| Dept/School | Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol | ||
| Project Supervisor(s) | Prof M Mendl Dr J Day | ||
| Funding Availability |
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| Application Deadline | 30 January 2009 |
The assessment of positive emotional (affective) states is an area of increasing interest in animal welfare science in the light of moves by bodies such as the Farm Animal Welfare Council to promote enhanced quality of life for animals managed by man, and not just minimisation of the negative effects of captivity. Moreover, a fundamental understanding of indicators of positive affective states in animals will allow us to better identify those stimuli and resources, including food types, that provide pleasure and hence should be provided to animals. Traditionally, measures of what animals choose and how hard they work to access these resources have been used to identify such resources. However, these measures of motivation (or 'wanting') may dissociate from measures indicating the pleasure / enjoyment that is derived (hedonic 'liking'). A more detailed investigation of indicators of positive affect is thus needed. This project will carry out such an investigation by studying the behaviour companion animals show in response to putatively pleasurable stimuli such as different types of food. The aim will be to investigate how different behavioural indicators of positive affect co-vary, hence revealing the underlying structure of positive affective processes. 'Wanting' will be assessed by examining motivation to access resources. Measures of 'liking' will include video recordings of facial expression, such as tongue protrusion which have been shown in other species to reflect pleasurable experience. Indicators of more cognitive constructs of valued or liked resources will include assessment of 'elation-like' responses when pleasurable stimuli are unexpectedly provided. The research will also examine how behaviour patterns such as anticipatory behaviour prior to feeding can act as communication between pet and owner and help develop and maintain the pet-owner bond.
Funding Notes
The studentship is one of a number advertised under a competitive BBSRC quota doctoral training grant scheme. All available studentships and further information on the application process can be viewed at: http://www.vetschool.bris.ac.uk/research/postgrads/studentship/.
The successful studentship/s will run for 4 years and will provide a stipend at standard BBSRC rates plus fees. Veterinary graduates will receive an enhanced stipend.
This particular studentship is a CASE studentship and will attract a stipend uplift of at least £2500 pa. CASE studentships will also require the student to work for 3-18 months of their PhD at the CASE partner organisation.
Funding Notes
The studentship is one of a number advertised under a competitive BBSRC quota doctoral training grant scheme. All available studentships and further information on the application process can be viewed at: http://www.vetschool.bris.ac.uk/research/postgrads/studentship/.
The successful studentship/s will run for 4 years and will provide a stipend at standard BBSRC rates plus fees. Veterinary graduates will receive an enhanced stipend.
This particular studentship is a CASE studentship and will attract a stipend uplift of at least £2500 pa. CASE studentships will also require the student to work for 3-18 months of their PhD at the CASE partner organisation.