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Research article - Peer-reviewed, 2012

Developing a method to investigate motivational sequences in the chick

Seehuus B, Blokhuis H, Mendl M, Keeling L

Abstract

The goal of this study was to design an experimental set-up which would encourage chicks to perform behavioural phases that are traditionally labelled as appetitive, consummatory and post-consummatory, in different areas of the pen. This concept aims to link these phases, to related positive emotions. In this model, appetitive motivational state is linked to the seeking/wanting of a resource, a consummatory motivational state is linked with sensory pleasure and a post-consummatory motivational state is associated with satiety/relaxation. The study focused on foraging-related behaviours in chicks. A pen was designed with three equally sized areas, a litter, feed and dark area. The results showed that it was possible to at least partially separate appetitive, consummatory and post-consummatory behaviour and that the chicks were highly synchronized in their behaviour and their use of the pen areas.

Keywords

Animal welfare; laying hen chick; motivation; positive emotions; reward cycle; synchronization

Published in

Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, Section A - Animal Science
2012, volume: 62, number: 2, pages: 93-101
Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Authors' information

Seehuus, Birgitte
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Animal Environment and Health
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Animal Environment and Health
Mendl, M.
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Animal Environment and Health

Associated SLU-program

Centre of Excellence in Animal Welfare Science

UKÄ Subject classification

Agricultural Science

Publication Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09064702.2012.721388

URI (permanent link to this page)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/41596