Non-invasive assessment of positive affective state using infra-red thermography in rats.

ABSTRACT: With recent increased focus on positive welfare in animal welfare science, there is demand for objective positive welfare indicators. It is unclear whether changes in body surface temperature can be used to non-invasively identify and quantify positive states in mammals. We recorded continuous measurements of tail surface temperature using infra-red thermography (IRT) and concurrent behavioural observations in male and female Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus). If tail surface temperature can differentiate between positive and negative experiences, we expect a qualitatively different response compared to negative experiences. Three groups of rats were presented with increasing magnitudes of food rewards (neutral/none, one and three rewards). The rats were placed in an arena to which th

SUBMITTER: Wongsaengchan C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10951672 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature