Can skin parasites increase cows’ motivation to use a grooming device?
Results of a recent Animal Welfare Program study suggest a reduction in brush use after the elimination of parasites in cows affected by chorioptic mange. Highlights: Cows with mange are motivated to access a mechanical brush Mechanical brush use by cows with mange declines after application of an anti-parasitic drug Cows retain a baseline level […]
Moo-dy Cows: In new research, Professor Marina von Keyserlingk finds dairy cattle undergo personality changes during puberty
Got a moody teenager? Cows can relate! While cattle’s personality traits are distinct and consistent at a young age and during adulthood, that isn’t the case during puberty. Researchers from the Animal Welfare Program in UBC’s Faculty of Land and Food Systems conducted the long-term study to understand the development and stability of personality traits […]
Animal Welfare Program at Humane Canada’s National Animal Welfare Conference
Humane Canada’s National Animal Welfare Conference (NAWC) is an annual professional development and community-building event for anyone who works with, cares for or advocates for animals. It is Canada’s biggest and best-attended animal welfare conference. The 2020 conference will be featuring some of the many bright minds of UBC’s Animal Welfare Program (current and alumni), […]
Women In Science of the UBC Animal Welfare Program
International Day of Women and Girls in Science The United Nations General Assembly declares February 11th as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Women and girls continue to lead innovation and produce ground-breaking research around the world, despite being underrepresented in science and research. We are very fortunate to have so many […]
Michael Brunt presentation – Applying animal ethics: The use of animals in science
Michael Brunt, a PhD student in the Animal Welfare Program, will be speaking at the “Ethics for Lunch” seminar series about applying animal ethics: the use of animals in Science. All are welcome and no registration required! Come see Michael speak or dial in for video conferencing. Wednesday March 18, 202012:00 PM to 1:00 PMSt […]
Barriers to implementing best-practices in US animal shelters
A new UBC AWP open-access paper has been published! This article looks at barriers to implementing best-practices in US animal shelters: memory, opposing opinions, lack of resources, and a procedural drift effect in which the protocol was changed across time. A Multi-Site Feasibility Assessment of Implementing a Best-Practices Meet-And-Greet Intervention in Animal Shelters in the […]
Animal welfare research asks, when is the best time to pair-house calves?
Research from the Animal Welfare Program published in Progressive Dairy explores the best time to pair-house calves. The answer? As soon as possible. The research identified that early pair housing increases solid feed intake and weight gains in dairy calves. Read more
PhD student Michael Brunt awarded a Canada Graduate Scholarship – Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplement
PhD student Michael Brunt was recently awarded a Canada Graduate Scholarships-Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplement from the Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada. The award supports Canadian graduate students in building global linkages and international networks through the pursuit of exceptional research experiences at research institutions abroad. Michael will study at the School […]
Congratulations to November 2019 Animal Welfare Program graduates
The Animal Welfare Program would like to congratulate the five graduates who had a PhD conferred this fall – Dr. Anne-Marieke Smid, Dr. Hanna Eriksson, Dr. Heather Neave, Dr. Jane Stojkov and Dr. Rolnei Daros. Drs. Daros, Smid and Stojkov are shown here with Drs. von Keyserlingk and Weary at the fall graduation ceremony. Please […]
TSA to use more “floppy-eared” dogs, cites Animal Welfare Program research
Dogs are used by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at airports nationwide to sniff out explosives and contraband. TSA officials say the agency is increasingly replacing retired pointy-eared dogs like German shepherds with floppy-eared dogs like Labrador retrievers, noting that passengers are generally more accepting of dogs with floppy ears. The TSA cited a 2016 […]