![]() However, there was no change in anticipatory behaviour during reward gain (change from basic to enriched reward pen). When the reward pen quality changed from enriched to basic unexpectedly, resulting in sudden reward loss, basic-housed calves decreased, while enriched-housed calves increased, anticipatory behaviour. ![]() Basic-housed calves showed more anticipatory behaviour (increased frequency of transitions between behaviours) and decreased latency to access the reward compared to enriched-housed calves, but the reward pen quality had no effect on anticipatory behaviour. Signaling reward access increased the frequency of transitions between behaviours and duration of touching and looking at the signal and exit door. Calves were conditioned to anticipate reward pen access anticipatory behaviour toward receiving the reward pen was measured. Housing was either basic (2 m 2/calf, river stone surface) or enriched (5 m 2/calf, woodchip, and enrichment items), and the reward was access to either an additional basic or enriched pen. ![]() Sixteen pairs of calves were assigned to treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial design (two housing environment and two reward quality combinations). Therefore, we investigated how anticipatory behaviour is affected by housing environment and reward quality, and if anticipatory behaviour changes when reward quality changes unexpectedly. The use of this indicator has received limited attention in dairy calves. Anticipatory behaviour occurs in the period before a reward or other positive event is presented and has been interpreted as an indicator of the welfare and emotional state of animals. ![]()
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