Density-Dependent Spacing Behaviour and Activity Budget in Pregnant, Domestic Goats (Capra hircus)

Abstract

Very little is known about the spacing behaviour in social groups of domestic goats (Capra hircus) in the farm environment. In this experiment, we studied interindividual distances, movement patterns and activity budgets in pregnant goats housed at three different densities. Norwegian dairy goats were kept in stable social groups of six animals throughout pregnancy at 1, 2 or 3 m2 per individual and their spacing behaviours (i.e. distance travelled, nearest and furthest neighbour distance) and activity budgets (e.g. resting, feeding, social activities) were monitored. Observations were made in the first, second and last thirds of pregnancy in the mornings, at noon and in the afternoons of each of these phases (4.5 hours per observation period). The findings show that goats held at animal densities of 2 and 3 m2 moved longer distances when they had more space per animal and kept larger nearest and furthest neighbour distances when compared to the 1 m2 per animal density. Less feeding activity was observed at the high animal density compared to the medium and low density treatments. The phase of gestation also had an impact on almost all behavioural variables. Closer to parturition, animals moved further distances and the increase in nearest and furthest neighbour distance was more pronounced at the lower animal densities. During the last period of gestation, goats spent less time feeding and more on resting, social behaviours and engaging in other various activities. Our data suggest that more space per goat is needed for goats closer to parturition than in the early gestation phase. We concluded that in goats spacing behaviour is density-dependent and changes with stages of pregnancy and activities. Finally, the lower density allowed animals to express individual preferences regarding spacing behaviour which is important in ensuring good welfare in a farming situation.

The behavior of Etawah Grade goats in early and late pregnancy period in a tropical area

“…The results showed that there were no significant differences in feeding time. The feeding time is similar to the results of Vas and Andersen (2015), which were 56.4±4.9% (2.52 hours) at the early and 38.0±3.8% (1.71 hours) at late pregnancy. The does in the late condition of pregnancy have a higher feeding time.…”

“…The average of laying in the late pregnant condition is in accordance with the normal range and increased based on the aged of pregnancy. Vas and Andersen (2015), reported the time of laying the early, middle, and late pregnancy period that is 18.9 ± 4.6% or 0.85 hours; 26.6±4.4% or 1.2 hours; and 28.9±3.2% or 1.3 hours from a total observation of 4.5 hours.…”

Metabolic and behavior changings during the transition period as predictors of calving proximity and welfare of dairy goats

“…Moreover, during gestation when kept in groups, individual spaces are reduced, and agnostic relationships increase, which may compromise animals’ behavior and welfare ( Silanikove, 2000 ). This statement was confirmed by Vas and Andersen (2015) . These author studied inter-individual distances, movement patterns and activity budgets in pregnant goats housed at different densities.…”

Abundance, survival, recruitment and effectiveness of sterilization of free-roaming dogs: A capture and recapture study in Brazil

“…Density-dependent mechanisms are the subject of several studies focusing on different animal species [ 57 – 60 ]. In epidemiological and ecological modeling, one assumes that survival and recruitment rates in free-ranging dogs are driven by the availability of resources in the environment, a density-dependent mechanism [ 61 ].…”