About this Research Topic
The Research Topic seeks to bring together the latest efforts in assessing individual-level responses towards the overall goal of understanding basic behavioral needs, animal interactions, and the means to improve welfare within large commercial groups. While the underlying focus is assessment of behavior, the collection is intended to include methodologies of data visualization, statistical analysis, and technology across all livestock species.
· Although there is no exact definition of 'large' in terms of group size, the group size should be large enough that the nature of individual behavior and animal interactions is different than smaller groups. For example, hens in small group structures (e.g. estimated at less than 100 animals) will have a relatively rigid hierarchical social structure. Hens in larger groups will adopt an alternative social structure where less overall aggression is seen with certain hens adopting defensive postures for certain key resources.
· Individual-level observations should be made at the level of the animal, ideally in a longitudinal manner.
· Although reviews will be considered, original manuscripts will be given preference.
· All articles should be relevant to behavior and welfare of commercial livestock species.
Keywords: animal behavior, animal welfare, animal interactions, animal hierarchical structure, animal social structure, livestock, livestock behavior
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.