Selection for the more efficient production of broilers has resulted in rapid growth rates. The aim was to review the existing knowledge on the effect of growth rate on broiler welfare. Genotypes with faster growth rates consistently demonstrate poorer gait scores and increased prevalence of disorders affecting their legs than […]
Playpens for calves
Anyone who has watched lambs or calves frolicking and careering around a paddock chasing each other, knows that these young animals, just like young children, love to play, but while zoos have recognised the importance of enrichment programs that give captive-bred juveniles a creative outlet for their physical and mental […]
A Day in the Life – Zoe Devine – Behavioural Vet
This month A Day in the Life heads to Western Australia, where Zoe Devine works as a Behavioural Vet at Animal Sense near Fremantle. Devine was inspired to become a veterinarian at the age of six after watching Harry’s Practice on television after school and fulfilled a childhood dream when […]
Humans can identify chicken moods, research says
The estimated 100 million chickens in Australia might be able to make their feelings known, after a University of Queensland study found humans can tell if chickens are excited or displeased, just by the sound of their clucks. The study used recordings of the noises chickens made when they anticipated […]