Stereotypic Behavior Definition: Stereotypical behaviors are behaviors that are categorized as abnormal ones, and are defined as the repetition of  a sequence  of  behaviors that do not have a well defined goal or function (Ridley, 1994).

Is this a normal behavior for farm animals? The short answer is no, stereotypic behaviors are not what we commonly call a normal behavior. Stereotypies are, in fact, not observed in natural settings, thus their categorization as abnormal behaviors (Mason and Rushen, 2008). Some researchers determined that stereotypical behaviors are a mechanism for animals to adapt to their confined environment due to the physiological changes that the animal undergoes (Fox, 1968).

Please refer to videos below  for examples of stereotypical behaviors in farm animals- videos are taken from the Youtube website:

Below is an example of sows performing the bar biting stereotypic behavior – click on youtube video for reference:

Below is an example of cow performing the tongue rolling stereotypic behavior – click on youtube video for reference:

Below is an example of a horse performing the weaving/ pacing stereotypic behavior – click on youtube video for reference:

Check out more images and videos by following the link below – credits to University of Guelph:  Click here