Memory and cognition behavior in the miniature donkey (Equus asinus)

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to explore memory and spatial cognition abilities in a group of miniature donkeys, seeking to broaden the knowledge about this species, improving its welfare and handling practices. Twelve individuals under the same treatment went through a memory test and a detour task. The memory test consisted of two phases: ten trials in which individuals had to recall the location of a hidden object for thirty seconds, followed by ten trials where they had to remember the same location for one minute longer. For the detour task, the donkeys had to walk around a U-shaped barrier to reach a food reward. This test consisted of three phases with three levels of asymmetry of the barrier. The side chosen, and the latency of the detour where registered. Results confirmed that miniature donkeys understand the concept of object permanence and have short-term memory of at least one minute and thirty seconds. During the detour task, laterality was more influential than reasoning and spatial learning. Donkeys show the same cognitive abilities of other equids and behavioral lateralization that might be adaptive in different contexts or reflect the primary objects of cognition.