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Oke OE, Onagbesan OM. Impacts of access to legume- or grass-based pasture on behaviour, physiological responses and bacterial load of laying hens. Heliyon 2024; 10:e34780. [PMID: 39149081 PMCID: PMC11324940 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the plethora of studies on the impacts of access to runs on chickens, there is a paucity of information on the welfare and behavioural repertoire of hens raised in the deep litter houses with or without access to legume- or grass-based pasture. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of access to grass or legume pastures by laying hens on behaviour, physiological responses and bacterial load. The study was conducted to evaluate the influence of exposure of egg-type chickens to runs on grass or legume pastures on their welfare and behaviours. The study involved the use of 240 ISA brown pullets from 12 weeks of age and and lasted for 48 weeks. The treatments were deep litter housing with grass-based pasture run (PG), deep litter housing with legume-based pasture run (PL) and deep litter housing without runs (LD) having 80 pullets with four replicates of twenty birds each. Behavioural observations of the hens in each pen were made at 52 weeks of age and tonic immobility was assessed by making the birds lie on their back with their head resting in a U-shaped wooden cradle. The measurements of the respiratory rate and rectal temperature of the hens were assessed at 1:00 p.m. at different laying phases. The gastrointestinal and egg bacterial counts were conducted at 60 weeks of age. Results revealed that the proportion of time spent eating was highest (p < 0.05) in the deep litter housing system, while the legume and grass pasture were similar. The hens spent most of their time standing and eating in the three treatments. However, the time spent standing in PL and PG was similar but significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in LD. Results on tonic immobility duration showed that the time spent by the hens in LD during the reaction was significantly longer than those of the PL and PG in the first, second and third phases of the experiments. However, the time spent by the hens in PL and PG was similar. The rectal temperatures of PL and PG birds were comparable and higher than those of LD during the second phase. On the other hand, there was no difference in the respiratory rate. Plasma triiodothyronine (T3) of the hens did not follow a consistent pattern. The bacterial count in the large intestine in LD and PL was similar but significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of the PG. It was concluded that access to pasture influenced the behaviours of hens and that tonic immobility duration was shorter in the hens on the pasture, suggesting that access to pasture favoured hens' welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- O E Oke
- Animal Physiology Department, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria
- Centre of Excellence in Avian Sciences, University of Lome, Togo
| | - O M Onagbesan
- Animal Physiology Department, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria
- Centre of Excellence in Avian Sciences, University of Lome, Togo
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2
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Arnould C, Love SA, Piégu B, Lefort G, Blache MC, Parias C, Soulet D, Lévy F, Nowak R, Lansade L, Bertin A. Facial blushing and feather fluffing are indicators of emotions in domestic fowl (Gallus gallus domesticus). PLoS One 2024; 19:e0306601. [PMID: 39046983 PMCID: PMC11268617 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The study of facial expressions in mammals provided great advances in the identification of their emotions and then in the comprehension of their sentience. So far, this area of research has excluded birds. With a naturalist approach, we analysed facial blushing and feather displays in domestic fowl. Hens were filmed in situations contrasting in emotional valence and arousal level: situations known to indicate calm states (positive valence / low arousal), have rewarding effects (positive valence / high arousal) or induce fear-related behaviour (negative valence / high arousal). Head feather position as well as skin redness of comb, wattles, ear lobes and cheeks varied across these situations. Skin of all four areas was less red in situations with low arousal compared to situations with higher arousal. Furthermore, skin redness of the cheeks and ear lobes also varied depending on the valence of the situation: redness was higher in situations with negative valence compared to situations with positive valence. Feather position also varied with the situations. Feather fluffing was mostly observed in positively valenced situations, except when hens were eating. We conclude that hens have facial displays that reveal their emotions and that blushing is not exclusive to humans. This opens a promising way to explore the emotional lives of birds, which is a critical step when trying to improve poultry welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Arnould
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France
| | - Scott A. Love
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France
| | - Benoît Piégu
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France
| | - Gaëlle Lefort
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France
| | | | - Céline Parias
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France
| | - Delphine Soulet
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France
| | - Frédéric Lévy
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France
| | - Raymond Nowak
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France
| | - Léa Lansade
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France
| | - Aline Bertin
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France
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3
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Hayat K, Ye Z, Lin H, Pan J. Beyond the Spectrum: Unleashing the Potential of Infrared Radiation in Poultry Industry Advancements. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1431. [PMID: 38791649 PMCID: PMC11117323 DOI: 10.3390/ani14101431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The poultry industry is dynamically advancing production by focusing on nutrition, management practices, and technology to enhance productivity by improving feed conversion ratios, disease control, lighting management, and exploring antibiotic alternatives. Infrared (IR) radiation is utilized to improve the well-being of humans, animals, and poultry through various operations. IR radiation occurs via electromagnetic waves with wavelengths ranging from 760 to 10,000 nm. The biological applications of IR radiation are gaining significant attention and its utilization is expanding rapidly across multiple sectors. Various IR applications, such as IR heating, IR spectroscopy, IR thermography, IR beak trimming, and IR in computer vision, have proven to be beneficial in enhancing the well-being of humans, animals, and birds within mechanical systems. IR radiation offers a wide array of health benefits, including improved skin health, therapeutic effects, anticancer properties, wound healing capabilities, enhanced digestive and endothelial function, and improved mitochondrial function and gene expression. In the realm of poultry production, IR radiation has demonstrated numerous positive impacts, including enhanced growth performance, gut health, blood profiles, immunological response, food safety measures, economic advantages, the mitigation of hazardous gases, and improved heating systems. Despite the exceptional benefits of IR radiation, its applications in poultry production are still limited. This comprehensive review provides compelling evidence supporting the advantages of IR radiation and advocates for its wider adoption in poultry production practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khawar Hayat
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Equipment and Robotics for Agriculture of Zhejiang Province, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zunzhong Ye
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Equipment and Robotics for Agriculture of Zhejiang Province, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hongjian Lin
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Equipment and Robotics for Agriculture of Zhejiang Province, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jinming Pan
- College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Equipment and Robotics for Agriculture of Zhejiang Province, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Hangzhou 310058, China
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4
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Golfidis A, Kriengwatana BP, Mounir M, Norton T. An Interactive Feeder to Induce and Assess Emotions from Vocalisations of Chickens. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1386. [PMID: 38731390 PMCID: PMC11083406 DOI: 10.3390/ani14091386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding the emotional states of animals is a long-standing research endeavour that has clear applications in animal welfare. Vocalisations are emerging as a promising way to assess both positive and negative emotional states. However, the vocal expression of emotions in birds is a relatively unexplored research area. The goal of this study was to develop an interactive feeding system that would elicit positive and negative emotional states, and collect recordings of the vocal expression of these emotions without human interference. In this paper, the mechatronic design and development of the feeder is described. Design choices were motivated by the desire for the hens to voluntarily interact with the feeder and experience the different stimuli that were designed to induce (1) positive low-arousal, (2) positive high-arousal, (3) negative low-arousal, and (4) negative high-arousal states. The results showed that hens were motivated to engage with the feeder despite the risk of receiving negative stimuli and that this motivation was sustained for at least 1 week. The potential of using the interactive feeder to analyse chicken vocalisations related to emotional valence and arousal is being explored, offering a novel proof of concept in animal welfare research. Preliminary findings suggest that hens vocalised in response to all four stimulus types, with the number of vocalisations, but not the probability of vocalising, distinguishing between low- and high-arousal states. Thus, the proposed animal-computer interaction design has potential to be used as an enrichment device and for future experiments on vocal emotions in birds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Buddhamas Pralle Kriengwatana
- Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU LEUVEN), Kasteelpark Arenberg 30, 3001 Leuven, Belgium; (A.G.); (M.M.)
| | | | - Tomas Norton
- Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU LEUVEN), Kasteelpark Arenberg 30, 3001 Leuven, Belgium; (A.G.); (M.M.)
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5
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Lewden A, Ward C, Noiret A, Avril S, Abolivier L, Gérard C, Hammer TL, Raymond É, Robin JP, Viblanc VA, Bize P, Stier A. Surface temperatures are influenced by handling stress independently of corticosterone levels in wild king penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus). J Therm Biol 2024; 121:103850. [PMID: 38608548 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2024.103850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Assessing the physiological stress responses of wild animals opens a window for understanding how organisms cope with environmental challenges. Since stress response is associated with changes in body temperature, the use of body surface temperature through thermal imaging could help to measure acute and chronic stress responses non-invasively. We used thermal imaging, acute handling-stress protocol and an experimental manipulation of corticosterone (the main glucocorticoid hormone in birds) levels in breeding king penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus), to assess: 1. The potential contribution of the Hypothalamo-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis in mediating chronic and acute stress-induced changes in adult surface temperature, 2. The influence of HPA axis manipulation on parental investment through thermal imaging of eggs and brooded chicks, and 3. The impact of parental treatment on offspring thermal's response to acute handling. Maximum eye temperature (Teye) increased and minimum beak temperature (Tbeak) decreased in response to handling stress in adults, but neither basal nor stress-induced surface temperatures were significantly affected by corticosterone implant. While egg temperature was not significantly influenced by parental treatment, we found a surprising pattern for chicks: chicks brooded by the (non-implanted) partner of corticosterone-implanted individuals exhibited higher surface temperature (both Teye and Tbeak) than those brooded by glucocorticoid-implanted or control parents. Chick's response to handling in terms of surface temperature was characterized by a drop in both Teye and Tbeak independently of parental treatment. We conclude that the HPA axis seems unlikely to play a major role in determining chronic or acute changes in surface temperature in king penguins. Changes in surface temperature may primarily be mediated by the Sympathetic-Adrenal-Medullary (SAM) axis in response to stressful situations. Our experiment did not reveal a direct impact of parental HPA axis manipulation on parental investment (egg or chick temperature), but a potential influence on the partner's brooding behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnès Lewden
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK; Université de Brest - UMR 6539 CNRS/UBO/IRD/Ifremer, Laboratoire des Sciences de l'environnement Marin - IUEM, Rue Dumont D'Urville, 29280, Plouzané, France.
| | - Chelsea Ward
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Aude Noiret
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR 5023 LEHNA, F-69622, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Sandra Avril
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, F-67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Lucie Abolivier
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, F-67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Caroline Gérard
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, F-67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Tracey L Hammer
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, F-67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Émilie Raymond
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR 5023 LEHNA, F-69622, Villeurbanne, France; Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, F-67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Jean-Patrice Robin
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, F-67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Vincent A Viblanc
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, F-67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Pierre Bize
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK; Swiss Ornithological Institute, CH-6204, Sempach, Switzerland
| | - Antoine Stier
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR 5023 LEHNA, F-69622, Villeurbanne, France; Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, IPHC UMR 7178, F-67000, Strasbourg, France; Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
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6
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Reza MN, Ali MR, Samsuzzaman, Kabir MSN, Karim MR, Ahmed S, Kyoung H, Kim G, Chung SO. Thermal imaging and computer vision technologies for the enhancement of pig husbandry: a review. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2024; 66:31-56. [PMID: 38618025 PMCID: PMC11007457 DOI: 10.5187/jast.2024.e4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Pig farming, a vital industry, necessitates proactive measures for early disease detection and crush symptom monitoring to ensure optimum pig health and safety. This review explores advanced thermal sensing technologies and computer vision-based thermal imaging techniques employed for pig disease and piglet crush symptom monitoring on pig farms. Infrared thermography (IRT) is a non-invasive and efficient technology for measuring pig body temperature, providing advantages such as non-destructive, long-distance, and high-sensitivity measurements. Unlike traditional methods, IRT offers a quick and labor-saving approach to acquiring physiological data impacted by environmental temperature, crucial for understanding pig body physiology and metabolism. IRT aids in early disease detection, respiratory health monitoring, and evaluating vaccination effectiveness. Challenges include body surface emissivity variations affecting measurement accuracy. Thermal imaging and deep learning algorithms are used for pig behavior recognition, with the dorsal plane effective for stress detection. Remote health monitoring through thermal imaging, deep learning, and wearable devices facilitates non-invasive assessment of pig health, minimizing medication use. Integration of advanced sensors, thermal imaging, and deep learning shows potential for disease detection and improvement in pig farming, but challenges and ethical considerations must be addressed for successful implementation. This review summarizes the state-of-the-art technologies used in the pig farming industry, including computer vision algorithms such as object detection, image segmentation, and deep learning techniques. It also discusses the benefits and limitations of IRT technology, providing an overview of the current research field. This study provides valuable insights for researchers and farmers regarding IRT application in pig production, highlighting notable approaches and the latest research findings in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Nasim Reza
- Department of Smart Agricultural Systems,
Graduate School, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134,
Korea
- Department of Agricultural Machinery
Engineering, Graduate School, Chungnam National University,
Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Md Razob Ali
- Department of Agricultural Machinery
Engineering, Graduate School, Chungnam National University,
Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Samsuzzaman
- Department of Agricultural Machinery
Engineering, Graduate School, Chungnam National University,
Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Md Shaha Nur Kabir
- Department of Agricultural Industrial
Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and
Technology University, Dinajpur 5200, Bangladesh
| | - Md Rejaul Karim
- Department of Agricultural Machinery
Engineering, Graduate School, Chungnam National University,
Daejeon 34134, Korea
- Farm Machinery and Post-harvest Processing
Engineering Division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research
Institute, Gazipur 1701, Bangladesh
| | - Shahriar Ahmed
- Department of Agricultural Machinery
Engineering, Graduate School, Chungnam National University,
Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Hyunjin Kyoung
- Division of Animal and Dairy Science,
Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Gookhwan Kim
- National Institute of Agricultural
Sciences, Rural Development Administration, Jeonju 54875,
Korea
| | - Sun-Ok Chung
- Department of Smart Agricultural Systems,
Graduate School, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134,
Korea
- Department of Agricultural Machinery
Engineering, Graduate School, Chungnam National University,
Daejeon 34134, Korea
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7
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Comin M, Atallah E, Chincarini M, Mazzola SM, Canali E, Minero M, Cozzi B, Rossi E, Vignola G, Dalla Costa E. Events with Different Emotional Valence Affect the Eye's Lacrimal Caruncle Temperature Changes in Sheep. Animals (Basel) 2023; 14:50. [PMID: 38200782 PMCID: PMC10778003 DOI: 10.3390/ani14010050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Infrared thermography (IRT) has been recently applied to measure lacrimal caruncle temperature non-invasively since this region is related to the sympathetic response, and it seems a promising technique that is able to infer negative emotions in sheep (e.g., fear). However, the scientific literature so far is limited in understanding whether a caruncle's temperature changes also in response to positive emotional states in sheep. Through classical conditioning, we aimed to assess how a positive or a negative event affects the physiological (lacrimal caruncle temperature measured with IRT and cortisol levels) and behavioral responses of sheep (ear position). Fourteen ewes from the same flock were randomly assigned to two treatment groups: positive (n = 7) and negative (n = 7). Each group was then trained through classical conditioning to associate a neutral auditory (ring bell) stimulus to an oncoming event: for the positive group, the presence of a food reward (maize grains), while for the negative one, the opening of an umbrella. After three weeks of training, before (at rest) and after (post-treatment), lacrimal caruncle temperature was non-invasively measured via IRT, and saliva samples were gently collected to measure cortisol levels. During treatment, sheep behavior was videorecorded and then analyzed using a focal animal sampling technique. At rest, the eye's lacrimal caruncle temperature was similar in both groups, while post-treatment, a significant increase was shown only in the negative group (t-test; p = 0.017). In the anticipation phase, sheep in the positive group kept their ears forward longer compared to those in the negative one (Mann-Whitney; p < 0.014), 8.3 ± 2.1 s and 5.2 ± 4.2 s, respectively. The behavioral response observed reflects a learnt association between a neutral stimulus and events with different emotional valence. Cortisol concentration slightly increased in both groups post-treatment. Our results confirm that IRT is a non-invasive technique that can be useful when applied to assess how positive and negative events may affect the physiological response in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Comin
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (M.C.); (E.A.); (S.M.M.); (E.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Elie Atallah
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (M.C.); (E.A.); (S.M.M.); (E.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Matteo Chincarini
- Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.C.); (G.V.)
| | - Silvia Michela Mazzola
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (M.C.); (E.A.); (S.M.M.); (E.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Elisabetta Canali
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (M.C.); (E.A.); (S.M.M.); (E.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Michela Minero
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (M.C.); (E.A.); (S.M.M.); (E.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Bruno Cozzi
- Dipartimento di Biomedicina Comparata e Alimentazione, Università degli Studi di Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy;
| | - Emanuela Rossi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise G. Caporale, 64100 Teramo, Italy;
| | - Giorgio Vignola
- Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.C.); (G.V.)
| | - Emanuela Dalla Costa
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (M.C.); (E.A.); (S.M.M.); (E.C.); (M.M.)
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8
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Jerem P, Romero LM. It's cool to be stressed: body surface temperatures track sympathetic nervous system activation during acute stress. J Exp Biol 2023; 226:jeb246552. [PMID: 37767773 PMCID: PMC10629684 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.246552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
The acute stress response can be considered the primary evolutionary adaptation to maximise fitness in the face of unpredictable environmental challenges. However, the difficulties of assessing physiology in natural environments mean that comparatively little is known about how response variation influences fitness in free-living animals. Currently, determining acute stress physiology typically involves blood sampling or cardiac monitoring. Both require trapping and handling, interrupting natural behaviour, and potentially biasing our understanding toward trappable species/individuals. Importantly, limits on repeated sampling also restrict response phenotype characterisation, vital for linking stress with fitness. Surface temperature dynamics resulting from peripheral vasomotor activity during acute stress are increasingly promoted as alternative physiological stress indicators, which can be measured non-invasively using infrared thermal imaging, overcoming many limitations of current methods. Nonetheless, which aspects of stress physiology they represent remains unclear, as the underlying mechanisms are unknown. To date, validations have primarily targeted the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, when the sympathetic-adrenal-medullary (SAM) system is likely the primary driver of vasomotor activity during acute stress. To address this deficit, we compared eye and bill region surface temperatures (measured using thermal imaging) with SAM system activity (measured as heart rate variability via electrocardiogram telemetry) in wild-caught captive house sparrows (Passer domesticus) during capture and handling. We found that lower body surface temperatures were associated with increased sympathetic nervous system activation. Consequently, our data confirm that body surface temperatures can act as a proxy for sympathetic activation during acute stress, providing potentially transformative opportunities for linking the acute stress response with fitness in the wild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Jerem
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, 9700 CC Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
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9
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das D Ribeiro JC, Drumond MM, Mancha-Agresti P, Guimarães JPF, da C Ferreira D, Martins MIA, de M Murata PM, de Carvalho AC, Pereira RT, Ribeiro Júnior V, de C Azevedo VA, de P Naves L. Diets Supplemented with Probiotics Improve the Performance of Broilers Exposed to Heat Stress from 15 Days of Age. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2023; 15:1327-1341. [PMID: 36066817 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-022-09989-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The poultry sector demands alternative additives to antibiotics that can be used as performance enhancers. Therefore, this experiment was conducted to evaluate the probiotics effects on performance, intestinal health, and redox status of 720 broilers exposed to heat stress from 15 days of age. Eight dietary treatments were evaluated: basal diet (BD) without antibiotic and probiotic (T1); BD supplemented with antibiotic zinc bacitracin (T2), BD supplemented with commercial probiotic of Bacillus subtilis DSM 17,299 (T3), BD supplemented with non-commercial probiotic of Lactococcus lactis NCDO 2118, Lactobacillus delbrueckii CNRZ 327, Escherichia coli CEC15, or Saccharomyces boulardii (T4 to T7), and BD simultaneously supplemented with the four non-commercial probiotics (T8). Feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion were determined in the period from 1 to 42 days of age. Carcass and cuts yield, abdominal fat deposition, cloacal temperature, weight and length of intestine, activity of myeloperoxidase and eosinophilic peroxidase enzymes in the jejunum, jejunal histomorphometry, relative gene expression in the jejunum (occludin, zonulin, interleukin-8, cholecystokinin, ghrelin, and heat shock protein-70), and liver (heat shock protein-70), in addition to malondialdehyde level and superoxide dismutase activity in the intestine, liver, and blood, were measured in broilers at 42 days old. As main results, broilers fed T1 diet exhibited lower weight gain (3.222 kg) and worse feed conversion (1.70 kg/kg). However, diets containing non-commercial probiotics resulted in up to 3.584 kg of weight gain and improved feed conversion by up to 10%, similar to that observed for broilers of the T2 and T3 groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jéssica C das D Ribeiro
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras, Minas Gerais, 37200-900, Brazil
| | - Mariana M Drumond
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Centro Federal de Educação Tecnológica de Minas Gerais, Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30421-169, Brazil
| | - Pamela Mancha-Agresti
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Centro Federal de Educação Tecnológica de Minas Gerais, Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 30421-169, Brazil
| | - João P F Guimarães
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras, Minas Gerais, 37200-900, Brazil
| | - Daiane da C Ferreira
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras, Minas Gerais, 37200-900, Brazil
| | - Maria I A Martins
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras, Minas Gerais, 37200-900, Brazil
| | - Pedro M de M Murata
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras, Minas Gerais, 37200-900, Brazil
| | - Andressa C de Carvalho
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras, Minas Gerais, 37200-900, Brazil
| | - Raquel T Pereira
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo-ESALQ, Piracicaba, São Paulo, 13418-900, Brazil
| | - Valdir Ribeiro Júnior
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Nossa Senhora da Glória, Sergipe, 49680-000, Brazil
| | - Vasco A de C Azevedo
- Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Minas Gerais, Ecologia e Evolução, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Luciana de P Naves
- Departamento de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras, Minas Gerais, 37200-900, Brazil.
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10
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Wongsaengchan C, McCafferty DJ, Lennox K, Nager RG, McKeegan DEF. Non-invasive assessment of positive affective state using infra-red thermography in rats. Anim Welf 2023; 32:e66. [PMID: 38510988 PMCID: PMC10951672 DOI: 10.1017/awf.2023.87] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
With recent increased focus on positive welfare in animal welfare science, there is demand for objective positive welfare indicators. It is unclear whether changes in body surface temperature can be used to non-invasively identify and quantify positive states in mammals. We recorded continuous measurements of tail surface temperature using infra-red thermography (IRT) and concurrent behavioural observations in male and female Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus). If tail surface temperature can differentiate between positive and negative experiences, we expect a qualitatively different response compared to negative experiences. Three groups of rats were presented with increasing magnitudes of food rewards (neutral/none, one and three rewards). The rats were placed in an arena to which they were habituated and filmed for 30 s before and 30 min after exposure to different rewards. Tail temperature initially decreased from the pre-reward baseline and subsequently returned towards baseline temperature. The overall pattern of the change was the same as for rats subjected to negative stimuli in previous studies. Nevertheless, dynamic changes in tail temperature, specifically the rate of recovery and the behavioural response (exploration), differed between neutral and rewarded rats but failed to distinguish reward magnitude. Sex differences were found in both thermal and behavioural responses, unrelated to reward magnitudes. Female rats exhibited a greater initial response with a slower recovery than male rats, emphasising the value of using of both sexes in animal welfare research. This study improves our understanding of the effects of positive emotions induced by food reward on peripheral body temperature and behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanakarn Wongsaengchan
- School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, GlasgowG12 8QQ, UK
- School of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9JP, UK
| | - Dominic J McCafferty
- School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, GlasgowG12 8QQ, UK
| | - Katie Lennox
- School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, GlasgowG12 8QQ, UK
| | - Ruedi G Nager
- School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, GlasgowG12 8QQ, UK
| | - Dorothy EF McKeegan
- School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, GlasgowG12 8QQ, UK
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11
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Lee-Fowler T, Clark-Price S, Lascola K. Detection of canine obstructive nasal disease using infrared thermography: A pilot study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291440. [PMID: 37699012 PMCID: PMC10497125 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Infrared thermography detects variations in heat signature and is utilized in other species to non-invasively identify respiratory disease. This study aimed to determine if infrared thermography could be used to detect nasal disease in dogs. Eight dogs presenting for nasal disease (ND group) and ten healthy control dogs (C group) were enrolled. Dorsal and rostral images of the nose were acquired using a Fluke TiX580 60Hz thermal imaging camera. Images were analyzed using the accompanying software. Regions of interest were defined over the right and left nasal passages to determine the maximum (max), average (avg), and minimum (min) temperatures. Temperatures were compared between ND and C groups, and correlation to disease state (ND or C) was evaluated. Temperature differences and imaging patterns were subjectively compared with diagnosis based on computed tomography (CT) and histopathology. The ND group consisted of 5 spayed females and 3 neutered males. Clinical sings included unilateral epistaxis (n = 4); bilateral serous discharge and sneezing (n = 1); bilateral mucopurulent discharge, epistaxis, and sneezing (n = 1); unilateral mucoid discharge, epistaxis and sneezing (n = 1); and sneezing and unilateral epistaxis (n = 1). Temperatures were significantly different between ND and C groups on dorsal (max p = <0.001, avg p = 0.001, min p = <0.001) and rostral (max p = <0.001, avg p = <0.001, min p = 0.005) images. Temperature positively correlated to disease status (ND vs C group) in both dorsal and rostral images. Subjective analysis of images allowed correct identification of abnormal or normal 27/36 times. Obstructive nasal disease results in a local temperature increase in the affected nasal passage that can be non-invasively detected by infrared thermography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tekla Lee-Fowler
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States of America
| | - Stuart Clark-Price
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States of America
| | - Kara Lascola
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States of America
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12
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Van Poucke E, Suchánková H, Jensen P. Commercial hatchery processing may affect susceptibility to stress in laying hens. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291324. [PMID: 37695788 PMCID: PMC10495002 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Directly upon hatching, laying hen chicks are exposed to multiple stressful events during large-scale hatchery processing, which may affect their later coping abilities. Commercial hatchery chicks (HC) were compared to chicks that were incubated and hatched simultaneously under calm conditions (CC). After being raised under similar, non-stressful conditions for 36 days, all chicks were exposed to a series of stressors: transportation and introduction into a novel environment followed by a regrouping event in order to characterize long-lasting consequences of hatchery treatment. Tonic immobility, corticosterone levels, and peripheral body temperature were used to assess reactions to the stress events. Tonic immobility was not affected by treatment but was significantly reduced in CC after transport. Corticosterone levels did not differ between treatments when assessed two days before and two days after regrouping. Comb temperature was significantly higher in HC following regrouping, indicating stress-induced hyperthermia. Furthermore, comb temperature dropped more following blood sampling in HC than in CC, indicating a stronger autonomic response to acute stress. In conclusion, the results suggest possible long-term negative effects of commercial hatchery processing, compared to hatching under silent and less stressful conditions, on the coping ability of laying hens to later stressful experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enya Van Poucke
- IFM Biology, AVIAN Behavioural Physiology and Genomics Group, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Hedvika Suchánková
- IFM Biology, AVIAN Behavioural Physiology and Genomics Group, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Per Jensen
- IFM Biology, AVIAN Behavioural Physiology and Genomics Group, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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13
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Cococcetta C, Coutant T, Phouratsamay A, Zoller G, Bagur S, Huynh M. Effect of Hooding on Physiological Parameters During Manual Restraint in Rhode Island Red Hybrid Hens ( Gallus gallus domesticus). J Avian Med Surg 2023; 37:155-164. [PMID: 37733454 DOI: 10.1647/21-00027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Manual handling of chickens is required for many veterinary, research, and breeding procedures. This study aimed to assess the changes in physiological parameters over time during manual restraint of chickens, as well as the effect of hooding on these parameters. Heart rate, heart rate variability, respiratory rate, and body temperature were measured every 3 minutes for 15 minutes during manual restraint in 13 adult laying hens (Gallus gallus domesticus). Heart rate variability was significantly higher in hooded hens than in nonhooded hens (P= 0.003) but was not significant over time. Hooded hens were also found to have significantly lower heart rate (P = 0.043) and respiratory rate (P = 0.042) compared to nonhooded hens. Heart rate and respiratory rate significantly decreased over time, independent of the use of the hood (P = 0.008; P = 0.01, respectively). Temperature was found to increase significantly (P = 0.001) over time for both groups. Overall, hooding increased heart rate variability, a factor associated with a lower stress level, and decreased heart rate and respiratory rate. In conclusion, these data suggest that the use of the hood reduces stress levels in birds during manual restraint. Therefore, the use of the hood is encouraged for short (less than 15 minutes) painless procedures, such as physical examination or radiographic acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciro Cococcetta
- Service des Nouveaux Animaux de Compagnie, Centre Hospitalier Vétérinaire Frégis, 94110 Arcueil, France,
| | - Thomas Coutant
- Service des Nouveaux Animaux de Compagnie, Centre Hospitalier Vétérinaire Frégis, 94110 Arcueil, France
| | - Albert Phouratsamay
- Service des Nouveaux Animaux de Compagnie, Centre Hospitalier Vétérinaire Frégis, 94110 Arcueil, France
| | - Graham Zoller
- Unité des Nouveaux Animaux de Compagnie, Clinique Vétérinaire Only Vet, 69800 Saint-Priest, France
| | - Sophie Bagur
- Institut de l'Audition, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Minh Huynh
- Service des Nouveaux Animaux de Compagnie, Centre Hospitalier Vétérinaire Frégis, 94110 Arcueil, France
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14
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Pirompud P, Sivapirunthep P, Punyapornwithaya V, Chaosap C. Preslaughter handling factors affecting dead on arrival, condemnations, and bruising in broiler chickens raised without an antibiotic program. Poult Sci 2023; 102:102828. [PMID: 37354619 PMCID: PMC10404772 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.102828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In Thailand, knowledge about the factors affecting broiler losses during the preslaughter process is very limited, especially for broilers raised without an antibiotic program. The objective of this study was to determine the preslaughter factors that influence the incidence of dead on arrival (DOA), condemnations, and bruising in broilers raised without antibiotics. Data from 13,581 truckloads of broilers raised without an antibiotic program in 95 contract farms of one of Thailand's largest broiler producers in 2021 were analyzed using a generalized linear mixed model that accounted for farm as a random effect. Results showed that the following risk factors were associated with the occurrence of DOA, condemnations, and bruising: season, time of transport, sex, age at slaughter, mortality and culling rate, and weight per crate. While mean body weight affected the incidence of condemnations and bruising, transport time and lairage time affected DOA and bruising. Feed withdrawal time affected DOA and condemnations. Rearing stocking density only affected condemnation rate. Reducing or eliminating the effects of these risk factors could reduce production losses due to DOA, condemnations, and bruising, thereby improving animal welfare and producer profitability. Reducing weight per crate could reduce DOA, condemnations, and bruising. Reducing lairage time could reduce DOA and bruising, while reducing feed withdrawal time could reduce DOA and condemnations. Raising broilers at a younger age with a lower slaughter weight could prevent the occurrence of DOA, condemnations, and bruising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranee Pirompud
- Doctoral Program in Innovative Tropical Agricultures, Department of Agricultural Education, Faculty of Industrial Education and Technology, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520, Thailand
| | - Panneepa Sivapirunthep
- Department of Agricultural Education, Faculty of Industrial Education and Technology, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520, Thailand
| | - Veerasak Punyapornwithaya
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| | - Chanporn Chaosap
- Department of Agricultural Education, Faculty of Industrial Education and Technology, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok 10520, Thailand.
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15
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Effect of L-serine on circadian variation of cloacal and body surface temperatures in broiler chickens subjected to feed restriction during the hot-dry season. J Therm Biol 2023; 112:103445. [PMID: 36796900 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2022.103445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The study aimed to evaluate the effects of L-serine on circadian variation of body temperatures in feed-restricted broiler chickens during the hot-dry season. Day-old broiler chicks of both sexes served as subjects; comprising four groups of 30 chicks each: Group A: water ad libitum + 20% feed restriction (FR); Group B: feed and water ad libitum (AL); Group C: water ad libitum + 20% feed restriction + L-serine (200 mg/kg) (FR + L-serine); Group D feed and water ad libitum + L-serine (200 mg/kg) (AL + L-serine). Feed restriction was performed on days 7-14 and L-serine was administered on days 1-14. Cloacal and body surface temperatures, recorded by digital clinical and infra-red thermometers, respectively, and temperature-humidity index were obtained over 26 h on days 21, 28 and 35. Temperature-humidity index (28.07-34.03) indicated broiler chickens were subjected to heat stress. L-serine decreased (P < 0.05) cloacal temperature in FR + L-serine (40.86 ± 0.07 °C), compared to FR (41.26 ± 0.05 °C) and AL (41.42 ± 0.08 °C) broiler chickens. Peak cloacal temperature occurred at 15:00 h in FR (41.74 ± 0.21 °C), FR + L-serine (41.30 ± 0.41 °C) and AL (41.87 ± 0.16 °C) broiler chickens. Fluctuations in thermal environmental parameters influenced circadian rhythmicity of cloacal temperature; especially the body surface temperatures, positively correlated with CT, and wing temperature recorded the closest mesor. In conclusion, L-serine and feed restriction decreased cloacal and body surface temperatures in broiler chickens during the hot-dry season.
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16
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Di Giovanni J, Fawcett TW, Templeton CN, Raghav S, Boogert NJ. Urban gulls show similar thermographic and behavioral responses to human shouting and conspecific alarm calls. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.891985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid population growth and the urbanization of modern environments are markedly increasing human-wildlife conflict. Wild animals in urban landscapes can benefit from exploiting human resources, but are also exposed to increased risk of human-caused injury, which should favor the ability to perceive and respond to human cues. Although it is well known that domesticated animals use human cues that may indicate threats, less is known about wild animals living in urban environments. Herring gulls (Larus argentatus) in urban landscapes have adapted kleptoparasitic behaviors to obtain human food, often resulting in negative interactions with humans. Here we quantified both the behavioral and physiological responses of free-living urban herring gulls to human shouting. We presented urban gulls with a fake human food item and played back recordings of either a man shouting, a natural stressor (i.e., conspecific alarm call), or a neutral stimulus (i.e., robin song). We recorded behavioral responses and used non-invasive infrared thermography to measure eye-region surface temperature changes associated with the avian physiological stress response. We found that gulls exposed to shouting and to conspecific alarm calls showed similar changes in behavior (indicating high levels of vigilance) and eye-region surface temperature (indicating physiological stress). Both responses were significantly stronger than the responses to robin song. Additionally, the behavioral and physiological responses were positively correlated across individuals. Our results demonstrate that urban-dwelling gulls respond to human shouting and conspecific alarm calls in a similar way, and suggest that infrared thermography is a viable technique to monitor stress responses in free-living birds.
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17
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Meng T, Deng J, Xiao D, Arowolo MA, Liu C, Chen L, Deng W, He S, He J. Protective Effects and Potential Mechanisms of Dietary Resveratrol Supplementation on the Spleen of Broilers Under Heat Stress. Front Nutr 2022; 9:821272. [PMID: 35651504 PMCID: PMC9150503 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.821272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Resveratrol (RSV) is a natural polyphenolic compound with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of RSV supplementation on the inflammatory responses of broilers during heat stress. A total of 432 28-d-old white-feathered broilers (817 crossbred chicken) with an average weight of 549 ± 4 g were randomly allotted to 4 equal groups (Half male and half female, 6 replicates/group, 18 chickens/replicate), including normal temperature (NT) group (24 ± 2°C for 24 h/d, basal diet), NT+RSV group (24 ± 2°C for 24 h/d, basal diet + RSV), heat stress (HT) group (37 ± 2°C for 8 h/d, basal diet), and HT+RSV group (37 ± 2°C for 8 h/d, basal diet + RSV). Serum samples were collected on d 7 and 14 of heat stress, and thymus, spleen, jejunum, and bursa of Fabricius samples were collected and analyzed on d14. RSV treatment decreased the feed conversion ratio, partially reversed the negative alternations in body weight, average daily gain, and average daily feed intake caused by heat stress. RSV treatment also decreased the elevated levels of corticosterone on d 14, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and triiodothyronine in serum on d 7 caused by heat stress, and significantly increased the villus height to crypt depth ratio in the jejunum on d 14. Dietary RSV also reduced heat stress-induced splenic pro-inflammatory cytokine concentrations. TUNEL assay showed that RSV significantly reduced heat stress-induced the number of apoptotic cells. Remarkably, RSV down-regulated some splenic related genes for apoptosis genes, including BCL-2, Apaf-1, and MDM2 mRNA levels induced by heat stress. According to GO and KEGG enrichment analyses, the differential genes between HT and HT + RSV groups were mainly associated with immune system process, hematopoietic or lymphoid organ development, and toll-like receptor signaling pathway. The relative mRNA expression of NF-κB, heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), and p38 MAPK were markedly decreased by the combination of RSV and heat stress. These findings showed that RSV might reduce the splenic inflammatory response in heat-stressed white-feather broilers by inhibiting heat stress-induced activation of NF-B, MAPK, and HSP70, as well as inhibiting the activation of mitochondrial apoptotic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Meng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Juying Deng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Dingfu Xiao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | | | - Chunming Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Liang Chen
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Aquaculture, Huaihua Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Huaihua, China
| | - Wei Deng
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Aquaculture, Huaihua Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Huaihua, China
| | - Shaoping He
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianhua He
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China.,Institute of Animal Husbandry and Aquaculture, Huaihua Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Huaihua, China
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18
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Arfuso F, Acri G, Piccione G, Sansotta C, Fazio F, Giudice E, Giannetto C. Eye surface infrared thermography usefulness as a noninvasive method of measuring stress response in sheep during shearing: Correlations with serum cortisol and rectal temperature values. Physiol Behav 2022; 250:113781. [PMID: 35314176 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.113781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
During shearing, animals' welfare is adversely affected and acute stress occurs. Once animal perceives a threat, it develops behavioral, autonomic, endocrine or immune responses to maintain homeostasis. This study aimed to investigate the usefulness of eye temperature assessment by infrared thermography (IRT) to evaluate acute stress response in sheep undergoing a shearing procedure. From each animal, blood sampling, rectal and eye temperature assessment were performed before shearing (TPRE), 5 (TPOST5) and 60 (TPOST60) minutes after the end of shearing procedure. On blood samples the serum cortisol concentrations were evaluated. Rectal temperature (TRECTAL) was measured using a digital thermometer. Thermographic acquisitions of eye temperature were performed from the eye total area (TEYE) and from three regions of interest (lateral canthus, TROI-1; central cornea, TROI-2; medial canthus, TROI-3). One-way analysis of variance showed a significant increase of serum cortisol concentration, TRECTAL, TEYE and TROI-3 (p < 0.001). Serum cortisol was positively correlated with TRECTAL and TROI-3 at TPOST5 and TPOST60. TRECTAL resulted positively correlated with TROI-3 at TPRE, TPOST5 and TPOST60. Agreement between TRECTAL and each eye temperature considered (TEYE, TROI-1, TROI-2, TROI-3) has been shown by Bland-Altman plots at each time point of monitoring period. The findings obtained in the current survey suggest that the medial canthus is the most suitable region for eye temperature measurement to asses stress response in animals. Moreover, this study highlighted the usefulness of IRT as an immediate and non-invasive physiological measure to assess stress response in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Arfuso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo University Annunziata, 98168, Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Acri
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Piccione
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo University Annunziata, 98168, Messina, Italy.
| | - Carlo Sansotta
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Fazio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo University Annunziata, 98168, Messina, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Giudice
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo University Annunziata, 98168, Messina, Italy
| | - Claudia Giannetto
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo University Annunziata, 98168, Messina, Italy
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19
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Knoch S, Whiteside MA, Madden JR, Rose PE, Fawcett TW. Hot-headed peckers: thermographic changes during aggression among juvenile pheasants ( Phasianus colchicus). Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20200442. [PMID: 35000453 PMCID: PMC8743885 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2020.0442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In group-living vertebrates, dominance status often covaries with physiological measurements (e.g. glucocorticoid levels), but it is unclear how dominance is linked to dynamic changes in physiological state over a shorter, behavioural timescale. In this observational study, we recorded spontaneous aggression among captive juvenile pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) alongside infrared thermographic measurements of their external temperature, a non-invasive technique previously used to examine stress responses in non-social contexts, where peripheral blood is redirected towards the body core. We found low but highly significant repeatability in maximum head temperature, suggesting individually consistent thermal profiles, and some indication of lower head temperatures in more active behavioural states (e.g. walking compared to resting). These individual differences were partly associated with sex, females being cooler on average than males, but unrelated to body size. During pairwise aggressive encounters, we observed a non-monotonic temperature change, with head temperature dropping rapidly immediately prior to an attack and increasing rapidly afterwards, before returning to baseline levels. This nonlinear pattern was similar for birds in aggressor and recipient roles, but aggressors were slightly hotter on average. Our findings show that aggressive interactions induce rapid temperature changes in dominants and subordinates alike, and highlight infrared thermography as a promising tool for investigating the physiological basis of pecking orders in galliforms. This article is part of the theme issue 'The centennial of the pecking order: current state and future prospects for the study of dominance hierarchies'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Knoch
- Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour (CRAB), Washington Singer Laboratories, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QG, UK
- Institute of Psychology, University of Freiburg, Engelbergerstr. 41, 79085 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Mark A. Whiteside
- Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour (CRAB), Washington Singer Laboratories, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QG, UK
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Joah R. Madden
- Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour (CRAB), Washington Singer Laboratories, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QG, UK
| | - Paul E. Rose
- Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour (CRAB), Washington Singer Laboratories, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QG, UK
| | - Tim W. Fawcett
- Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour (CRAB), Washington Singer Laboratories, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QG, UK
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20
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Eye Region Surface Temperature and Corticosterone Response to Acute Stress in a High-Arctic Seabird, the Little Auk. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12040499. [PMID: 35203208 PMCID: PMC8868316 DOI: 10.3390/ani12040499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Measuring changes in surface body temperature (specifically in eye-region) in vertebrates using infrared thermography is increasingly applied for detection of the stress reaction. Here we investigated the relationship between the eye-region temperature (TEYE; measured with infrared thermography), the corticosterone level in blood (CORT; stress indicator in birds), and some covariates (ambient temperature, humidity, and sex/body size) in a High-Arctic seabird, the Little Auk Alle alle. The birds responded to the capture-restrain protocol (blood sampling at the moment of capturing, and after 30 min of restrain) by a significant TEYE and CORT increase. However, the strength of the TEYE and CORT response to acute stress were not correlated. It confirms the results of a recent study on other species and all together indicates that infrared thermography is a useful, non-invasive measure of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis reactivity under acute activation, but it might not be a suitable proxy for natural variation of circulating glucocorticoid levels.
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21
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Weimer SL, Wideman RF, Scanes CG, Mauromoustakos A, Christensen KD, Vizzier-Thaxton Y. Impact of experimentally induced bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis (BCO) lameness on health, stress, and leg health parameters in broilers. Poult Sci 2021; 100:101457. [PMID: 34607149 PMCID: PMC8496169 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2021.101457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress and lameness negatively affect the health, production, and welfare of broilers. Bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis (BCO) is a leading cause of stress and lameness in commercial broilers. External changes in skin temperature related to changes in blood flow can be detected with infrared thermography (IRT), offering a noninvasive tool to assess the health of animals. This study compared physiological and noninvasive measures of stress and lameness in clinically healthy and lame male broiler chickens between 25 and 56 d. Birds were raised in pens within separate environmental chambers containing either litter flooring (sound) or wire flooring, with the latter established to induce BCO lameness (lame). Physiological and noninvasive measures of stress and lameness were collected: body weight, (BW), relative bursa weight, core body temperature, corticosterone (CORT) concentrations in serum and feathers, surface temperatures of the head (eye and beak) and leg (hock, shank, and foot) regions by infrared thermography (IRT), leg blood oxygen saturation (leg O2), and BCO lesion severity scores of tibial head necrosis (THN) and femoral head necrosis (FHN). Lame birds exhibited greater FHN and THN lesion severities, core body temperatures, and serum CORT (P < 0.05), but had lower BW, relative bursa weight, leg O2, and IRT surface temperatures of the beak, hock, shank, and foot compared with sound birds (P < 0.05). The difference in THN lesion severity between sound and lame birds decreased with age. Linear relationships between leg O2 with IRT leg surface temperatures were positive and negative between leg O2 with BCO lesion severity (P < 0.05). There were negative correlations between serum CORT with hock, shank and foot temperatures (P < 0.001), indicating that BCO is stressful. These results indicate that birds lame from BCO are stressed, have reduced oxygen saturation of blood in their legs, and that IRT surface temperatures can be used as noninvasive indicators of stress and lameness in broilers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawna L Weimer
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
| | - Robert F Wideman
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Colin G Scanes
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Andy Mauromoustakos
- Agricultural Statistics Lab, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
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Iyasere OS, Oyeniran VJ, Durosaro SO, Fafiolu AO, Ojelade OC, Ajayi OD. Comparative study on stress-induced hyperthermia, level of fear and behaviour of two genetically selected strains of domestic chicks to playback calls. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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23
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Infrared Thermography in the Study of Animals' Emotional Responses: A Critical Review. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11092510. [PMID: 34573476 PMCID: PMC8464846 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Assessing animal welfare has proven to be a challenging task with important consequences for their management. In the last few years, infrared thermography has gained increasing scientific consensus as a method to analyze emotional reactions to different stimuli in different taxa. This review aims to explore particularly the use of infrared thermography in the assessment of animals’ emotions, mainly focusing on pets, laboratory, and husbandry animals. If properly used, this technique has proven to be a noninvasive, reliable method to identify emotional activations. Abstract Whether animals have emotions was historically a long-lasting question but, today, nobody disputes that they do. However, how to assess them and how to guarantee animals their welfare have become important research topics in the last 20 years. Infrared thermography (IRT) is a method to record the electromagnetic radiation emitted by bodies. It can indirectly assess sympathetic and parasympathetic activity via the modification of temperature of different body areas, caused by different phenomena such as stress-induced hyperthermia or variation in blood flow. Compared to other emotional activation assessment methods, IRT has the advantage of being noninvasive, allowing use without the risk of influencing animals’ behavior or physiological responses. This review describes general principles of IRT functioning, as well as its applications in studies regarding emotional reactions of domestic animals, with a brief section dedicated to the experiments on wildlife; it analyzes potentialities and possible flaws, confronting the results obtained in different taxa, and discusses further opportunities for IRT in studies about animal emotions.
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Neethirajan S. The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Assessing Affective States in Livestock. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:715261. [PMID: 34409091 PMCID: PMC8364945 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.715261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to promote the welfare of farm animals, there is a need to be able to recognize, register and monitor their affective states. Numerous studies show that just like humans, non-human animals are able to feel pain, fear and joy amongst other emotions, too. While behaviorally testing individual animals to identify positive or negative states is a time and labor consuming task to complete, artificial intelligence and machine learning open up a whole new field of science to automatize emotion recognition in production animals. By using sensors and monitoring indirect measures of changes in affective states, self-learning computational mechanisms will allow an effective categorization of emotions and consequently can help farmers to respond accordingly. Not only will this possibility be an efficient method to improve animal welfare, but early detection of stress and fear can also improve productivity and reduce the need for veterinary assistance on the farm. Whereas affective computing in human research has received increasing attention, the knowledge gained on human emotions is yet to be applied to non-human animals. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach should be taken to combine fields such as affective computing, bioengineering and applied ethology in order to address the current theoretical and practical obstacles that are yet to be overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh Neethirajan
- Farmworx, Animal Sciences Department, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
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25
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Mota-Rojas D, Wang D, Titto CG, Gómez-Prado J, Carvajal-de la Fuente V, Ghezzi M, Boscato-Funes L, Barrios-García H, Torres-Bernal F, Casas-Alvarado A, Martínez-Burnes J. Pathophysiology of Fever and Application of Infrared Thermography (IRT) in the Detection of Sick Domestic Animals: Recent Advances. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:2316. [PMID: 34438772 PMCID: PMC8388492 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Body-temperature elevations are multifactorial in origin and classified as hyperthermia as a rise in temperature due to alterations in the thermoregulation mechanism; the body loses the ability to control or regulate body temperature. In contrast, fever is a controlled state, since the body adjusts its stable temperature range to increase body temperature without losing the thermoregulation capacity. Fever refers to an acute phase response that confers a survival benefit on the body, raising core body temperature during infection or systemic inflammation processes to reduce the survival and proliferation of infectious pathogens by altering temperature, restriction of essential nutrients, and the activation of an immune reaction. However, once the infection resolves, the febrile response must be tightly regulated to avoid excessive tissue damage. During fever, neurological, endocrine, immunological, and metabolic changes occur that cause an increase in the stable temperature range, which allows the core body temperature to be considerably increased to stop the invasion of the offending agent and restrict the damage to the organism. There are different metabolic mechanisms of thermoregulation in the febrile response at the central and peripheral levels and cellular events. In response to cold or heat, the brain triggers thermoregulatory responses to coping with changes in body temperature, including autonomic effectors, such as thermogenesis, vasodilation, sweating, and behavioral mechanisms, that trigger flexible, goal-oriented actions, such as seeking heat or cold, nest building, and postural extension. Infrared thermography (IRT) has proven to be a reliable method for the early detection of pathologies affecting animal health and welfare that represent economic losses for farmers. However, the standardization of protocols for IRT use is still needed. Together with the complete understanding of the physiological and behavioral responses involved in the febrile process, it is possible to have timely solutions to serious problem situations. For this reason, the present review aims to analyze the new findings in pathophysiological mechanisms of the febrile process, the heat-loss mechanisms in an animal with fever, thermoregulation, the adverse effects of fever, and recent scientific findings related to different pathologies in farm animals through the use of IRT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Mota-Rojas
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, Unidad Xochimilco, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City 04960, Mexico; (J.G.-P.); (L.B.-F.); (F.T.-B.); (A.C.-A.)
| | - Dehua Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China;
| | - Cristiane Gonçalves Titto
- Laboratório de Biometeorologia e Etologia, FZEA-USP, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, Brazil;
| | - Jocelyn Gómez-Prado
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, Unidad Xochimilco, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City 04960, Mexico; (J.G.-P.); (L.B.-F.); (F.T.-B.); (A.C.-A.)
| | - Verónica Carvajal-de la Fuente
- Animal Health Group, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Ciudad Victoria 87000, Mexico; (V.C.-d.l.F.); (H.B.-G.)
| | - Marcelo Ghezzi
- Animal Welfare Area, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences (FCV), Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (UNCPBA), Buenos Aires 7000, Argentina;
| | - Luciano Boscato-Funes
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, Unidad Xochimilco, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City 04960, Mexico; (J.G.-P.); (L.B.-F.); (F.T.-B.); (A.C.-A.)
| | - Hugo Barrios-García
- Animal Health Group, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Ciudad Victoria 87000, Mexico; (V.C.-d.l.F.); (H.B.-G.)
| | - Fabiola Torres-Bernal
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, Unidad Xochimilco, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City 04960, Mexico; (J.G.-P.); (L.B.-F.); (F.T.-B.); (A.C.-A.)
| | - Alejandro Casas-Alvarado
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, Unidad Xochimilco, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City 04960, Mexico; (J.G.-P.); (L.B.-F.); (F.T.-B.); (A.C.-A.)
| | - Julio Martínez-Burnes
- Animal Health Group, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Ciudad Victoria 87000, Mexico; (V.C.-d.l.F.); (H.B.-G.)
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Validation of Eye Temperature Assessed Using Infrared Thermography as an Indicator of Welfare in Horses. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11167186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to validate eye temperature (ET) assessed using infrared thermography (IRT) as an indicator of welfare in horses. Moreover, this study aimed to determine the most accurate position for ET measured using IRT and to validate this approach as a gold-standard measurement method. As the quantitative data obtained by IRT have strongly influenced the ET results depending on the specific location of the measurement area, an accurate definition of the regions of interest (ROI) was established. A total of 176 horses (Thoroughbred, Warmblood, and Halla horses) were used at the racing course of the Korea Racing Authority and public horse-riding clubs in South Korea. The present study also compared temperatures among three ROIs of the eye—lacrimal sac, medial canthus, and lateral canthus—at rest. Correlations between ET, rectal temperature (RT), heart rate (HR), and respiratory rate (RR) were assessed. There were no significant correlations between HR, RR or RT; however, among the three ROIs, the temperature of the medial canthus was positively correlated with RT (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the size of ROI was negatively correlated with accuracy of temperature measurement. These results indicate that the most suitable area for ET measurement using IRT in horses is the medial canthus, and it is recommended to use the average temperature of the smallest ROIs (2 × 2 pixels) for temperature analysis. Therefore, this study offers a validated protocol in which ET measured using IRT in the horses is useful as an indicator of welfare.
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27
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The Sequential Behavior Pattern Analysis of Broiler Chickens Exposed to Heat Stress. AGRIENGINEERING 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/agriengineering3030030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Broiler productivity is dependent on a range of variables; among them, the rearing environment is a significant factor for proper well-being and productivity. Behavior indicates the bird’s initial response to an adverse environment and is capable of providing an indicator of well-being in real-time. The present study aims to identify and characterize the sequential pattern of broilers’ behavior when exposed to thermoneutral conditions (TNZ) and thermal stress (HS) by constant heat. The research was carried out in a climatic chamber with 18 broilers under thermoneutral conditions and heat stress for three consecutive days (at three different ages). The behavior database was first analyzed using one-way ANOVA, Tukey test by age, and Boxplot graphs, and then the sequence of the behaviors was evaluated using the generalized sequential pattern (GSP) algorithm. We were able to predict behavioral patterns at the different temperatures assessed from the behavioral sequences. Birds in HS were prostrate, identified by the shorter behavioral sequence, such as the {Lying down, Eating} pattern, unlike TNZ ({Lying down, Walking, Drinking, Walking, Lying down}), which indicates a tendency to increase behaviors (feeding and locomotor activities) that guarantee the better welfare of the birds. The sequence of behaviors ‘Lying down’ followed by ‘Lying laterally’ occurred only in HS, which represents a stressful thermal environment for the bird. Using the pattern mining sequences approach, we were able to identify temporal relationships between thermal stress and broiler behavior, confirming the need for further studies on the use of temporal behavior sequences in environmental controllers.
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28
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Examining the catching, carrying, and crating process during depopulation of end-of-lay hens. J APPL POULTRY RES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.japr.2020.100115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Influences on Infrared Thermography of the Canine Eye in Relation to the Stress and Arousal of Racing Greyhounds. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11010103. [PMID: 33419209 PMCID: PMC7825601 DOI: 10.3390/ani11010103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary To improve the welfare of racing greyhounds, the identification of stressful industry practices is required. One potential method for monitoring stress in greyhounds is infrared thermography, which measures surface temperature. This article reports on the use of eye temperature, which may increase after a stressful event. The location on the eye that temperature is taken from is likely to be critical to the measurements. This study monitored 465 greyhounds racing at three racetracks in New South Wales. It found that the right eye and lacrimal caruncle (the inner corner of the eye) revealed temperature changes most effectively. Eye temperatures increased after racing, which may be due to physical exertion, stress and arousal. Additionally, eye temperature was higher in dogs that waited longer to race. Dogs at Richmond racetrack had lower eye temperatures before racing, but higher eye temperatures after racing compared to those at the Wentworth Park and Gosford racetrack. Other factors that increased eye temperature included humidity and a dog’s coat colour, age and final placing. Greyhounds that have light-coloured coats, are younger or placed poorly may be more stressed after racing. These factors need to be considered so that stress can be accurately detected. Abstract Infrared thermography (IRT) can be used to identify stressors associated with greyhound racing procedures. However, factors unrelated to stress may influence measurements. Validation of an eye side (right or left) and a reference point on the eye is required if IRT is to be standardised for industry use. Infrared images of greyhound heads (n = 465) were taken pre-racing and post-racing at three racetracks. Average temperature was recorded at seven different locations on each eye. A multivariate analysis model determined how several factors influenced eye temperature (ET) pre-racing and post-racing. As expected, ET increased after racing, which may be attributed to physical exertion, stress and arousal. The right eye and lacrimal caruncle had the highest sensitivity to temperature changes and could be considered reference points for future studies. Additionally, dogs that raced later had higher ET, and Richmond racetrack had the lowest pre-race ET, but the highest post-race ET. This may suggest that arousal increases as the race meet progresses and certain track attributes could increase stress. Furthermore, ET increased as humidity increased, and higher post-race ET was associated with light-coloured, young and low-performing dogs. Environmental and biological factors need to be considered if IRT is to become accurate in the detection of canine stress and monitoring of greyhound welfare.
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30
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Ross M, Rausch Q, Vandenberg B, Mason G. Hens with benefits: Can environmental enrichment make chickens more resilient to stress? Physiol Behav 2020; 226:113077. [PMID: 32738316 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2020.113077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Resilience, the degree to which individuals are physiologically and behaviourally impacted by stressors, can be enhanced by positive experiences (e.g. positive moods in human, environmental enrichment in rodents). Such effects are important for human health, but could also have important animal welfare implications in terms of farm, laboratory and zoo animals' abilities to cope with stressors. Here we investigated whether enrichments can increase resilience in chickens, the world's most abundant agricultural animal. The stress reactivity of laying hens housed for 5-6 weeks in enriched environments was compared to that of controls housed in smaller, emptier, less preferred pens, via: 1) startle reflex amplitudes to an abrupt, intense sensory stimulus (a light flash); and 2) autonomic responses to restraint and the sudden appearance of a novel object, assessed from decreases in comb temperature. Startle amplitudes were consistently reduced in the enriched hens, exerted with around one sixth the force seen in control hens. Maximum comb temperature decreases, and latencies for comb temperatures to return to prestress levels, also both fell by around a third. Enrichment thus reduced hens' intrinsic behavioural and physiological responses to standardized stressors (doing so even outside the home pen), just as occurs in laboratory rodents. Enrichment also reduced baseline comb temperature, suggesting that this could be a non-invasive indicator of welfare. Altered judgment biases did not seem to be the mechanism. Further work should now investigate the processes underlying the apparently enhanced stress resilience of animals housed in preferred conditions, and also investigate baseline comb temperature as a chronic stress indicator in poultry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misha Ross
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph 50 Stone Road East Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1 Canada
| | - Quinn Rausch
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph 50 Stone Road East Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1 Canada
| | - Brittany Vandenberg
- Ontario Veterinary College (Class of 2022), University of Guelph 50 Stone Road East Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1 Canada
| | - Georgia Mason
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph 50 Stone Road East Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1 Canada.
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31
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Levy I, Allender MC, Keller KA. Comparison of axillary and inguinal body temperature to rectal temperature in healthy guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus). J Exot Pet Med 2020. [DOI: 10.1053/j.jepm.2020.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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32
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A Pilot Study of Methods for Evaluating the Effects of Arousal and Emotional Valence on Performance of Racing Greyhounds. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10061037. [PMID: 32549411 PMCID: PMC7341205 DOI: 10.3390/ani10061037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Racing greyhounds in Australia may have their racing careers ended early if they do not reliably chase the lure. It is not known why greyhounds bred specifically to chase may fail to do so, but possible reasons may be they are overly distressed by the race meet environment, or they get frustrated that they are not able to capture the lure. The current study sought ways to investigate these possibilities by exploring potential indicators of arousal and frustration in greyhounds at race meets across three different racetracks in New South Wales (NSW). Eye temperature offers a non-invasive, objective way to assess arousal. Behaviour thought to indicate arousal was also recorded. Finally, behaviour was recorded at the end of races to seek indications of frustration. Greyhounds that were older and had higher eye temperatures after the race performed worse in their races. Eye temperature before races was affected by the racetrack at which the race meet was held as well as the race number, suggesting some tracks may be more stressful for greyhounds than others, and that kennelling is probably a source of ongoing distress at race meets. Frustration-related behaviours were common at two of the tracks but less common at the third, where toys were available in the catch pen. Abstract The racing greyhound industry in Australia has come under scrutiny in recent years due to animal welfare concerns, including wastage where physically sound greyhounds fail to enter or are removed from the racing industry because of poor performance. The reasons why some greyhounds perform poorly in racing are not well understood, but may include insufficient reinforcement for racing or negative affective states in response to the race meet environment. The current study investigated ways to measure affective states of greyhounds (n = 525) at race meets across three racetracks and the factors influencing performance by collecting behavioural and demographic data, and infrared thermographic images of greyhounds’ eyes at race meets. Increasing Eye Temp After had a negative association with performance (n = 290, Effect = −0.173, s.e. = 0.074, p-value = 0.027), as did increasing age (n = 290, Effect = −0.395, s.e. = 0.136, p-value = 0.004). The start box number also had a significant association, with boxes 4, 5 and 7 having an inverse relationship with performance. There was a significant effect of racetrack on mean eye temperatures before and after the race (n = 442, Effect = 1.910, s.e. = 0.274, p-value < 0.001; Effect = 1.595, s.e. = 0.1221, p-value < 0.001 for Gosford and Wentworth respectively), suggesting that some tracks may be inherently more stressful for greyhounds than others. Mean eye temperature before the race increased as the race meet progressed (n = 442, Effect = 0.103, s.e. = 0.002, p-value < 0.001). Behaviours that may indicate frustration in the catching pen were extremely common at two of the tracks but much less common at the third, where toys attached to bungees were used to draw greyhounds into the catching pen.
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Soroko M, Zaborski D. Investigation of the effects of probiotic, Bacillus subtilis on stress reactions in laying hens using infrared thermography. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0234117. [PMID: 32525895 PMCID: PMC7292008 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The goal of the study was to assess whether tonic immobility (TI)-induced stress reactions in laying hens can be reduced by probiotic supplementation and if the changes in body surface temperature, as a stress indicator, are genetically dependent and can be detected using infrared thermography (IRT). Seventy-one white and 70 brown hens were used. Hens were randomly assigned to three treatments at 1-day-old: beak trimmed and fed a regular diet; non-beak trimmed and fed a regular diet; and non-beak trimmed and fed a diet supplemented with probiotics, Bacillus subtilis. At 40 weeks of age, hens were tested for TI reactions. Eye and face temperatures were measured with IRT immediately before and after TI testing. Results revealed that the probiotic supplementation did not affect hens' stress responses to TI testing; the left and right eye temperatures increased by 0.26s°C and 0.15°C, respectively, while right face temperature tended to increase following TI testing. However, the right eye (32.60°C for white, and 32.35°C for brown) and face (39.51°C for white, and 39.36°C for brown) temperatures differed significantly among genetic lines. There was a positive correlation between TI duration and the changes of the left and right eye temperatures after TI testing in white hens. Based on these results, hens experienced TI-induced surface temperature changes that were detectable using IRT. White hens experienced greater stress reactions in response to TI than brown hens. However, supplementation with Bacillus subtilis did not attenuate hens' reaction to TI testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Soroko
- Department of Horse Breeding and Equestrian Studies, Institute of Animal
Breeding, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw,
Poland
| | - Daniel Zaborski
- Department of Ruminants Science, West Pomeranian University of
Technology, Szczecin, Poland
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Sutherland MA, Worth GM, Dowling SK, Lowe GL, Cave VM, Stewart M. Evaluation of infrared thermography as a non-invasive method of measuring the autonomic nervous response in sheep. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233558. [PMID: 32469977 PMCID: PMC7259670 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Eye temperature measured using infrared thermography (IRT) can be used as a non-invasive measure of autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity in cattle. The objective of this study was to evaluate if changes in eye temperature (measured using IRT) can be used to non-invasively measure ANS activity in sheep. Twenty, 2 to 4-year-old, Romney ewes were randomly assigned to receive either epinephrine (EPI) or physiological saline (SAL) for 5 min administered via jugular catheter (n = 10 ewes/treatment). Eye temperature (°C) was recorded continuously using IRT for approximately 25 min before and 20 min after the start of infusion. Heart rate and heart rate variability, measured using the root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) and the standard deviation of all inter-beat intervals (SDNN), were recorded for 5 min before and up to 10 min after the start of infusion. Blood samples were taken before and after the infusion period to measure plasma epinephrine, norepinephrine, cortisol and packed cell volume (PCV) concentrations. During the infusion period, maximum eye temperature was on average higher (P<0.05) in sheep that received epinephrine than those that received saline. On average, heart rate was higher (SAL: 87.5 beats/min, EPI: 123.2 beats/min, SED = 7.07 beats/min; P<0.05), and RMSSD (SAL: 55.3 ms, EPI: 17.3 ms, SED = 14.18 ms) and SDNN (SAL: 54.3 ms, EPI: 21.5 ms, SED = 10.00 ms) lower (P<0.05) in ewes during the 5 min post-infusion period compared with ewes that received saline. An infusion of epinephrine resulted in higher geometric mean epinephrine (P<0.05) and cortisol (P<0.05) but not norepinephrine (P>0.05) concentrations in ewes compared to an infusion of saline. PCV concentrations were higher (P<0.001) by 7 ± 1.0% (mean±SED) in ewes after an epinephrine infusion. These results suggest that heart rate variability is a sensitive, non-invasive method that can be used to measure ANS activity in sheep, whereas change in eye temperature measured using IRT is a less sensitive method.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gemma M. Worth
- AgResearch Ltd., Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | | | - Gemma L. Lowe
- AgResearch Ltd., Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Vanessa M. Cave
- AgResearch Ltd., Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Mairi Stewart
- AgResearch Ltd., Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton, New Zealand
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Weimer SL, Wideman RF, Scanes CG, Mauromoustakos A, Christensen KD, Vizzier-Thaxton Y. Broiler stress responses to light intensity, flooring type, and leg weakness as assessed by heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratios, serum corticosterone, infrared thermography, and latency to lie. Poult Sci 2020; 99:3301-3311. [PMID: 32616223 PMCID: PMC7597826 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2020.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress and leg weakness are detrimental to broiler production, health, and welfare. Traditional methods to evaluate stress may be stressful to the bird because they are invasive and require handling and restraint. Two studies examined the effects of light intensity and flooring on the following in broilers: 1) traditional methods for assessing stress using heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratios and serum corticosterone (CORT) concentrations, 2) noninvasive measures of stress from infrared thermography (IRT) eye and beak surface temperatures, and 3) latency-to-lie (LTL) test times of birds tested individually and in groups of 5. Day-of-hatch male broiler chicks were placed into 6 pens (N = 120 chicks/pen). At 1 wk, pens were allocated to 3 light intensity treatments (2, 5, or 10 lux). At 4 wk, half of the birds from each pen were moved to a pen with wire flooring and the same light intensity. At 1, 4, 5, and 8 wk, blood samples were collected and IRT images of the heads of 5 clinically healthy broilers from each pen were captured. In study 2, IRT images of the heads of birds that became lame in the wire flooring pens were taken. There were no treatment effects on the LTL times of birds tested in groups or individually (P > 0.05). On day 56 in study 1, birds on wire flooring had elevated heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratios and CORT concentrations (P ≤ 0.002) and depressed IRT eye and beak temperatures (P < 0.0001). In both studies, there were negative correlations between CORT concentrations and IRT beak surface temperatures (P < 0.05). Lame birds had lower IRT eye and beak surface temperatures than sound birds (P ≤ 0.004), and the IRT beak surface temperatures of lame birds were lower than their eye surface temperatures (P = 0.004) in study 2. These studies indicate that the IRT surface temperatures of the eye, and more distinctly of the beak, can be used as sensitive noninvasive indicators of stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawna L Weimer
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA.
| | - Robert F Wideman
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Colin G Scanes
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Andy Mauromoustakos
- Agricultural Statistics Lab, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Karen D Christensen
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA; Office of Animal Welfare, Tyson Foods, Springdale, AR 72762, USA
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36
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Cândido MGL, Tinôco IFF, Albino LFT, Freitas LCSR, Santos TC, Cecon PR, Gates RS. Effects of heat stress on pullet cloacal and body temperature. Poult Sci 2020; 99:2469-2477. [PMID: 32359582 PMCID: PMC7597385 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2019.11.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
One measure of the thermal status of poultry is cloacal temperature measured with a cloacal thermometer; however, this method requires handling the bird, is invasive, and can be stressful. Infrared thermography is an alternative means for assessing bird thermal status. The objective of this study was to investigate the body temperature response of pullets subjected to different environmental air temperatures during the growing phase and to evaluate the relationship between the cloacal temperature and the body parts surface temperature. A total of 648 chicks (Lohmann LSL Lite) were used in 2 different phases, phase I (day 1 through 6 wk of age) and phase II (week 7 through 17). During phase I, chicks were reared at 1 of 3 different thermal environments: thermal comfort (35°C–19°C), mild heat stress (38°C–22°C), or mild cold stress (28°C–17°C). In phase II, pullets were randomly redistributed to 1 of 4 daytime temperature treatments: 20°C; 25°C; 30°C; and 35°C, all with night time temperature of 20°C. Cloacal temperature and body surface temperature for 8 parts (head, eye, comb, chest, back, wing, leg, head area, and body area) were obtained weekly from 4 to 2 birds per treatment, respectively, during phase II. There were no effects for the interactions between the 2 experimental phases for cloacal and body parts surface temperature. There was a strong correlation (P < 0.001) between cloacal temperature and each body part temperature; cloacal temperature followed a quadratic response to environmental air temperature treatments. Pullets subjected to 35°C/20°C and 30°C/20°C had the highest body parts temperatures compared with the other 2 treatments (P < 0.05). The leg surface temperature was greatest in all treatments, and the chest the lowest. Regression between cloacal and body parts temperature had a 95% predictive accuracy of better than 0.4°C, suggesting a useful alternative to direct cloacal temperature measurement.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G L Cândido
- Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG 36570-900, Brazil.
| | - I F F Tinôco
- Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG 36570-900, Brazil
| | - L F T Albino
- Department of Animal Sciences, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG 36570-900, Brazil
| | - L C S R Freitas
- Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG 36570-900, Brazil
| | - T C Santos
- Department of Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG 36570-900, Brazil
| | - P R Cecon
- Department of Statistics, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG 36570-900, Brazil
| | - R S Gates
- Egg Industry Center, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
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37
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McGowan NE, Scantlebury DM, Cowan E, Burch KJ, Maule AG, Marks NJ. Dietary effects on pelage emissivity in mammals: Implications for infrared thermography. J Therm Biol 2020; 88:102516. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2020.102516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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38
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Oke OE, Alo ET, Oke FO, Oyebamiji YA, Ijaiya MA, Odefemi MA, Kazeem RY, Soyode AA, Aruwajoye OM, Ojo RT, Adeosun SM, Onagbesan OM. Early age thermal manipulation on the performance and physiological response of broiler chickens under hot humid tropical climate. J Therm Biol 2020; 88:102517. [PMID: 32125994 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2020.102517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Initial brooding temperature is critical for post-hatch growth of broiler chickens. A study was conducted to investigate the early age thermal manipulation (EATM) on the performance and physiological responses broiler chickens under hot humid tropical climate. A total of 260 unsexed day-old Arbor-acre broiler chicks were assigned to five thermal treatments of brooding temperature regimens having 4 replicates of thirteen birds each. The heat treatments were: initial brooding temperature of 35 °C for the first 2 days, and then decreased subsequently, gradually to 22 °C at 21 d of age (CT), initial temperature of 35 °C, sustained for the first 4 days and then decreased gradually (conventionally) (FD), initial temperature of 35 °C for the first 7 days (SD), the birds in CT, but the brooding temperature was raised to 35 °C again for another 3 days from day 7 (SD3), initial brooding temperature of 35 °C for the first 10 days (TD). Data were collected on daily feed intake and weekly body weights. Blood samples were collected from 8 birds per treatment weekly for the determination of plasma uric acid, triglycerides, triiodothyronine (T3) and creatinine kinase. Data obtained were laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Results showed that the final weights of the birds in FD were higher (P < 0.05) than those of the other treatments at the finisher phase. Feed intake of the birds in FD was higher than those of SD3 and TD. FCR of broiler chickens in CT, SD, SD3 and TD was higher than that of FD. The rectal temperature, plasma MDA and blood glucose of the thermally challenged birds in FD was generally better (P < 0.05) than those of the other treatments. It was concluded that EATM can be used to improve performance and also protect broiler chickens from acute heat stress at market age.
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Affiliation(s)
- O E Oke
- Department of Animal Physiology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; Laboratory of Poultry Production Techniques, Center of Excellent in Poultry Sciences, University of Lome, Lome, Togo.
| | - E T Alo
- Department of Animal Physiology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | - F O Oke
- Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | - Y A Oyebamiji
- Department of Animal Physiology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | - M A Ijaiya
- Department of Animal Physiology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | - M A Odefemi
- Department of Animal Physiology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | - R Y Kazeem
- Department of Animal Physiology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | - A A Soyode
- Department of Animal Physiology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | - O M Aruwajoye
- Department of Animal Physiology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | - R T Ojo
- Department of Animal Physiology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | - S M Adeosun
- Department of Animal Physiology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | - O M Onagbesan
- Department of Animal Physiology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
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39
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Turpen KK, Welle KR, Trail JL, Patel SD, Allender MC. Establishing Stress Behaviors in Response to Manual Restraint in Cockatiels ( Nymphicus hollandicus). J Avian Med Surg 2019; 33:38-45. [PMID: 31124610 DOI: 10.1647/2017-315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Avian patients are presented commonly to veterinarians for preventive and disease-induced care. Physical examinations commonly are used to assess the overall patient, but this requires manual restraint, which often leads to increased stress and subsequent deleterious effects. To develop a noninvasive evaluation of the stress response in cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus), we evaluated the behavior of 26 juvenile cockatiels during their normal daily routine and after an acute stressful event (manual restraint and physical examination). Nonstressed behavior budgets were established by performing quantitative ethograms using 10-minute focal animal sampling methods with point samples recorded every 5 seconds. The ethograms then were repeated after a >10-minute restraint period for physical examination and venipuncture. Plasma corticosterone levels at baseline (<3 minutes) and after stress (>10 minutes) were compared to accompanying behaviors. Plasma corticosterone levels significantly increased after restraint. Overall, reactionary behaviors and inactivity increased, while locomotion, feeding, interaction with the environment, and displays of aggression decreased in the stressed birds. Maintenance behaviors were not significantly different before and after restraint, but the subjective character changed, with stressed birds displaying an increase in behaviors that were short in duration with minimal decrease in vigilance. Our results will be helpful to develop a method of quantifying stress in companion avian patients by using behavioral indicators. However, further study into specific behaviors of significance is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine K Turpen
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Kenneth R Welle
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Jennifer L Trail
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Seema D Patel
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Matthew C Allender
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Urbana, IL 61802, USA.,Wildlife Epidemiology Lab, University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
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40
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Jerem P, Jenni-Eiermann S, McKeegan D, McCafferty DJ, Nager RG. Eye region surface temperature dynamics during acute stress relate to baseline glucocorticoids independently of environmental conditions. Physiol Behav 2019; 210:112627. [PMID: 31348931 PMCID: PMC6739691 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2019.112627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Reactions to acute stressors are critical for survival. Yet, the challenges of assessing underlying physiological processes in the field limit our understanding of how variation in the acute stress response relates to fitness in free-living animals. Glucocorticoid secretion during acute stress can be measured from blood plasma concentrations, but each blood sample can only provide information for one point in time. Also, the number of samples that can be extracted from an individual in the field is usually limited to avoid compromising welfare. This restricts capacity for repeated assessment, and therefore temporal resolution of findings within- and between-acute stress responses - both of which are important for determining links between acute stress and fitness. Acute stress induces additional body surface temperature changes that can be measured non-invasively, and at high frequencies using thermal imaging, offering opportunities to overcome these limitations. But, this method's usefulness in the field depends on the extent that environmental conditions affect the body surface temperature response, which remains poorly understood. We assessed the relative importance of individual physiology (baseline glucocorticoid concentrations) and environmental conditions (air temperature and relative humidity) in determining the eye region surface temperature (Teye) response to acute stress, in wild blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) during trapping, handling and blood sampling. When controlling for between-individual baseline variation, Teye initially dropped rapidly below, and then recovered above baseline, before declining more slowly until the end of the test, 160 s after trap closure. One measure of the amplitude of this response - the size of the initial drop in Teye - was dependent on environmental conditions, but not baseline corticosterone. Whereas, two properties defining response dynamics - the timing of the initial drop, and the slope of the subsequent recovery - were related to baseline corticosterone concentrations, independently of environmental conditions. This suggests inferring the acute stress response using thermal imaging of Teye will be practical under fluctuating environmental conditions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Jerem
- Department of Evolution, Behaviour and Environment, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, UK.
| | | | - Dorothy McKeegan
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Dominic J McCafferty
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Ruedi G Nager
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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41
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Anderson J, Kaplan-Stein S, Adolph S, Peralta JM. Assessment of Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer Measurement Sites in Birds. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2019; 23:131-139. [PMID: 31526053 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2019.1664303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The standard method of obtaining body temperature in a bird can be a stressful event, making routine evaluations challenging. Twenty-eight privately owned birds in good health were enrolled in the study to compare digital and infrared (IR) temperature readings. Digital thermometer readings in the cloaca were compared with two different IR thermometers, Ototemp (OT) and VetTemp (VT), used at the skin of the cloaca, breast, axillary area and tympanic membrane. The majority of the IR temperature readings were not significantly different from the cloacal digital reading. Additionally, the different IR thermometers read close to each other at individual reading sites. The IR measurements at the axilla (OT, mean = 40.35°C, SD = 1.24°C; VT, mean = 40.20°C, SD = 1.38°C) were most similar to the standard cloacal measurement (mean = 40.83°C, SD = 0.88°C). For veterinarians who currently avoid measuring cloacal body temperatures to prevent unnecessary stress on avian patients utilizing IR thermometers in the axillary region provide a less invasive and reasonable measurement of core body temperature in birds to allow for a more comprehensive assessment of health status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Anderson
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
| | | | - Stephen Adolph
- Department of Biology, Harvey Mudd College, Claremont California, USA
| | - Jose M Peralta
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA
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42
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Campbell DLM, Taylor PS, Hernandez CE, Stewart M, Belson S, Lee C. An attention bias test to assess anxiety states in laying hens. PeerJ 2019; 7:e7303. [PMID: 31333910 PMCID: PMC6626526 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.7303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Fear is a response to a known threat, anxiety is a response to a perceived threat. Both of these affective states can be detrimental to animal welfare in modern housing environments. In comparison to the well-validated tests for assessing fear in laying hens, tests for measuring anxiety are less developed. Perception of a threat can result in an attention bias that may indicate anxious affective states in individual hens following playback of an alarm call. In Experiment 1, an attention bias test was applied to hens that differed in their range access to show that hens that never ranged were more vigilant (stretching of the neck and looking around: P < 0.001) and slower to feed following the second alarm call playback (P = 0.01) compared with hens that ranged daily. All hens showed a reduction in comb temperature following the first alarm call (P < 0.001). In Experiment 2, an open field test was used to determine an effective dose of 2 mg/kg for the anxiogenic drug meta-Chlorophenylpiperazine (m-CPP) in adult laying hens. Hens dosed with 2 mg/kg showed reduced locomotion compared with a saline solution (P < 0.05). In Experiment 3, 2 mg/kg m-CPP or saline was administered to adult hens previously habituated to the open field arena to pharmacologically validate an attention bias test as a measure of anxiety. Hens dosed with m-CPP were slower to feed (P = 0.02) and faster to vocalize following a second alarm call playback (P = 0.03) but these hens did not exhibit the same vigilance behavior as documented in Experiment 1. The m-CPP hens also spent more time stepping and vocalizing (both P < 0.001) than the saline hens. An attention bias test could be used to assess anxiety. However, behavioral responses of hens may vary depending on their age or test environment familiarity, thus further refinement of the test is required. In these tests, 2 mg/kg of m-CPP resulted in motionless behavior when the environment was novel, but more movement and vocalizing when the environment was familiar. The extreme behavioral phenotypes exhibited by individually-tested birds may both be indicators of negative states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana L M Campbell
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Armidale, NSW, Australia.,School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Peta S Taylor
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Carlos E Hernandez
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Armidale, NSW, Australia.,School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia.,Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mairi Stewart
- AgResearch, Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Sue Belson
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Caroline Lee
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Armidale, NSW, Australia.,School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
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43
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Uchendu C, Zakari FO, Buba W. Diurnal rhythms of cloacal temperature in broiler chickens administered with graded levels of Bactofort® during the cold-dry (harmattan) season. BIOL RHYTHM RES 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/09291016.2019.1607219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chidiebere Uchendu
- Department of Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
| | - Friday O. Zakari
- Department of Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria
| | - Wahe Buba
- National Agricultural Extension Research and Liaison Services, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
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44
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Weimer SL, Wideman RF, Scanes CG, Mauromoustakos A, Christensen KD, Vizzier-Thaxton Y. The utility of infrared thermography for evaluating lameness attributable to bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis. Poult Sci 2019; 98:1575-1588. [PMID: 30508160 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pey538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis (BCO) is a leading cause of lameness in broilers. Infrared thermography (IRT) is a noninvasive technique for measuring infrared radiation from an object and can be used to evaluate clinical health. Two replicated studies compared the effect of light intensity on broilers grown on a wire flooring model that experimentally increased their susceptibility to and incidence of BCO lameness. Day-of-hatch male broiler chickens were placed into 6 pens on wood shavings litter, and at 1 wk one of 3 light intensity treatments (2, 5, or 10 lux) was allotted. At 4 wk half of the population from each pen was moved to a pen with wire flooring and the same light intensity. At 1, 4, 5, and 8 wk, an IRT image of the legs of 5 clinically healthy broilers from each pen was taken. The right and left proximal femora and tibiae of sound and lame broilers were scored for femoral head necrosis (FHN) and tibial head necrosis (THN) lesion severity. There were minimal effects of light intensity and flooring. In Study 1, but not Study 2, broilers on wire flooring weighed less on day 38 (P = 0.007) and days 57 to 58 (P = 0.003) compared to those on litter. The proportion of broilers that became lame on wire flooring was 52% in Study 1 and 14% in Study 2. The proportion of sound broilers from litter and wire flooring pens with subclinical signs of BCO in their right or left proximal growth plates was over 45% for FHN and 92% for THN, and lame broilers had more severe (P < 0.0001) FHN and THN compared to sound broilers. IRT surface temperatures of the hock joint, shank, and foot were consistently lower (P < 0.0001) in broilers that became lame when compared to sound. Therefore, IRT surface temperatures of broiler leg regions may be useful for detecting lesions attributed to BCO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawna L Weimer
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Robert F Wideman
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Colin G Scanes
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Andy Mauromoustakos
- Agricultural Statistics Lab, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Karen D Christensen
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
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45
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Beauchamp G. External body temperature and vigilance to a lesser extent track variation in predation risk in domestic fowls. BMC ZOOL 2019. [DOI: 10.1186/s40850-019-0039-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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46
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Lu Z, He XF, Ma BB, Zhang L, Li JL, Jiang Y, Zhou GH, Gao F. The alleviative effects and related mechanisms of taurine supplementation on growth performance and carcass characteristics in broilers exposed to chronic heat stress. Poult Sci 2019; 98:878-886. [PMID: 30239846 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pey433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate the alleviative effects and molecular mechanisms of taurine supplementation on growth performance and carcass characteristics in broilers exposed to chronic heat stress, 144 male Arbor Acres broilers (28 d old) were randomly distributed to positive control (PC, 22°C, basal diet), heat stress (HS, consistent 32°C, basal diet), or heat stress + taurine (HS + T, consistent 32°C, basal diet + 5.00 g/kg taurine) groups, with 6 cages per group and 8 birds per cage. Chronic heat stress significantly decreased body weight, average daily gain, and average daily feed intake, and increased cloacal temperature and feed conversion ratio (FCR, P < 0.05). Though taurine supplementation tended to decrease the FCR in the HS + T group compared with the HS group after 14 d of heat exposure (P = 0.071), there were no significant alleviative effects of taurine supplementation on the increased cloacal temperature and decreased growth performance in chronic heat-stressed broilers (P > 0.05). After 7 and 14 d of heat exposure, taurine supplementation significantly increased the proportion of breast muscle and hormone-sensitive lipase activity in the abdominal fat (P < 0.05), and decreased the mRNA expressions of muscle atrophy F-box protein (MAFbx) and muscle ring-finger protein-1 (MuRF1) in breast muscle compared with the HS group (P < 0.05). After 7 d of heat exposure, taurine supplementation significantly increased serum non-esterified fatty acid concentration (P < 0.05), and decreased the mRNA expressions of acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1c (ACC) and muscular isoform of carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1 (M-CPT1) compared with the HS group (P < 0.05). In addition, the mRNA expressions of M-CPT1 and ribosomal protein S6 kinase, 70 kDa (p70S6K) in the HS + T group were significantly higher than those of the other two groups after 14 d of heat exposure (P < 0.05). In conclusion, taurine supplementation can improve carcass characteristics of chronic heat-stressed broilers by facilitating lipolysis for energy, enhancing protein synthesis, and suppressing protein degradation of the breast muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Lu
- College of Animal Science and Technology; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Animal Origin Food Production and Safety Guarantee; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Meat Production and Processing, Quality and Safety Control, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - X F He
- College of Animal Science and Technology; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Animal Origin Food Production and Safety Guarantee; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Meat Production and Processing, Quality and Safety Control, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - B B Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Animal Origin Food Production and Safety Guarantee; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Meat Production and Processing, Quality and Safety Control, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - L Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Animal Origin Food Production and Safety Guarantee; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Meat Production and Processing, Quality and Safety Control, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - J L Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Animal Origin Food Production and Safety Guarantee; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Meat Production and Processing, Quality and Safety Control, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Y Jiang
- Ginling College, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210097, China
| | - G H Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Animal Origin Food Production and Safety Guarantee; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Meat Production and Processing, Quality and Safety Control, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - F Gao
- College of Animal Science and Technology; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Animal Origin Food Production and Safety Guarantee; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Meat Production and Processing, Quality and Safety Control, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
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Cockram MS, Dulal KJ. Injury and mortality in broilers during handling and transport to slaughter. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2018. [DOI: 10.1139/cjas-2017-0076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Multiple factors affect the risk of broiler injury and mortality during loading, transport, and lairage. These include the physical and pathophysiological condition of broilers before loading and the type of handling procedures used. The external environmental conditions have a major influence on the risk of mortality. Combinations of high stocking density, insufficient ventilation, and high temperature and humidity pose a risk of hyperthermia. Combinations of wet conditions, cold temperature, and air movement, increase the risk of hypothermia. However, protection from cold and wet conditions involves the use of side protection that restricts the trailer ventilation that can cause heat and moisture to build up in the load, increasing the risk of hyperthermia. Modular systems reduce the risk of injury and facilitate unloading into a lairage where temperature and ventilation can be controlled. The duration of loading, transport, and lairage increases the mortality risk. Deaths can occur during each stage and interactions between the duration of the preslaughter stages, the thermal environment, fasting, ill-health, and injury can reduce the physiological capacity of the birds to maintain homoeostasis resulting in exhaustion and death. Quality control and action on the identified risk factors should reduce injury and mortality during preslaughter handling and transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S. Cockram
- Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre, Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3, Canada
- Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre, Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3, Canada
| | - Ketan Jung Dulal
- Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre, Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3, Canada
- Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre, Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3, Canada
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He X, Lu Z, Ma B, Zhang L, Li J, Jiang Y, Zhou G, Gao F. Effects of chronic heat exposure on growth performance, intestinal epithelial histology, appetite-related hormones and genes expression in broilers. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2018; 98:4471-4478. [PMID: 29457848 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.8971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Revised: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heat stress often occurs in the modern poultry industry, which impairs growth performance, particularly via reducing appetite. This study was aimed to investigate the mechanism of attenuating appetite by chronic heat exposure in broilers. A total of 144 broilers (28 days old) were allocated to normal control (NC, 22 °C), heat stress (32 °C), and pair-fed (22 °C) groups. RESULTS Chronic heat exposure significantly increased cloacal temperatures and respiration rates, decreased the average daily feed intake and average daily gain, increased feed-to-gain ratio compared with the NC group, and elevated the concentrations of ghrelin and cholecystokinin (CCK) both in serum and intestine, as well as peptide YY and somatostatin in intestine on 35- or 42-day-old broilers. Moreover, heat exposure decreased villi height (VH) and the ratio of VH to crypt depth (CD), while it increased CD in the jejunum on 35- and 42 day-olds, increased (P < 0.05) the concentrations of valine and isoleucine in plasma on 42 days, and upregulated (P < 0.05) the expression of taste receptor type 1 members 1 and 3 (T1R1 and T1R3), CCK, and ghrelin in the intestine on 35- or 42-day-old broilers. CONCLUSION Chronic heat exposure impairs the performance, intestinal morphology and appetite, which may be correlated with the increased secretion or gene expression of appetite-related hormones and genes, and the higher expression of nutrient-sensing receptors (T1R1 and T1R3) in broilers. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofang He
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Animal Origin Food Production and Safety Guarantee of Jiangsu Province, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Meat Production and Processing, Quality and Safety Control, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Zhuang Lu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Animal Origin Food Production and Safety Guarantee of Jiangsu Province, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Meat Production and Processing, Quality and Safety Control, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Bingbing Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Animal Origin Food Production and Safety Guarantee of Jiangsu Province, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Meat Production and Processing, Quality and Safety Control, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Lin Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Animal Origin Food Production and Safety Guarantee of Jiangsu Province, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Meat Production and Processing, Quality and Safety Control, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Jiaolong Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Animal Origin Food Production and Safety Guarantee of Jiangsu Province, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Meat Production and Processing, Quality and Safety Control, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Yun Jiang
- Ginling College, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Guanghong Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Animal Origin Food Production and Safety Guarantee of Jiangsu Province, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Meat Production and Processing, Quality and Safety Control, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Feng Gao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Animal Origin Food Production and Safety Guarantee of Jiangsu Province, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Meat Production and Processing, Quality and Safety Control, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, P. R. China
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Physiological alterations of poultry to the high environmental temperature. J Therm Biol 2018; 76:101-106. [PMID: 30143284 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2018.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Heat stress has become a serious problem in poultry industry along with rising of the global temperatures. High environmental temperature causes deleterious impacts on physiology and immunology of poultry and impairs their productivity. Heat stress is linked to compromised productivity through a decline in growth rate, feed utilization, blood biochemistry and immunity. In addition, heat stress induced adverse effects on mineral balance of birds and the extent of such effects depended on the type of mineral and the severity of heat stress. Exposure of broilers to high temperature adversely affects mineral metabolism and their excretion route and reduced the retention of some minerals like P, Na, K, S, Mg, Mn, Zn and Cu. On the other hand, the effect of climate on intestinal microbiota has been described in a number of studies. Where, exposure to heat stress can also increase the colonization of Salmonella in the intestine and increase the susceptibility of birds to E. coli and change ileal contents. It is also characterized by decreased antioxidant enzymes in poultry species, resulting in increased oxidative stress that means presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in excess of the available antioxidant capacity of animal cells. However, further studies are still required to increase the information and knowledge of basic mechanisms associated with the consequences of heat stress on poultry. This article focuses on the scientific evidence available on the negative role of heat stress on physiological responses, biochemical blood parameters, immunity, antioxidant, mineral balance, acid-base balance, osmoregulation, body and rectal temperature, intestinal and ileal microbiota as well as the parameters related to thyroid, liver and kidney functions in some poultry species.
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Socially-mediated arousal and contagion within domestic chick broods. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10509. [PMID: 30002482 PMCID: PMC6043517 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28923-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Emotional contagion - an underpinning valenced feature of empathy - is made up of simpler, potentially dissociable social processes which can include socially-mediated arousal and behavioural/physiological contagion. Previous studies of emotional contagion have often conflated these processes rather than examining their independent contribution to empathic response. We measured socially-mediated arousal and contagion in 9-week old domestic chicks (n = 19 broods), who were unrelated but raised together from hatching. Pairs of observer chicks were exposed to two conditions in a counterbalanced order: air puff to conspecifics (AP) (during which an air puff was applied to three conspecifics at 30 s intervals) and control with noise of air puff (C) (during which the air puff was directed away from the apparatus at 30 s intervals). Behaviour and surface eye temperature of subjects and observers were measured throughout a 10-min pre-treatment and 10-min treatment period. Subjects and observers responded to AP with increased freezing, and reduced preening and ground pecking. Subjects and observers also showed reduced surface eye temperature - indicative of stress-induced hyperthermia. Subject-Observer behaviour was highly correlated within broods during both C and AP conditions, but with higher overall synchrony during AP. We demonstrate the co-occurrence of socially-mediated behavioural and physiological arousal and contagion; component features of emotional contagion.
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