Brain measures, represented by a combination of behavioural assessment, molecular markers and imaging studies, will offer unique protocols to understand subjective experiences in both humans and animals.
How are we going to accomplish our goals?
Brain measures, represented by a combination of behavioural assessment, molecular markers and imaging studies, will offer unique protocols to understand subjective experiences in both humans and animals. |
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How are we going to accomplish our goals?
Fostering an excellent multidisciplinary environment to enhance graduate and undergraduate training and research opportunities in animal welfare science
Long-term goals
To identify (using epidemiological studies and brain measures) the likely sources and the measurable consequences of stress and poor welfare and to promote good welfare in a variety of species, including humans.
Specific objectives
To study the consequences of stress, resulting from disease, pain and other welfare challenges, at different stages of development, on brain organization, coping strategies and emotional processes using minimally-invasive protocols.
Our primary research goal, to be accomplished in collaboration with our colleagues from the Nordic Countries, is:
To create “The Brain Imaging and Animal Welfare Core Facility” to develop comparative studies in animal welfare science.
Center of excellence
Discussions have inititated between the University of Life Sciences and the NVH to explore the possibility to develop the National Center of Excellence in Animal Welfare, in Norway.
What we did in 2006/07:
A) Res. Council (5 grants; 1+; 2 in review)
B) NUV (1; re-submission 10/07)
C) NKJ (2; in review)
D) NordForsk (2; 1+; work started)
E) USDA (1; 1+; work started – Olav Østeras)
Current activities
- Yearly workshops/retreats
- Monthly brown bag lunch (NVH; VI & UMB)
- Bi-weekly journal club
- Weekly lab meetings
2007:
Engage the school and associated scientists in developing areas for effective collaboration.
2007:
Develop the animal welfare initiative
2008:
Develop the National Centre of Excellence in Animal Welfare
2009-2010:
Develop the Animal Welfare and Brain Imaging Core Facility
2007-…
Throughout the process develop competitive grant applications
Made in Norway = high welfare
We are developing international networks, with particular attention to animal welfare issues in developing countries (workshop Mexico, 2007).
Norway has unmatched record keeping protocols.
The available epidemiological databases can provide valuable information to develop relevant controlled research trials to address unresolved issues such as: tail-biting; feather pecking; cannibalism; stereotypies (multidisciplinary teams).