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Behavioral assessment of shelter dogs submitted to different methods of environmental enrichment

Avaliação comportamental de cães de abrigo submetidos a diferentes métodos de enriquecimento ambiental

ABSTRACT:

Environmental enrichment is a dynamic process consisting of a set of activities designed to meet the ethological and psychological needs of animals. It stimulates the natural behavior of each animal species improving the well-being of the individual and avoiding the development of stereotyped behaviors. The present study aimed to assess the potential benefits that four different types of environmental enrichment would bring to the quality of life of shelter dogs. Twenty dogs were observed for 6 hours daily for 5 consecutive days in the first week in order to assess and document their behavior patterns in an experimental kennel. Between the second to the fourth week, 3 forms of game and 1 type of food enrichment were used in the first 4 days of each week. On the fifth day of each week, behavioral patterns were recorded and later compiled and analyzed according to the Tukey test. Statistical analysis showed significant differences in behaviors associated with lying down, standing up, and licking. Based on our findings, we concluded that the use of environmental enrichment methods through different types of games and toys in shelters decreased signs of depression and stereotyped behavior of kennelled dogs. Results of the present study showed that these tools may help improve life quality of these animals.

Key words:
well-being; animal welfare; behavior; abandoned dogs; behavioral disorders

RESUMO:

O enriquecimento ambiental é um processo dinâmico que consiste em um conjunto de atividades com a finalidade de atender às necessidades etológicas e psicológicas dos animais, estimulando os comportamentos naturais de cada espécie, melhorando o bem estar e evitando comportamentos estereotipados. O objetivo deste trabalho foi observar o benefício que quatro diferentes formas de enriquecimento ambiental trariam para melhorar a qualidade de vida de cães de abrigo. Vinte cães foram observados durante 6 horas diárias por cinco dias consecutivos na primeira semana, com a finalidade de se obter o padrão de comportamento no ambiente estéril do abrigo. Da segunda à quarta semana foram aplicadas três formas de brincadeiras e uma forma de enriquecimento alimentar nos primeiros quatro dias de cada semana. No quinto dia de cada semana os padrões de comportamento foram registrados e, posteriormente, compilados e analisados pelo teste de Tukey. A análise estatística demonstrou diferença significativa nos comportamentos de deitar, de ficar em pé e de lamber-se. Conclui-se que a aplicação do enriquecimento ambiental, por meio de diferentes formas de brincadeiras, empregado em abrigo para cães, diminuiu os sinais de depressão e os comportamentos estereotipados, demonstrando ser uma ótima ferramenta para aumentar a qualidade de vida destes animais.

Palavras-chave:
bem estar; comportamento; animais abandonados; distúrbios comportamentais

INTRODUCTION:

Environmental enrichment is a method that improves the quality of life of animals in captivity including kennelled dogs. Physical and physiological welfare indicators are influenced by environment stimulation. Thus, environmental enrichment is a method that provides better living conditions to animals (BOERE, 2001BOERE, V. Environmental enrichement for neotropical primates in captivity. Ciência Rural, Santa Maria, v.31, n.3, p.543-551, 2001. Available from: <http://www.scielo.br/pdf/cr/v31n3/a31v31n3.pdf>. Accessed: Dec. 29, 2017.
https://doi.org/http://www.scielo.br/pdf...
). BLOOMSMITH et al. (1991BLOOMSMITH, M. A. et al. Guidelines for developing and managing an environmental enrichment program for nonhuman primates. Laboratory Animal Science, v. 4, n. 41, p. 372-377, 1991. Available from: <Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1658487 >. Accessed: Dec. 29, 2018.
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) classifies five types of environmental enrichment: (1) Social enrichment; (2) Occupational enrichment; (3) Physical enrichment; (4) Sensorial enrichment; (5) Nutritional enrichment.

Environmental enrichment benefits include stress reduction and decrease of behavioral disorders (CARLSTEAD & SHEPHERDSON, 2000CARLSTEAD; K.; SHEPHERDSON, D. Alleviating stress in zoo animals with environmental enrichment. In: MOBERG, G.P.; MENCH, J.A. (Eds.). The Biology of animal stress: basic principles and implications for animal welfare. Wallingford: CABI, Cap.16, 2000. p.337-354.) such as pacing (DE ROUCK et al., 2005DE ROUCK, M. et al. A comparative study of the influence of social housing conditions on the behavior of captive tigers (Panthera tigris). Animal Welfare, v. 14, n. 3, p. 229-238, 2005. Available from: <Available from: http://agris.fao.org/agris-search/search.do?recordID=US201301015431 > Accessed: Jan. 05, 2018.
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), licking, food regurgitation (LYONS et al., 1997LYONS, J. et al. The effects of physical characteristics of the environmental and feeding regime on the behavior of captive felids. Zoo Biology, Edinburgh, v.16, n.1, p.71-83, 1997. Available from: <Available from: http://www.federalcircusbill.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Lyons1997.pdf >. Accessed: Jan. 05, 2018. doi: 10.1002/(SICI)1098-2361(1997)16:1<71::AID-ZOO8>3.0.CO;2-8.
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), hiding from others, and apathy (WIELEBNOWSKI et al., 2002WIELEBNOWSKI, N.C. et al. Noninvasive assessment of adrenal activity associated with husbandry and behavioral factors in the North American clouded leopard population. Zoo Biology, v.21, n.1, p.77-98, 2002. Available from: <Available from: http://www.federalcircusbill.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Wielebnowski2002.pdf >. Accessed: Dec. 05, 2017. doi: 10.1002/zoo.10005.
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). These are some examples of abnormal behavior which may be manifested in animals in captivity and are considered stereotypical.

Many dogs live a significant part of their lives in overcrowed non-governmental organizations which house an excessive number of animals (overpopulation). Environmental enrichment for shelter dogs should be part of a care plan for animals involving physical and psychological well-being (MILLER; ZAWISTOWSKI, 2013MILLER, L.; ZAWISTOWSKI, S. Shelter Medicine for Veterinarians and Staff. Editora Blackwell Publiching. 2.ed. 2013. p.531-558.) for the animals to be adopted.

All dog shelters should provide sufficient space for animals to stand up, turn around, walk, stretch themselves, and avoid injurious stimuli. These facilities should have separated areas for rest, food, water intake, exercise, regular movement, and defecation (GOURKOW; FRASER, 2006GOURKOW, N.; FRASER, D. The effect of housing and handling practices on the welfare, behavior and selection of domestic cats (Felis sylvestris catus) by adopters in an animal shelter. Animal Welfare , Vancouver, v.15. p.371-377, 2006. Available from: <Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228677173_The_effect_of_housing_and_handling_practices_on_the_welfare_behaviour_and_selection_of_domestic_cats_Felis_sylvestris_catus_by_adopters_in_an_animal_shelter >. Accessed: Jan. 05, 2018.
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), including forms to expand and diversify the space and provide resources for observation and rest. Social interaction provides physical and mental exercise, stimulation of senses, contact, interaction between animals, comfort, and new experiences (MILLER; ZAWISTOWSKI, 2013MILLER, L.; ZAWISTOWSKI, S. Shelter Medicine for Veterinarians and Staff. Editora Blackwell Publiching. 2.ed. 2013. p.531-558.).

Toy supply is probably the most common method towards enrichment in dog shelters. Success in using toys depends on a number of factors including age, experience with toys (toys may scare naïve dogs as younger animals may not be familiar with these objects), mental and physical states (depressed, stressed or sick animals usually do want to play around with toys), toy features, presence of other dogs in the same room/environment, and habituation (most animals lose interest in a toy within a day). For older animals, rotation of toys (regular change or replacement with new toys) may have greater importance than the introduction/use of these inanimate objects into the kennel environment (WELLS, 2004WELLS, D.L. A review of environmental enrichment for kennelled dogs, Canis familiaris. Applied Animal Behaviour Science , v.85, p.307-317, 2004. Available from: <Available from: http://www.appliedanimalbehaviour.com/article/S0168-1591(03)00292-2/fulltext >. Accessed: Dec. 05, 2017. doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2003.11.005.
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). Toys should be gradually introduced to the environment of fearful, anxious, shy dogs. Enrichment provided by the supply of food and toys may increase the dog’s activity level, resulting in less barking, and allowing greater behavioral expression and freedom (SCHIPPER et al., 2008SCHIPPER, L.L. et al. The effect of feeding enrichment toys on the behaviour of kenneled dogs (Canis familiaris). Applied Animal Behaviour Science , v.14, p.182-195, 2008. Available from: <Available from: http://www.pawsoflife.org/Library/Health/Schipper_2008.pdf > Accessed: Dec. 25, 2017. doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2008.01.001.
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).

The use of environmental enrichment have had positive results in different animal species including rabbits (SILOTO et al., 2009SILOTO, E. V. et al. Temperatura e enriquecimento ambiental sobre o bem estar de coelhos em crescimento. Ciência Rural , Santa Maria, v.39, n.2, p.528-533, 2009. Available from: <Available from: http://revistas.bvs-vet.org.br/crural/article/viewFile/19500/20338 >. Accessed: Dec. 05, 2017.
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), felids (“big cats” - cougars and lions) (CARNIATTO et al., 2008), marmosets (BORGES et al., 2011BORGES, M. P. et al. Influence of environmental enrichment techniques in improvement of welfare of Callithrix penicillata (E. Geoffroy, 1812) (Primates: Callitrichidae). Revista Biotemas, v.24, n.1, p.83, 2011. Available from: <Available from: https://periodicos.ufsc.br/index.php/biotemas/article/view/18148 >. Accessed: Dec. 29, 2018. doi: 10.5007/2175-7925.2011v24n1p83.
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), pigs (MAIA et al., 2013MAIA, A. P. A. et al. Enriquecimento ambiental como medida para o bem-estar positivo de suínos (Revisão). Revista Eletrônica em Gestão, Educação e Tecnologia Ambiental - REGET, Santa Maria, v.14, n.14, p.2862-2877, 2013. Available from: <Available from: https://periodicos.ufsm.br/reget/article/viewFile/10746/pdf >. Accessed: Jan. 05, 2018. doi: 10.5902/2236117010746.
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), chimpanzees (PULLEN et al., 2010PULLEN, A. J. et al. Preferences for toy types and presentations in kennel housed dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, v.125, p.151-156, 2010. Available from: <Available from: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168159110001255 >. Accessed: Dec. 25, 2017. doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2010.04.004.
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), snow leopards (DIAS, 2010), broilers (SANS et al., 2014SANS, E. C. O. et al. O enriquecimento ambiental sobre o bem estar de frangos de corte. Ciência Rural , Santa Maria, v.44, n.10, p.1867-1873, 2014. Available from: <Available from: http://www.scielo.br/pdf/cr/v44n10/0103-8478-cr-44-10-01867.pdf >. Accessed: Dec. 25, 2017. doi: 10.1590/0103-8478cr20120504.
http://www.scielo.br/pdf/cr/v44n10/0103-...
) and shelter dogs (COPPOLA et al., 2006COPPOLA, C.L. et al. Human interaction and cortisol: Can human contact reduce stress for shelter dogs? Physiology & Behavior, Colorado, v. 87, p. 537 - 541, 2006. Available from: <Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16430930 >. Accessed: Jan. 05, 2018. doi: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2005.12.001.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1643...
).

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

In this research proposal, 20 dogs from a canine shelter located in the city of Campina Grande, State of Paraiba, northeast Brazil, including castrated males and spayed females of different ages. All dogs were housed in 4 kennels. In kennel I, there were 6 animals, in kennels II and III 5 animals each, and in kennel IV 4 dogs. Each kennel was used as a control. The size/measurements/dimensions of each kennel were: kennel I: 7,50mx8,50m; kennel II: 7,50mx3,70m, kennel III: 5,30mx3,10m, and kennel n 4: 5,10mx3,05m. Bedding in each kennel was made of rubber from car tires, and there was one bed for each dog. Moreover, food and water was available to all dogs.

Initially, the behavior of all dogs in each kennel was observed in loco, without environmental enrichment, for 6 hours daily, i.e. 3 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the afternoon for 5 consecutive days. This week was named week zero (0) or week of observation. Week zero (0) was used as a control for the analysis of the following 3 weeks of the study and was used as criteria to choose the major behavior patterns and behavioral changes to be recorded.

All types and patterns of behavior were documented in individual sheets. Dogs had no interaction with the researcher. Behavioral patterns consistently observed on a regular basis included: laying down, sitting down, standing up (stance), growling, licking, and scratching. The experimental trial was carried 4 days a week for 3 weeks and were named week 1 (1), week 2 (2) and week 3 (3).

Environmental enrichment consisted of three different type of games to play with dogs and 1 type of food enrichment. Games included tennis, tug of war, and bottle with snacks and frozen food. These games were organized so that each kennel had 90 minutes of each activity daily, from the 1st to the 4th day of weeks 1, 2, and 3.

However, to adjust the sum of hours of monitoring of the dogs’ behavior, a game was repeated from the first to the third day each week, and on the fourth day another type of enrichment was applied in order to achieve a total of 3 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the afternoon of environmental enrichment, from the first to the fourth day of each week, and taking into account/computing 6 hours of enrichment daily. Each researcher recorded in worksheets the behavior changes and patterns of dogs from each kennel while monitoring these animals. A spreadsheet was used to record data. The behavior of the dogs was coded every 10 minutes. Observation occurred on the fifth day of each week (weeks 1, 2, and 3), during 3 hours in the morning and 3 hours of the afternoon.

The timespan that the nutritional enrichment with frozen food (size 8x15cm) stuffed with cooked meat was available varied according to the dog’s willingness to eat. In the fifth day of each week, the dogs’ behavior was recorded in sheets. The types of enrichment used were:

Tug of war (social enrichment): a rope with a knot on each end was given for each dog to play with. The purpose of this game was to stimulate the dog to play tug of war with the researcher (Figure 1A) or with another dog from the same kennel. The researcher remained in the kennel until the dogs showed disinterest in the game.

Plastic bottle with holes and filled with snacks (sensory enrichment): A bottle was given to each dog at a kennel. After 90 minutes, if the animals were unable to remove the snacks from the bottles, then researcher opened the bottles themselves and the snacks inside were offered to the dogs (Figure 1B).

Figure 1
Types of games conducted with dogs in order to reduce stress. Tug of war (A) Game with a plastic bottle with holes and filled with snacks (B) game with a tennis ball (C ) Game with frozen food (D).

Tennis ball (social enrichment): A tennis ball was given for each dog of a kennel to play around. The ball was thrown several times towards each dog until it showed interest in playing with it. Otherwise, the researcher stopped trying to play with the dog using this tennis ball (Figure 1C).

Frozen food: cooked frozen ground beef with the shape of milk boxes was offered to each dog. The dog kept licking the frozen food several times until the ice melted (Figure 1D).

Each week data/observations were annotated in sheets for each dog. This information was subjected to the General linear model considering the negative binominal distribution. Averages were compared using the Tukey test.

RESULTS:

In the present study, all dogs remained less time lying down during the weeks in which environmental enrichment was introduced into the shelter kennels when compared with week 0 of observation. The difference between the week 0 and the week 3 was significant. However, there was no significant difference between weeks 1, 2, and 3 (Figure 2A).

Figure 2
Implementation of different environmental enrichment methods for 20 shelter dogs. The averages followed by the same letters are equal amongst themselves by the Tukey test at 5% probability. A: Total number Frequency observation of laying down behavior before (week 0) and after the introduction of environmental enrichment (weeks 1, 2 and 3). B: Total number Frequency observation of stand before (week 0) and after environmental enrichment was introduced (weeks 1, 2 and 3). C: Total number Frequency observation of sitting before (week 0) and after environmental enrichment was introduced (weeks 1, 2 and 3). D: Total number Frequency observation of licking before (week 0) and after the introduction of an environmental enrichment (weeks 1, 2 and 3). E: Total number Frequency observation of growling before (week 0) and after environmental enrichment was introduced (weeks 1, 2 and 3). F: Total number Frequency of observations of scratching up before (week 0) and after environmental enrichment was introduced (weeks 1, 2 and 3). Different letters indicated significant difference.

With regard to standing up, the frequency was significantly higher in the three weeks that the environmental enrichment was used in the kennels than the week of observation (zero) (Figure 2B). In the behavior week observation (week zero) before the introduction of environmental enrichment, the frequency of sitting down was lower for all dogs. With the inclusion of an environmental enrichment, these behavioral values gradually increased during the following three weeks. These values were significantly high/increased in weeks 2 and 3 (Figure 2C).

During these weeks, the frequency of licking decreased gradually with the use of an environmental enrichment method. Differences were significant during the 2th and 3th week (Figure 2D). Dogs showed higher frequency of growling during weeks 1 and 2 compared with the zero week (0). No significant difference was noted though. In the third week, the frequency of growling was significantly lower than weeks 1 and 2 in an environmental enrichment was included (Figure 2E). There was a significant difference in the frequency of scratching in the third week of environmental enrichment for 20 shelter dogs (Figure 2F).

Dogs were more willing to play with plastic bottle with holes filled with snacks. Otherwise, dogs were not interested in playing with a tennis ball. Based on the observations of how the dogs interacted with bottles and for how long these animals played with this object, we were able to assess the degree of excitement and level of interest of these animals.

DISCUSSION:

Small spaces and overcrowding in one facility frustrates and bores dogs as movement is restricted limiting their exploratory behavior. In such environment, dogs are predisposed to develop behavioral disorders such as stereotyped behaviors, inactivity, apathy, boredom, anxiety, and even depression (WELLS, 2004WELLS, D.L. A review of environmental enrichment for kennelled dogs, Canis familiaris. Applied Animal Behaviour Science , v.85, p.307-317, 2004. Available from: <Available from: http://www.appliedanimalbehaviour.com/article/S0168-1591(03)00292-2/fulltext >. Accessed: Dec. 05, 2017. doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2003.11.005.
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).

Based on the observations on week zero (0), sitting, lying, lifting, growling, and licking were behavioral patterns that were considered by the authors as essential in the evaluation since the reduction or increase of each of these behavior patterns would favor the introduction of environmental enrichment in the kennels.

In the canine shelter where the study was conducted, dogs were divided into groups and housed together. Nevertheless, no interaction was observed between animals which spent most of their time lying down by themselves. Dogs started to be more active in the weeks following the introduction of an environmental enrichment. Moreover, the frequency of their sitting and standing increased significantly thus reducing the time they spent lying down. The frequency of their sitting and standing increased significantly thus reducing their time lying down. The third week of enrichment had the highest value in the graph with respect to the behavior of sitting down. This finding may indicate that the enrichment a positive impact with respect to the agitation/excitement of animals that stopped lie down so often and spent an increased amount of time sitting or standing up.

One of the factors that may have triggered a feeling of sadness in dogs may be the physical environment of kennels, with regard to food, water, and bedding (beds made of rubber from car tires). According to MARSTON and BENNETT (2003MARSTON, L. C.; BENNETT, P.C. Reforging the bond - towards successful canine adoption. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, v.83, p.227-245, 2003. Available from: <Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168159103001357 >. Accessed: Dec. 29, 2017. doi: 10.1016/S0168-1591(03)00135-7.0.
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), many animal shelters have limited space and resources destined to housing and health care. Overcrowding is common in shelters for dogs and cats in developing countries. Both are housed in the same kennel as there are large numbers of stray dogs.

Many abnormal stereotyped behaviors in dogs including excessive itching and licking (LYONS et al., 1997LYONS, J. et al. The effects of physical characteristics of the environmental and feeding regime on the behavior of captive felids. Zoo Biology, Edinburgh, v.16, n.1, p.71-83, 1997. Available from: <Available from: http://www.federalcircusbill.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Lyons1997.pdf >. Accessed: Jan. 05, 2018. doi: 10.1002/(SICI)1098-2361(1997)16:1<71::AID-ZOO8>3.0.CO;2-8.
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) as well as stressful events (LEGAUX, 2001LEGAUX, A. Enriquecimiento. Curso de entrenamiento y enriquecimiento para especies em cautiverio. Guadalajara, 2001, p.16-18.) may cause physical injury to the dog compromising its physical health and behavioral patterns (CELOTTI, 1990CELOTTI, S. Guia para o Enriquecimento das Condições Ambientais do Cativeiro. Federação de Universidade para o bem estar dos animais (U.F.A.W), Inglaterra - Sociedade Zoófila Educativa (SOZED), Brasil, 1990.). In this present study, the frequency of licking gradually decreased with the use of an enrichment method (Figure 2D).

Grunting increased during the first and second week of environmental enrichment and significantly decreased during the third week of the study (Figure 2E). Thus, it may be inferred that dogs were growling prior to the introduction of environment enrichment as they were subjected to stress in a research kennel. Dogs increased this behavior with the use of environmental enrichment due to the aggressiveness by the dominance or the possession of a toy. Intense reduction of growling in the third week may be explained by the fact that the dogs became familiar with the game and/or toy, which influenced them not to manifest a possessive behavior at the same intensity as in previous occasions.

Generally, repetition of the same object in games caused habituation (WELLS, 2004WELLS, D.L. A review of environmental enrichment for kennelled dogs, Canis familiaris. Applied Animal Behaviour Science , v.85, p.307-317, 2004. Available from: <Available from: http://www.appliedanimalbehaviour.com/article/S0168-1591(03)00292-2/fulltext >. Accessed: Dec. 05, 2017. doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2003.11.005.
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), and decrease the amount of interaction of the dog with the same toy. According to WELKER (1961)WELKER, W.I. An analysis of exploratory and play behavior in animals. In: FINSKE, D.W.; WELLS, D. L. The welfare of dogs in an animal rescue shelter. PhD Thesis. School of Psychology. The Queen’s University of Belfast, UK. 1996., familiarization is a direct consequence of habituation, which shows the importance of periodic replacement of objects during the enrichment process. Frequent, regular replacement of inanimate objects is an essential component of the enriched environment method (WELLS, 2004). In this study, the plastic bottle containing snacks was the favorite toy of dogs possibly due to the smell of this type of food.

In the present study, dogs displayed depressive behavioral patterns and certain stereotypes which seem to decrease in intensity or frequency with the introduction of environmental enrichment in shelter kennels. Environmental enrichment is particularly important in kennels with limited space.

CONCLUSION:

The introduction of a number of environmental enrichment methods using different types of games and food in in shelters for stray dogs decreased the intensity and frequency of depression and other stereotyped behaviors. Environmental enrichment methods are useful tools to increase the life quality of animals living in these facilities.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We are grateful to the dog shelter ‘‘Associação dos Amigos dos Animais Abandonados’’ (Campina Grande, Paraiba) for providing the physical space and the dogs in this research.

REFERENCES:

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    CR-2018-0181.R2
  • BIOETHICS AND BIOSSECURITY COMMITTEE APPROVAL

    This research proposal was approved by the research committee of the Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB) in Brazil. Our study was carried out according to the guidelines established Ethics Committee on Animal Use in Research (CEUA) of the Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB) in Brazil. The present study was approved by the Ethics Committee on Animal Use in Research (CEUA) of the Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB) in Brazil (permit No. 138/2017/CEUA-UFPB).

Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    2019

History

  • Received
    07 Mar 2018
  • Accepted
    27 Nov 2018
  • Reviewed
    29 Dec 2018
Universidade Federal de Santa Maria Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Centro de Ciências Rurais , 97105-900 Santa Maria RS Brazil , Tel.: +55 55 3220-8698 , Fax: +55 55 3220-8695 - Santa Maria - RS - Brazil
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