In laboratory rats, dominance manifests as agonistic behaviour that damages social bonds between individuals. In this study, the effect of the housing system and environmental enrichment on the social dominance in male Wistar rats was assessed in the social dominance tube test. Rats were housed in different housing systems (individual vs. social housing, with or without enrichment) from weaning and tested at the age of 7 weeks. In each test, two rats from different housing systems were released into opposite ends of a narrow tube and the rat that forced its opponent out of the tube was declared the winner (the more dominant animal). In this way, all possible combinations of housing systems were tested and number of wins were recorded and percentage of the total number of matches was calculated. The results show that environmental enrichment suppresses (P < 0.001) dominant behaviour in individually housed rats while no such effect was seen in socially housed male rats (P = 0.532). However, social housing combined with enrichment was more effective in reduction of dominant behaviour compared to only providing enrichment for individually housed rats. Reduction of variability in the manifestations of dominant behaviour is important in animals used for experimental purposes from the perspective of greater homogeneity of animals, which ensures obtaining valid research results and at the same time better living conditions for laboratory animals.

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of social isolation of rats in the post-weaning period using behavioural tests aimed at assessing cognitive function, anxiety, and depressive-like behaviours. The monitoring was performed in male Wistar rats which were housed after weaning either individually (n = 8) or in pairs (n = 8) for 33 days. In the open field, rats kept in isolation reared less often (P < 0.05) than pair-housed rats. In the elevated plus-maze test, pair-housed rats entered the open arm more frequently (P = 0.002) and stayed in the closed arm less often (P = 0.019) compared to rats housed in isolation. In the forced swim test, climbing was seen more frequently (P = 0.016) in pair-housed rats whereas immobility was more common (P = 0.006) in rats housed individually. In the novel object recognition test, the pair-housed rats preferred (P = 0.014) the novel object whereas there was no difference (P = 0.107) in time spent by exploring familiar and novel objects in rats housed in isolation. Furthermore, juvenile rats housed for 33 days in isolation showed higher (P = 0.003) body weight gain during the monitored period than rats housed for the same period in pairs. Our findings are important not only in terms of assessing the impact of rat housing on their mental and physical development but also in terms of the accurate interpretation of the results of other experiments where the rat is used as a model organism.

Opuštěná, toulavá a nechtěná zvířata jsou problém v celém světě. Psi, kočky a jiná toulavá zvířata mohou být hrozbou pro lidské zdraví, protože jsou přenašeči virových, bakteriálních, parazitických a fungálních zoonotických onemocnění. Mohou atakovat či poranit člověka, jiné živočichy a způsobit dopravní nehodu. V optimálním případě jsou zvířata nalezena, zachráněna, ošetřena a je o ně postaráno v útulcích a podobných zařízeních. I když jsou zvířata chována ve vhodných podmínkách s dobrým welfare, psi trpí nedostatkem pravidelného kontaktu s člověkem, protože jsou to zvířata nanejvýš společenská. Záchranná zařízení, depozita a azyly jsou navíc často přeplněné a provoz je drahý. Nalezení nových domovů pro tato zvířata je tedy vysoce žádoucí. Adopce psů z útulků je složitý proces zahrnující mnoho faktorů, například plemenný typ, velikost, barvu srsti, způsob přijetí do útulku, délku pobytu, zdravotní stav a chování psa. Vnímání nových majitelů, jejich schopnosti, znalosti a zodpovědnost jsou rovněž velmi důležité. V neposlední řadě přístup zaměstnanců útulku ke zvířatům hraje také svou roli. Za úspěšný adopční proces je považován takový, kdy osvojitel poskytne psu vhodné podmínky a nedojde k vrácení adoptovaného psa do útulku. Tento příspěvek pojednává o okolnostech výběru psa, postadopčním období a často se vyskytujících problémech, které musí osvojitel řešit.

Abandoned, stray and unwanted pets have been problem all over the world. Dogs, cats and other stray animals can be significant threat to human health since they are careers of viral, bacterial, rickettsial, parasitic, and fungal zoonotic diseases. They may attack, hurt and injure people, animals and cause road accident. In optimal way the animals are found, rescued, treated and kept in shelters and other facilities. Even if the pets are kept in appropriate conditions with good welfare, the dogs suffer from the lack of regular human contact as they have been sociable animals. Moreover, the rescue sites, deposits and sanctuaries are mostly fulfilled, and keeping is expensive. The finding new homes for these animals is highly desirable. Adoption of dogs from shelters is a complex phenomena including many factors, e. g. bred type, size, colour of coat, mode of intake, lenght of stay, health and behavior of dog. The perception of new owners, their skills, knowledge and responsibility seem to be very important. At last but not least shelter attitude to animals and potential owners play role too. Successful adoption process is when the owner‘s possibilities, conditions, and abilities provide optimal conditions for dogs, and adopted animals are not returned to the shelter. This paper deals with circumstances surrounding the process of choosing a dog by the adopter, the postadoption time and the most common problems the adopter faces.

• Klíčová slova
• pes z útulku,
• MeSH
• chování zvířat MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• pohoda zvířat * MeSH
• pouto mezi člověkem a zvířetem * MeSH
• průzkumy a dotazníky MeSH
• psi * psychologie   MeSH
• vlastnictví MeSH
• výběrové chování MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• psi * psychologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH

Tato studie je zaměřena na sledování a hodnocení dopadu povinného čipování na počty opuštěných psů ve městě. Bylo prokázáno, že povinné čipování významně snižuje počty opuštěných psů přijatých do útulku a zkracuje jejich dobu pobytu. Před zavedením povinného čipování (první období, 2004–2008) bylo do útulku přijato více psů opuštěných (51,8%) s mediánem doby pobytu 14 dní než psů ztracených (48,2%) s mediánem doby pobytu 1 den. Po zavedení povinného čipování (druhé období, 2010–2014) bylo přijato statisticky významně méně psů opuštěných (42,88%) s mediánem doby pobytu 12 dní v porovnání se psy ztracenými (57,12%) s mediánem doby pobytu 0 dní. V roce 2010, po zavedení povinného čipování, byl zaznamenán statisticky významný, ale dočasný nárůst počtu přijatých opuštěných psů. Povinné čipování psů se zdá být efektivním opatřením v problematice opuštěných zvířat. Díky zkrácení doby pobytu má povinné čipování také vliv na celkový welfare zvířat v útulku. Problémy s registrací čipovaných zvířat však limitují praktické uplatnění této metody permanentního a unikátního označení zvířat.

This study focused on monitoring and evaluation of impact of mandatory microchipping on numbers of abandoned dogs in city of Děčín. It has been demonstrated that mandatory microchipping of dogs significantly decreased numbers of abandoned dogs admitted to the shelter. In the Period 1 (2004-2008) before the mandatory microchipping was established, more abandoned dogs (51.8%, median length of stay “LOS” 14 days), entered the shelter, compared to lost dogs (48.2%) with median LOS 1 day. In the Period 2 (2010-2014), after the mandatory microchipping was established significantly less abandoned dogs (42.88%, median LOS 12 days) were admitted to the shelter compared to lost dogs (57.12%) with median LOS 0 days. There was significant, but temporary increase in the number of abanbdoned sheltered dogs in the year 2010, after introduction of the mandatory microchipping. Mandatory microchipping seems to be effective measure to fight animal abandonment. Shortening of the LOS of the dogs in the shelter can also improve welfare of sheltered animals. Problems with registration of microchipped animals limit the practical application of this method of permanent and unique identification of the animals.

• Klíčová slova
• povinné čipování, opuštěný pes, útulky pro psy, útulky pro psi,
• MeSH
• bydlení zvířat MeSH
• hodnocení programu * statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• identifikační systémy pro zvířata * statistika a číselné údaje   veterinární   MeSH
• pohoda zvířat organizace a řízení   MeSH
• povinné programy organizace a řízení   statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• psi * MeSH
• registrace MeSH
• velkoměsta MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• psi * MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH
• velkoměsta MeSH

Two experiments were conducted to assess the stress response of broilers to catching and pretransport handling followed by different periods of crating. The short-term changes in selected biochemical indices were monitored at 1-min intervals within 10 min of crating after the catching and handling of broilers (experiment 1). These indices were further monitored at 15-min intervals for 2 h of crating after the catching and handling of broilers (experiment 2). Increased (P < 0.001) corticosterone concentrations were observed immediately after the broilers were caught, handled, and placed in crates. They continued to increase until 7 min after crating and then slowly decreased, but even at 120 min after handling, corticosterone concentrations were higher (P < 0.001) in crated broilers than in control broilers. In addition, lactate concentrations increased (P < 0.001) immediately in comparison with those of broilers with no additional handling except for catching and blood sampling, but 15 min later, the lactate concentrations had decreased to the precrating level. Lactate dehydrogenase concentrations increased (P = 0.042) 30 min after crating and continued to increase for the rest of the monitored period. A decreased level of cholesterol (P = 0.017) and increased concentration of uric acid (P = 0.041) were found 1 min after crating. The decrease in cholesterol was visible up to 9 min after crating; it then returned to its original value except for the period from 75 to 90 min after crating, when a decrease (P < 0.05) was again detected. Higher (P < 0.01) concentrations of uric acid were found continuously from 4 to 75 min after crating. Glucose concentrations were increased (P = 0.017) 2 min after crating, but the stress-induced increase was not consistent over the course of the next few minutes after crating. Glucose concentrations were not different from those of control broilers from 10 to 120 min after crating, although they showed a decreasing pattern. A decrease (P = 0.031) in triglyceride concentrations was detected 75 min after crating.

• MeSH
• biologické markery krev   MeSH
• cholesterol krev   MeSH
• doprava MeSH
• fyziologický stres fyziologie   MeSH
• handling (psychologie) MeSH
• kinetika MeSH
• kortikosteron krev   MeSH
• krevní glukóza analýza   MeSH
• kur domácí fyziologie   MeSH
• kyselina mléčná krev   MeSH
• kyselina močová krev   MeSH
• L-laktátdehydrogenasa krev   MeSH
• triglyceridy krev   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

BACKGROUND: Since it is not yet clear whether it is possible to satisfactorily avoid sampling-induced stress interference in poultry, more studies on the pattern of physiological response and detailed quantification of stress connected with the first few minutes of capture and pre-sampling handling in poultry are required. This study focused on detection of changes in the corticosterone level and concentrations of other selected biochemical parameters in broilers handled in two different manners during blood sampling (involving catching, carrying, restraint, and blood collection itself) that lasted for various time periods within the interval 30-180 seconds. METHODS: Stress effects of pre-sampling handling were studied in a group (n = 144) of unsexed ROSS 308 broiler chickens aged 42 d. Handling (catching, carrying, restraint, and blood sampling itself) was carried out in a gentle (caught, held and carried carefully in an upright position) or rough (caught by the leg, held and carried with lack of care in inverted position) manner and lasted for 30 s, 60 s, 90 s, 120 s, 150 s, and 180 s. Plasma corticosterone, albumin, glucose, cholesterol, lactate, triglycerides and total protein were measured in order to assess the stress-induced changes to these biochemical indices following handling in the first few minutes of capture. RESULTS: Pre-sampling handling in a rough manner resulted in considerably higher plasma concentrations of all biochemical indices monitored when compared with gentle handling. Concentrations of plasma corticosterone after 150 and 180 s of handling were considerably higher (P < 0.01) than concentrations after 30-120 s of handling regardless of handling technique. Concentrations of plasma lactate were also increased by prolonged handling duration. Handling for 90-180 seconds resulted in a highly significant elevation of lactate concentration in comparison with 30 s handling regardless of handling technique. Similarly to corticosterone concentrations, a strong positive correlation was found between plasma lactate and duration of pre-sampling handling. Other biochemical indices monitored did not show any correlation pattern in connection with duration of pre-sampling handling. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the pre-sampling procedure may be a considerably stressful procedure for broilers, particularly when carried out with lack of care and exceeding 120 seconds.

• MeSH
• časové faktory MeSH
• chov zvířat metody   MeSH
• fyziologický stres MeSH
• kortikosteron krev   MeSH
• kur domácí krev   fyziologie   MeSH
• kyselina mléčná krev   MeSH
• odběr vzorku krve metody   veterinární   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• hodnotící studie MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

Effects of different noise levels (70 or 80 dB) that broilers were exposed to during the entire fattening period and also the effect of the timing of the first exposure to intermittent noise in the course of fattening (day 1 vs. day 7) were monitored. After 7 days of exposure to intermittent noise, experimental chickens already showed a significant decrease in live body weight in comparison with the control group. The difference between the group exposed to intermittent noise at 70 dB and the group exposed to 80 dB levels was not statistically significant, although the mean live body weight of broilers in the latter was lower during the entire fattening period. The chickens exposed to intermittent noise from day 1 of age showed lower mean live weight throughout the fattening period compared to chickens exposed to the same level of intermittent noise only from day 7 of age, although at the end of fattening the difference was statistically significant only in chickens exposed to the higher level of intermittent noise (80 dB).

• MeSH
• hluk MeSH
• hmotnostní přírůstek fyziologie   MeSH
• kur domácí fyziologie   MeSH
• vystavení vlivu životního prostředí MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

Recent reports have shown that stressful situations may affect the production of unconjugated pterins (neopterin and biopterin). The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of castration on neopterin and biopterin plasma concentrations in piglets, using 2 groups of 12 piglets allocated to castrated and uncastrated (control) groups. Pterin concentrations were determined by HPLC with fluorescence detection. Blood samples were also analzyed for leukocyte profiles and plasma cortisol concentrations. A time × treatment interaction (P < 0.05) was detected for neopterin concentrations, such that neopterin was greater (P < 0.01) at 1 h after surgery in castrated piglets compared with precastration concentrations, and neopterin was greater (P = 0.05) in castrated than in control piglets at 1 h. Castration had no effect on biopterin concentration (P > 0.1). Time effects (P < 0.05) for neutrophil and lymphocyte concentrations and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios were found. A time × treatment interaction (P < 0.01) was detected for plasma cortisol concentrations, such that cortisol was greater (P < 0.01) at 1 and 24 h after surgery in castrated piglets compared with precastration concentrations and was greater (P < 0.01) in castrated than in control piglets at 1 and 24 h. This study showed that castration activated the immune system of piglets as demonstrated by an increase in plasma neopterin concentrations.

• MeSH
• biologické markery MeSH
• biopteriny krev   metabolismus   MeSH
• leukocyty fyziologie   MeSH
• neopterin krev   metabolismus   MeSH
• orchiektomie veterinární   MeSH
• prasata imunologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• klinické zkoušky kontrolované MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

The purpose of the study was to specify full leukocytic responses in broilers to chronic intermittent noise exposure at two different levels (70 and 80 dB) and to assess the effect of the timing of the beginning of exposure to intermittent noise (from day 1 or day 7 of fattening). Noise treatment of 80 dB resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) elevation of heterophil to lymphocyte ratio (HLR) indicating a stress response of the broilers to the noise stimulus at the level of 80 dB in the course of fattening, in contrast to the 70 dB noise that did not cause any significant changes in HLR when compared to the control without noise treatment. Noise treatment of both 70 and 80 dB intensities also resulted in a significant elevation of basophil granulocytes. We found a different leukocytic response in broilers exposed to chronic intermittent noise from the first day of fattening in comparison to broilers exposed to this noise stimulus from the seventh day. There was a significantly smaller total number of leukocytes (P < 0.01) and significantly smaller differential counts of heterophils (P < 0.01), lymphocytes (P < 0.01) and basophils (P < 0.05) in broilers treated with noise (both 70 dB and 80 dB) from day 7 (group Day7) than in broilers treated with noise from day 1 (group Day 1). Differential counts of eosinophils and monocytes were not affected by the time of exposure to intermittent noise in this study.

• MeSH
• bazofily fyziologie   MeSH
• eozinofily fyziologie   MeSH
• hluk škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• hmotnostní přírůstek MeSH
• kur domácí krev   MeSH
• leukocyty fyziologie   MeSH
• počet leukocytů MeSH
• počet lymfocytů MeSH
• referenční hodnoty MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

The effect of transport distance on selected biochemical parameters (corticosterone, uric acid, triglycerides, total protein, glucose, and lactate) under various ambient temperatures was monitored in a group of unsexed Ross 308 broilers aged 42 d. Broilers were transported to the slaughterhouse over 3 different travel distances (10, 70, and 130 km). They were sampled before and after each transportation in 3 various periods with different ambient temperatures (-5 to +5°C, 10 to 20°C, and 25 to 35°C), which approximately correspond to temperature conditions during transport in individual seasons of the year (winter, fall, summer). The changes in biochemical parameters were specific in their dependence on the travel distance and the ambient temperature under which the broilers were transported. The highest corticosterone concentration was found in broilers before transport (i.e., immediately after catching, crating, and loading) at all ambient temperatures. The concentration of corticosterone was higher at winter temperatures than at summer and fall temperatures. Triglycerides decreased with travel distance, although this effect was detected under summer temperatures only. The concentration of total protein was higher only after 10 km of transport and then it decreased with travel distance at all monitored ambient temperatures. A highly significant decrease (P < 0.01) in the glucose level of broilers was observed after 130 km of transport when compared with broilers before transport at fall and winter temperatures. The effect of travel distance on lactate concentrations was the same at all monitored ambient temperatures, with the lactate level decreasing with travel distance. The results obtained indicate that pretransport handling procedures (catching, crating, and loading) may be more stressful for broilers than the transport itself. To improve broiler meat quality, it is necessary to meet the need for broilers to recover before being slaughtered. With regard to different seasons of the year, we can assume that transport under conditions of low ambient temperatures in winter represents a more stressful event than transport during fall and summer.

• MeSH
• cestování MeSH
• doprava MeSH
• jatka MeSH
• kortikosteron krev   MeSH
• kur domácí metabolismus   MeSH
• kyselina močová krev   MeSH
• psychický stres MeSH
• teplota MeSH
• triglyceridy metabolismus   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH