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Limb preference and personality in donkeys (Equus asinus)
Sergio Díaz1,2, Lindsay Murray1, Paul Rodway1
1University of Chester, Chester, UK.
Laterality
|February 5, 2021
Summary
Donkey limb preference influences behavior, with right-footed donkeys being harder to handle. This study explores laterality and personality in Equus asinus, finding age correlates with agreeableness.
Area of Science:
- Animal behavior and welfare
- Comparative psychology
- Equine science
Background:
- Interhemispheric laterality is associated with behavioral differences across species.
- Understanding limb preference in equids can offer insights into animal behavior and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between limb preference and personality traits in donkeys (Equus asinus).
- To determine if donkeys exhibit population-level limb preference biases.
- To explore the correlation between age, limb preference, and temperament.
Main Methods:
- Assessed limb preference by observing the leading limb in a motionless posture in 47 donkeys.
- Measured personality using the Donkey Temperament Questionnaire completed by keepers.
- Utilized Principal Component Analysis to identify personality components (Agreeableness, Extraversion).
Main Results:
- Donkeys did not display a population-level preference for a leading limb.
- Limb preference significantly predicted the 'difficult to handle' trait; right-footed donkeys were harder to manage.
- Age positively correlated with Agreeableness, similar to human studies.
Conclusions:
- Limb preference in donkeys is linked to specific behavioral traits, particularly handling difficulty.
- Further research is needed to confirm population-level limb preference biases and explore links with Agreeableness in donkeys.
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