Human-Animal relationships : consequences and possibilities for improvement

Abstract

The quality of Human-Animal relationships and the attitude of the stock-person are important factors to take into account in the various production systems as they have an impact on productivity, health and welfare of the animals. A poor Human-Animal relationship is mainly reflected in fear reactions of the animals. Various methods to evaluate fear in the presence of a human have been developped ; they include behavioural (flight distance, latency to approach, time spent near a human, reactions to handling, etc...) as well as physiological (heart rate, cortisol levels) criteria. Human-Animal relationship is influenced by rearing conditions, environmental factors, experience, nature of previous contacts, genetic factors and finally by attitude and personality of the stock-person. A poor Human-Animal relationship results in stress reactions, which is turn lead to a reduction in production. It is possible to improve Human-Animal relationships through modification of the stock-person’s attitude, by means of habituation and learning processes, and by the establishment of bonds during sensitive periods of the animal’s life.