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Exploratory behaviour towards novel objects is associated with enhanced learning in young horses.
Janne Winther Christensen1, Line Peerstrup Ahrendt2, Jens Malmkvist2
1Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, Blichers Allé 20, 8830, Tjele, Denmark. jwc@anis.au.dk.
Scientific Reports
|January 15, 2021
Summary
Curiosity, measured as exploratory behavior towards novel objects, positively impacts learning in young horses. This contrasts with domesticated species research, which often focuses on negative factors like stress.
Area of Science:
- Animal cognition
- Comparative psychology
- Equine behavior
Background:
- Individual differences in learning are crucial for cognitive development.
- Curiosity enhances learning in humans and primates.
- Research in domesticated species often highlights negative factors like stress and fearfulness affecting cognition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the link between object-directed curiosity and learning performance in young horses.
- To determine if exploratory behavior in novel situations correlates with learning ability.
- To explore the role of intrinsic motivation in equine cognition.
Main Methods:
- Young horses (n=44) were assessed for object-directed curiosity using standardized novel object tests at 5 months and 1 year of age.
- Learning performance was evaluated using two distinct tasks: visual discrimination and pressure-release.
- Physiological indicators of fear (heart rate, alertness) and exploratory behaviors were recorded.
Main Results:
- Exploratory behavior towards novel objects consistently correlated with learning performance in both tasks.
- Standard indicators of fearfulness were not related to learning performance.
- Consistency in behavioral responses was observed between 5 months and 1 year of age.
Conclusions:
- Object-directed curiosity, reflecting intrinsic motivation, is favorably linked to learning performance in young horses.
- This finding contrasts with previous research on domesticated animals, suggesting curiosity may be a key factor in equine learning.
- The results prompt further investigation into fostering curiosity and its effects on animal cognitive abilities.
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