Vol. 11, Special Issue 11 (2022)

Author(s):
Biswal G, Behera K, BabuLK, Sethy K and Mishra C

Abstract:
An experiment was performed by taking 45 numbers of Red Cornish Chickens to assess their cognitive abilities by virtue of their training in different type of mazes. Birds were randomly assorted into 3 groups with each group having 15 birds each and were maintained on deep litter system. Group-3 birds were trained throughout the training period of 6 weeks (42 days), whereas Group-1 and Group-2 were trained at a particular time period of the training session as mentioned below and then tested in two types of mazes i.e. T-maze and Elevated Base T-maze. A 3-test schedule at the completion of every 2 weeks i.e.Test-1(14^th day), Test-2 (28^th day), Test- 3(42^nd day) was conducted. In Test-1, birds under Group-3 by virtue of their training, performed significantly better (p<0.05%) as compared to Group-1 and Group-2 in both type of mazes i.e. T- maze and Elevated Base T-maze. In Test-2 and Test-3, where other 2 groups were trained for the same, their performance also improved significantly than Test-1. This study clearly depicts that training significantly affects the learning and cognitive ability in Red Cornish birds. The slope of the base of the maze has not affected the food searching capacity of birds in mazes. With the progression of age as observed in Test-2 and Test-3, the performance improved as the efficiency in gathering spatial information and executing the same also increased.