No effects of tactile stimulation on welfare indicators of Saanen goat kids: a pilot study

Mayara Andrioli; Joseph Kaled   Grajales-Cedeño; Monique Valéria de Lima  Carvalhal; Mateus José Rodrigues Paranhos da Costa

doi:10.4025/actascianimsci.v47i1.69820

Mayara Andrioli Universidade Estadual Paulista https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0708-357X
Joseph Kaled Grajales-Cedeño Universidade Estadual Paulista / Universidad de Panamá https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1021-3945
Monique Valéria de Lima Carvalhal Universidade Estadual Paulista https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3883-1961
Mateus José Rodrigues Paranhos da Costa Universidade Estadual Paulista https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0088-4008

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4025/actascianimsci.v47i1.69820

Keywords: human-animal interactions; performance; health; behavior.

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of tactile stimulation on the welfare of goat kids. Thirty-six goat kids were allocated into three treatments as follows: TSG = taking the goat kids out of the cage every day when they received tactile stimulation, RCG = taking the goat kids out of the cage for 5 s, and NRS = not taking the goat kids out of the cage nor receiving tactile stimulation. TSG goat kids received tactile stimulation once a day, for two minutes, from the 3^rd to the 40^thday. Goat kids' welfare was assessed by considering performance, health, and behavioral indicators. During the voluntary approach test, 96.5% of the goat kids voluntarily approached familiar and unfamiliar humans. There were significant effects only on the interaction between treatment and age on time spent in the corners and time playing (KW = 27.54 and 47.83, p < 0.01, respectively). We conclude that tactile stimulation did not affect any of the welfare indicators addressed in this study.

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