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Effects of music on the spatial cognitive performance, growth performance and stress response of sheep |
Jingyi Tu1 
, Changqing Shen1
, Ruiling Lei1
, Lang Li1
, Shicheng Wang1
, Siqi Peng1
, Xiong Xiao2
, Yongju Zhao1
, Xiaoyan Qiu1,*
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1College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Herbivor, Chongqing, China
2College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China |
Correspondence:
Xiaoyan Qiu, Tel: +86-15730094083, Fax: +86-68251196, Email: qiuxiaoyan168@163.com
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Received: 19 June 2024 • Revised: 10 October 2024 • Accepted: 13 March 2025 |
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| Abstract |
Objective
This study aimed to investigate the effect of two music types on spatial cognitive performance, growth performance and psychological cortisol response of sheep.
Methods
The "Y-spatial and Reversal Test", as the internationally recognized behavioural test for spatial cognitive function of large animals, was applied to evaluate the effects of music on spatial cognitive performance of sheep. The average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), ratio of feed to gain (F/G), and the secretion of cortisol in saliva and plasma were analyzed to evaluate the effect of music on growth performance and stress response of sheep.
Results
The music of "Annie's Wonderland" (55dB) could make sheep establish the correct spatial reversal recognition more quickly, while the music of "Days of Youth Waltz" (55dB) made sheep more restless and affected their performance in left-right spatial reversal recognition. The ADG of sheep in the "Annie's Wonderland" (55dB) group was significantly higher than that of the control group, and the F/G of the "Annie's Wonderland" group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P<0.05). While the ADG in the "Days of Youth Waltz" (55dB) group were significantly lower and the F/G was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). The salivary cortisol secretions of sheep in the "Annie's Wonderland" (55dB) group were significantly lower on Day 7, Day 14 and Day21 than that of the control group (P<0.05) and the plasma cortisol concentration at the peak (20 min after ACTH injection) was also significantly lower than the control group.
Conclusion
The music of "Annie's Wonderland" (55dB) could improve the spatial cognitive performance, increase the average daily gain and lower the cortisol secretion of sheep, while the music of "Youth Waltz" (55dB) is not recommended since it may negatively impact animal welfare.
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| Keywords:
Sheep; Music; Cognitive performance; Growth performance; Stress response |
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