Does olfaction play the most important role in learning and memory processes in pigs?

• Autorzy: Nowicki J.
• Języki publikacji: EN

Abstrakty

EN

Many results report poor visual acuity in pigs, while olfaction is presented as a major sense in adaptation to the pig lifestyle. There have been very little results which showed the importance of these senses in learning processes in pigs. It is the reason why the aim of the study was to assess the effect of visual and olfactory stimulation on learning abilities in pigs. The experiment was conducted on three experimental groups consisted of 8 weaners each. The duration of the experiment was 30 days and two hour training daily with 10 trials and tidbit reward was performed. The task of the first group was to choose (among 4 shapes) and indicate (touch with the nose) the proper BW shape after seeing it on hand-held board. In the 2nd group the task was the same but instead of shapes, 4 aromas in containers were used. In the 3rd group, each of 4 shapes had assigned its unique aroma. The number of proper indications increased in subsequent days in all groups, however, animals which had to choose among aromatized boards with shapes started to indicate them more properly from the beginning and achieved better results during the whole experiment. Average daily number of successful indications of adequate shapes with attached aromas was 7.9 vs. 5.03 in group with shapes only and 6.1 in aromas only (P<0.05). Olfactory and visual cues working together during training seem to make the learning process more efficient.

• Wydawca: -
• Czasopismo: Acta Neurobiologiae Experimentalis
• Rocznik: 2014
• Tom: 74
• Numer: 3
• Opis fizyczny: p.362

Twórcy

autor

Nowicki J.

• University of Agriculture in Cracow, Cracow, Poland