Agency in positive human-animal interactions - a pilot study in pigs

The present study aims to investigate whether pigs willingly engage in human-animal interactions when given the possibility to choose, and to measure individual preferences in terms of interaction received (i.e. a scratch behind the ears, or being brushed on the back). In order to achieve this, sows (diverse breeds, parity 2-5) will be trained to associate three buzzers with different outcomes: 1) food reward only, 2) food reward + scratch behind the ears, 3) food reward + brushed on back. Once sows have learned to press the buzzers, they will be tested (10 trials/session, about 10 min) each to determine their preferences. Sows personality, learning ability and preferences will be analysed using principal component analysis and correlation tests, in order to identify relationships between the measured variables. Hypotheses This is an exploratory observational study and therefore, there are no strong hypotheses regarding the outcomes. However, some predictions can be made: 1) Sows will show individual differences in personality traits and preference for an interaction with a human; 2) There will be an identifiable link between (some) personality traits and preferences for a type of interaction with a human; 3) Training success and enjoyment will be related to (some) personality traits