There are three key points for why stereotypies do not necessarily correlate with poor welfare.

Stereotypies Increases Animal Welfare:  

 For example, oral stereotypies in calves’ increase saliva secretion in the animal, which decreases the acidity level in the stomach, thus decreasing ulcer events meaning that the overall health of the animal is increased (Mason and Latham, 2004). Moreover, stereotypies can also be a pleasure mechanism for animals – Please refer to Stereotypic and Affective State tab for more details.

Stereotypies Dissociated from the Central Nervous System (CNS):

If an action is repeated several times the action will be dissociated from the CNS, and will be triggered by original cues associated with the behavior, but not necessarily by poor welfare (Mason and Lathan, 2004).

Stereotypies can be Caused by Brain Pathologies:

Finally, as previously mentioned stereotypies can be due to a brain pathology – Please refer to the tab ” Brain Pathology and Welfare” .