Validation of a behavior observation form for geese reared in agroforestry systems

Agroforestry systems, which are based on the integration of trees and animals, represent a useful practice for implementing the “One Welfare” concept. Geese could adapt well to these systems due to their kinetic and grazing abilities. However, the lack of specific ethograms and animal-based measures...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Scientific reports 2022-09, Vol.12 (1), p.15152-13, Article 15152
Main Authors: Cartoni Mancinelli, Alice, Mattioli, Simona, Menchetti, Laura, Dal Bosco, Alessandro, Chiattelli, Diletta, Angelucci, Elisa, Castellini, Cesare
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
631/158/2445
631/158/670
631/158/856
Agroforestry
Animals
Aquatic birds
Behavior Observation Techniques
Farms
Geese
Humanities and Social Sciences
multidisciplinary
Orchards
Reproducibility of Results
Science
Science (multidisciplinary)
Trees
Vineyards
Waterfowl
Wineries & vineyards
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Summary:Agroforestry systems, which are based on the integration of trees and animals, represent a useful practice for implementing the “One Welfare” concept. Geese could adapt well to these systems due to their kinetic and grazing abilities. However, the lack of specific ethograms and animal-based measures have not yet allowed a deep assessment of their welfare and behavior. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a protocol to evaluate the behavior of geese reared in two agroforestry systems (i.e., apple orchard and vineyard). Thus, a behavior observation form (BOF) including a specific ethogram was proposed, and its interobserver reliability, content, criterion and construct validity were determined. Moreover, the influence of the time of day and type of agroforestry system on geese's behavior was also investigated. Agreement and principal component analyses, as well as the comparison between data collected through direct observation by the BOF and indirect observation by a computerized system, supported the reliability and validity of the proposed protocol. While the BOF also highlighted differences in the behavior expressed by the geese according to the time of day and the environmental context, both the vineyard and apple orchard systems seem to meet their biological and behavioral needs.
ISSN:2045-2322
2045-2322
DOI:10.1038/s41598-022-18070-6