In-depth analysis of the emotional reactivity of American mink (Neovison vison) under behavioral tests

Currently, the importance of research into the behavior of farm animals is being highlighted. Monitoring animal temperament is a key aspect in improving their well-being. The aim of the study was to search for indicators facilitating classification of the emotional reactivity of mink (Neovison vison...

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Veröffentlicht in:Canadian journal of animal science 2019-03, Vol.99 (1), p.24-32
Hauptverfasser: Zielinski, D, Slaska, B, Rozempolska-Rucinska, I, Zon, A
Format: Artikel
Sprache:eng
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Zusammenfassung:Currently, the importance of research into the behavior of farm animals is being highlighted. Monitoring animal temperament is a key aspect in improving their well-being. The aim of the study was to search for indicators facilitating classification of the emotional reactivity of mink (Neovison vison) using behavioral tests: glove and empathic tests. Both tests were applied to 760 mink in triplicate to assess their behavioral profile. Based on the obtained assessments, the animals subjected to the empathic test were classified into one of the four behavioral profiles: aggressive, curious, fearful, and neutral. The contact time of the mink with the new object in the empathic test clearly differentiates all four types of mink behavior. The significantly longest contact with the object was found for aggressive, and the shortest for neutral animals. The intensity and time of contact with the object may be an indicator of the behavioral profile of mink. Based on the results, it can be concluded that an additional predictor of the mink reactivity during behavioral tests should be taken into account, the intensity of contact with the object measured both by the intensity of direct contact and by the duration of this contact. The results shown in this study can be used as a selection indicator by including the temperament of farm mink in selection.
ISSN:0008-3984
1918-1825
DOI:10.1139/cjas-2018-0021