| What: | UC Davis researchers will demonstrate what they have learned about animal environments and their connection to physical and behavioral health in a variety of domesticated animals. The researchers are among more than 300 scientists gathering Aug. 5-8 at UC Davis for the 35th International Congress of the International Society for Applied Ethology, a scientific organization focused on the behavior and welfare of farm, laboratory, companion and zoo animals. |
| When: | 12:15 p.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 6 |
| Where: | Building "A" of the Cole Facility, located on the corner of La Rue Road and Putah Creek Lodge Drive, UC Davis |
| Visuals | UC Davis scientists will show how enriching the environments of domestic parrots and rabbits promotes physical and behavioral health in these animals. They also will show how phased separation from the mother cow eases the weaning process for calves. |
| Background: | Take an animal out of the wild and you probably make its life easier and safer, but you also unwittingly remove the challenges that make its life interesting, says Joy Mench, an animal science professor and an authority on animal welfare issues. As a result, parrots may pluck out their feathers, rabbits suck relentlessly on water bottles and wolves in zoos pace back and forth. To counteract the boredom and related stresses that may accompany captivity, Mench and colleagues have found that animal environments need to be enriched to provide more interesting habitats, hard-to-get food items and even toys. |
Directions and Parking: |
From Interstate 80, take the UC Davis exit and head north on Old Davis Road. Go past the information booth and bend left. At the stop sign continue straight across a small bridge and immediately turn left onto La Rue Road. At the first street on the left, turn left onto Putah Creek Lodge Drive. Turn left at the third driveway and continue into the graveled area between the corrals and barns. Park in this area, being careful not to block gates or barn entrances. To park free, place a media business card on the dashboard of your vehicle. Follow the signs to Building "A." |
Media Resources
Pat Bailey, Research news (emphasis: agricultural and nutritional sciences, and veterinary medicine), 530-219-9640, pjbailey@ucdavis.edu