The Influence of Maternal Care on Stress-related Responses in Puppies, Canis lupus familiaris

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dc.contributor.advisorHazel, Susan
dc.contributor.authorCzerwinski, Veronika Heather
dc.contributor.schoolSchool of Animal and Veterinary Sciencesen
dc.date.issued2016
dc.description.abstractMaternal care alters neurology and behaviour in mammals. However, little is known about the impact of maternal care in domestic dogs. Rapid neurological development occurs in dogs between postnatal days 3 and 16, yet maternal care within this period has not been thoroughly investigated. Knowledge of neurological development and maternal care is mainly derived from studies of white laboratory rats and, while numerous differences exist between rats and dogs, the physiological mechanisms underpinning the programming of stress-related behaviour are likely to be similar. This thesis sought to investigate maternal care in dogs and the impact it may have on stress-related behaviour in later life. The methodology used to study maternal care in dogs is differing and therefore an aim of this thesis was to provide an overview of differences between litters while comparing sampling methodologies. Six litters of dogs were observed on postnatal days 3, 6, 9 and 12. Maternal care behaviours included dam presence, nursing, contact (frequent behaviours) and anogenital licking (infrequent behaviour). A 24-hour period was compared to five time sampling periods: 12-hour night (1800-0600 hours), 12-hour day (0600-1800 hours), and two sets of four fifteen-minute periods during: night (1800-0600 hours), day (0600-1800 hours) and anytime. A shorter sampling period (four fifteen-minute periods) was representative of the 24-hour period for frequent behaviours. Maternal care behaviour impacts offspring response to stress later in life. An observational study was employed to determine whether maternal care behaviours differ between and within dog litters. Ten litters, including six of the litters above, were observed over postnatal days 3, 6, 9 and 12. Differences between dams were evident for all behaviours (p<0.001), while no differences within a litter were observed for any behaviour. Isolation initiates fear in domestic animals, thus an isolation box can be used to determine stress-related behaviour. Forty-seven puppies (previously assessed for litter behaviour) were observed for activity and vocalisations, and had their heart rate recorded. Breed type and size, parity, and anogenital licking on day 6 were associated with stress-related behaviours. In particular, puppies that were licked more had a shorter latency to vocalise and a higher pre-test heart rate, although this was not expected. Differences in the stress axis responsible for stress-related behaviour and physiology, or the onset of fear-related behaviour, may be reason for these results. Given that maternal care behaviour differed between dams, breeders were asked (using an online survey) whether they consider maternal care of bitches when selecting breed stock. There were 274 respondents representing all breed groups of the Australian National Kennel Club. Four components were found using Principal Components Analysis: Maternal Care, Offspring Potential, Dam Temperament, and Dam Genetics and Health. Maternal care was scored as more important by toy and hound groups, while breed priority was altered by the number of breeds kept and brachycephalic breeds. Maternal care should be considered by breeders when choosing stock to rebreed from, due to its potential impact on stress in puppies. The findings of this thesis allow behavioural studies to employ a shorter sampling period, highlights maternal care differences in dogs, and allows a simple test for breeders to use to assess puppy behaviour.en
dc.description.dissertationThesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, 2017en
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/2440/119157
dc.language.isoenen
dc.provenanceThis electronic version is made publicly available by the University of Adelaide in accordance with its open access policy for student theses. Copyright in this thesis remains with the author. This thesis may incorporate third party material which has been used by the author pursuant to Fair Dealing exceptions. If you are the owner of any included third party copyright material you wish to be removed from this electronic version, please complete the take down form located at: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/legalsen
dc.subjectCanneen
dc.subjectCanis Familiarisen
dc.subjectMaternal Careen
dc.subjectPedigree Dog Breedingen
dc.subjectPuppy Behaviouren
dc.subjectStress Responseen
dc.titleThe Influence of Maternal Care on Stress-related Responses in Puppies, Canis lupus familiarisen
dc.typeThesisen

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