NEUROETHOLOGY AND VETERINARY BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES

Abstract

The study examines the intersection between neuroethology and veterinary sciences of behaviour with focus on the neurological, ecological and evolutionary processes which influence behaviour of animals and their implication on clinical practise.  It examined the influence of sensory stimuli, internal processing by the brain and stresses in the environment on both learnt and born behaviours. It achieved this in the form of a mixed methodology which encompassed both ethological observations in a field setting and behaviour quantification and neurophysiological data evaluation.  It was found that the expression of behaviour was influenced by the species-specific circuitry of the brain, enriched environments and past experiences. All these alterations are quantifiable in terms of the effects on the stress tolerance, social cohesiveness, and adaptation.  Analysis of statistics revealed that the association was very strong between the pattern of brain activation and behaviour outcomes, which would promote the belief that neurobiological markers can be used in predicting behavioural abnormalities.  The findings are applicable in veterinary medicine to enhance behavioural diagnosis accuracy, assist in intervention plans, which are personalised, and enhance a better environmental design to promote animal wellbeing.  The integration of neuroethological models into therapeutic practices was also proven to enhance the wellbeing of the patient, reduce stress-related diseases and strengthen the relationship between individuals and disease-carrying animals.  This work demonstrates the great significance and necessity of integrating basic neuroscience with practical application of veterinary practice. This would be a step towards evidence-based, ethically acceptable animal care that would conform to both scientific rigour and welfare aims.