Stereotypy (non-human)

[1] A stereotypy is a term for a group of phenotypic behaviours that are repetitive, morphologically identical and which possess no obvious goal or function.

For example, mammalian chewing cycles or fish capturing prey using suction feeding.

The degree of stereotyping may vary markedly between closely related species engaging in the same behaviour.

One of the factors within a captive environment that may affect the establishment of stereotypies is exploratory behaviours that are directed to the outside of a cage.

[7] The continuance of a stereotypic behaviour can be explained by its impact on the basal ganglia [8] and the establishment of a habit in its expression.

[8] Similar difficulties in switching between motor behaviours have been seen in bank voles which suggests that basal ganglia dysfunction might be a factor in the development of stereotypies in rodents and other animals.

Common stereotypic behaviours in dogs include circling, light fixation and fly snapping.

[9] Stereotypical behaviour can sometimes be reduced or eliminated by environmental enrichment, including larger and more stimulating enclosures, training, and introductions of stimuli (such as objects, sounds, or scents) to the animal's environment.

[4] The welfare of the mink is considered an important aspect from a management standpoint as it has repercussions on the production of the animal.

[5] Extreme displays of stereotypies can be an animal welfare issue as well as a confound in behavioural research.

Just as human research into basal ganglia dysfunction provided insight into the development of stereotypies in animals,[8] animal research on stereotypic behaviours may help understand the neuronal mechanisms behind many of the motor stereotypies seen in human clinical populations.