Functional study of the central nervous system for farm animal husbandry

The purpose of this mini-review is to describe the recent approaches for revealing the function of the central nervous system in farm animals. The sensory organs are the first sites to gain environmental information. The behavior of the animals is outputted as a result of changes in the integrated neuronal systems, and is largely influenced by the external environment. Therefore, it is necessary to know how farm animals catch and recognize environmental changes. To understand the mechanisms of sensing and behavioral output, approaches for analyzing the brain function are required. Neuroscientific approaches are able to give cues for resolving abnormal behaviors such as stereotypy, and may lead to the improved housing and management of farm animals.