The aim of this study was to evaluate the indicators of the behavioural and physiological welfare of Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) as possible responses to the enrichment of the birds’ habitat. The study sample consisted of 280 Japanese quails (224 ♀ and 56 ♂, respectively). Birds of 5 weeks of age were randomly divided into seven equally sized groups and then divided into replication subgroups (four per group, 10 birds in each replication). Birds were maintained in 0.5 m² cages with unrestricted access to water and food. The experimental factor was the presence or absence of enrichment of the birds’ cages: the nest box, scratcher, plastic corrugated pipe (tunnel), limestone cubes, sandbathing box and feeder box with a drilled cover. Quails were subjected to behavioural tests (tonic immobility and open field tests) and, after 6 weeks, blood samples were taken from them to determine their biochemical indices as well as their cortisol and corticosterone levels. An additional element was the assessment of fertility indices. The presence of enrichment was shown to reduce behavioural disturbances in Japanese quails. This study also found that the colour and shape of an object were very important regarding the birds’ interest in it. Additionally, individuals kept in enriched cages, who were allowed to exhibit their natural behavioural patterns, had lower stress levels.

The aim of the study was to assess the behaviour of chicks of three different breeds of laying hens differing in the activity, emotional reactivity, and environmental preferences. Another objective was to answer the question whether the behavioural differences between adult birds would be evident already in the chick period or whether they are an effect of the further modifying impact of the environment. 60 green-legged partridge, 60 Polbar, and 60 Leghorn chicks were used in the experiments. The chicks hatched in a flock where hens were previously assessed with behavioural tests and the corticosterone levels in their feathers was determined, indicating significant differences in the temperament and stress level between the breeds. Five tests were carried out: two on competitiveness, activity, interest and fearfulness/curiosity. The experiments revealed considerable differences between the chicks. The Zk birds coped better with situations requiring swiftness and initiative. The Pb chicks were slower than Zk and Lg and did not make quick decisions. Hence, a lower number of these birds entering and leaving the test cage and staying inside was recorded. The Zk chicks exhibited a higher level of fearfulness than the other breeds. In terms of the environment enrichment elements, sand and woodchips were more attractive to the Zk chicks, whereas the Lg and Pb birds preferred pecking the string. No differences in the time of undertaking the analysed activities were found between the breeds.

Socialisation with humans and willingness to interact with them are essential traits for animals involved in animal-assisted services (AAS). This study examined whether goats without prior intensive socialisation with humans may show predispositions to AAS in terms of sociability towards people. Ten goats underwent four tests: (1) acceptance of human approach and touch, voluntary approach to (2) a passive and (3) an active human, and (4) a novel sound fear test. Tests 1–3 were conducted with the caretaker and a familiar neutral person, and 4 with the neutral person. The goats generally accepted being approached and touched but showed little interest in interacting voluntarily with humans. Goats’ responses did not differ between the caretaker and the neutral person (p > 0.05). In the fear test, goats escaped less often and returned more quickly after the sound playback when a human was present (p < 0.01). Female goats exhibited higher sociability towards humans. Overall, the goats demonstrated some predispositions to AAS, such as tolerance of human contact and a tendency to perceive humans as a source of support during stress. However, these traits alone are insufficient for participation in AAS. Additional training is needed to increase the goats’ willingness to initiate interactions with people.

The aim of the study was to assess whether observations of a horse’s reactions during everyday activities can be used to predict its behaviour during riding. The study was conducted on 60 horses of the Malopolski breed, aged 5 to 15 years. The horses were kept in three riding stables, in a box system. The data were obtained from an interview conducted with a person responsible for the daily grooming and handling of the horses. Observations covered at least half a year of daily contact with the horse. The horses’ behaviour was analysed before feeding, during preparation for riding, and during riding. The research shows that aggressive behaviours before feeding may be a marker of inappropriate reactions before and during recreational riding. Initial activities preparing the horse, i.e. approaching the animal, grooming, bridling and saddling, can be used as a ‘test’ to evaluate and predict the quality of the ride. Problems with these procedures also suggest significant problems during riding. The behaviour of the animal before feeding and during preparations for riding should be considered an important indicator of riding safety and comfort.

The level of stress is undoubtedly related to the position occupied by an individual in a social group. Research shows that this relationship is complex and can be ambiguous. The study involved 53-week-old 80 Greenlegged Partridge hens kept in four independent identical boxes divided by opaque...

Tactile contact is a key element of animal-assisted interventions (AAI), yet its effects on the animals involved remain poorly understood. Seven adult goats were included in the experiment, which examined three factors influencing tactile contact: the body region (head/neck, trunk, hindquarters; R1–R3), the ordinal position in the stroking sequence (first, second, third; O1–O3) and the location context (slightly enriched goat house and a highly enriched pasture; L1, L2). It was found that when stroking occurred first in the position of the sequence (O1), the duration of touch was significantly shorter (p < 0.0001). In addition, it was observed that when the session started with the trunk (R2), the total contact duration (T) was significantly longer (p < 0.039). No differences were found between the duration of contact in different locations (p = 0.179). These results may indicate that the initial phase was critical for the overall contact. Furthermore, the longer duration of contact, when initiated on the trunk, may indicate a relative preference for this body region. These findings suggest that human contact remains equally attractive to goats regardless of the enrichment of their location.