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