The Experts below are selected from a list of 1944 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Alexandra Harlander-matauschek - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Differences in intestinal microbial metabolites in laying hens with high and low levels of repetitive Feather-Pecking behavior.
Physiology & behavior, 2013Co-Authors: Beatrice Meyer, Jürgen Zentek, Alexandra Harlander-matauschekAbstract:Feather Pecking in laying hens is a serious behavioral problem and is often associated with Feather eating. There is some evidence that ingested Feathers affect gut function. The aim of the present study was to explore whether differences in intestinal microbial metabolites in laying hens with high and low levels of repetitive Feather-Pecking behavior exist. Sixty high Feather-Pecking birds (H) and sixty low Feather-Pecking birds (L) of the White Leghorn breed were used for behavioral recordings of Feather Pecking. Feather Pecking activity was observed for 5 weeks, after which 22 H birds with the highest and 22 L birds with the lowest Feather Pecking activity were chosen. The number of whole Feathers and Feather parts in the gizzard and intestinal microbial metabolites in the ileum and ceca of these laying hens was examined. Biogenic amines, short-chain fatty acids, ammonia and lactate were measured as microbial metabolites. A higher number of Feather parts and particles were found in H than in L birds. Putrescine and cadaverine concentrations were higher in the ileum of the hens with low Pecking activity (P
-
Differences in intestinal microbial metabolites in laying hens with high and low levels of repetitive Feather-Pecking behavior.
Physiology & Behavior, 2013Co-Authors: Beatrice Meyer, Jürgen Zentek, Alexandra Harlander-matauschekAbstract:Abstract Feather Pecking in laying hens is a serious behavioral problem and is often associated with Feather eating. There is some evidence that ingested Feathers affect gut function. The aim of the present study was to explore whether differences in intestinal microbial metabolites in laying hens with high and low levels of repetitive Feather-Pecking behavior exist. Sixty high Feather-Pecking birds (H) and sixty low Feather-Pecking birds (L) of the White Leghorn breed were used for behavioral recordings of Feather Pecking. Feather Pecking activity was observed for 5 weeks, after which 22 H birds with the highest and 22 L birds with the lowest Feather Pecking activity were chosen. The number of whole Feathers and Feather parts in the gizzard and intestinal microbial metabolites in the ileum and ceca of these laying hens was examined. Biogenic amines, short-chain fatty acids, ammonia and lactate were measured as microbial metabolites. A higher number of Feather parts and particles were found in H than in L birds. Putrescine and cadaverine concentrations were higher in the ileum of the hens with low Pecking activity ( P P = 0.012). In the cecum the amounts of l -lactate, d -lactate and total lactate and SCFA were higher in H birds ( P = 0.007, P = 0.005, P = 0.006, and P P = 0.001, P = 0.003, P = 0.001, and P P P = 0.034). Ammonia was higher in the ileum and cecum of the L birds ( P P = 0.004). For the first time, this study shows that birds with high and low numbers of repetitive Pecking movements to the plumage of other birds differ in their intestinal microbial metabolism. Further experiments should be conducted to investigate whether these differences alter behavior in H and L Feather Pecking birds. The present results, however, open new avenues of research into implications of gut bacteria, their metabolites and the polyamine system on brain and behavior in laying hens.
-
Feather-Pecking response of laying hens to Feather and cellulose-based rations fed during rearing
Poultry science, 2012Co-Authors: I. Kriegseis, Hanno Wurbel, Werner Bessei, Jürgen Zentek, B. Meyer, Alexandra Harlander-matauschekAbstract:Recent studies in laying hens have shown that Feather peckers eat more Feathers than nonpeckers. We hypothesized that food pellets containing Feathers would decrease the birds' appetite for Feathers and thereby also decrease Feather Pecking. To separate the effect of Feathers from that of insoluble fiber per se, additional control groups were fed pellets containing similar amounts of cellulose. Sixty (experiment 1) and 180 (experiment 2) 1-d-old Lohmann-Selected Leghorn birds were divided into 12 groups of 5 (experiment 1) and 15 (experiment 2) birds, respectively, and kept on slatted floors. During the rearing period, 4 groups each had ad libitum access to either a commercial pelleted diet, a pelleted diet containing 5% (experiment 1) or 10% (experiment 2) of chopped Feathers, respectively, or a pelleted diet containing 5% (experiment 1) or 10% (experiment 2) of cellulose, respectively. In the consecutive laying period, all groups received a commercial pelleted diet. In experiment 1, Feather Pecking was recorded weekly from wk 5 to wk 16. In the laying period, observations were made in wk 18, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, and 30. In experiment 2, Feather Pecking was recorded weekly from wk 5 to 11, in wk 16 to wk 18, and in wk 20 and 21. At the end of the rearing period, plumage condition per individual hen was scored. Scores from 1 (denuded) to 4 (intact) were given for each of 6 body parts. The addition of 10% of Feathers to the diet reduced the number of severe Feather-Pecking bouts (P < 0.0129) and improved plumage condition of the back area (P < 0.001) significantly compared with control diets. The relationship between Feather Pecking/eating and the gastrointestinal consequences thereof, which alter Feather Pecking-behavior, are unclear. Understanding this relationship might be crucial for understanding the causation of Feather Pecking in laying hens.
-
Applying chemical stimuli on Feathers to reduce Feather Pecking in laying hens
Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2011Co-Authors: Alexandra Harlander-matauschek, T. Bas RodenburgAbstract:Abstract Recent studies have shown that spraying a distasteful substance (quinine) on a bird's Feather cover reduced short-term Feather Pecking. The present experiment evaluated if other substances offer similar or better protection against Feather Pecking. One hundred and twenty birds were divided into 12 groups of 10 birds each. Over a period of 10 days the birds’ response to 10 Feathers coated with one of the 11 distasteful substances was observed and recorded. Feathers were soaked in a 1% garlic solution, 1% almond oil, 1% clove oil, 1% clove solution, quinine sulphate solution in four concentrations (0.1%, 1%, 2%, 4%), 0.6 mol magnesium chloride solution, anti-peck spray or an angostura solution. The control group received uncoated Feathers. The number of Feathers plucked, rejected or eaten was counted 60 min after presenting the Feathers. All substances reduced Feather plucking (p
-
Applying chemical stimuli on Feathers to reduce Feather Pecking in laying hens
Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2011Co-Authors: Alexandra Harlander-matauschek, T. Bas RodenburgAbstract:Recent studies have shown that spraying a distasteful substance (quinine) on a bird's Feather cover reduced short-term Feather Pecking. The present experiment evaluated if other substances offer similar or better protection against Feather Pecking.;One hundred and twenty birds were divided into 12 groups of 10 birds each. Over a period of 10 days the birds' response to 10 Feathers coated with one of the 11 distasteful substances was observed and recorded. Feathers were soaked in a 1% garlic solution, 1% almond oil, 1% clove oil, 1% clove solution, quinine sulphate solution in four concentrations (0.1%, 1%, 2%, 4%), 0.6 mol magnesium chloride solution, anti-peck spray or an angostura solution. The control group received uncoated Feathers. The number of Feathers plucked, rejected or eaten was counted 60 min after presenting the Feathers. All substances reduced Feather plucking (p < 0.0001) and consumption (p < 0.0001) significantly, compared to uncoated Feathers. Quinine concentrations of 2% and 4% were most effective. This study was the first to investigate the aversive potential of different substances to deter Feather peckers from the Feathers of other birds. The findings may be useful in the development of spraying devices to prevent Feather Pecking when other management tools fail. (c) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved
S. Mechiel Korte - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
The control of Feather Pecking by serotonin
Behavioral neuroscience, 2004Co-Authors: Yvonne M. Van Hierden, Sietse F. De Boer, Jaap M. Koolhaas, S. Mechiel KorteAbstract:Feather-Pecking behavior in laying hens (Gallus gallus) may be considered a behavioral pathology, comparable to human psychopathological disorders. Scientific knowledge on the causation of such disorders strongly suggests involvement of the serotonergic (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) system in Feather Pecking. Previously, chicks from a high-Feather-Pecking (HFP) line were found to display lower 5-HT turnover levels than chicks from a low-Feather-Pecking (LFP) line (in response to acute stress; Y. M. van Hierden et al., 2002). The present study investigated whether low 5-HT neurotransmission modulates Feather Pecking. First, S-15535, a somatodendritic 5-HT1A autoreceptor agonist, was demonstrated to be an excellent tool for reducing 5-HT turnover in the forebrain of LFP and HFP chicks. Second, the most effective dose of S-15535 (4.0 mg/kg body weight) significantly increased severe Feather-Pecking behavior. The results confirmed the postulation that the performance of Feather Pecking is triggered by low 5-HT neurotransmission.
-
Chronic increase of dietary l-tryptophan decreases gentle Feather Pecking behaviour
Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2004Co-Authors: Yvonne M. Van Hierden, Jaap M. Koolhaas, S. Mechiel KorteAbstract:Many studies show the involvement of the serotonergic (5-HT) system in the performance of abnormal behaviour in both human and animals. Recently, we showed that acute reduction of 5-HT turnover in the forebrain, increased gentle and severe Feather Pecking behaviour in chicks from a high (HFP) and low Feather Pecking (LFP) line of laying hens, suggesting that the performance of Feather Pecking behaviour involves low 5-HT neurotransmission. In the present study, we postulated that if low 5-HT is causally underlying Feather Pecking, increasing, 5-HT turnover in the forebrain will decrease the development and performance of Feather Pecking. Augmentation of 5-HT neurotransmission in the brain was induced by chronically increasing dietary levels of the essential amino acid L-tryptophan (TRP) from which 5-HT is synthesised. From the age of 34 days, UP and HFP chicks were fed a diet containing 2% TRP, whereas control birds of both lines were continuously fed with the normal rearing feed (0.16% TRP). From 35 days of age, litter was removed from the pens (10 pens/line-treatment) and all chicks (10 chicks/pen) were housed on a slatted floor until the end of the experiment. At 49 days of age, Feather Pecking behaviour was studied for 30 min. At 50 days of age baseline corticosterone, TRP and other large amino acids (LNAAs) were measured in the blood plasma of decapitated chicks (10 chicks per line- treatment). Furthermore, plasma corticosterone and central 5-HT turnover levels in response to manual restraint (5 min) were determined (10 chicks/line-treatment). For neither gentle nor severe Feather Pecking a significant line x treatment interaction was found. However, TRP treatment resulted in a significant [P = 0.02] overall decrease of the frequency of gentle Feather Pecking. For severe Feather Pecking a similar but not significant pattern was found. Significant line effects were found for gentle and severe Feather Pecking. HFP birds showed significant of gentle and severe Feather Pecking behaviour than LFP birds [P
-
Adrenocortical reactivity and central serotonin and dopamine turnover in young chicks from a high and low Feather-Pecking line of laying hens
Physiology & behavior, 2002Co-Authors: Yvonne M. Van Hierden, Jaap M. Koolhaas, S. Mechiel Korte, E.wim Ruesink, Cornelis G. Van Reenen, Bas Engel, Gerdien A.h. Korte-bouws, Harry J. BlokhuisAbstract:Abstract Feather Pecking in domestic fowl is a behavioral abnormality that consists of mild or injurious Pecking at Feathers of conspecifics. Previously, it was shown that chicks from a high Feather-Pecking (HFP) and low Feather-Pecking (LFP) line of laying hens already differ in their propensity to Feather peck at 14 and 28 days of age. As a first step in investigating a possible relationship between the development of Feather Pecking and physiological and neurobiological characteristics of laying hens, two subsequent experiments were carried out. Firstly, we investigated the development of adrenocortical (re)activity in HFP and LFP chicks during the first 8 weeks of life. Secondly, we studied dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) turnover in the brain of 28-day-old HFP and LFP chicks. In both experiments, chicks were exposed to manual restraint (placing the chicks on its side for 5 min). Plasma corticosterone levels were lower (baseline on Days 3 and 56; restraint-induced on Days 3, 14 and 28) in HFP chicks. Both brain DA and 5-HT turnover were lower in the HFP chicks, as well. Possible consequences for the observed differences in (stress) physiology and neurobiology between the two lines in relation to the Feather Pecking are discussed.
-
The development of Feather Pecking behaviour and targeting of Pecking in chicks from a high and low Feather Pecking line of laying hens
Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2002Co-Authors: Yvonne M. Van Hierden, Jaap M. Koolhaas, S. Mechiel Korte, E.wim Ruesink, Cornelis G. Van Reenen, Bas Engel, Harry J. BlokhuisAbstract:Large individual differences between adult laying hens in their propensity for Feather Pecking are known to exist. However, not much research has been carried out into the individual differences concerning the development of Feather Pecking behaviour. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether contrasting levels of Feather Pecking, observed among adult birds from two lines of laying hens, already occur at an early age. Further-more, an important question to be discussed was whether different behavioural systems may be related to the occurrence of Feather Pecking. Therefore, this study consisted of studying and comparing the behaviour of White Leghorn laying hens from a high (HFP) and low Feather Pecking line (LFP) during the first 8 weeks of life. Chicks were reared in litter-floor pens and were kept in groups of five animals per line (12 groups per line). HFP chicks showed significantly higher levels of gentle Feather Pecking (gentle FP) than LFP chicks at the age of 14 and 28 days. Furthermore, HFP chicks spent significantly more time preening than LFP chicks on days 14, 28 and 41. Duration of foraging behaviour and feeding behaviour was significantly higher in the LFP line compared to the HFP line on days 41 and 56 and days 28, 41 and 56, respectively. HFP chicks showed a significant negative correlation between gentle FP and preening on days 3 (r = -0.49) and 41 (r = -0.86). In the LFP line duration of feeding correlated negatively with gentle FP on day 3 (r = -0.63). A principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that in the HFP line, gentle FP and preening exhibited high and opposite loadings on the same component at all ages, whereas feeding consistently loaded on the other component. This outcome contrasted with that of the LFP line. In this line feeding predominantly loaded on the same principal component as gentle FP with loadings opposite to those of gentle FP, whereas preening showed the same loadings as gentle FP, on days 3 and 41. In conclusion, differences in Feather Pecking behaviour between HFP and LFP chicks can already be observed at a very early age during development. Furthermore, our results indicate that HFP and LFP chicks differ in the way Pecking behaviour is targeted. This difference could be related to the existence of a difference in underlying motivational system controlling the development of Feather Pecking between the two lines. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Beat Huber-eicher - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Is there social transmission of Feather Pecking in groups of laying hen chicks
Animal behaviour, 2000Co-Authors: E. Zeltner, T. Klein, Beat Huber-eicherAbstract:Feather Pecking is an abnormal behaviour where laying hens peck the Feathers of conspecifics, damaging the plumage or even injuring the skin. If it occurs in a flock, more and more birds show it within a short period of time. A possible mechanism is social transmission. Several studies have shown that laying hen chicks, Gallus gallus domesticus, are able to modify their own behaviour when observing the behaviour of other chicks, for example, when feeding and foraging. As there is good experimental evidence that Feather Pecking originates from foraging behaviour, we hypothesized that Feather Pecking could also be socially transmitted. To test this, we reared 16 groups of 30 chicks. After week 4, the birds were regrouped into 16 groups of 20 chicks into each of which we introduced either five chicks that showed high frequencies of Feather Pecking or, as controls, five chicks that had not developed Feather Pecking. We then determined the Feather-Pecking rate and the frequency of foraging, dustbathing, feeding, drinking, preening, moving, standing and resting of all birds in a group. Data from the introduced birds were analysed separately and excluded from the group data. Chicks in groups with introduced Feather-Pecking chicks had a significantly higher Feather-Pecking rate than chicks in the control groups. In addition, birds in groups with introduced Feather peckers showed significantly lower foraging frequencies than those in the control groups, although the housing conditions were identical and there were no differences in either the number or the quality of the stimuli relevant to foraging behaviour. The study therefore suggests that Feather Pecking is socially transmitted in groups of laying hen chicks.
-
The effect of quality and availability of foraging materials on Feather Pecking in laying hen chicks
Animal behaviour, 1998Co-Authors: Beat Huber-eicher, Beat WechslerAbstract:Feather Pecking resulting in Feather damage, injuries and mortality causes severe welfare problems in laying hens. In the present study, we tested whether there is an inverse relationship between Feather Pecking and foraging behaviour (exploratory and manipulative behaviour away from the feeder). Forty-eight groups of 30 or 31 chicks, Gallus gallus domesticus, were reared in pens and provided with different types of foraging material. Feather Pecking and foraging behaviour were quantified when the chicks were 4 and 5 weeks of age. In experiment 1, chicks with access to long-cut straw showed more foraging behaviour and less Feather Pecking than chicks that were provided with the same straw but in shredded form. On the other hand, there was no difference in foraging behaviour and Feather Pecking between chicks reared with access to long-cut straw and polystyrene blocks. In experiment 2, the importance of the form of the foraging material was confirmed. Chicks provided with polystyrene blocks performed more foraging behaviour and less Feather Pecking than chicks with access to polystyrene beads. The provision of an area with a layer of wood-shavings to promote scratching behaviour had no significant effect, however, on the incidence of Feather Pecking. In experiment 3, polystyrene blocks and beads were offered during the whole day or only in the morning. Both the quality and the availability of the foraging materials had a significant effect on foraging behaviour and a significant but opposite effect on Feather Pecking. Focal animal observations showed that the chicks performed different types of foraging behaviour at polystyrene blocks and beads. This suggests that not only the quantity but also the quality of foraging behaviour elicited by a given material may be important to prevent the development of Feather Pecking. Feather Pecking should thus be considered as redirected foraging behaviour. Copyright 1998 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour. Copyright 1998 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.
-
Feather Pecking in domestic chicks: its relation to dustbathing and foraging
Animal behaviour, 1997Co-Authors: Beat Huber-eicher, Beat WechslerAbstract:Feather Pecking is a serious problem in poultry housing, as it may lead to Feather damage, injuries and even mortality. We tested predictions of the two prevalent hypotheses claiming that Feather Pecking is related to dustbathing and foraging, respectively. Forty-two groups of 30 laying hen chicks, Gallus gallus domesticuswere reared in pens with a slatted floor. Access to sand as a dustbathing substrate and straw as a foraging substrate was varied between groups. The rate of Feather Pecking was measured in early development up to week 7. The provision of a sand area did not prevent the chicks from developing high rates of Feather Pecking that caused injuries. Chicks that had access to sand from day 10 showed higher rates of Feather Pecking than chicks that had access to sand from day 1. The provision of straw to chicks that had developed high rates of Feather Pecking led to a decrease in this behaviour. Chicks that could use both sand and straw from day 1 on did not show high rates of Feather Pecking, and no injuries were observed in these groups. There was no significant difference in dustbathing activity between housing conditions characterized by high or low rates of Feather Pecking. On the other hand, foraging activity was inversely related to the rate of Feather Pecking, and the occurrence of Feather Pecking could be delayed from week 4 to week 7 by postponing procedures that led to changes in foraging behaviour. In conclusion, the results show that the presence of an appropriate substrate for dustbathing does not prevent domestic chicks from developing Feather Pecking. On the other hand, housing conditions that promote foraging behaviour are effective in reducing and preventing Feather Pecking.Copyright 1997 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour1997The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour
T.b. Rodenburg - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
the prevention and control of Feather Pecking application to commercial systems
Worlds Poultry Science Journal, 2013Co-Authors: Christine J Nicol, Monique Bestman, A-m. Gilani, E.n. De Haas, I.c. De Jong, Sarah L Lambton, J.p. Wagenaar, C. A. Weeks, T.b. RodenburgAbstract:Studies on the prevalence of Feather Pecking in different commercial laying hen systems and its welfare and economic impacts are reviewed in the following paper. Current methods for controlling fea...
-
The prevention and control of Feather Pecking: application to commercial systems
World's Poultry Science Journal, 2013Co-Authors: Christine J Nicol, Monique Bestman, A-m. Gilani, E.n. De Haas, I.c. De Jong, Sarah L Lambton, J.p. Wagenaar, C. A. Weeks, T.b. RodenburgAbstract:Studies on the prevalence of Feather Pecking in different commercial laying hen 23 systems and its welfare and economic impacts are reviewed in the following paper. 24 Current methods for controlling Feather Pecking include beak-trimming and alterations to light regimes, but these methods have significant disadvantages from the perspective of bird welfare. A substantial body of research has now identified risk factors for Feather Pecking during both the rearing and laying periods. It is argued that these findings can be translated into optimised management practices that can prevent and control Feather Pecking whilst simultaneously conferring welfare benefits. The genetic basis of Feather Pecking is considered, and studies that suggest group selection techniques could produce birds with a reduced tendency to Feather peck in commercial flocks are highlighted. Keywords: laying hen; Feather Pecking; beak-trimming; light; risk factor; genetic selection
-
Management approaches to reduce Feather Pecking in laying hens
Cab Reviews: Perspectives in Agriculture Veterinary Science Nutrition and Natural Resources, 2013Co-Authors: I.c. De Jong, T.b. Rodenburg, T.g.c.m. Van NiekerkAbstract:The current paper summarizes recent findings on management approaches that reduce Feather Pecking in laying hens. Results from epidemiological studies as well as studies on single factors have been taken into account, from the period of 2005 up till now and older studies have been included where relevant. Feather Pecking in laying hens is still a major problem and because of the development of an increasing number of flocks housed in non-cage systems and a possible future ban on beak trimming in some countries it is important to define effective management strategies. In general, recent studies provide additional evidence for factors associated with an increased or reduced risk for Feather Pecking compared with earlier work in this field. It has been confirmed that the rearing period is very important to prevent Feather Pecking in the laying phase. Management factors associated with a reduced risk for severe Feather Pecking are a reduced stocking density, diets with increased fibre contents, mash instead of pelleted feed, reduced light intensity, presence of good quality substrate, access to attractive outdoor runs and providing environmental enrichment to stimulate foraging and exploration behaviour. As Feather Pecking is a multifactorial problem, the interaction between management factors and between management and the genetic background of the bird is important and an area for further research. In addition, the transfer of knowledge from scientific studies to commercial practice an issue that should receive attention.
-
Effect of an early bitter taste experience on subsequent Feather-Pecking behaviour in laying hens
Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2010Co-Authors: Alexandra Harlander Matauschek, Philipp Beck, T.b. RodenburgAbstract:Recent studies showed that laying hens learn not to peck at bitter-tasting Feathers from conspecifics. In the present experiment, Feathers of newly hatched chicks were made distasteful by spraying them with a bitter-tasting substance (quinine). It was hypothesized that chicks could detect quinine and learn to avoid the downy Feathers and the Feathers of conspecifics later in life. Six groups of 10 high Feather-Pecking birds and six groups of 10 low Feather-Pecking birds were kept on litter. Half of each of these groups was quinine treated. Each bird in the quinine-treated groups was individually sprayed on a weekly basis for 25 weeks with a quinine solution. It was investigated whether the presence of quinine on the birds’ Feather cover affected gentle and severe Feather Pecking. The result indicated that Feathers made distasteful with quinine reduced severe Feather Pecking in young and adult birds as long as it was detected on birds Feather cover.
-
Can short-term frustration facilitate Feather Pecking in laying hens?
Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2004Co-Authors: T.b. Rodenburg, Paul Koene, Eddie A.m. Bokkers, M.e.h. Bos, K.a. Uitdehaag, Berry M. SpruijtAbstract:Feather Pecking is a major problem in laying hens. Frustration, i.e. the omission of expected reward, may play a role in the development of Feather Pecking. In two experiments, we studied if Feather Pecking could be facilitated by short-term frustration in birds with a high Feather Pecking phenotype and victims of Feather Pecking (experiment 1), and in birds with a high or low Feather Pecking genotype (experiment 2). Furthermore, the motivation to peck a key for a food reward was assessed in birds with a high or low Feather Pecking genotype in experiment 3, as birds that have a stronger motivation may also react stronger to the omission of a reward. We trained birds to peck a key for a food reward in an automated Skinnerbox and tested them in control and frustration sessions. During frustration, the feeder was covered with Perspex. Frustration did not facilitate Feather Pecking in either experiment. In experiment 1, birds with a high Feather Pecking phenotype did show more gentle Feather Pecking and aggressive Pecking than victims of Feather Pecking during some of the control sessions. Furthermore, victims of Feather Pecking vocalised more than birds with a high Feather Pecking phenotype. In experiment 2, birds with a high Feather Pecking genotype scratched more than birds with a low Feather Pecking genotype, indicating differences in motivation for foraging or dust-bathing behaviour, which shows a relation to Feather Pecking. Birds with a low Feather Pecking genotype also had a stronger motivation to peck at a key for a food reward than birds with a high Feather Pecking genotype. No evidence was found that Feather Pecking could be facilitated by short-term frustration in a Skinnerbox. However, differences in reaction to frustration and in motivation to peck a key for a food reward in birds with a high or low Feather Pecking phenotype or genotype indicate that frustration may still play a role in the development of Feather Pecking.
Yvonne M. Van Hierden - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
The control of Feather Pecking by serotonin
Behavioral neuroscience, 2004Co-Authors: Yvonne M. Van Hierden, Sietse F. De Boer, Jaap M. Koolhaas, S. Mechiel KorteAbstract:Feather-Pecking behavior in laying hens (Gallus gallus) may be considered a behavioral pathology, comparable to human psychopathological disorders. Scientific knowledge on the causation of such disorders strongly suggests involvement of the serotonergic (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) system in Feather Pecking. Previously, chicks from a high-Feather-Pecking (HFP) line were found to display lower 5-HT turnover levels than chicks from a low-Feather-Pecking (LFP) line (in response to acute stress; Y. M. van Hierden et al., 2002). The present study investigated whether low 5-HT neurotransmission modulates Feather Pecking. First, S-15535, a somatodendritic 5-HT1A autoreceptor agonist, was demonstrated to be an excellent tool for reducing 5-HT turnover in the forebrain of LFP and HFP chicks. Second, the most effective dose of S-15535 (4.0 mg/kg body weight) significantly increased severe Feather-Pecking behavior. The results confirmed the postulation that the performance of Feather Pecking is triggered by low 5-HT neurotransmission.
-
Chronic increase of dietary l-tryptophan decreases gentle Feather Pecking behaviour
Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2004Co-Authors: Yvonne M. Van Hierden, Jaap M. Koolhaas, S. Mechiel KorteAbstract:Many studies show the involvement of the serotonergic (5-HT) system in the performance of abnormal behaviour in both human and animals. Recently, we showed that acute reduction of 5-HT turnover in the forebrain, increased gentle and severe Feather Pecking behaviour in chicks from a high (HFP) and low Feather Pecking (LFP) line of laying hens, suggesting that the performance of Feather Pecking behaviour involves low 5-HT neurotransmission. In the present study, we postulated that if low 5-HT is causally underlying Feather Pecking, increasing, 5-HT turnover in the forebrain will decrease the development and performance of Feather Pecking. Augmentation of 5-HT neurotransmission in the brain was induced by chronically increasing dietary levels of the essential amino acid L-tryptophan (TRP) from which 5-HT is synthesised. From the age of 34 days, UP and HFP chicks were fed a diet containing 2% TRP, whereas control birds of both lines were continuously fed with the normal rearing feed (0.16% TRP). From 35 days of age, litter was removed from the pens (10 pens/line-treatment) and all chicks (10 chicks/pen) were housed on a slatted floor until the end of the experiment. At 49 days of age, Feather Pecking behaviour was studied for 30 min. At 50 days of age baseline corticosterone, TRP and other large amino acids (LNAAs) were measured in the blood plasma of decapitated chicks (10 chicks per line- treatment). Furthermore, plasma corticosterone and central 5-HT turnover levels in response to manual restraint (5 min) were determined (10 chicks/line-treatment). For neither gentle nor severe Feather Pecking a significant line x treatment interaction was found. However, TRP treatment resulted in a significant [P = 0.02] overall decrease of the frequency of gentle Feather Pecking. For severe Feather Pecking a similar but not significant pattern was found. Significant line effects were found for gentle and severe Feather Pecking. HFP birds showed significant of gentle and severe Feather Pecking behaviour than LFP birds [P
-
Adrenocortical reactivity and central serotonin and dopamine turnover in young chicks from a high and low Feather-Pecking line of laying hens
Physiology & behavior, 2002Co-Authors: Yvonne M. Van Hierden, Jaap M. Koolhaas, S. Mechiel Korte, E.wim Ruesink, Cornelis G. Van Reenen, Bas Engel, Gerdien A.h. Korte-bouws, Harry J. BlokhuisAbstract:Abstract Feather Pecking in domestic fowl is a behavioral abnormality that consists of mild or injurious Pecking at Feathers of conspecifics. Previously, it was shown that chicks from a high Feather-Pecking (HFP) and low Feather-Pecking (LFP) line of laying hens already differ in their propensity to Feather peck at 14 and 28 days of age. As a first step in investigating a possible relationship between the development of Feather Pecking and physiological and neurobiological characteristics of laying hens, two subsequent experiments were carried out. Firstly, we investigated the development of adrenocortical (re)activity in HFP and LFP chicks during the first 8 weeks of life. Secondly, we studied dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) turnover in the brain of 28-day-old HFP and LFP chicks. In both experiments, chicks were exposed to manual restraint (placing the chicks on its side for 5 min). Plasma corticosterone levels were lower (baseline on Days 3 and 56; restraint-induced on Days 3, 14 and 28) in HFP chicks. Both brain DA and 5-HT turnover were lower in the HFP chicks, as well. Possible consequences for the observed differences in (stress) physiology and neurobiology between the two lines in relation to the Feather Pecking are discussed.
-
The development of Feather Pecking behaviour and targeting of Pecking in chicks from a high and low Feather Pecking line of laying hens
Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2002Co-Authors: Yvonne M. Van Hierden, Jaap M. Koolhaas, S. Mechiel Korte, E.wim Ruesink, Cornelis G. Van Reenen, Bas Engel, Harry J. BlokhuisAbstract:Large individual differences between adult laying hens in their propensity for Feather Pecking are known to exist. However, not much research has been carried out into the individual differences concerning the development of Feather Pecking behaviour. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether contrasting levels of Feather Pecking, observed among adult birds from two lines of laying hens, already occur at an early age. Further-more, an important question to be discussed was whether different behavioural systems may be related to the occurrence of Feather Pecking. Therefore, this study consisted of studying and comparing the behaviour of White Leghorn laying hens from a high (HFP) and low Feather Pecking line (LFP) during the first 8 weeks of life. Chicks were reared in litter-floor pens and were kept in groups of five animals per line (12 groups per line). HFP chicks showed significantly higher levels of gentle Feather Pecking (gentle FP) than LFP chicks at the age of 14 and 28 days. Furthermore, HFP chicks spent significantly more time preening than LFP chicks on days 14, 28 and 41. Duration of foraging behaviour and feeding behaviour was significantly higher in the LFP line compared to the HFP line on days 41 and 56 and days 28, 41 and 56, respectively. HFP chicks showed a significant negative correlation between gentle FP and preening on days 3 (r = -0.49) and 41 (r = -0.86). In the LFP line duration of feeding correlated negatively with gentle FP on day 3 (r = -0.63). A principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that in the HFP line, gentle FP and preening exhibited high and opposite loadings on the same component at all ages, whereas feeding consistently loaded on the other component. This outcome contrasted with that of the LFP line. In this line feeding predominantly loaded on the same principal component as gentle FP with loadings opposite to those of gentle FP, whereas preening showed the same loadings as gentle FP, on days 3 and 41. In conclusion, differences in Feather Pecking behaviour between HFP and LFP chicks can already be observed at a very early age during development. Furthermore, our results indicate that HFP and LFP chicks differ in the way Pecking behaviour is targeted. This difference could be related to the existence of a difference in underlying motivational system controlling the development of Feather Pecking between the two lines. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
