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Quantification of abnormal repetitive behaviour in captive European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris)

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Ben Brilot, Professor Lucy Asher, Dr Gesa Feenders, Professor Melissa BatesonORCiD

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Abstract

Stereotypies are repetitive, unvarying and goalless behaviour patterns that are often considered indicative of poor welfare in captive animals. Quantifying stereotypies can be difficult, particularly during the early stages of their development when behaviour is still flexible. We compared two methods for objectively quantifying the development of route-tracing stereotypies in caged starlings. We used Markov chains and T-pattern analysis (implemented by the software package, Theme) to identify patterns in the sequence of locations a bird occupied within its cage. Pattern metrics produced by both methods correlated with the frequency of established measures of stereotypic behaviour and abnormal behaviour patterns counted from video recordings, suggesting that both methods could be useful for identifying stereotypic individuals and quantifying stereotypic behaviour. We discuss the relative benefits and disadvantages of the two approaches.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Brilot BO, Asher L, Feenders G, Bateson M

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Behavioural Processes

Year: 2009

Volume: 82

Issue: 3

Pages: 256-264

ISSN (print): 0376-6357

ISSN (electronic): 1872-8308

Publisher: Elsevier BV

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.beproc.2009.07.003

DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2009.07.003


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Funding

Funder referenceFunder name
BB/E012000/1BBSRC
BB/05623/1BBSRC

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