Feral Animal Studies in Animal Science: the Uses and Limitations of Feral Animal Studies to Contemporary Animal Science

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Abstract
Theoretical models were used to examine the types of information available from feral animal studies and their relevance to contemporary animal science. An eclectic model was used to examine the process of adaptation to new environments by feral and domestic livestock as a criterion for acceptable husbandry systems and the welfare problem (failure to adapt). The model drew upon the psychological construct “learned helplessnesss” as a central theme in welfare and behavioral adaptation. Learned helplessness can occur when animals are unable to achieve control over their environment by choice of sites or manipulation. A second model dealt with the man-animal interface and was used to examine the types of contact between domestic animals and man and the relevance of feral animal studies to these. The interface was defined as the set of interactions and transactions between man and animal over the animal's life span. The contacts were categorized as direct or indirect and active or passive. The model has been used to examine aspects of feeding, elimination, aggression, space use, boundaries, body care, floor and shelter design, traditions, choice, environmental control and husbandry program design. Both models provided new insights into some aspects of animal science and could stimulate new lines of research. Copyright © 1984. American Society of Animal Science . Copyright 1984 by American Society of Animal Science.

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