![topcat metrology topcat metrology](http://www.topcatmetrology.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/algometer-effect-of-tip-diameter-on-repeatability.jpg)
In orang-utans, curiosity-measured as exploratory behaviour towards novel stimuli-was a main predictor of problem-solving performance in a variety of tasks 3. Curiosity can be defined as the motivation towards acquisition of novel information and is reflected in approaching and exploring novel stimuli where there is no immediate prospect of reward 3. In humans and non-human primates, curiosity has been identified as a key intrinsic factor underpinning performance in cognitive tasks 1, 2, 3, 4. The way cognitive functioning is affected by intrinsic and extrinsic factors is an important research area in behavioural and cognitive science. In addition to the insights that these results provide into cognition in a domesticated species, they also raise questions in relation to fostering of curiosity in animals and the impact that such manipulation may have on cognitive abilities. curiosity), suggesting that this trait is favourable for learning performance. Exploratory behaviour was unreinforced in the novel object tests and likely reflects the animal’s intrinsic motivation (i.e. heart rate and alertness) were unrelated to learning performance, whereas exploratory behaviour towards the novel objects correlated to performance in both learning tasks. We exposed young horses (n = 44) to standardised novel object tests at 5 months and 1 year of age and found consistency in responses. This study presents the first evidence of a link between object-directed curiosity and learning performance in young horses in two very different learning tasks (visual discrimination and pressure-release).
![topcat metrology topcat metrology](https://media.springernature.com/lw685/springer-static/image/art%3A10.1186%2F1746-6148-9-135/MediaObjects/12917_2013_Article_701_Fig2_HTML.jpg)
In humans and primates, curiosity has been suggested as an important intrinsic factor that enhances learning, whereas in domesticated species research has primarily identified factors with a negative effect on cognitive abilities, such as stress and fearfulness. Systematic differences between forelimb and hindlimb MT must be taken into account when such assessments are performed.The mechanisms underlying individual variation in learning are key to understanding the development of cognitive abilities. The findings provide evidence that lame sows experience hyperalgesia. The hand-held probe systematically yielded lower values than the actuator ( P < 0.001), and the MT differed between morning and afternoon testing sessions ( P < 0.001), as well as between days ( P < 0.001). Forelimbs had higher MTs than hindlimbs ( P < 0.001). The MT was defined as the force in Newtons (N) that elicited an avoidance response, and this parameter was found to be lower in limbs affected by lameness than in normal limbs ( P < 0.05). Over three testing sessions, repeated measurements were taken at 5 min intervals on the dorsal aspects of the metatarsi and metacarpi of all limbs. Twenty-eight pregnant sows were investigated, of which 14 were moderately lame and 14 were not lame. In this study a mechanical nociception threshold (MT) test was used (1) to determine if hyperalgesia occurs in sows with naturally-occurring lameness (2) to compare measurements obtained with a hand-held probe and a limb-mounted actuator connected to a digital algometer and (3) to investigate the systematic left-to-right and cranial-to-caudal differences in MT. Lameness is a frequently occurring, painful condition of breeding sows that may result in hyperalgesia, i.e., an increased sensitivity to pain.