Weighing frequency affects ad libitum body weight in pigeons

Main Article Content

LUIS ELADIO GOMEZ SANCHO
ANDRÉS M. PÉREZ-ACOSTA

Abstract

Research on positive reinforcement with animals typically involves previous food deprivation until subjects reach a determined percentage of the so-called ad libitum weight. However this reference datum, defined as the steady state weight in conditions of free access to water and food, can vary because of extraexperimental factors. This study examined the influence of weighing frequency on the obtained ad libitum weight values of pigeons. Thirty-two pigeons were equally distributed in two groups: the experimental group, whose subjects were weighted daily, and the control group where pigeons were weighted at reception and eleven days later, when the weight values of the first group had stabilized. The weighting frequency influenced the pigeons' weight gain since reception, with higher gains in two group less frequently weighted. Technical and ethical implications of this result are analyzed to suggest a method of reaching ad libitum weight that is both reliable and less stressful for the animals.

Article Details

How to Cite
GOMEZ SANCHO, L. E., & PÉREZ-ACOSTA, A. M. (2011). Weighing frequency affects ad libitum body weight in pigeons. Mexican Journal of Behavior Analysis, 26(3), 319–326. https://doi.org/10.5514/rmac.v26.i3.23498