Effect of embryonic light exposure on laterality and sociality in quail chicks (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Lateralization is the ascendency of one side body or brain to control and perform motor perceptual functions. Light exposure during prenatal life can modulate expression visual lateralization (strength direction) in a variety species, including birds. Individual provides cognitive advantages, but function at population level less obvious. Recent studies support hypothesis that intra-specific population-level may favour coordination between asymmetrical individuals synergistic (cooperative) social interactions. Since cohesion requires good coordination, therefore imagine higher alignment within group, by making easier, promote cohesion. Our study investigated effect light on laterality behaviour Japanese quail chicks (Coturnix coturnix japonica). We compared coming from eggs exposed incubation maintained complete darkness. expected light-exposed (LE) be more aligned than dark-incubated (DI) ones we wanted test whether most were also coordinated. assessed laterality, motivation, synchronization spatial groups LE DI chicks. The conditions did not affect either chicks’ behaviour, there was no turning bias group level. An absolute index characterizing living together showed with highest indices necessarily greatest This suggests does consistently induce influence their Quails are widely used farm industry scientific research better knowledge consequences behavioural asymmetries sociality could help improve handling welfare.