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Assessment of positive experiences using associative learning in chickens
Manja Zupan Šemrov1, Dušan Terčič1, Elena Gobbo1
1Department of Animal Science, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Domžale, Slovenia, 1230.
Poultry Science
|September 20, 2024
Summary
Positive housing experiences, like floor systems, may enhance associative learning in laying hens. Slovenian barred hens learned faster, suggesting environmental enrichment improves cognitive abilities in poultry.
Area of Science:
- Animal behavior
- Cognitive ethology
- Poultry science
Background:
- Laying hen welfare is linked to housing conditions.
- Positive experiences may influence cognitive functions like learning.
- Associative learning is crucial for adapting to environmental challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if positive experiences affect associative learning in laying hens.
- To compare learning abilities between hens in enriched cages and floor systems.
- To assess breed-specific differences in learning performance.
Main Methods:
- 90 laying hens from 3 breeds were used.
- Hens experienced either enriched cages or floor systems from 16 weeks of age.
- A clicker sound paired with feed was used as a reinforcer for two tasks: color discrimination and target following.
Main Results:
- Slovenian barred hens learned faster than silver hens in the color discrimination task.
- Floor-housed hens completed tasks faster and with fewer clicker sounds than cage-housed hens.
- Breed and housing system significantly influenced associative learning performance.
Conclusions:
- Floor housing and potentially more rewarding environments may enhance associative learning in laying hens.
- Slovenian barred hens exhibit superior learning abilities compared to silver hens.
- Further research is needed to disentangle the effects of social experiences and specific motor skills on learning outcomes.
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