Validity and Reliability of a faecal scale
In this study, the faecal scale for lions and tigers was tested for validity and reliability for use in an animal welfare assessment protocol. Results indicated poor inter-observer reliability for photo-scoring, meaning observers did not consistently agree on faecal sample scores using the “Basic Faecal Scale – Felids.” This variability can significantly affect gastrointestinal disease study outcomes, as noted by Pedersen et al. (2011). However, intra-observer reliability showed consistent agreement between in-person scoring and photo scoring, similar to findings in human faeces studies by Aman et al. (2021). In-person scoring, which allows for tactile assessment, correlated positively with faecal moisture content, suggesting it may be a more accurate method for health measurement.
Correlation between behaviour and faecal types
This study investigated correlations between faecal types and animal behaviours as indicators of welfare in lions. For two of the lions and the tiger, namely Bobby, Simba, and Tsezar, no significant correlations were found between faecal moisture content and behaviours. However, three positive correlations were found for the lioness Elza: more movement, being stationary, and watching all correlated with moister faeces. Conversely, increased pacing correlated with drier faeces. These findings are contradictory, as increased movement and stillness both led to moister faeces, and more pacing led to drier faeces. These contradictions highlight the complexity of interpreting behavioural and faecal data, emphasizing that not all behaviours may impact faecal consistency and that correlation does not imply causation.