Note on effects of a daylong feeding enrichment program for Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) (2007)

Morimura, N.

Abstract

This study is designed to determine whether longer feeding opportunities over the course of a day would directly engender longer feeding times. A liquid dispenser was presented for 8 h/day to five chimpanzees. The daily feeding duration was increased to a maximum of 16.1% of the 8-h experimental time. Expanding food availability increased the number of feeding bouts. Attractive-tasting beverages elicited longer feeding bout durations. Results suggested that chimpanzees' preferences regarding food characteristics as well as food availability were influential factors favoring the prolongation of feeding time.