Impact of a natural rubber-based scratcher as an environmental enrichment on the scratching behavior, cortisol level, and semen quality of stable male goats
Issued Date
2024-11-01
Resource Type
ISSN
09728988
eISSN
22310916
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85209246587
Journal Title
Veterinary World
Volume
17
Issue
11
Start Page
2443
End Page
2450
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Veterinary World Vol.17 No.11 (2024) , 2443-2450
Suggested Citation
Kimsakulvech S., Sriphavatsarakom P., Thaikoed S., Oupala W., Punkong C., Prompiram P., Saingkaew S., Hayakijkosol O., Wongtawan T. Impact of a natural rubber-based scratcher as an environmental enrichment on the scratching behavior, cortisol level, and semen quality of stable male goats. Veterinary World Vol.17 No.11 (2024) , 2443-2450. 2450. doi:10.14202/vetworld.2024.2443-2450 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/102128
Title
Impact of a natural rubber-based scratcher as an environmental enrichment on the scratching behavior, cortisol level, and semen quality of stable male goats
Author's Affiliation
Corresponding Author(s)
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Abstract
Background and Aim: Goats are valuable livestock because they can generate meat and milk for human consumption. Goat husbandry is becoming more intensive due to the growing demand for goat products, which may impact animal welfare and natural behavior. This study aimed to investigate the impact of natural rubber (para rubber)-based scratchers as an environmental enrichment on scratching behavior, cortisol levels, and semen quality in stable bucks (male goats/goats). Materials and Methods: Nine male goats were used in this study. Scratching behavior and cortisol levels were used as welfare indicators, whereas semen quality was evaluated as an indicator of reproductive potential. These indicators were analyzed before and after scratcher installation. Results: After installing the scratchers, the goats showed a significant increase in scratching behavior and a notable decrease in cortisol levels (p < 0.001). Notably, the goats exhibited a marked preference for scratching against the scratcher (p < 0.001) compared to the stable. They significantly preferred using their heads for scratching (p < 0.001) instead of other body parts. In addition, goats preferred to scratch on the softest rubber scratchers at specific installation locations (p < 0.001). Although there was a slight improvement in semen quality, there was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). Conclusion: A natural rubber-based scratcher can increase scratching behavior and reduce cortisol levels, indicating its potential to improve the welfare of farm goats. Selecting an appropriate hardness and preferred location is essential to ensure that the scratcher effectively encourages animals to use it.