Genetic and Phenotypic Correlations Between Feather Pecking and Open-Field Response in Laying Hens at Two Different Ages

Rodenburg, T.B.; Buitenhuis, A.J.; Ask, B.; Uitdehaag, K.A.; Koene, P.; Poel, J.J. van der; Arendonk, J.A.M. van; Bovenhuis, H.

doi:10.1023/b:bege.0000023646.46940.2d

Cited by 90 publications

(55 citation statements)

References 18 publications

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“…QTLs for fear related behaviours were found on chromosome 1 by Schütz et al (2004) and Buitenhuis et al (2004), and on chromosomes 3 and 4 by Buitenhuis et al (2004). A relation between fearfulness and FP and its consequences has been revealed by several studies (Jones et al 1995;Rodenburg et al 2004;Uitdehaag et al 2008). Several of the associations detected in the present study were in the sequences of candidate genes that could play a role in behaviour.…”

Section: Methodssupporting

confidence: 66%

Across-Line SNP Association Study for Direct and Associative Effects on Feather Damage in Laying Hens

et al. 2010

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An association study between SNP markers and feather condition score on the back, rump and belly of laying hens was performed. Feather condition score is a measure of feather damage, which has been shown to be closely related to feather pecking behaviour in hens housed in groups. A population of 662 hens was genotyped for 1536 SNPs of which 1022 could be used for the association study. The analysis was conducted across 9 different lines of White Leghorn and Rhode Island Red origin. Across lines linkage disequilibrium is conserved at shorter distances than within lines; therefore, SNPs significantly associated with feather condition score across lines are expected to be closer to the functional mutations. The SNPs that had a significant across-line effect but did not show significant SNP-by-line interaction were identified, to test that the association was consistent across lines. Both the direct effect of the individual's genotype on its plumage condition, and the associative effect of the genotype of the cage mates on the individual's plumage condition were analysed. The direct genetic effect can be considered as the susceptibility to be pecked at, whereas the associative genetic effect can be interpreted as the propensity to perform feather pecking. Finally, 11 significant associations between SNPs and behavioural traits were detected in the direct model, and 81 in the associative model. A role of the gene for the serotonin receptor 2C (HTR2C) on chromosome 4 was found. This supports existing evidence of a prominent involvement of the serotonergic system in the modulation of this behavioural disorder in laying hens. The genes for IL9, IL4, CCL4 and NFKB were found to be associated to plumage condition, revealing relationships between the immune system and behaviour.

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Section: Methodssupporting

confidence: 66%

Across-Line SNP Association Study for Direct and Associative Effects on Feather Damage in Laying Hens

et al. 2010

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“…In addition to this, fearfulness is thought to be related to SFP (Rodenburg et al, 2013). Birds with higher levels of fearfulness are more likely to both perform, as well as receive SFP (Rodenburg et al, 2004;Uitdehaag et al, 2009). Fearfulness in chickens is influenced by multiple factors such as previous experience, housing conditions, interaction with humans, and genetic differences (Jones and Faure, 1981;Rodenburg et al, 2013).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Relationships between range access as monitored by radio frequency identification technology, fearfulness, and plumage damage in free-range laying hens

Hartcher

Hickey

Hemsworth

et al. 2016

Animal

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Severe feather-pecking (SFP), a particularly injurious behaviour in laying hens (Gallus gallus domesticus), is thought to be negatively correlated with range use in free-range systems. In turn, range use is thought to be inversely associated with fearfulness, where fearful birds may be less likely to venture outside. However, very few experiments have investigated the proposed association between range use and fearfulness. This experiment investigated associations between range use (time spent outside), fearfulness, plumage damage, and BW. Two pens of 50 ISA Brown laying hens ( n = 100) were fitted with radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders (contained within silicone leg rings) at 26 weeks of age. Data were then collected over 13 days. A total of 95% of birds accessed the outdoor run more than once per day. Birds spent an average duration of 6.1 h outside each day over 11 visits per bird per day (51.5 min per visit). The top 15 and bottom 15 range users (n = 30), as determined by the total time spent on the range over 13 days, were selected for study. These birds were tonic immobility (TI) tested at the end of the trial and were feather-scored and weighed after TI testing. Birds with longer TI durations spent less time outside ( P = 0.01). Plumage damage was not associated with range use ( P = 0.68). The small group sizes used in this experiment may have been conducive to the high numbers of birds utilising the outdoor range area. The RFID technology collected a large amount of data on range access in the tagged birds, and provides a potential means for quantitatively assessing range access in laying hens. The present findings indicate a negative association between fearfulness and range use. However, the proposed negative association between plumage damage and range use was not supported. The relationships between range use, fearfulness, and SFP warrant further research.Keywords: radio frequency identification, range use, free-range, plumage damage, fearfulness Implications Free-range egg production has been increasing in recent years in a number of countries. However, little is known about ranging behaviour in laying hens. Severe feather-pecking (SFP), which may be associated with reduced range use, poses a significant risk to hen welfare and productivity in non-cage housing systems. This experiment successfully collected data on the range use of individual birds, via radio frequency identification technology, and fearfulness was negatively associated with range use. An improved understanding of range use and other behavioural correlates may allow enhanced management and housing, and enable the eventual control of SFP, a highly deleterious behaviour in the egg industry. IntroductionSevere feather-pecking (SFP) is a highly prevalent and extremely injurious behaviour in laying hens. It causes serious negative impacts in the egg industry, in terms of both animal welfare and production efficiency. SFP is multifactorial, with contributing factors including environmental, social, genetic, and nutritiona...

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“…Female feather pecking is associated favourably with earlier egg-laying , but the egg production of those who show feather pecking is lower than that of non-peckers (Buitenhuis et al, 2004).…”

Section: Genetics Of the Behavioural Response To Changes In The Sociamentioning

confidence: 87%

“…There is considerable breed variation in feather damage and cannibalism, and the phenotypic relationship between the two traits varies between populations. The heritability of feather pecking ranges from moderate to high values and severe pecking is correlated unfavourably to egg production (Buitenhuis et al, 2004). The genetic analysis of feather pecking in hens is a topic on which much progress has been made in the last two decades towards a deep understanding of its biological pathways.…”

Section: Genetics Of the Behavioural Response To Changes In The Sociamentioning

confidence: 99%

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Genetics of behavioural adaptation of livestock to farming conditions

Canario

Mignon-Grasteau²,

Dupont‐Nivet

et al. 2013

Animal

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Behavioural adaptation of farm animals to environmental changes contributes to high levels of production under a wide range of farming conditions, from highly controlled indoor systems to harsh outdoor systems. The genetic variation in livestock behaviour is considerable. Animals and genotypes with a larger behavioural capacity for adaptation may cope more readily with varying farming conditions than those with a lower capacity for adaptation. This capacity should be exploited when the aim is to use a limited number of species extensively across the world. The genetics of behavioural traits is understood to some extent, but it is seldom accounted for in breeding programmes. This review summarizes the estimates of genetic parameters for behavioural traits in cattle, pigs, poultry and fish. On the basis of the major studies performed in the last two decades, we focus the review on traits of common interest in the four species. These concern the behavioural responses to both acute and chronic stressors in the physical environment (feed, temperature, etc.) and those in the social environment (other group members, progeny, humans). The genetic strategies used to improve the behavioural capacity for adaptation of animals differ between species. There is a greater emphasis on responses to acute environmental stress in fish and birds, and on responses to chronic social stress in mammals.

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Genetic and Phenotypic Correlations Between Feather Pecking and Open-Field Response in Laying Hens at Two Different Ages

Cited by 90 publications

References 18 publications

Across-Line SNP Association Study for Direct and Associative Effects on Feather Damage in Laying Hens

Across-Line SNP Association Study for Direct and Associative Effects on Feather Damage in Laying Hens

Relationships between range access as monitored by radio frequency identification technology, fearfulness, and plumage damage in free-range laying hens

Genetics of behavioural adaptation of livestock to farming conditions

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