Main description:

Evidence-based, yet entirely practical, this important new text builds upon the basics of neuroscience to describe the links between olfaction and animal behaviour, and the effects of odours in animal welfare. Animals use smells in a multitude of ways: to orientate themselves, to create social bonds, to recognise food, to initiate reproduction, and to avoid predators and imminent threats such as fire. Starting from the scientific basis of olfaction and odour perception, the book covers pheromones and behavioural tests, before describing the role of olfaction in feeding behaviour, reproduction, disease detection, and animal housing. The book: * is written in an evidence-based way, yet with an easy-to-understand style, making it accessible to non-experts * focuses on animals managed by humans, i.e. farm, zoo, lab and companion species * is illustrated by in-depth research examples of many different species This is a captivating introduction to the world of smells, suitable for advanced students, researchers, and teachers of applied ethology, animal welfare and veterinary science.

Contents:

Section 1: Setting the Scene Chapter 1: The Nuts and Bolts of Olfaction Chapter 2: Innateness and Learning in Olfactory Behaviour and Odour Perception Chapter 3: Semiochemicals: Pheromones, Signature Mixtures and Behaviour Chapter 4: Behavioural Tests of Olfaction Chapter 5: Is There Such a Thing as a Bad Smell? Section 2: The Role of Olfaction Chapter 6: The Role of Olfaction in Feeding and Foraging Chapter 7: The Role of Olfaction in Mate Selection and Reproductive Behaviour Chapter 8: The Role of Olfaction in Maternal Care and Offspring Survival Chapter 9: The Role of Olfaction in Disease Detection and Prevention Chapter 10: The Role of Olfaction in Relation to Stress and Fear Chapter 11: The Role of Olfaction in Animal Housing and as Enrichment Section 3: Olfactory Behaviour Chapter 12: Olfactory Behaviour in Farm Animals Chapter 13: Olfactory Behaviour in Zoo Animals Chapter 14: Olfactory Behaviour in Laboratory Animals Chapter 15: Olfactory Behaviour in Companion Animals