TAG | Pigs
Pigs can feel optimistic or pessimistic, depending on how they are treated, a study says.
Animals kept in ‘luxury’ are more likely to respond positively to a new experience than those in less stimulating pens.
Scientists hope the research, which shows pigs are capable of complex emotions, will have an impact on animal welfare.
The Newcastle University team, led by Dr Catherine Douglas, devised a technique to ‘ask’ pigs if they were feeling good or bad about life as a result of the way in which they lived.
Half of the pigs were then placed in an enriched environment –more space, straw and toys – while the others were put in a smaller, boring pen.
The team then played an ambiguous noise – a squeak – and studied how the pigs responded.
Dr Douglas said: ‘The pigs in the enriched environment were optimistic about new noise and approached. ”
‘The pigs in the boring environment were pessimistic and, fearing it might be the bag, did not approach for a treat.
