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Home / Equine Research Bank / Naturwissenschaften / A novel test for evaluating horses’ spontaneous visual...
Die Naturwissenschaften2017; 104(7-8); 61; doi: 10.1007/s00114-017-1480-6

A novel test for evaluating horses’ spontaneous visual attention is predictive of attention in operant learning tasks.

Abstract: Attention is described as the ability to process selectively one aspect of the environment over others. In this study, we characterized horses' spontaneous attention by designing a novel visual attention test (VAT) that is easy to apply in the animal's home environment. The test was repeated over three consecutive days and repeated again 6 months later in order to assess inter-individual variations and intra-individual stability. Different patterns of attention have been revealed: 'overall' attention when the horse merely gazed at the stimulus and 'fixed' attention characterized by fixity and orientation of at least the visual and auditory organs towards the stimulus. The individual attention characteristics remained consistent over time (after 6 months, Spearman correlation test, P < 0.05). The validity of this novel test as a predictor of individual attentional skills was assessed by comparing the results, for the same horses, with those obtained in both a 'classical' experimental attention test the 'five-choice serial reaction time task' (5-CSRTT) and a work situation (lunge working context). Our results revealed that (i) individual variations remained consistent across tests and (ii) the VAT attention measures were not only predictive of attentional skills but also of learning abilities. Differences appeared however between the first day of testing and the following test days: attention structure on the second day was predictive of learning abilities, attention performances in the 5-CSRRT and at work. The VAT appears as a promising easy-to-use tool to assess animals' attention characteristics and the impact of different factors of variation on attention.
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Publication Date: 2017-07-05 PubMed ID: 28681089DOI: 10.1007/s00114-017-1480-6Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research paper develops and tests a new way to evaluate a horse’s spontaneous attention, which also shows promise in predicting its attention during training tasks.

Research Design

  • In this study, the researchers aimed to better understand horses’ spontaneous attention by designing a new visual attention test (VAT) that can be performed conveniently in the horse’s usual environment. The test is designed to highlight different patterns of attention that the horse might exhibit when presented with a stimulus.
  • Two types of attention were identified: ‘overall’ attention where the horse simply looks at the stimulus, and ‘fixed’ attention which requires the horse to direct not just its vision, but also other sensory organs towards the stimulus.
  • This test was conducted over three consecutive days, and then repeated six months later. The purpose of these trials was to discern any variations between different horses (inter-individual variations) and consistency within a single horse’s responses over time (intra-individual stability).

Results and Analysis

  • Findings showed that individual attention characteristics remained stable over time, with observable consistency even after six months.
  • To verify the accuracy of the VAT in predicting a horse’s attentional skills, the team compared results from this test with those acquired from a previously established experimental attention test known as the ‘five-choice serial reaction time task’ (5-CSRTT), and from attention performances during training sessions.
  • This comparison showed that individual variations remained consistent across all tests, and the VAT measurements were not only indicative of the attentional skills of the horse but also of their learning abilities.
  • In particular, results showed that the attention structure on the second day of the VAT was predictive of the horse’s learning abilities, and its performance in the 5-CSRRT and during training.

Research Significance

  • The visual attention test (VAT) presents itself as a significant development in the field as it is a convenient and practical tool to assess a horse’s attention characteristics. Further, it can illuminate the impact of varying factors on a horse’s attention.
  • The VAT could be particularly useful in predicting the learning capabilities of horses, as well as their attention during training, which can inform effective training strategies and methodologies.

Cite This Article

APA
Rochais C, Sébilleau M, Houdebine M, Bec P, Hausberger M, Henry S. (2017). A novel test for evaluating horses’ spontaneous visual attention is predictive of attention in operant learning tasks. Naturwissenschaften, 104(7-8), 61. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00114-017-1480-6

Publication

Die Naturwissenschaften
ISSN: 1432-1904
NlmUniqueID: 0400767
Country: Germany
Language: English
Volume: 104
Issue: 7-8
Pages: 61

Researcher Affiliations

Rochais, C
  • Université de Rennes 1, UMR 6552-Laboratoire Ethologie Animale et Humaine-EthoS-CNRS, Université de Caen Normandie, Station Biologique, 35380, Paimpont, France. celine.rochais@gmail.com.
Sébilleau, M
  • Université de Rennes 1, UMR 6552-Laboratoire Ethologie Animale et Humaine-EthoS-CNRS, Université de Caen Normandie, Station Biologique, 35380, Paimpont, France.
Houdebine, M
  • Université de Rennes 1, UMR 6552-Laboratoire Ethologie Animale et Humaine-EthoS-CNRS, Université de Caen Normandie, Station Biologique, 35380, Paimpont, France.
Bec, P
  • CNRS, UMR 6552 -Laboratoire Ethologie Animale et Humaine-EthoS-Université de Rennes 1, Université de Caen Normandie, Station Biologique, 35380, Paimpont, France.
Hausberger, M
  • CNRS-UMR 6552, Laboratoire Ethologie Animale et Humaine Université de Rennes 1, Université de Caen Normandie, 263 avenue du général Leclerc, 35042, Rennes cedex, France.
Henry, S
  • Université de Rennes 1, UMR 6552-Laboratoire Ethologie Animale et Humaine-EthoS-CNRS, Université de Caen Normandie, Station Biologique, 35380, Paimpont, France.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Attention
  • Choice Behavior
  • Horses
  • Learning
  • Vision, Ocular

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Citations

This article has been cited 12 times.
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