Attention bias and novel object test in rams (Ovis aries) under intensive farming

Abstract

Affective states are long lasting mood states resulting from an accumulation of experiences. The knowledge of the affective state of animals can significantly help maintain and/or increase animal welfare. The aim of the study was to recognize the affective state of 13 adult rams reared under an intensive system and to further associate their affective state with hierarchy, sociability order and maintenance and social behaviour. The affective state was estimated by exposing them to an attention bias test and two novel object tests. Individuals with negative affective states performed reduced head hanging (p = 0.014), reduced agonistic behaviour (p = 0.033), increased social proximity (p = 0.009) and received less affiliative behaviours (p = 0.006). The study estimated the affective state of the rams and indicated easily recognizable maintenance and social behaviours correlated with negative affective state. Such behaviours could increase the awareness of the animals' welfare and thus improve management practices.

Keywords: Affective state; Cognitive tests; Farm animals; Sheep social behaviour; Welfare.