Emotional experience in sheep: predictability of a sudden event lowers subsequent emotional responses.

摘要: The study of emotions in animals can be approached thanks to a framework derived from appraisal theories developed cognitive psychology, according which are triggered when the individual evaluates challenging events. This evaluation is based on limited number criteria such as familiarity and predictability an event. If able experience rather than simply displaying reflex responses their environment, then events should, humans, modulate emotional responses. We tested this hypothesis by comparing vocalisations, feeding behaviour, startle cardiac lambs submitted sudden event that could or not predicted. Lambs predict light cue (associative predictability) showed weaker suddenness-induced spent more time counterparts, thus supporting existence these animals. Furthermore, regular appearance (temporal regularity) vocalised less left unconsumed food deliveries random appearances (controls). These results underline abilities should taken into account assessing experiences generally mood states, underlying factors animal welfare.