Spatial cognition and perseveration by horses, donkeys and mules in a simple A-not-B detour task

Abstract

We investigated perseveration and detour behaviour in 36 equids (Equus caballus, E. asinus, E. caballus × E. asinus) and compared these data to those of a previous study on domestic dogs (Canis familiaris). The animals were required to make a detour through a gap at one end of a straight barrier in order to reach a visible target. After one, two, three or four repeats (A trials), the gap was moved to the opposite end of the barrier (B trials). We recorded initial deviations from the correct solution path and the latency to crossing the barrier. In the A trials, mules crossed the barrier significantly faster than their parental species, the horses and donkeys. In the B trials, following the change of gap location, all species showed a reduction in performance. Both dogs and horses exhibited significant spatial perseveration, going initially to the previous gap location. Donkeys and mules, however, performed at chance level. Our results suggest that hybrid vigour in mules extends to spatial abilities.

Hair coat properties of donkeys, mules and horses in a temperate climate

“…The hair coat properties of mules were much closer to those of horses than of donkeys. Studies have shown mules to have hybrid vigour in some traits, be intermediate in others, and be inferior to both parent species in others 15, 16, 17. In general, the results here suggest that their hair coat properties are intermediate between their parental species.…”

Donkeys Are Different

“…Both donkeys and mules were more accurate and faster problem solvers when challenged to detour through a changing gap to reach a food reward [18]. It is always important to take account of this quick learning ability when training donkeys and mules, as they are able to learn both wanted and unwanted behaviours very quickly.…”

Hybrid chickadees are deficient in learning and memory

“…; Osthaus et al. ). However, these studies examined cognition in hybrids created by crossing domesticated species or inbred lines.…”

“…; Osthaus et al. ; Hoedjes et al. ), and in some cases found that hybrids exhibited enhanced cognition compared to parental species (e.g., Proops et al.…”

“…Despite a demonstrated role for learning in prezygotic isolation, a potential role in postzygotic isolation has not been adequately tested. A small number of studies have examined learning and memory abilities in hybrids (Proops et al 2009;Osthaus et al 2013;Hoedjes et al 2014), and in some cases found that hybrids exhibited enhanced cognition compared to parental species (e.g., Proops et al 2009;Osthaus et al 2013). However, these studies examined cognition in hybrids created by crossing domesticated species or inbred lines.…”