New protocol for automated measures of lying behaviour
Measures of lying behaviour can be used to track the early onset of illness and provide insight into how comfortable the environment is for the animals; research at the UBC’s AWP has shown that cows that stand up for longer are at a higher risk of becoming lame, and once they are lame, they lie […]
Wildlife groups find common ground
Research conducted by UBC’s Sara Dubois found the majority of those surveyed believe habitat loss and pollution are the biggest threats to wildlife.
Reviews of Preclinical Animal Research: The Need for More Ethical Practice
Dr Avey talk poster_Nov 15.2013
AWP student wins scholarship to present research results in China
As part of her PhD research, AWP student Gosia Zobel has been investigating the use of automated measures to help in the early identification of sick dairy goats. Gosia received a highly competitive travel scholarship from the organizers of the World Conference on Animal Production to present her results in Beijing last week (October 15 […]
Publication on wildlife feeding underscores serious harms to animals
After numerous high-profile events where food-conditioned wildlife were killed in BC, PhD student Sara Dubois evaluated various types of feeding practices and prohibitions. The publication, featured this month in the journal Animals, reviews the literature and proposes a framework to help decide if, and when, it is reasonable to feed wildlife.
MSc Thesis: Cognitive bias as a method of pain assessment following hot-iron dehorning of dairy calves
MSc student Heather Neave’s paper on assessing pain before and after calf de-horning is now available for download. Abstract: Pain is one of the most highly studied emotions in animals, and the interaction between pain and cognitive processes is well documented in humans. Recent research has attempted to use changes in cognitive processes as a method […]
Thesis from MSc student Meghann Cant on rehabilitation of black bears
Abstract: Throughout the year, black bear (Ursus americanus) cubs are orphaned, abandoned, or permanently separated from their mothers due to natural or human causes. Although cubs have been the focus of limited rehabilitation efforts in North America for more than 30 years, information on bear rehabilitation remains sparse. Furthermore, a lack of agreement exists regarding the […]
2013 Stratton Memorial Lecture in Animal Welfare
The 2013 Stratton Memorial Lecture presents Chris Draper, Programs Manager (Captive Wild Animals/Science) Born Free Foundation.
Congratulations to Khan on new position
Muhammad Ajmal Khan, Post-doctoral fellow in UBC’s Animal Welfare Program, has recently accepted a new position as Senior Scientist with AgResearch in New Zealand. AgResearch is a crown research institute with the purpose of enhancing the value, productivity and profitability of New Zealand’s agricultural sector. Khan will be part of the Animal Nutrition & Health […]
Listen to Liv Baker’s presentation “Understanding The Individual In Wildlife Conservation”
Animal Welfare Program Ph.D. student Liv Baker recently presented her research at the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare’s (UFAW) first international conference in Barcelona, “Science in the service of animal welfare: priorities around the world”. A recording of Liv’s presentation can now be heard on-line.