Knowledge of lateralized brain function can contribute to animal welfare

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Animal Behavior
• Veterinary Science

Background:

• Vertebrate brain hemispheres exhibit specialized functions.
• Behavioral lateralization, such as sensory or limb preference, is evident in various animal species.
• Lateralization is linked to cognitive biases and behavioral traits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize evidence of brain lateralization in farm and companion animals.
• To explore the relationship between hemispheric lateralization and cognitive bias.
• To investigate how the strength of lateralization affects stress susceptibility and behavior.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on lateralized behavior in vertebrates.
• Analysis of studies demonstrating eye, ear, and limb preferences in different species.
• Correlation of limb preference with cognitive bias and stress responses.

Main Results:

• Left-limb preference is associated with right hemisphere dominance and negative cognitive bias.
• Right-limb preference is linked to left hemisphere dominance and positive cognitive bias.
• Weak brain lateralization correlates with increased stress susceptibility and reduced task-attending ability.

Conclusions:

• Lateralized behavior, including limb preference, provides insights into cognitive biases and emotional states in animals.
• Understanding lateralization is crucial for assessing and improving animal welfare.
• Identifying lateralized behaviors can inform housing and handling practices to minimize stress in domesticated animals.