作者: Gosia Zobel , Heather W Neave , Jim Webster
DOI: 10.1093/TAS/TXY145
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摘要: Public interest is stimulating farming industries to improve animal welfare in production systems. Indoor housing of ruminants has received scrutiny because perceived intensiveness and lack naturalness. Animal traditionally focused on health benefits (e.g., bedding management reducing disease) negative experiences painful husbandry practices). Recent attention animals having "a life worth living" extends expectations provide increased care opportunities for positive natural behaviors. Although not all behaviors necessarily contribute improved welfare, we present evidence why many are important, how they can be promoted commercial Worldwide, dairy goats (Capra hircus) frequently housed large open barns with space move soft lying; however, this sufficient promote the range goats, which turn suggests that could improved. The basis thinking from expressed by Capra genus. Collectively, these species have evolved cognitive behavioral strategies cope harsh changing environments, as well variable limited vegetation. rocky often steep terrain inhabit allows predator avoidance access shelter, so it surprising domesticated also seek out elevation hiding spaces; indeed, their hoof structure designed movement grip such rugged environments. browsing techniques flexibility diet selection wild, feral extensively managed appears equally important highlighting need more complexity what fed. Goats naturally live small, dynamic groups, governed complex social structures horns play a strong role. Commercial systems should consider natural-sized groups revisit rationale behind horn removal. We suggest stimulation potential improvement settings. Goat abilities, enabled success physical unchallenged uniform potentially leading affective states. make suggestions improvements readily adopted into current without compromising efficiency.