The impact right or left handling has on development may determine emotional consequences
Tuesday, December 14, 2010 - 14:02
in Psychology & Sociology
Certain events experienced at the moment of birth have consequences on the emotional reactions of animals at an adult age. French researchers from the Laboratoire d'Ethologie Animale et Humaine have tested the effects of unilateral tactile stimulation on newborn foals. Their results show that animals handled on their right side at birth avoid contact with humans more often than those stimulated on their left side or not at all. Published in Biology Letters, this work raises questions on the organization of neonatal care in animals and humans.