Barrow Behavioral Responsiveness to a Human or Novel Object When Fed Low Versus High Energy Diets
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine if diet influences behavioral responsiveness to novel stimuli as assessed by human approach (HAT) and novel object tests (NOT). Eighty Yorkshire barrows were fed a high fiber, low energy diet or a low fiber, high energy diet. Testing occurred over four consecutive weeks between 1300 and 1700 h. Barrows were tested individually within a 4.9 x 2.4 m test arena. Throughout the test, zone activity, escape attempts, freezing, urination, and defecation behaviors were recorded. The results suggest that dietary fiber reduces overall activity and may modify fear responsiveness while undergoing human approach and novel object tests in swine.
Keywords: Animal Science, Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine
How to Cite:
Colpoys, J. D., Johnson, A. K., Gabler, N. K., Keating, A. F., Millman, S. T. & Siegford, J., (2014) “Barrow Behavioral Responsiveness to a Human or Novel Object When Fed Low Versus High Energy Diets”, Iowa State University Animal Industry Report 11(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/ans_air-180814-1199
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