Fond of each other: Positive human-animal interactions

Positive social interactions have received little scientific interest compared to aggression and other socio-negative behaviours. Positive social interactions can improve longevity, health and well-being. Nevertheless, the biological mechanisms through which this occurs remain surprisingly poorly understood. This project investigates how positive human-animal interactions benefit animal welfare. We will achieve this aim by 1) Studying the type of behaviours that characterise positive interactions, 2) Identifying the specific roles of different neurotransmitters, and 3) Elucidating the effects of long-term positive interactions on the brain and the immune system of the animal. These studies will be conducted with farm pigs, as they are highly social domesticated animals that are eager to interact with humans. To clarify the pathways through which positive human-animal interactions benefit animals, the project relies on a multi-disciplinary approach combining animal behaviour, physiology, proteomics, neuroscience and psychoneuroimmunology.