Developing a method to investigate motivational sequences in the chick

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

SLU Authors

• Seehuus, Birgitte

  • Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Blokhuis, Harry

  • Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Keeling, Linda

  • Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Associated SLU-program

Centre of Excellence in Animal Welfare Science

UKÄ Subject classification

Agricultural Science

Publication identifier

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

Permanent link to this page (URI)

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