Life Sciences Commons^™

Letter To Editor: Monkey Housing: Every Litter Bit Helps, W. C. Mcgrew

International Journal for the Study of Animal Problems

Non-human primates, laboratory housing

Meetings And Announcements

International Journal for the Study of Animal Problems

The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) organized a conference on “Laboratory Animal Research for the 80s”. Speakers included Dr. Steele Mattingly (Harlan-Sprague Dawley), Dr. Franklin M Loew (Johns Hopkins), Dr. Robert Whitney (NIH), and Dr. Edward Lennon of MCW.

Letter To Editor: "Harvest" Of Monkeys In Breeding Colonies, Joe R. Held

International Journal for the Study of Animal Problems

Held corrects the impression from the edited version of his article discussing the monkey breeding facility on a Puerto Rican island.

Regulation Of Biomedical Research, Andrew N. Rowan

International Journal for the Study of Animal Problems

The idea of abolishing or simplifying government regulations has a large following in Washington. As Reagan and his advisors start to prune the growth of the past twenty years, we must hope that they can distinguish between the healthy growth that provides needed support and the excessive growth that strangles necessary initiatives. However, there is one area where we need more regulation rather than less, namely, biomedical research. In calling for more regulation in biomedical research, the author notes he does not mean the imposition of external controls by allegedly ignorant and insensitive bureaucrats (although he states some outside oversight …

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.

History Of Animal Experimentation Control In The U.K., Judith E. Hampson

International Journal for the Study of Animal Problems

Legislative control of the use of animals in experiments in the U.K. lies in the Cruelty to Animals Act of 1876. Animal Welfare groups and individuals in Britain have pressed for reform of this law since its inception 105 years ago. The British government has recently agreed to bring this legislation up to date. Any new or amended legislation could have far-reaching implications for laboratory animal welfare and the scientific community and is therefore of considerable importance both in this country and overseas. No proper appreciation of the problem would be possible without referencing the historical background. The Act of …

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 …

Sewer Science & Pound Seizure, Kenneth P. Stoller

International Journal for the Study of Animal Problems

Significant decisions are being made in the City and County of Los Angeles over a seemingly minor issue-pound seizure. Outwardly, the issue involves potentially inconvenienced animal research professionals versus angry citizens who do not want lost pets sold for research. However, on another level, this conflict has implications that reach the depths of irrationality. Far from fighting to promote the practice of pound seizure, scientists should be fighting to end it.

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 Coyote (Canis Latrans) In Panama, Eustorgio Mendez, Francisco Delgado, Demetrio Miranda

International Journal for the Study of Animal Problems

This report reveals that the coyote, Canis Iatrans, has recently extended its southern range to Panama. The skin of one adult female coyote killed by hunters at Los Pirales, a farm near Gualaca in Chiriqui Province, western Panama, has been deposited in the Gorgas Memorial Laboratory Vertebrate Collection. In the same province, other coyotes have been observed in Alanje, Boquete, and Boqueron. The probable coyote range in Panama is indicated, and the need for an urgent management strategy for this canid in the Republic is also expressed.

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.

Meetings And Announcements

International Journal for the Study of Animal Problems

UFAW organized a symposium on alternatives to intensive husbandry systems in Kent in, the UK, in July 1981. Several speakers described free-range systems for pigs, and three addressed alternative systems for laying hens. The article also describes a meeting on poultry welfare held in Denmark.

Scientific Issues And Regulation Of Primate Use, Andrew N. Rowan

Experimentation Collection

Some of the patterns of use of nonhuman primates in the USA and Europe are outlined and a few specific examples of inappropriate and/or unnecessary use are described. The primate research resources program in the USA is examined and some suggestions as to how the program could be made more responsive to humane and conservation concerns are presented.

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

Experimentation Collection

Several species of nonhuman primates, each possessing specific characteristics of particular value, are used by the United States biomedical community in a wide variety of health-related activities. These animals are man's closest relatives and are indispensable in the effort to understand and control human health problems.

The destruction of primate habitats and embargoes on export of primates from source countries have decreased the supply of these animals. Continuation of many ongoing and new activities contributing to the improvement of human health is threatened by inadequate and erratic supply of these resources. In the U.S., a program has been developed to …

The Case For Revising Our Laws On Animal Experimentation, David L. Markell

Experimentation Collection

The current laws regarding experimentation upon animals should be drastically revised. These laws permit virtually unrestricted experimentation on animals without regard to the benefits to be obtained from such experimentation, and without regard to the consequences of such experimentation upon the subject animal. Legislation constituting a two-step jump from the current laws is needed: laws sanctioning and requiring animal experimentation should be repealed; and laws significantly restricting acceptable experimentation should be enacted. The principle underlying this proposal for change is straightforward: Nonhuman animals, like human animals, have interests in the integrity of their bodies which deserve legal protection. Only by …

Ethical Concerns In Primate Use And Husbandry, Ardith A. Eudey

Experimentation Collection

Subsequent to World War II, a dramatic increase occurred in the utilization of nonhuman primates in biomedical and psychological research and industry. At the same time field studies on the ecological and social behavior of natural populations of primates also increased, making possible more realistic assessments of both the behavioral potentiality of primate populations and their conservation status. In spite of the growing body of information indicating the endangered or threatened status of most species, many laboratory workers and planning agencies continue to regard primates as renewable resources, even seeking to bypass protective legislation in habitat countries to obtain them. …

Lab Animal Housing: Numbers Or Common Sense?, Andrew N. Rowan

Laboratory Experiments Collection

No abstract provided.

Social And Cognitive Capabilities Of Nonhuman Primates: Lessons From The Wild To Captivity, William C. Mcgrew

Sentience Collection

All anthropoid primates in nature lead highly sociable lives. In infancy and childhood this is characterized by stability and familiarity for both sexes; in adulthood either one or the other sex changes groups. The natal group provides a social network of matrilineal kinship; after sexual maturity incest avoidance and exogamy are the rule. Important differences exist across species and between the sexes in mating strategies. In most species, males emigrate, but in others females do so. Male sexual behavior is based on competition between peers; females exercise choice in selecting sexual partners. Normal development of sexual behavior and maternal caretaking …

Biomedical Research And Animal Welfare: Traditional Viewpoints And Future Directions, Franklin M. Loew

Experimentation Collection

It has been twenty years since C.P. Snow first presented the concept of "The Two Cultures"; referring to the "culture" of scientists and the "culture" of literary intellectuals (mainly writers), Snow said (1969):

... constantly I felt I was moving among two groups- comparable in intelligence, identical in race, not grossly different in social origin, earning about the same incomes, who had almost ceased to communicate at all, who in intellectual, moral and psychological climate had so little in common ...

In some ways, "Two Cultures" goes far to characterize the current state of affairs surrounding those whose scientific endeavors …

Regulation Of Biomedical Research, Andrew N. Rowan

Experimentation Collection

The idea of abolishing or simplifying government regulations has a large following in Washington at the moment. As Reagan and his minions start to prune the growth of the past twenty years, we must hope that they are able to distinguish between the healthy growth which provides needed support and the unnecessary growth which strangles necessary initiatives. However, there is one area where we need more regulation rather than less, namely, biomedical research. In calling for more regulation in biomedical research, I do not mean the imposition of outside controls by allegedly ignorant and insensitive bureaucrats (although I think some …

Is Nature Our Birthright?, Nancy Heneson

Ecology Collection

It is of course impossible to escape the notion of self-interest in our relationship with nature. In fact, it is "unnatural," if one understands (and, one is forced to say nowadays, believes in) evolution. However, there is no real justification for either disguising this as stewardship or perverting it into dominionism. Every organism has an impact on the environment, and it is not only idealistic but biologically nonsensical to argue that we should leave everything alone. However, when decisions on policy are made which direct the future use of land, plants and animals, at least let the rationale not be …

Sewer Science & Pound Seizure, Kenneth P. Stoller

Laboratory Experiments Collection

Significant decisions are being made in the City and County of Los Angeles over a seemingly insignificant issue- pound seizure. Outwardly, the issue is a triflepotentially inconvenienced animal research professionals vs. irate citizens who don't want lost pets sold for research. However, on another level, this conflict has imp I ications that reach to the very depths of irrationality- for far from fighting to promote the practice of pound seizure, scientists should be fighting to end it.

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

Sentience Collection

Reactive abnormal behavior is the convincing proof of immaterial suffering for the ethologist. We consider abnormal that behavior which does not correspond to, or is without object, which appears with sharply increased or decreased frequency, or which is abnormal in its motor pattern. Moreover, much reactive abnormal behavior manifests itself in stereotypies, i.e., the movement is repeated continuously in the same way. Among wild animals and in traditional forms of animal production abnormal behavior is unknown. However, it is encountered often in animals in intensive husbandry systems, and it can be demonstrated that abnormal behavior is actually brought about by …

History Of Animal Experimentation Control In The U.K., Judith E. Hampson

Laws and Legislation Collection

The legislative control of the use of animals in experiments in the UK lies in the Cruelty to Animals Act of 1876. Animal Welfare groups and individuals in Britain have pressed for reform of this law almost since its inception 105 years ago, and the British government has recently agreed to bring this legislation up to date. Any new or amended legislation could have far-reaching implications, both for laboratory animal welfare and upon the scientific community and is therefore of considerable importance both in this country and overseas. No proper appreciation of the problem would be possible without reference to …

The Coyote (Canis Latrans) In Panama, Eustorgio Méndez, Francisco Delgádo, Demetrio Miranda

Conservation Collection

This report reveals that the coyote, Canis Iatrans, has recently extended its southern range to Panama. The skin of one adult female coyote killed by hunters at Los Pirales, a farm near Gualaca in Chiriqui Province, western Panama, has been deposited in the Gorgas Memorial Laboratory Vertebrate Collection. Other coyotes have been observed in Alanje, Boquete and Boqueron, other localities of the same province. The probable range of the coyote in Panama is indicated, and the need for an urgent management strategy for this canid in the Republic is also expressed.

Getting Educated At The Zoo, Nancy Heneson

Zoos and Aquariums Collection

In this issue we present three papers that deal with the subject of the zoo. Although the focal concern of each paper is different and the positions of the authors range from whole-hearted support of the institution to frank skepticism, all express a belief in the potential educational value of zoos. This editorial, however, has a different premise. It is not meant to criticize the other papers, but rather to raise questions from another point of view.

The Buller-Steer Syndrome, Richard Ulbrich

Ethology Collection

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 to buller occurrence and other undesirable behavior more 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, the elimination of undesirable behavior as well …

An Overview Of Zoo Goals And Exhibition Principles, Randall L. Eaton

Zoos and Aquariums Collection

It is not uncommon among progressive-minded zoo professionals these days to hear disdain for the function of zoos as recreational. This attitude is understandable in that traditionally, zoos have done little but offer amusement along with parklands or picnic facilities. The progressive zoo person sets his or her goals above the old-fashioned recipe of crowding as many exotic animals as possible into an amusement-oriented menagerie to an authentic theme for exhibition intended to educate the public, offer research possibilities, and preserve and propagate species. Nevertheless, recreation remains a primary function of zoos. Most zoo visitors do not seek education in …

Equine Behavior Problems In Relation To Humane Management, Katherine A. Houpt

Equines Collection

The behavior problems of horses are frequently related to management practices. Behaviors that are termed stall vices appear to be either stereotyped behaviors that occur in reaction to stress, or patterns that emerge when natural behaviors such as grazing are prevented. The behavior cases presented to the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, were tabulated: 27% were stall vices and 27% were some form of aggression. The stall vices were circling, digging, kicking the stall, chewing wood, swallowing air or self-mutilation. Management of horses on pasture rather than in stalls prevents the development of many of these …