Experiences of Older People with Dancing as a Form of Physical Activity / Iskustva starijih osoba s plesom kao oblikom fizičke aktivnosti

In terms of active aging, physical activity, which is considered a major factor inpreserving good physical and mental health, is particularly emphasized. In thispaper, the focus is on dancing as an activity that includes motor skills, cognitive andsensorimotor capacities, emotional and social tendencies and sensory abilities. Theaim of the study was to gain an insight into some aspects of participation in danceactivities from the perspective of older persons who participate in dance activities. Theresults of the research demonstrate that older persons cite new life circumstances as areason for engaging in dance activities, as well as good organization of dance activitiesfor older persons. They also highlight the characteristics and relationships amongmembers of a dance group, as well as the importance of the leader’s role, responsesof their social environment, enrichment of daily life by dance and the discovery ofdancing as a talent that contributes to the sense of community at a higher level.Certain difficulties related to participation in dance activities are highlighted as well(e.g. differences in participants’ abilities to master dance steps). Older persons regardparticipation in dance activities as yielding multiple benefits: as a determinant ofphysical and mental health, preserving cognitive functions, expanding the network offriends and acquaintances, and a feeling of having free time that is rich in activities.It can be concluded that dancing plays an important role in the lives of persons whoparticipate in these activities, as well as that it represents a positive contribution tovarious aspects of their lives.Key words: active aging; andragogy; physical activity; dancing; older persons.-Kod aktivnog starenja osobito se ističe fizička aktivnost koja se smatra glavnimfaktorom za očuvanje dobrog fizičkog i psihičkog zdravlja. U ovom radu fokus je naplesu kao aktivnosti koja uključuje motoričke vještine, kognitivne i senzomotornekapacitete, emocionalne i socijalne sklonosti te osjetilne sposobnosti. Cilj istraživanjabio je dobiti uvid u neke aspekte sudjelovanja u plesnim aktivnostima iz perspektivestarijih osoba koje sudjeluju u plesnim aktivnostima. Rezultati istraživanja pokazujuda starije osobe za sudjelovanje u plesnim aktivnostima navode nove životneokolnosti kao razloge bavljenja plesom i dobru organizaciju plesnih aktivnosti zastarije. Također ističu karakteristike i odnose među članova plesne skupine kao ivažnost uloge voditelja, reakcije okoline, obogaćenost svakodnevnog života plesom teotkrivanje plesa kao talenta koji doprinosi zajedništvu na višoj razini. Istaknute su ineke teškoće vezane uz sudjelovanje u plesnim aktivnostima (npr. različite mogućnostisudionika u svladavanju plesnih koraka). Sudjelovanje u plesnim aktivnostima starijeosobe doživljavaju višestruko korisnima: kao odrednicu fizičkog i psihičkog zdravlja,očuvanje kognitivnih funkcija, širenje mreže prijatelja i poznanika te osjećaj dobroispunjenog slobodnog vremena. Može se zaključiti kako ples ima važnu ulogu u životustarijih osoba koje sudjeluju u navedenim aktivnostima kao i pozitivan doprinosrazličitim aspektima njihovog života.Ključne riječi: aktivno starenje; andragogija; fizička aktivnost; ples; starije osobe

Behavioural Variability in Chicks vs. the Pattern of Behaviour in Adult Hens

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.

Environmental enrichment strategies for nursery piglets and efficacy for maintaining interest

Context Animals in situations of stress and constant fear exhibit unwanted behaviours for production. Pigs that are afraid of humans tend to associate any management as stressful. The use of environment enrichment for pigs may help to alleviate anxiety and fear, and hence reduce unwanted behaviours during handling. However, provision of appropriate enrichment presents challenges such as the rapid loss of interest in objects by animals. Aims The present study evaluated the effects of different environmental enrichment strategies on the behaviour of pigs at the nursery stage, maintenance of animal interest in the enrichment objects, and their reflexes when faced with emotionally negative situations. Methods Piglets (n = 425) were assigned in a completely randomised design with five treatments and five replicates per treatment (17 animal per replicate). The treatments employed were: control, no enriching objects in the environment; WB, wooden box with popcorn and wood shavings; PT, objects made of plastic tubing; WB and PT concurrently; and WB or PT on alternate days. Behavioural observations were made over 10 days for 8 h each day, divided into four periods of 2 h. Piglets from enriched (n = 10) and non-enriched (n = 10) environments were subjected to three fear tests (human approach, novel object and novel arena). Key results No significant (P > 0.05) effect was found for the type of enrichment provided or strategy adopted (concurrent vs alternating) on the time piglets interacted with the enrichment objects. Animals kept in an environment with no stimulus had higher frequency (P < 0.05) of undesirable behaviours than those with enrichment, regardless of enrichment type or strategy adopted. Piglets reared without enrichment, when isolated in a new environment, had higher frequency of behaviours such as defecating, urinating and attempting escape, as well as more and longer vocalisation events (P < 0.05). Piglets reared in an enriched environment had higher frequency and duration of interaction with a new object, as well as shorter latency time for the first contact with the object (P < 0.05). Conclusions The use of enrichment objects in the rearing environment of piglets at the nursery stage reduced undesirable behaviours, suggesting reduced fear and anxiety, and may therefore improve their psychological wellbeing. Implications Use of enrichment objects during rearing may have implications for alleviation of chronic stress, which leads to constant release of cortisol, an immune suppressor hormone that reduces the health status of the batch and hence production indices.

Corrigendum to: Environmental enrichment strategies for nursery piglets and efficacy for maintaining interest

Context Animals in situations of stress and constant fear exhibit unwanted behaviours for production. Pigs that are afraid of humans tend to associate any management as stressful. The use of environment enrichment for pigs may help to alleviate anxiety and fear, and hence reduce unwanted behaviours during handling. However, provision of appropriate enrichment presents challenges such as the rapid loss of interest in objects by animals. Aims The present study evaluated the effects of different environmental enrichment strategies on the behaviour of pigs at the nursery stage, maintenance of animal interest in the enrichment objects, and their reflexes when faced with emotionally negative situations. Methods Piglets (n = 425) were assigned in a completely randomised design with five treatments and five replicates per treatment (17 animal per replicate). The treatments employed were: control, no enriching objects in the environment; WB, wooden box with popcorn and wood shavings; PT, objects made of plastic tubing; WB and PT concurrently; and WB or PT on alternate days. Behavioural observations were made over 10 days for 8 h each day, divided into four periods of 2 h. Piglets from enriched (n = 10) and non-enriched (n = 10) environments were subjected to three fear tests (human approach, novel object and novel arena). Key results No significant (P > 0.05) effect was found for the type of enrichment provided or strategy adopted (concurrent vs alternating) on the time piglets interacted with the enrichment objects. Animals kept in an environment with no stimulus had higher frequency (P P P Conclusions The use of enrichment objects in the rearing environment of piglets at the nursery stage reduced undesirable behaviours, suggesting reduced fear and anxiety, and may therefore improve their psychological wellbeing. Implications Use of enrichment objects during rearing may have implications for alleviation of chronic stress, which leads to constant release of cortisol, an immune suppressor hormone that reduces the health status of the batch and hence production indices.

182 Environment enrichment reduces aggression and stereotypic behaviors in feedlot steers

Feedlots provide limited environmental complexity to cattle-a highly curious and social species. In the absence of adequate stimulation, cattle may engage in aggressive or abnormal behaviors. Implementation of biologically appropriate and species specific environmental enrichment (EE) has the potential to enhance welfare of feedlot steers. The objective of this study was to identify behavioral differences between cattle exposed to EE compared to those without. Composite steers (n = 54) were assigned to one of two treatments 1) No enrichment (CON; n = 3 at 9 head/pen) and 2) BRUSH (cattle brush; n = 3 at 9 head/pen). Video recordings were decoded utilizing continuous observation for the frequency and duration of headbutting, mounting, kicking, bar licking, tongue rolling, allogrooming, and brush usage from 0800 to 1730 on d -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 relative to brush implementation. Impact of day, treatment and their interaction on cattle behavior was evaluated using a Generalized Linear Mixed Model (PROC MIXED) in SAS. (BRUSH) steers spent less time bar licking (P = 0.023) and engaged in bar licking less frequency (P = 0.005) than CON throughout the duration of the study. Compared to CON, BRUSH steers performed fewer headbutts across the duration of the study (P = 0.004). Brush usage frequency (P = 0.0002) and duration (P = 0.008) was greatest on d 0 compared to all other research days. The frequency (P = 0.0006) and duration (P = 0.0002) of tongue rolling increased with research day. Similarly, the frequency (P = 0.0001) and duration (P = 0.002) of allogrooming increased over time, however, there was a decrease in allogrooming on d 64. Mounting frequency was impacted by research day and peaked at d 8 (P = 0.002). BRUSH cattle performed less stereotypic and aggressive behaviors suggesting that EE is beneficial for feedlot cattle welfare.

8 Environment enrichment reduces aggression and stereotypic behaviors in feedlot steers

Feedlots provide limited environmental complexity to cattle – a highly curious and social species. In the absence of adequate stimulation, cattle may engage in aggressive or abnormal behaviors. Implementation of biologically appropriate and species specific environmental enrichment (EE) has the potential to enhance welfare of feedlot steers. The objective of this study was to identify behavioral differences between cattle exposed to EE compared to those without. Composite steers (n = 54) were assigned to one of two treatments: 1) No enrichment (CON; n = 3 at 9 head/pen) and 2) BRUSH (cattle brush; n = 3 at 9 head/pen). Video recordings were decoded utilizing continuous observation for the frequency and duration of headbutting, mounting, kicking, bar licking, tongue rolling, allogrooming, and brush usage from 0800 to 1730 on d -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 relative to brush implementation. Impact of day, treatment and their interaction on cattle behavior was evaluated using a Generalized Linear Mixed Model (PROC MIXED) in SAS. (BRUSH) steers spent less time bar licking (P = 0.023) and engaged in bar licking less frequency (P = 0.005) than CON throughout the duration of the study. Compared to CON, BRUSH steers performed fewer headbutts across the duration of the study (P = 0.004). Brush usage frequency (P = 0.0002) and duration (P = 0.008) were greatest on d 0 compared to all other research days. The frequency (P = 0.0006) and duration (P = 0.0002) of tongue rolling increased with research day. Similarly, the frequency (P = 0.0001) and duration (P = 0.002) of allogrooming increased over time; however, there was a decrease in allogrooming on d 64. Mounting frequency was impacted by research day and peaked at d 8 (P = 0.002). BRUSH cattle performed less stereotypic and aggressive behaviors suggesting that EE is beneficial for feedlot cattle welfare