Our projects

Check out species and fields we work on!

Dogs

Our dog research focuses on methods to automatically monitor dog's behavior with the use of artificial intelligence. We are currently developing sensors powered by AI to monitor activity levels and specific dog behavior. We also conduct research in the field of Animal-Computer interaction, to understand how dogs and dog owners interact with dog monitoring technologies. Some of these technologies are now being applied in several projects focusing on dog aging, health and home behaviours

Projects developed:

Validation of an electronic sensor for assessing canine behavior and comparing activity levels of obese and healthy dogs
Evaluation of physical activity behavior in obese dogs

Cats

Our research focuses on applying domestic cat behaviour to improve feline health and well-being. Our work explores the impact of environmental enrichment on cat welfare, investigates cats' behavioural traits during veterinary consultations, and the correlation between their personalities and responses in clinical environments. Our research projects aim to enhance veterinary practices, improve clinical experience and promote better health and welfare for cats.

Projects developed:

Fear and anxiety in domestic cats during hospitalization.
Assessment of the personality of hospitalized cats.
Sporotrichosis and quality of life: environmental and social enrichment for hospitalized cats.
Adaptability of cats infected with sporotrichosis during hospitalization.
Enhancing Feline Welfare: Strategies for Effective Cat Handling in Veterinary clinics.
Welfare of domestic cats: Assessment of behavioral patterns and owner perception.

Cattle

In dairy cows, we research several topics, including the epidemiology of lameness, thermal comfort and heat stress, behavior, and welfare. Especially in dairy calves, we have projects evaluating the short- and long-term effects of social housing, performance, behavior, and the epidemiology of diseases, as well as factors related to resilience, also encompassing beef-on-dairy calves.

Projects developed:

Impact of respiratory diseases on the performance of dairy calves
Analysis of experience, reactivity, and behavior during the FTAI protocol and its relationship with the reproductive efficiency of beef cows
Use of sensors for monitoring animal behavior focused on the early detection of respiratory problems in calves
Electronic sensors for assessing feeding behavior in cattle: A systematic review
Electronic sensors for assessing thermal stress behavior in cattle: A systematic review
Effects of social housing on dairy calves' performance, health, and behavior.
Performance and disease occurrence in beef-on-dairy and dairy calves raised in the same rearing system.
Impact of social companionship on the behavior of purebred and crossbred calves housed in pairs at an early age.
Effects of different pairing ages of dairy calves on health, behavior, and performance.
Health, Behavior, and Performance of Dairy Heifers: Factors Influencing Resilience and Welfare.

Pigs

We develop new methods to assess pig personality and how different behaviour styles cope with the environment. Special focus is given to the impact of nutritional intervention on the behaviour and welfare of piglets and how management practices can influence pig resiliency.

Rabbits

Our work on rabbits focuses on the effects of animal welfare practices during gestation on the behaviour and resiliency of the future generation of animals.

Projects developed:

Environmental enrichment during gestation and postnatal phases in does: Impact on the behavior and performance of their offspring

Horses

We study the emotional lives of horses and methods on how to assess their personality ("horsenality").

Projects developed:

Study of the association between the severity of equine colic cases and their facial expressions
Analysis of horse welfare during invasive procedures at the Gralha Azul Experimental Farm (FEGA) of PUCPR
Evaluation of the welfare of mares subjected to routine veterinary procedures: Using positive reinforcement to improve animal handling
The power of reward: Using food as positive reinforcement in horse training
Methods for assessing emotional states and personality in horses
Investigation of anatomical components of facial expressions evaluated by the Horse Grimace Scale

Social Science

We use social science approaches like surveys and interviews to understand society's views about animal welfare and animal behavior. We use these methods to answer questions like: How do people perceive the welfare of zoo animals? What are the impacts of dog monitoring technologies on dogs and dog owners?

Projects developed:

Public perception of animal welfare and environmental enrichment for (non-human) primates in zoos.
Does the level of empathy for animals relate to the acceptability of gene-editing practices in animals?

Automated technologies

In our studies we use machine learning and artificial intelligence to help us automate data collection and behavior monitoring. We also explore whether automated monitoring systems are reliable.

Projects developed:

Use of precision livestock farming technologies for monitoring respiratory health
Technologies applied to precision veterinary medicine
Animal behavior monitoring technologies applied to animal welfare

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