P#1 Methods_of_Assessing_Animal_Behavior_Practical.pptx

P#1 Methods_of_Assessing_Animal_Behavior_Practical.pptx

1. Methods of Assessing Animal Behavior

2. Objectives of the Practical - Understand why animal behavior assessment is important - Learn different methods of recording behavior - Practice observation and data collection - Develop an ethogram and activity budget

3. Why Study Animal Behavior? - Improve animal welfare - Enhance productivity and health - Detect early signs of disease or stress - Optimize housing and management systems - Support scientific research

4. Methods of Assessing Animal Behavior 1. Direct Observation 2. Ethogram Development 3. Scan Sampling 4. Focal Animal Sampling 5. Continuous Recording 6. Time/Activity Budgets 7. Technology-based Tools

5. Direct vs. Indirect Observation - Direct: Watching animals live in field/farm • Pros: Natural behavior, detailed • Cons: Time-consuming, observer bias - Indirect: Cameras, sensors, tracks, droppings • Pros: Long-term monitoring • Cons: Equipment cost, analysis needed

6. Ethogram & Sampling Methods - Ethogram: Catalogue of all species-specific behaviors - Scan Sampling: Record at intervals (e.g., every 5 min) - Focal Sampling: Follow one individual in detail - Continuous Recording: All behaviors throughout observation

7. Modern Technological Tools - Video recording (CCTV) - GPS collars - Accelerometers & pedometers - RFID tags and sensors - Computerized behavior analysis software

8. Sample Observation Performa Time Interval | SIT | LAY | STAND | MOV | Notes ------------------------------------------------ 0–5 min | | | | | 5–10 min | | | | | 10–15 min | | | | | Key: SIT = Sitting, LAY = Lying, STAND = Standing, MOV = Moving

9. Summary & Student Task - Animal behavior assessment is key for welfare & production - Different methods: direct, sampling, technology - Today’s Task: • Work in groups • Observe animals for 15 minutes • Record behaviors on performa • Share findings in class discussion