Människovana grävlingar som testdjur för grythundar. En studie om hur grävlingars beteende och fysiologi påverkas av hundars aggressivitet
BiologyGrythundarGrävlingarStressGrythundsprovBeteendeFysiologiEarth dogsBadgersStressBadger-sett testBehaviourPhysiologyBiologi
In Sweden live badgers are used in tests in order to train and prepare earth dogs for hunting underneath ground. This has for several years causeddebate concerning the welfare of the badgers. It is questioned whether the purpose of the dog training, i.e. to reduce injuries in both dogs and prey, is worth the suffering that is reflected on the badgers. The aim of this investigation was to study 1) stress levels in badgers when used in earth dog training, 2) if the stress load differs when the badgers are exposed to dogs with varying aggression levels (low, moderate, high). Behaviour, body temperature and heart rate were studied during the different treatments and for three consecutive nights following each treatment. These nights were compared to undisturbed conditions. Several effects of the treatments were found on behaviour, body temperature and heart rate. The result from this study suggest that badgers are likely to be affected (possible stressed) when used in earth dog training and that they react differently when exposed to dogs with varying levels of aggression.