The impact of early structural enrichment on spatial cognition in layer chicks.
Behav Processes
; 164: 167-174, 2019 Jul.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-31077757
ABSTRACT
The aim of the study was to determine whether early access to elevated structures affects spatial navigational abilities. Ninety six day-old chicks were reared in 16 pens. Eight pens were provided with A-frame perches with an attached platform and a ramp. Eight pens had no elevated structures. At 14-15 days of age 48 chicks were tested in a battery of navigational tasks a detour test, jump test and rotated floor test (RFT). The remaining 48 chicks received the same tests at 28-29 days of age. Chicks reared with elevated structures were faster at completing the detour test (P = 0.045). Older chicks were more likely to turn left in the detour test (p = 0.013) and were more successful in the jump test (69% vs 31% completion, p = 0.001). There was no treatment effect on use of intra or extra-maze cues in the RFT, but the proportion of chicks using intra-maze cues declined between the first (0.76) and second (0.43) repeat of the RFT (p = 0.038), particularly for chicks reared with elevated structures. We conclude that bird age or developmental stage may have a predominant influence on spatial navigation and physical ability, but early experience of elevated structures had some mediating effects which require further investigation.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Galinhas
/
Cognição
/
Navegação Espacial
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Behav Processes
Ano de publicação:
2019
Tipo de documento:
Article