Animal Behavior Lab Iowa State University Jessie Jenkins Undergraduate Research Assistant Sow Lameness Study May 11-Aug 19 2011 Days and hours variedAnimal Behavior Lab • Mission of Farm Animal Behavior and Well-being Lab – To develop sound scientific measures for animal well-being, through a multi disciplinary approach utilizing: physiology, immunology, neuroscience, cognitive abilities, behavior and performance and health. The findings can be introduced and applied back to current farming production practices to enhance farm animal well-being and to increase performance and health • Mission of Swine Intensive Studies Lab – To develop scientifically based solutions to a variety of challenges utilizing a comprehensive approach integrating health, performance and well-being with a multi disciplinary team from the Colleges of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Veterinary MedicineDr. Anna Johnson • Associate Professor • Came to ISU in 2005 • PhD from Texas Tech in 2001 • Researches farm animal behavior and welfare in conventional and alternative production systems • PI for behavior portion of sow lameness projectSow Lameness Study • Research goal – Validate objective tools to assess pain – Work towards identifying and validating analgesics • Why? – Lameness is major cause of culling sows – No approved analgesics for production swine – Improve sow longevity and welfareHow I ended up in the lab • Took Dr. Johnson’s AnS 336 Animal Behavior and Well-being class • Announced openings for undergraduate research assistants • I contacted and expressed interestUndergraduate Research Assistant • Assist with research on sow lameness studyInitial Expectations • Cleaning • Feeding • Data collection • VideosWhat I Did • Ref Man • Analyzed videos • Cleaning • Feeding • Sow training • Data collection – Gait Rite – Force Plate – Pressure algometer – Bleeding • Health checks & documentation • Monitor during anesthesia • NecropsiesProfessional Benefits • Learned about conducting research • Learned to use new equipment • Developed communication skills • Experience working with vets, professors, and grad studentsAny