Behavioral and neuroendocrine indicators of well-being in farm and laboratory mammals
Résumé
The well-being of mammals kept in the laboratory or on the farm is a major concern worldwide. Having multiple and reliable indicators that appraise mammals living under assorted conditions is, therefore, essential to attain their well-being in captivity. This also constitutes a research topic in Behavioral Neuroendocrinology as the best indicators of an animal's welfare state are largely neuroendocrine and behavioral. In this chapter we selected species commonly found in laboratories or farms (rodents, rabbits, sheep, goats, bovines) to illustrate the effects of housing and environmental conditions, management practices, and early rearing on specific hormonal, behavioral, and immunological parameters.