Behavior of sick animals

The behavior of the sick animal is not necessarily a result of physical debilitation; it can be viewed as part of a highly organized adaptive strategy that is at times critical to survival if the animal were living in the wild state. Domestic ruminants appear to have retained this behavioral mode when they are sick. This article brings together several lines of current research about depression, appetite control, and the role of fever in facilitating an animal's ability to combat viral and bacterial infections.     

Restraint of undomesticated animals

The capture, by means of chemical immobilization, of about 100 large African animals of 17 different species was accomplished by use of compound M.99, an oripavine with morphine-like activity, but with approximately 1,000 times the activity of morphine. Usually, the compound was used in conjunction with a tranquilizer and scopolamine. The small dose required enabled M.99 to be administered by a projectile syringe of 2-ml. capacity. The effect of the immobilizing compound can be reversed with nalorphine or with compound M.285.     

Behavior of pet animals

Severe mistakes in pet keeping are often the result of ignorance. Many animals suffer from the care of their owners. Industry provides food in the proper composition, but the importance of the cage's interior, its size and the number of animals of the same species kept in it is often neglected. The key to a better understanding of pets is the knowledge of the ecological environment of their species. Fish, amphibia and reptiles are capable of simple acts of learning, but their potential of adaptation to their environment is determined mainly genetically, which can be observed best during the phase of their youth. Most members of these animal groups are born with a perfect behaviour program. Thus aquaria and terraria should as far as possible correspond to the needs and requirements of the species in question to its ecological niche. An aquarium should be a model of the animals' biotope. The effect of the conditions under which a pet is kept on its wellbeing is discussed in detail for the budgerigar and the guinea pig. Experiments with budgerigars showing that too small cages and the missing company of animals of the same species lead to abnormal behaviour are described. Guinea pigs live in packs. The fact how important the group and its social organization is for the individual guinea pig is documented by experimentally verified data. Furthermore the effect of the guinea pig's ontogeny under experimental conditions on the structure of a pack is discussed. Already small changes in the size of the cage or in its interior encourage the guinea pig's exploration behaviour and its mobility.     

Genetic modification of animals

Genetic modificated animals are an essential part of modern biotechnology since the years of the seventies of last century. In the past selective crossbreeding of plants and animals took place in order to obtain the desired characteristics but nowadays this is done with the aid of biotechnology i.e. through transgenese, knock-out animals and cloning. A number of fields of application of genetic modification of animals are listed. In order to limit the risks that genetic modificated animals may carry with them the necessary legislation is formulated. A number of risks and the main rules are mentioned.     

Euthanasia of food animals

Humane euthanasia is considered to be the rapid and painless inducement of death. It is necessary for unconsciousness to occur quickly and be followed immediately by cardiac and/or respiratory arrest. Although many methods of euthanasia have been used, not all fulfill the criteria of humane euthanasia. Methods of euthanasia used in food animals are presented and evaluated as to their appropriateness.     

Euthanasia of pregnant animals

For euthanasia of pregnant animals, a rapid and painless death is essential. The technique of euthanasia should minimize stress and anxiety experienced by the animal so far as possible. The death is induced by an anoxia in the central nervous system or by a pharmacologic inhibition of essential neuronal functions. Pentobarbital is the best suited drug for euthanasia of animals and especially of pregnant animals. Combinations with muscle relaxing agents should not be used because of possible apnoe without unconsciousness.