Supervisors info:
Επιβλέπων καθηγητής: Δημήτριος Γκουγκουλής, Επίκουρος Καθηγητής, Παν/μιο Θεσσαλίας
Μέλος Τριμελούς επιτροπής: Βασίλειος Πανταζής, Μέλος ΕΔΙΠ, Παν/μιο Θεσσαλίας
Μέλος Τριμελούς επιτροπής: Κωνσταντίνος Κουτουλής
Summary:
In natural environment, animals receive various stimuli that vary depending on the region and the period in which they live. In such environments, they can express a wide range of behaviors which determines the overall range of behaviors of each species. The living environment of productive animals is designed to meet only the basic biological needs (e.g. resting, feeding), rather than the more complex behaviors observed in the natural environment of animals that can have a positive impact on their behavior. Typically, in the rearing environment, farm animals are not able to express the range of behaviors that would occur in the natural environment due to lack of stimuli. This results in a lack of positive emotions and feelings of boredom or frustration. Environmental enrichment requires an understanding of the needs and preferences of animals which depend on their individuality and different characteristics (e.g. species, breed, age, etc.). The concept of environmental enrichment for farm animals refers to a wide range of modifications to the farms in which they live in order to provide adequate stimulation and facilitate the expression of their 'normal' behavior, thereby promoting positive emotions and improving their welfare. Environmental enrichment of farm animals can be divided into 5 categories: a) physical enrichment, which includes the complexity of the "physiological" behavior of each animal and the provision of additional data (e.g. hiding places), b) Additional enrichment, which promotes physical and/or psychological activity, providing opportunities for exercise or cognitive activities, c) Sensory enrichment, designed to stimulate one or more of the animal's senses and including visual, auditory, tactile and gustatory stimuli, d) enrichment that promotes foraging and feeding behavior, providing new foods or different ways of delivering food, e) social enrichment, promoting social contact, a sense of security and the development of bonds with other individuals of different species (including humans). The aim of this paper is to review the literature on the methods and the effect of environmental enrichment on the welfare of farm animals.
