Resumen

BRAN AGUDELO, José Alfredo; FERREIRA DE QUADROS, Sérgio Augusto  y  PINHEIRO MACHADO FILHO, Luiz Carlos. Scratching, cleaning and social bonding: grooming and their biological meaning in ruminants. Ces. Med. Vet. Zootec. [online]. 2013, vol.8, n.2, pp.120-131. ISSN 1900-9607.

Abstract Grooming behavior is common in multiple animal species; apparently it has been present for a long time during evolutionary history. There are three basic types of this behavior: autogrooming, allogrooming, and grooming based on environmental contact. The aim of this review is to present a general analysis of this behavior in ruminants, including aspects related with evolution, adaptation, and physiology. Some references are made about possible relationships between grooming, environmental enrichment, and welfare in ruminants. Finally, it is concluded that the study of this behavior could enhance scientific knowledge from several areas: physiology, evolution, veterinary, and animal science.

Palabras clave : animal welfare; behavior; bovine; ticks; stereotyping.

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