How Inhibitory Control Relates to Positive and Negative Affective States in Red Junglefowl

Area of Science:

• Animal Cognition
• Animal Behaviour
• Animal Welfare

Background:

• Individual differences in inhibitory control are common across species.
• The link between inhibitory control and affective states is not well understood.
• Understanding this link is crucial for animal welfare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between inhibitory control and affective states in red junglefowl.
• To explore how this association changes with age and sex.

Main Methods:

• Inhibitory control was assessed using a detour task.
• Negative affective states were measured via tonic immobility.
• Positive affective states were evaluated using a cognitive judgment bias test.
• Three age cohorts of red junglefowl (young chicks, older chicks, adults) of both sexes were studied.

Main Results:

• In younger chicks, poorer inhibitory control correlated with less negative and more positive affective states.
• No significant relationship was found between inhibitory control and affective states in older chicks or adults.
• No sex differences were observed in the relationship between inhibitory control and affective states.

Conclusions:

• Inhibitory control and affective states are linked in red junglefowl.
• The nature of this association evolves during development (ontogeny).
• Findings have implications for understanding animal cognition and welfare.