1. 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:

2. 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.

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

4. 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 = suitable