COMBINED BEHAVIORAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL MEASUREMENTS AS A BASIS OF THE ASSESSMENT OF ANIMAL-WELFARE

During the welfare research of farmed foxes various indicators of impa ired or improved welfare were examined. Behavioural and physiological measurements indicated that provisioning of whole-year shelters to far med foxes would improve their welfare, as reflected in reduced fear re sponses and low base levels of cortisol and eosinophil leucocytes. Beh avioural and physiological measurements indicated that early experienc e with humans would improve the welfare of farmed foxes as reflected i n reduced fear responses, reduced stress sensitivity, and improved rep roduction. The interpretation, validity, and generality of some of the used welfare indicators are discussed in the light of present knowled ge of animal welfare indicators in domestic species. In conclusion, th e importance of using both behavioural and physiological measurements as a basis of assessing welfare of domestic animals is emphasized.