Do broiler chicks have a cognitive representation of food quality?: Appetitive, behavioural and ingestive responses to a change in diet quality

摘要: It has been observed that when a new diet formulation, or batch of the same is presented to poultry, there transitory suppression feeding. appears birds do not recognise food as being edible, classify it ‘unknown’. In order understand more about recognition and rejection, aim this experiment was determine whether cognitive processes are involved. Sixteen groups four broiler chicks were used, fed low quality in their home pens. The trained run winding maze gain access high test trough for 15 min per day. When training completed, feed eight changed which they received pen, while other no change control. Time traverse runway did show an immediate decrease on day after (P > 0:05) would be expected if used comparison speed approach trough. However, experimental significantly slower compared control 4 days < 0:05). behaviour indicative frustration with scratching hurried movements shown 0:05), less pecking at 0:01). Food consumption lower all from onward 0:001). concluded although definitive evidence presence representation food, may have due part testing rather than individuals, way