A Standardized Protocol for Preference Testing to Assess Fish Welfare.

Area of Science:

• Animal behavior
• Aquatic animal welfare
• Captivity research

Background:

• Current animal welfare assessments often overlook the importance of voluntary physical exercise for captive animals, particularly aquatic species.
• Enrichment strategies typically focus on objects or social interactions, but the ability to choose physical activity is crucial for well-being.
• Exercise in animals, including fish, is linked to significant health benefits, impacting brain function and behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel method for assessing habitat preferences in captive animals.
• To highlight the significance of voluntary exercise as a welfare component in aquatic environments.
• To provide a framework for understanding animal choices regarding their living conditions.

Main Methods:

• Developed a protocol to evaluate habitat preferences in captive animals.
• The method allows for the assessment of various environmental factors, such as substrate type, plant types, and water flow.
• Utilized Jacob's preference index for statistical analysis of habitat choices, ranging from -1 (avoidance) to +1 (preference).

Main Results:

• The presented method successfully quantifies habitat preferences in captive animals.
• Jacob's preference index provides a clear measure of an animal's inclination towards or aversion from specific environmental conditions.
• The findings underscore the importance of offering choices in physical environments to improve captive animal welfare.

Conclusions:

• The developed protocol is adaptable for diverse environmental factors and species, including terrestrial and aquatic animals.
• Understanding habitat preferences is key to improving captive animal welfare by meeting their specific needs and wants.
• This research provides a valuable tool for researchers and caretakers to enhance the quality of life for captive animals.