Knowledge of lateralized brain function can contribute to animal welfare.
Abstract: The specialized functions of each hemisphere of the vertebrate brain are summarized together with the current evidence of lateralized behavior in farm and companion animals, as shown by the eye or ear used to attend and respond to stimuli. Forelimb preference is another manifestation of hemispheric lateralization, as shown by differences in behavior between left- and right-handed primates, left- and right-pawed dogs and cats, and left- and right-limb-preferring horses. Left-limb preference reflects right hemisphere use and is associated with negative cognitive bias. Positive cognitive bias is associated with right-limb and left-hemisphere preferences. The strength of lateralization is also associated with behavior. Animals with weak lateralization of the brain are unable to attend to more than one task at a time, and they are more easily stressed than animals with strong lateralization. This difference is also found in domesticated species with strong vs. weak limb preferences. Individuals with left-limb or ambilateral preference have a bias to express functions of the right hemisphere, heightened fear and aggression, and greater susceptibility to stress. Recognition of lateralized behavior can lead to improved welfare by detecting those animals most likely to suffer fear and distress and by indicating housing conditions and handling procedures that cause stress.
Copyright © 2023 Rogers.
Publication Date: 2023-08-04 PubMed ID: 37601762PubMed Central: PMC10436595DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1242906Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This research explores the impact of brain hemisphere specialization on animal behavior and how understanding these influences can enhance their welfare. The study uses the preference for left or right eyes, ears and limbs to elucidate the different cognitive biases associated with specific hemisphere utilization.
Overview of Hemispheric Lateralization
- The article first gives a summary of the specialized roles of each half of the vertebrate brain. This concept, known as lateralization, reportedly influences the behavioral tendencies of various animals.
- To discern this, researchers look at an animal’s preferred eye, ear, or limb when responding to stimuli. For instance, a creature that predominantly uses its right eye may feature characteristics associated with left brain activity.
- This study also elaborates on ‘forelimb preference’ as an indicator of lateral brain function. This behavior is seen in humans as the preference for one hand over the other, and similar behaviors have been documented in primates, dogs, cats, and horses.
- The dominance of a particular limb offers insights into an animal’s cognitive bias. For instance, right hemisphere utilization, often signified by a preference for the left limb, is commonly linked to negative cognitive bias. Conversely, positive cognitive biases usually correlate with a preference for the right limb and left hemisphere activity.
- The degree of brain lateralization also affects an animal’s ability to multitask and endure stress. Animals with weak lateralization often grapple with multitasking and exhibit more stress compared to their strongly lateralized counterparts.
- This observation extends to domestic creatures and those with pronounced limb preferences. Left-limb or ambilateral preference, suggesting considerable use of the right brain hemisphere, results in heightened fear and aggression, and heightened susceptibility to stress.
- The recognition of these lateralized behavior patterns can improve animal welfare. By acknowledging the brain lateralization in animals, more accurate predictions of fear and distress susceptibility can be made.
- Furthermore, this understanding can guide modifications to housing conditions and handling procedures to minimize stress, thereby enhancing the well-being of these animals.
Forelimb Preference and Behavioral Traits
Impact of Lateralization Strength on Behavior
Implications for Animal Welfare
Cite This Article
APA
Rogers LJ.
(2023).
Knowledge of lateralized brain function can contribute to animal welfare.
Front Vet Sci, 10, 1242906.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1242906 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia.
Conflict of Interest Statement
The author declares that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
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