Role of light/dark schedules on daily pattern of total locomotor activity in wild and domestic felids

Scientific and technical assistance on welfare aspects related to housing and health of cats and dogs in commercial breeding establishments

“…A behavioural or physiological parameter is considered to follow a ‘circadian rhythm’ when it has a self‐sustained cycle of ~ 24 h which can persist in constant environmental conditions (e.g. constant light or permanent darkness) (Cerutti et al., 2022 ). Circadian rhythms are therefore an inherent property of animal physiology (Refinetti and Piccione, 2005 ; Piccione et al., 2008 ; Cerutti et al., 2022 ) and are fundamental for the living systems to ensure their functioning and coping mechanisms in an environment (Cerutti et al., 2022 ).…”

“…constant light or permanent darkness) (Cerutti et al., 2022 ). Circadian rhythms are therefore an inherent property of animal physiology (Refinetti and Piccione, 2005 ; Piccione et al., 2008 ; Cerutti et al., 2022 ) and are fundamental for the living systems to ensure their functioning and coping mechanisms in an environment (Cerutti et al., 2022 ). Different physiological (e.g.…”

“…time budget of active and inactive behaviour during light and dark phases) parameters have shown circadian rhythmicity (Zanghi et al., 2012 ; Giannetto et al., 2014 ; Cerutti et al., 2019 ; Cerutti et al., 2022 ), driven by an internal ‘clock’ located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus (Cerutti et al., 2022 ). This mechanism is an autonomous internal daily timekeeper that is influenced by environmental factors (Bertolucci et al., 2008 ; Cerutti et al., 2022 ; Schork et al., 2022 ). Among these environmental factors, light and light–dark cycles are the most important (Dauchy and Blask, 2022 ).…”

“…darkness phase) (Giannetto et al., 2014 ). For physiological and behavioural parameters which still have a cycle of ~ 24 h, but are not endogenously self‐sustained, the term ‘daily rhythm’ is used (Cerutti et al., 2022 ).…”

“…Depending on the species‐specific responses to the light, the circadian or daily rhythms of several physiological parameters and behavioural patterns differ, for instance cortisol (Cerutti et al., 2022 ).…”