Pathological temperament changes in bovine animals

Abstract

Temperament change occurs in most cases of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). Initially, changes may be subtle but usually progress to overt signs of fear. This study examined temperament changes in cows clinically suspected of having BSE, in which the disease was either confirmed or unconfirmed in subsequent histopathological examination, and compared them with the temperament of healthy cows. Signs indicative of fear were displayed with much greater intensity by cows with confirmed BSE than in other cows. Their performance in an improvised open-field test also differed from other cows. Some unconfirmed BSE suspects also displayed changed temperament. Their behaviour in open-field testing and in other assessments showed them to be a heterogenous group. Some unconfirmed suspects showed behaviour indicative of anxiety such as hyperkinesis, escape and panic.