Abstract
The present study aimed to examine if handling and training female mink on a learning task, as preparation for a cognitive bias test, had an effect on measures of their affective state. Adult female farm mink were used based on measures of approach/avoidance behaviour, and categorised as explorative (E, n=10) and fearful (F, n=10). Affective state was assessed on the basis of approach/avoidance behaviour in two contexts (stick-tests, novel object tests) and adrenocortical activity (faecal cortisol metabolites, FCM). The results showed that the F mink changed to being more explorative after handling and training for the cognitive bias test. Furthermore, the handling and training also had an effect on the E mink, but in the opposite direction. This study showed that preparing mink for a cognitive bias test had a marked effect on measures of their affective state, which has to be considered when interpreting the results from experiments using training to assess welfare.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
