Developing a method to investigate motivational sequences in the chick

Abstract

The goal of this study was to design an experimental set-up which would encourage chicks to perform behavioural phases that are traditionally labelled as “appetitive”, “consummatory” and “post-consummatory”, in different areas of the pen. This concept aims to link these phases, to related positive emotions. In this model, appetitive motivational state is linked to the seeking/wanting of a resource, a consummatory motivational state is linked with sensory pleasure and a post-consummatory motivational state is associated with satiety/relaxation. The study focused on foraging-related behaviours in chicks. A pen was designed with three equally sized areas, a litter, feed and dark area. The results showed that it was possible to at least partially separate appetitive, consummatory and post-consummatory behaviour and that the chicks were highly synchronized in their behaviour and their use of the pen areas.

Keywords:

• Animal welfare
• laying hen chick
• motivation
• positive emotions
• reward cycle
• synchronization

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Yezica Norling, Emma Brunberg and Therese Rehn for all help with the building of the pens, Marcus Thuresson at Statisticon for statistical help and Ylva Freed for taking such good care of the chicks during the experiment.