Research investigates public perceptions toward gene modification in dairy cattle
New research from the Animal Welfare Program looked into public perceptions toward genetic modification in dairy cattle. Specifically, the research team used a mixed method approach to investigate if citizens’ attitudes differed depending on the application. In addition, participants were told that the modification was done for different reasons, including improved animal welfare, farm profits, […]
Imagining the ideal pig farm: Animal Welfare professors lead discussion at Pig Welfare Symposium
It’s 2050 and you want to pass the farm down to your grandchildren. In an ideal world, what does that farm look like? During the recent Pig Welfare Symposium, Professors Dan Weary and Nina von Keyserlingk asked focus group participants to share their vision for pork production in 2050. Read more Pascal Debrunner
What Difference Does a Visit Make? Changes in Animal Welfare Perceptions after Interested Citizens Tour a Dairy Farm
The UBC study on animal welfare perceptions following a dairy centre tour is amongst the top 10% most cited PLOS ONE papers published in 2016. Read full article Abstract Citizens’ concerns about farm animal welfare are often dismissed on the assumption that they are not well informed about farming practices. We conducted exploratory surveys of […]
New research finds link between behavioural traits and illness in dogs
New research from the Animal Welfare Program showing a link between behavioural traits and illness in dogs was recently featured in the Vancouver Star. The research found that dogs who were more social to people when taken into the animal shelter were more likely to succumb to upper respiratory diseases. Dr. Alexandra Protopopova, an Assistant […]
New Research: A Lame Vacation Makes for Lame Production
New research in dairy cattle health and behaviour from UBC’s Animal Welfare Program was featured in a news article summarizing some of our recent research looking at the associations between lameness during the dry period, feeding behaviour and transition health. Read more at https://www.dairyherd.com/article/lame-vacation-makes-lame-production.
Research shows prepartum feeding behavior and interactions at feed bunk are associated with postpartum disease in transitioning dairy cattle
New research from UBC’s Animal Welfare Program shows that prepartum feeding behavior and interactions at the feed bunk are associated with postpartum disease in transitioning dairy cattle. Read the article here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022030219309282 Abstract Hyperketonemia and metritis are common in the weeks after calving. This study tested if feeding and agonistic behaviors before calving were associated […]
Published symposium review explores methods to assess emotions in dairy cattle
A symposium review from the Animal Welfare Program published in the Journal of Dairy Science explores the methods used to assess affective or “emotional” states in dairy cattle. Read the study Abstract Affective states, which refer to feelings or emotions, are a key component of animal welfare, but these are also difficult to assess. Drawing […]
Research looks at how pain control impacts memory of painful experiences in calves
A new study from the UBC Animal Welfare Program was published in Biology Letters – looking at how a painful procedure and the use of pain control strategies impacts the memory of the experience in dairy calves. Read the study Abstract Pain in animals is typically assessed using reflexive and physiological responses. These measures allow […]
Research explores social relationships and personality of calves
New research out from UBC’s Animal Welfare Program explores the emotions, social relationships and personality traits of calves. Some calves exhibit preferential relationships that are driven in part by how optimistic they are. Read the article The research was also featured on an episode of the tv show La semaine verte. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvVS_ZYeKco
Free BeeHIVE event – Honey Bees as a Gateway Bug
UBC’s BeeHIVE Research Excellence Cluster is pleased to host a public talk by Dr. Jeff Pettis, President of Apimondia (International Federation of Beekeepers’ Associations), and retired USDA entomologist. Tickets are available at beehive3.eventbrite.ca. Please see the poster below for event details. BeeHIVE is headed by Dr. Dominique Weis (Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences), and the research cluster’s mission […]