Using Operant Conditioning to Train a Persistent Nose-Poke Response by Pigs

Abstract

Study objective: The present study focused on using operant conditioning to shape a pig's persistent nose-poking. Design: Nose-poking persisting for a specific minimum duration was trained with a successive approximation procedure. Setting: An experimental pen with 2 response-frames attached to opposite sides of the pen. Subjects: Two 74-month-old pigs. Independent variables: The persistent nose-poke response was shaped with successive approximation using a conditional sound reinforcer and a primary food reinforcer (pieces of apples). The response duration criterion was gradually increased from 0.1 s to 20 s. The conditional reinforcer was presented immediately after a persistent response to one of the response-frames, and the food reinforcer was given for a subsequent response to the other frame. Measures: The number of trials required to achieve 50 successful trials per session. Results: Nose-poking was shaped to persist for 20 s with high accuracy. Conclusions: Persistent nose-poking was shaped successfully using operant conditioning techniques. This procedure might be applicable to teaching pigs to stand still in a practical livestock situation.