Measuring Behavioral Needs (Preference & Motivation tests)

Question 1

Learning Outcomes:

How do we measure animal welfare?

• Preference Testing
• Motivation Testing

Question 2

Measuring Behavioural Needs: Identify

Identify the 2 different types of testing methods used to measure an animals behavioural needs.

Answer 2

1. Preference tests
2. Motivation tests

Question 3

Preference shown, does not necessarily mean an animal’s welfare is compromised when it does not have access to that choice.

e.g. horses prefer corn to oats

Q) does that mean the horse has poor welfare if fed oats?

Source: Stereotypies as animal welfare indicators (zawec.org)

Answer 3

A) not if the oats meet its nutritional needs (5 domains would define as neutral state)

Question 4

What is a preference test?

Answer 4

determines an animals preference to something

e.g. choice of bedding type (mat vs straw vs shavings)

Question 5

What is a motivation test?

Answer 5

Measures motivation to perform a behaviour.

This test shows how an animal will ration behaviours when restricted

e.g. eating, lying.

Question 6

Motivation Tests

Image: Flow chart

Answer 6

Question 7

An animals preferences may vary with (1)____ of day, (2)___ & (3)________ of animals

Answer 7

1. time
2. age
3. experience

Question 8

Tests sometimes confuse __________ with preference

Answer 8

familiarity

Question 9

Animals may not be capable of distinguishing __________ (during preference or motivation testing

Answer 9

benefits

Question 10

Using these techniques to evaluate animal welfare _______ that animals make choices that are in their best interests.

Answer 10

assumes