THE APTITUDE ASSESSMENT TEST FOR DONKEYS USED IN ANIMAL ASSISTED INTERVENTIONS IAHAIO Symposium 24-26 October, Amsterdam Panzera Michele ,Tropia Emanuela , Alberghina Daniela Laboratory of Comparative Ethology of Veterinary Science Department, University of Messina, Italy *Corresponding author: etropia@unime.it

The aim of the present aptitude assessment test is double: The use of subjects not assessed by aptitude test could affects the therapeutic success as well animal welfare. Animal-based measures are considered to be “the most appropriate indicators of animal welfare. The aim of the present aptitude assessment test is double: First it aims to verify the behavioral suitability of donkeys Second it evaluate the animal environment, housing and management.

PROTOCOL 1 2 3 Observation of the environment Intraspecific social interactions: physical contact grooming activities Dustbathing behaviour 2 3

PROTOCOL The protocol include an avoidance distance test and a walk down side test. The interactions between animal and human will be evaluated during AAI simulation session. Postural attitudes, olfactory, tactile, investigative and agonistic social interactions will be scored according to a 5-point arbitrary scale (0 = very low to 4= very high). Postural Attitudes Olfactory interactions Tactile interactions Investigative interactions Agonistic social interaction Score Posture of the threat Never Frequently Indifference Rarely Sometimes 1 Submission Occasionally 2 Appeasement 3 Curiosity 4 Table 1. Score definition of posture and social interaction of donkeys Sum : 0-9 = unsuitable 10-20 = suitable