Commercial Laying Flocks, D. W. Folsch, Chr. Dolf, T. Bleuler, H. Ehrbar

International Journal for the Study of Animal Problems

The authors report that the results of their research indicate that appropriate housing is necessary for intensively kept hens and that the housing has to correspond to the vital needs and natures of the animals.

Book Reviews

International Journal for the Study of Animal Problems

Fox reviews two books. The first is a collection of papers from the First Conference on Scientific Perspectives in Animal Welfare organized by the Scientists Center for Animal Welfare. The second book is All that Dwell Therein. Animal Rights and Environmental Ethics by Tom Regan.

The North American Black Duck (Anas Rubriges): A Case Study Of 28 Years Of Failure In American Wildlife Management, John W. Grandy

International Journal for the Study of Animal Problems

A scientific and technical analysis is presented of the factors that may have been responsible for an estimated 60% decline in the black duck (Anas rubripes) population since 1955. The analyses presented show that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS], the management agency responsible for waterfowl management in the United States, has recognized the population decline, that the FWS's own experts have consistently recognized that hunting is the most likely cause of the population decline and that hunting is the only mortality factor which wildlife managers can control in the practical sense. Using FWS information, the author …

The Ld50--The Beginning Of The End, Andrew N. Rowan

Experimentation Collection

Measurement is very important in science. Early lessons in the science classroom involve teaching students to measure lengths, volumes, weights, specific gravities and anything else within the mental and economic compass of the teacher. At the same time, the question of significance is drummed into the students' heads. Thus, if one has a meter-rule which is subdivided into centimeters (but not millimeters), one is taught that the measurement of its length to one decimal point (for example, 10.3 em) is acceptable, but that the addition of any more figures (for example, 10.325 em) is mere braggadocio. The eye can only …

Occlusion Of Vision In Old English Sheepdogs, Michael W. Fox

Veterinary Science and Medicine Collection

The show standards established for many breeds of dogs have been linked with a number of genetically related abnormalities that can result in unnecessary suffering. The facial skin folds and shortened face of bulldogs, which respectively lead to chronic dermatitis and respiratory difficulties, are two dramatic examples. Likewise, ear-cropping is an ethically questionable mutilation that conveys no benefit upon the dog. Another serious welfare concern relates to a practice that is common among owners of Old English sheepdogs and other breeds with long facial hair: allowing the hair to cover the animal's eyes. This feature is considered a desirable show …

Vivisection And Misanthropy, George P. Cave

Experimentation Collection

Goodman recognizes that it is reasonable to question whether all experiments performed on animals really contribute to human welfare, and he even concedes that the use of animals in laboratories "could no doubt be reduced further without harm to humankind." On the other hand, it is quite clear that he is completely unaware of the sheer quantity of absolutely worthless experiments currently being conducted, ,and that he subscribes to the popular misconception, deliberately perpetrated by the research establishment, that animal experimentation is coextensive with biomedical research, thereby contributing directly to human welfare through the conquering of disease. Furthermore, Goodman seems …

Thoughtful Use Of Animals, Hyram Kitchen

Experimentation Collection

As part of a symposium held in Cincinnati entitled, "Ethical Issues Related to the Use of Research Animals," I was asked by the program director to consider whether further legislation regarding the use of animals might be necessary to ensure more thoughtful use of animals at universities. The following is my response.

Abundance And Distribution Of Large Mammals In The Upper Ogun Game Reserve, Oyo State, Nigeria, T. A. Afolayan, K. R. N. Milligan, S. O. Salami

Nature Collection

In this study, three indirect methods [counts of animal droppings, footprints, and tracks) were used as indices to estimate the abundance and distribution of large mammals in the Upper Ogun Game Reserve, which is located in a typical Southern Guinea savanna zone of Nigeria. Thirteen animal species were recorded; kob, bushbuck, hartebeest, roan antelope and duicker were the most abundant. The distribution of large mammals appears to be controlled by several factors: accessibility to the River Ogun [the main source of water in the reserve), availability of food and cover, and the extent of illegal hunting.

An analysis of questionnaires …

The Effects Of Ethostasis On Farm Animal Behavior: A Theoretical Overview, A. F. Fraser, M. W. Fox

Ethology Collection

The solution of animal problems that occur on the farm requires a holistic and multidisciplinary orientation and analysis, as well as the acquisition of new investigatory tools by both veterinarians and animal scientists. Field studies may be modeled under more controlled laboratory conditions, but the most relevant investigations must take place on the farm, and the first level of analysis should be ethological. Domestic animal behavior can be monitored and quantified like any other factor in the animals' environment; yet it has been virtually ignored in the development of new livestock husbandry systems.

The relationships between husbandry systems, disease problems, …

Feral Dogs Of The Galapágos Islands: Impact And Control, Bruce D. Barnett, Robert L. Rudd

Ecology Collection

Organisms introduced onto insular ecosystems, after they have become established, frequently increase to destructive numbers. Several species of mammals introduced onto the Galapagos Islands illustrate this ecological axiom. For example, domestic dogs intentionally introduced now exist as three major types: domestic, free--ranging or pariah, and feral. Problems derived from their presence are most apparent on the islands of Santa Cruz and lsabela. Feral and pariah dogs are both scavengers and predators. While other introduced mammals (chiefly feral cattle and pigs) have served as prey, in recent years severe depredations on the unique endemic Ga/apagan fauna have been caused by the …

Aquaculture--Now, Factory Fish Farming, Michael W. Fox

Aquaculture Collection

"Aquaculture 1983" was the title of a 5-day symposium and industry exhibit held in Washington, D.C., on january 9- 13,1983, sponsored by World Mariculture Society, Catfish Farmers of America, Fish Culture Section of the American Fisheries Society, U.S. Trout Farmers Association, Shellfish Institute of North America, and National Shellfisheries Association. While ecologists, economists, futurologists, and others have touted the virtues and potentials of intensive fish and shellfish farm- · ing, this growing industry in the U.S. may become blighted by the same problems that have come to afflict agribusiness' "factory farming" of crops, livestock, and poultry.

Too Much Of A Good Thing: Protein And A Dog's Diet, Dana H. Murphy

Pets Collection

Where the analysis done by Kronfeld on stress in dogs goes awry is in its implication that this conversion of protein reserves occurs during a mild or transient period of emotional turmoil. In point of fact, catabolism of proteins only begins after an extended duration of severe stress, as a consequence of an extreme condition like a long sled race or a bad infection. Therefore, a mildly stressed animal probably needs carbohydrates (and perhaps fats) far more than supplemental protein, since the former can be quickly and easily converted into bodily fuel. And in the case of the stress induced …