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Fu Y, Cheng HW. The Influence of Cecal Microbiota Transplantation on Chicken Injurious Behavior: Perspective in Human Neuropsychiatric Research. Biomolecules 2024; 14:1017. [PMID: 39199404 PMCID: PMC11352350 DOI: 10.3390/biom14081017] [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: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have evidenced that neuropsychiatric disorders (mental illness and emotional disturbances) with aggression (or violence) pose a significant challenge to public health and contribute to a substantial economic burden worldwide. Especially, social disorganization (or social inequality) associated with childhood adversity has long-lasting effects on mental health, increasing the risk of developing neuropsychiatric disorders. Intestinal bacteria, functionally as an endocrine organ and a second brain, release various immunomodulators and bioactive compounds directly or indirectly regulating a host's physiological and behavioral homeostasis. Under various social challenges, stress-induced dysbiosis increases gut permeability causes serial reactions: releasing neurotoxic compounds, leading to neuroinflammation and neuronal injury, and eventually neuropsychiatric disorders associated with aggressive, violent, or impulsive behavior in humans and various animals via a complex bidirectional communication of the microbiota-gut-brain (MGB) axis. The dysregulation of the MGB axis has also been recognized as one of the reasons for the prevalence of social stress-induced injurious behaviors (feather pecking, aggression, and cannibalistic pecking) in chickens. However, existing knowledge of preventing and treating these disorders in both humans and chickens is not well understood. In previous studies, we developed a non-mammal model in an abnormal behavioral investigation by rationalizing the effects of gut microbiota on injurious behaviors in chickens. Based on our earlier success, the perspective article outlines the possibility of reducing stress-induced injurious behaviors in chickens through modifying gut microbiota via cecal microbiota transplantation, with the potential for providing a biotherapeutic rationale for preventing injurious behaviors among individuals with mental disorders via restoring gut microbiota diversity and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuechi Fu
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA;
| | - Heng-Wei Cheng
- Livestock Behavior Research Unit, USDA-ARS, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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Chen S, Liu J, Luo S, Xing L, Li W, Gong L. The Effects of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SC06 on Behavior and Brain Function in Broilers Infected by Clostridium perfringens. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1547. [PMID: 38891594 PMCID: PMC11171150 DOI: 10.3390/ani14111547] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Poultry studies conducted on Clostridium perfringens (CP) mainly focus on the effects of intestinal health and productive performance. Notably, the probiotic Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SC06 (BaSC06) is known to play a role in preventing bacterial infection. However, whether CP could induce the changes in brain function and behaviors and whether BaSC06 could play roles in these parameters is yet to be reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of BaSC06 on stress-related behaviors and gene expression, as well as the brain morphology and mRNA sequence of the hypothalamus in broiler chickens. A total of 288 one-day-old chicks were randomly divided into four groups: (1) a control group with no treatment administered or infection; (2) birds treated with the BaSC06 group; (3) a CP group; and (4) a BaSC06 plus CP (Ba_CP) group. The results showed that stress and fear-related behaviors were significantly induced by a CP infection and decreased due to the treatment of BaSC06. CP infection caused pathological damage to the pia and cortex of the brain, while BaSC06 showed a protective effect. CP significantly inhibited hypothalamic GABA and promoted HTR1A gene expression, while BaSC06 promoted GABA and decreased HTR1A gene expression. The different genes were nearly found between the comparisons of control vs. Ba group and Ba vs. CP group, while there were a great number of different genes between the comparisons of control vs. Ba_CP as well as CP vs. Ba_CP. Several different gene expression pathways were found that were related to disease, energy metabolism, and nervous system development. Our results will help to promote poultry welfare and health, as well as provide insights into probiotics to replace antibiotics and reduce resistance in the chicken industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528250, China; (S.C.); (J.L.); (S.L.); (L.X.)
| | - Jinling Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528250, China; (S.C.); (J.L.); (S.L.); (L.X.)
| | - Shuyan Luo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528250, China; (S.C.); (J.L.); (S.L.); (L.X.)
| | - Limin Xing
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528250, China; (S.C.); (J.L.); (S.L.); (L.X.)
| | - Weifen Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Feed and Nutrition of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Animal Nutrition and Feed Sciences, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Li Gong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Molecular Design and Precise Breeding, School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528250, China; (S.C.); (J.L.); (S.L.); (L.X.)
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3
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Lundgren KA, Løvlie H. Increased dietary 5-hydroxytryptophan reduces fearfulness in red junglefowl hens ( Gallus gallus). Front Physiol 2023; 14:1213986. [PMID: 37766752 PMCID: PMC10520959 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1213986] [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: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Our production animals typically suffer poor welfare, which can be revealed by measuring the affective state these animals are in. Negative affective state is linked to poorer welfare, and can be measured as fearfulness. While continuing to research how to improve animal welfare, a compliment to reduce negative affective state could therefore be to reduce individuals' fearfulness, similar to how negative affective states are medicated in humans. A proposed mechanism for this is via the monoaminergic systems. This is based on previous studies across species that have linked the serotonergic system and fear-related behaviour. We here aimed to experimentally manipulate the serotonergic system in red junglefowl hens (Gallus gallus), the main ancestor of all domesticated chickens. We measured fearfulness as latency remaining immobile in a tonic immobility test, and did so both before and after our experimental manipulation. We set out to experimentally manipulate the serotonergic system via sub-chronic dietary treatment of 5-hydroxytryptophan (the precursor to serotonin). Our dietary manipulation of 5-hydroxytryptophan significantly reduced measured fearfulness in the manipulated hens, while latency in tonic immobility did not significantly change in our unmanipulated, control hens. This finding is promising since it indicates that increased tryptophan levels can be used to reduce fearfulness. Additionally, our result suggests that this can be done non-invasively via food (instead of injections), thus presenting a potentially feasible manipulation also for larger settings. Nevertheless, the serotonergic system is complex and its role in modulating behaviour in the fowl should be explored further to evaluate our findings, and more directly explored also in a production setting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hanne Løvlie
- IFM Biology, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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4
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Huang C, Hao E, Yue Q, Liu M, Wang D, Chen Y, Shi L, Zeng D, Zhao G, Chen H. Malfunctioned inflammatory response and serotonin metabolism at the microbiota-gut-brain axis drive feather pecking behavior in laying hens. Poult Sci 2023; 102:102686. [PMID: 37327743 PMCID: PMC10404692 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.102686] [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: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Feather pecking (FP) is a multifactorial abnormal behavior in laying hens where they display harmful pecks in conspecifics. FP has been associated with the altered functioning of the microbiome-gut-brain axis affecting host emotions and social behavior. The altered levels of serotonin (5-HT), a key monoaminergic neurotransmitter at both terminals of the gut-brain axis, affect the development of abnormal behavior, such as FP in laying hens. However, the underlying mechanism involving reciprocal interactions along the microbiota-gut-brain axis, particularly about the metabolism of 5-HT, remains unclear in FP phenotypes. This study examined the microbiota diversity, intestinal microbial metabolites, inflammatory responses, and 5-HT metabolism in divergently selected high (HFP; n = 8) and low (LFP; n = 8) FP hens to investigate the possible interconnections between FP behavior and the examined parameters. The 16S rRNA analysis revealed that compared to LFP birds, the gut microbiota of HFP birds exhibited a decrease in the abundance of phylum Firmicutes and genera Lactobacillus, while an increase in the abundance of phylum Proteobacteria and genera Escherichia Shigella and Desulfovibrio. Furthermore, the intestinal differential metabolites associated with FP phenotypes were mainly enriched in the tryptophan metabolic pathway. HFP birds had higher tryptophan metabolites and possibly a more responsive immune system compared to the LFP birds. This was indirectly supported by altered TNF-α levels in the serum and expression of inflammatory factor in the gut and brain. Moreover, HFP birds had lower serum levels of tryptophan and 5-HT compared to LFP birds, which was consistent with the downregulation of 5-HT metabolism-related genes in the brain of HFP birds. The correlation analysis revealed that genera Lactobacillus and Desulfovibrio were associated with differences in intestinal metabolites, 5-HT metabolism, and inflammatory response between the LFP and HFP birds. In conclusion, differences in the cecal microbiota profile, immune response and 5-HT metabolism drive FP phenotypes, which could be associated with the gut abundance of genera Lactobacillus and Desulfovibrio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxuan Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China
| | - Erying Hao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China
| | - Qiaoxian Yue
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China
| | - Meng Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China
| | - Dehe Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China
| | - Yifan Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China
| | - Lei Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China
| | - Dan Zeng
- Hua Yu Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd., Handan, Hebei 057150, China
| | - Guoxian Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China
| | - Hui Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China.
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Jamshed L, Debnath A, Jamshed S, Wish JV, Raine JC, Tomy GT, Thomas PJ, Holloway AC. An Emerging Cross-Species Marker for Organismal Health: Tryptophan-Kynurenine Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:6300. [PMID: 35682980 PMCID: PMC9181223 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Tryptophan (TRP) is an essential dietary amino acid that, unless otherwise committed to protein synthesis, undergoes metabolism via the Tryptophan-Kynurenine (TRP-KYN) pathway in vertebrate organisms. TRP and its metabolites have key roles in diverse physiological processes including cell growth and maintenance, immunity, disease states and the coordination of adaptive responses to environmental and dietary cues. Changes in TRP metabolism can alter the availability of TRP for protein and serotonin biosynthesis as well as alter levels of the immune-active KYN pathway metabolites. There is now considerable evidence which has shown that the TRP-KYN pathway can be influenced by various stressors including glucocorticoids (marker of chronic stress), infection, inflammation and oxidative stress, and environmental toxicants. While there is little known regarding the role of TRP metabolism following exposure to environmental contaminants, there is evidence of linkages between chemically induced metabolic perturbations and altered TRP enzymes and KYN metabolites. Moreover, the TRP-KYN pathway is conserved across vertebrate species and can be influenced by exposure to xenobiotics, therefore, understanding how this pathway is regulated may have broader implications for environmental and wildlife toxicology. The goal of this narrative review is to (1) identify key pathways affecting Trp-Kyn metabolism in vertebrates and (2) highlight consequences of altered tryptophan metabolism in mammals, birds, amphibians, and fish. We discuss current literature available across species, highlight gaps in the current state of knowledge, and further postulate that the kynurenine to tryptophan ratio can be used as a novel biomarker for assessing organismal and, more broadly, ecosystem health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laiba Jamshed
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; (L.J.); (A.D.); (S.J.)
| | - Amrita Debnath
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; (L.J.); (A.D.); (S.J.)
| | - Shanza Jamshed
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; (L.J.); (A.D.); (S.J.)
| | - Jade V. Wish
- Department of Chemistry, Centre for Oil and Gas Research and Development (COGRAD), University of Manitoba, 586 Parker Building, 144 Dysart Rd., Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada; (J.V.W.); (G.T.T.)
| | - Jason C. Raine
- Quesnel River Research Centre, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC V2N 4Z9, Canada;
| | - Gregg T. Tomy
- Department of Chemistry, Centre for Oil and Gas Research and Development (COGRAD), University of Manitoba, 586 Parker Building, 144 Dysart Rd., Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada; (J.V.W.); (G.T.T.)
| | - Philippe J. Thomas
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3, Canada;
| | - Alison C. Holloway
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada; (L.J.); (A.D.); (S.J.)
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Effects of dietary tryptophan supplementation on body temperature, hormone, and cytokine levels in broilers exposed to acute heat stress. Trop Anim Health Prod 2022; 54:164. [DOI: 10.1007/s11250-022-03161-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Liu H, Qi J, Yang Q, Tang Q, Qi J, Li Y, Wang J, Han C, Li L. Effects of Cage and Floor Rearing Systems on the Metabolic Components of the Uropygial Gland in Ducks. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12020214. [PMID: 35049836 PMCID: PMC8773114 DOI: 10.3390/ani12020214] [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: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary With the development of the modern poultry industry, people have gradually transformed the floor rearing system into a cage rearing system. However, due to some factors, including the environment and management, the feather condition of caged ducks is generally poor, which impairs the healthy growth of ducks and the economic efficiency of breeders. It is believed that birds usually collect secretions from their uropygial gland and smear them on their feathers and cuticle scales during preening to improve their waterproofing and resistance to pathogens, thus protecting their health and growth. Therefore, we studied the uropygial glands of ducks in different rearing systems. The results showed that the cage rearing system affected the weight and metabolic components in the uropygial gland of ducks. Caged ducks have a lower relative weight of their uropygial gland and lower levels of certain amino acids and fatty acids that contribute to their development. This allows us to better understand the causes of the poor appearance of feathers in caged ducks. Abstract Background: As a unique skin derivative of birds, the uropygial gland has a potential role in maintaining feather health and appearance. Cage-reared ducks usually have a worse feather condition than floor-reared ducks. We suspected that the metabolic components in the uropygial gland might play a vital role in their feather conditions. Methods: Herein, the uropygial glands of floor- and cage-reared ducks were weighed, and a nontargeted metabolic analysis was performed. Results: At 20 weeks of age, the relative weight of floor-reared duck uropygial glands was significantly higher than that of cage-reared ducks, indicating that the floor rearing system is better for inducing the development of uropygial glands. The nontargeted metabolic data revealed 1190 and 1149 differential metabolites under positive and negative ion modes, respectively. Among them, 49 differential metabolites were annotated between the two rearing systems. Three sulfur-containing amino acids, namely, 2-ketobutyric acid, L-aspartate-semialdehyde, and N-formyl-L-methionine, and some lipids, including inositol and sphingosine, might be responsible for the changes in plumage appearance among the various rearing conditions. Conclusions: The results of our study revealed the differences in the metabolic components of the uropygial gland in ducks reared under different rearing systems and found metabolic components to be possibly responsible for the poor feather condition of caged ducks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Liang Li
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-139-8160-4574
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Kohno S, Ogawa S, Shimmura T, Sato K, Tokutake Y. Myeloperoxidase expression in diencephalon is potentially associated with fear‐related behavior in chicks of laying hen. Anim Sci J 2022; 93:e13779. [PMID: 36345734 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Preventing feather pecking (FP) in adult laying hens is important for the welfare of intensively poultry farming. Fear-related behavior in growing female layer chicks may predict FP in adult hens. In this study, in two representative laying breeds (White Leghorn [WL] and Rhode Island Red [RIR]) that have different FP frequencies, we identified a candidate gene associated with fear-related behavior in chicks and FP in adult hens. In the tonic immobility test and open-field test, the behavioral activity was lower in WL chicks than in RIR chicks (P < 0.01), suggesting that WL chicks were more fearful than RIR chicks. Based on previous studies, 51 genes that have been found to be differentially expressed in the brain between high- and low-FP populations were chosen, and their expression levels were screened in the chick diencephalon. This analysis revealed that myeloperoxidase (MPO) gene expression level was higher in WL chicks than that in RIR chicks (P < 0.05). Furthermore, STRING analysis predicted the gene network including MPO and MPO-related genes and revealed the association of these genes with fear-related behavior. These results suggest that MPO is potentially associated with fear-related behavior in growing female layer chicks and FP in adult hens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzuka Kohno
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science Tohoku University Sendai Miyagi Japan
| | - Shinichiro Ogawa
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science Tohoku University Sendai Miyagi Japan
- Division of Meat Animal and Poultry Research Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, NARO Tsukuba Ibaraki Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Shimmura
- Department of Biological Production Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology Tokyo Japan
| | - Kan Sato
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science Tohoku University Sendai Miyagi Japan
| | - Yukako Tokutake
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science Tohoku University Sendai Miyagi Japan
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Makinde TO, Adewole DI. Can feed additives be used to promote positive behaviour in laying hens? A review. WORLD POULTRY SCI J 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/00439339.2022.2003171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Taiwo O. Makinde
- Department of Animal Science and Aquaculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Deborah I. Adewole
- Department of Animal Science and Aquaculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Mindus C, van Staaveren N, Fuchs D, Gostner JM, Kjaer JB, Kunze W, Mian MF, Shoveller AK, Forsythe P, Harlander-Matauschek A. L. rhamnosus improves the immune response and tryptophan catabolism in laying hen pullets. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19538. [PMID: 34599202 PMCID: PMC8486881 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98459-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In mammals, early-life probiotic supplementation is a promising tool for preventing unfavourable, gut microbiome-related behavioural, immunological, and aromatic amino acid alterations later in life. In laying hens, feather-pecking behaviour is proposed to be a consequence of gut-brain axis dysregulation. Lactobacillus rhamnosus decreases stress-induced severe feather pecking in adult hens, but whether its effect in pullets is more robust is unknown. Consequently, we investigated whether early-life, oral supplementation with a single Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain can prevent stress-induced feather-pecking behaviour in chickens. To this end, we monitored both the short- and long-term effects of the probiotic supplement on behaviour and related physiological parameters. We hypothesized that L. rhamnosus would reduce pecking behaviour by modulating the biological pathways associated with this detrimental behaviour, namely aromatic amino acid turnover linked to neurotransmitter production and stress-related immune responses. We report that stress decreased the proportion of cytotoxic T cells in the tonsils (P = 0.047). Counteracting this T cell depression, birds receiving the L. rhamnosus supplementation significantly increased all T lymphocyte subset proportions (P < 0.05). Both phenotypic and genotypic feather peckers had lower plasma tryptophan concentrations compared to their non-pecking counterparts. The probiotic supplement caused a short-term increase in plasma tryptophan (P < 0.001) and the TRP:(PHE + TYR) ratio (P < 0.001). The administration of stressors did not significantly increase feather pecking in pullets, an observation consistent with the age-dependent onset of pecking behaviour. Despite minimal changes to behaviour, our data demonstrate the impact of L. rhamnosus supplementation on the immune system and the turnover of the serotonin precursor tryptophan. Our findings indicate that L. rhamnosus exerts a transient, beneficial effect on the immune response and tryptophan catabolism in pullets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Mindus
- grid.34429.380000 0004 1936 8198Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1 Canada
| | - Nienke van Staaveren
- grid.34429.380000 0004 1936 8198Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1 Canada
| | - Dietmar Fuchs
- grid.5361.10000 0000 8853 2677Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biocenter, Center for Chemistry and Biomedicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Johanna M. Gostner
- grid.5361.10000 0000 8853 2677Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Biocenter, Center for Chemistry and Biomedicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Joergen B. Kjaer
- grid.417834.dInstitute of Animal Welfare and Animal Husbandry, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Celle, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Kunze
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Brain-Body Institute, St. Joseph’s Healthcare, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - M. Firoz Mian
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, 50 Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6 Canada
| | - Anna K. Shoveller
- grid.34429.380000 0004 1936 8198Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1 Canada
| | - Paul Forsythe
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, 50 Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6 Canada
| | - Alexandra Harlander-Matauschek
- grid.34429.380000 0004 1936 8198Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1 Canada
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Linh NT, Guntoro B, Hoang Qui N. Immunomodulatory, behavioral, and nutritional response of tryptophan application on poultry. Vet World 2021; 14:2244-2250. [PMID: 34566345 PMCID: PMC8448653 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2021.2244-2250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid for all animals that was discovered through casein hydrolysis. The use of tryptophan as feed additives has been attracting the attention of many nutritionists because it cannot be synthesized enough in an animal’s body. Tryptophan or precursor to the vitamin niacin in the diet is important, and its supplementation for poultry is determined to improve the amino acid balance and promote the poultry’s growth performance through enhancing appetite, feed efficiency, and protein synthesis. Moreover, poultry in different growth phases, breeding, and conditions require various amounts of tryptophan. In addition, supplemented tryptophan also improves the immune response or the immunomodulatory activity of poultry to various diseases through the kynurenine pathway, especially diseases in the bursa. Furthermore, tryptophan also has a strong relationship with lysine (the ideal tryptophan/lysine ratio) in improving growth performance. However, tryptophan deficiency could affect the behavioral responses (e.g. pecking behavior and poultry stress) because tryptophan serves as a precursor for the neurotransmitter serotonin and the pineal hormone melatonin in the diet. This paper tried to summarize all information about applying tryptophan in the diets and illustrate the roles of tryptophan in the poultry industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Thuy Linh
- Department of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, School of Agriculture and Aquaculture, Tra Vinh University, Tra Vinh City, Vietnam
| | - Budi Guntoro
- Department of Livestock Social Economics, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Nguyen Hoang Qui
- Department of Livestock Social Economics, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
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Huang C, Chen Y, Yue Q, Hao E, Wang D, Zhou R, Zhao G, Chen H. Effect of in ovo injection of serotonin on the behavior and hormone level in laying hens. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2021; 310:113824. [PMID: 34048728 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2021.113824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Feather pecking is a typically abnormal behavior that significantly impacts breeding efficiency and animal welfare in the egg production sector. Serotonin (5-HT) is essential for neuronal development and behavioral regulation. This study evaluated the effects of birds' behavioral development (including feather pecking) and changes in serum hormones in chickens followed in ovo injection of 5-HT. On day 11, incubated eggs were injected with 5-HT at 0 (saline control), 5 ug (low) or 15 ug (high) (n = 166 per treatment). The hatched female chicks were raised under similar conditions up to 20 weeks of age (n = 60 per treatment). Birds' behaviors were recorded using a digital video recording system. The time to first vocalize and first move, along with the duration of vocalization and escape attempts during the isolation test, during isolation test were analyzed on day 1, and week 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20. Blood samples were collected followed behavioral tests (n = 5/treatment). The expression of 5-HTR1A genes in the hypothalamus was measured by real-time PCR. Compared to controls, 5-HT administrated pullets had greater body weight (P < 0.05) with an improved feed conversion rate (P < 0.05) as well as higher serum concentrations of norepinephrine (NE) regardless of their doses. In addition, serum dopamine (DA) concentrations were lower in both high- and low-dose pullets at 8 and 12 weeks of age (P < 0.05). Also, a decrease in fearfulness response was observed based on the test to vocalize and duration of vocalization (P < 0.05). Further, this exhibited a lesser frequency of total aggressive behavior compared with the chicks in the control group, especially at 8 weeks of age (P < 0.05), where it is associated with elevated serum 5-HT concentration and upregulated hypothalamic expression of 5-HTR1A (P < 0.05). The changes of these hormone concentrations and gene expressions suggested that 5-HT accumulation in early embryonic stages may alter both the adrenergic and serotonergic systems, which could further regulate the isolation behavior and improve birds' growth performance to a certain extent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxuan Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China
| | - Yifan Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China
| | - Qiaoxian Yue
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China
| | - Erying Hao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China
| | - Dehe Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China
| | - Rongyan Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China
| | - Guoxian Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China.
| | - Hui Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China.
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13
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Mindus C, van Staaveren N, Bharwani A, Fuchs D, Gostner JM, Kjaer JB, Kunze W, Mian MF, Shoveller AK, Forsythe P, Harlander-Matauschek A. Ingestion of Lactobacillus rhamnosus modulates chronic stress-induced feather pecking in chickens. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17119. [PMID: 34429482 PMCID: PMC8384842 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96615-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Feather pecking (FP) is a stress-induced neuropsychological disorder of birds. Intestinal dysbiosis and inflammation are common traits of these disorders. FP is, therefore, proposed to be a behavioral consequence of dysregulated communication between the gut and the brain. Probiotic bacteria are known to favorably modulate the gut microbiome and hence the neurochemical and immune components of the gut-brain axis. Consequently, probiotic supplementation represents a promising new therapeutic to mitigate widespread FP in domestic chickens. We monitored FP, gut microbiota composition, immune markers, and amino acids related to the production of neurochemicals in chickens supplemented with Lactobacillus rhamnosus or a placebo. Data demonstrate that, when stressed, the incidence of FP increased significantly; however, L. rhamnosus prevented this increase. L. rhamnosus supplementation showed a strong immunological effect by increasing the regulatory T cell population of the spleen and the cecal tonsils, in addition to limiting cecal microbiota dysbiosis. Despite minimal changes in aromatic amino acid levels, data suggest that catecholaminergic circuits may be an interesting target for further studies. Overall, our findings provide the first data supporting the use of a single-strain probiotic to reduce stress-induced FP in chickens and promise to improve domestic birds' welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Mindus
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Nienke van Staaveren
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Aadil Bharwani
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Dietmar Fuchs
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biocenter, Center for Chemistry and Biomedicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Johanna M Gostner
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Biocenter, Center for Chemistry and Biomedicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Joergen B Kjaer
- Institute of Animal Welfare and Animal Husbandry, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Celle, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Kunze
- Brain-Body Institute, St. Joseph's Healthcare, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - M Firoz Mian
- Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, 50 Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton, ON, L8N 4A6, Canada
| | - Anna K Shoveller
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Paul Forsythe
- Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, 50 Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton, ON, L8N 4A6, Canada
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Borda-Molina D, Iffland H, Schmid M, Müller R, Schad S, Seifert J, Tetens J, Bessei W, Bennewitz J, Camarinha-Silva A. Gut Microbial Composition and Predicted Functions Are Not Associated with Feather Pecking and Antagonistic Behavior in Laying Hens. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:235. [PMID: 33809351 PMCID: PMC8001194 DOI: 10.3390/life11030235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Feather pecking is a well-known problem in layer flocks that causes animal welfare restrictions and contributes to economic losses. Birds' gut microbiota has been linked to feather pecking. This study aims to characterize the microbial communities of two laying hen lines divergently selected for high (HFP) and low (LFP) feather pecking and investigates if the microbiota is associated with feather pecking or agonistic behavior. METHODS Besides phenotyping for the behavioral traits, microbial communities from the digesta and mucosa of the ileum and caeca were investigated using target amplicon sequencing and functional predictions. Microbiability was estimated with a microbial mixed linear model. RESULTS Ileum digesta showed an increase in the abundance of the genus Lactobacillus in LFP, while Escherichia was abundant in HFP hens. In the caeca digesta and mucosa of the LFP line were more abundant Faecalibacterium and Blautia. Tryptophan metabolism and lysine degradation were higher in both digesta and mucosa of the HFP hens. Linear models revealed that the two lines differ significantly in all behavior traits. Microbiabilities were close to zero and not significant in both lines and for all traits. CONCLUSIONS Trait variation was not affected by the gut microbial composition in both selection lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Borda-Molina
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (D.B.-M.); (H.I.); (M.S.); (R.M.); (S.S.); (J.S.); (W.B.); (J.B.)
| | - Hanna Iffland
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (D.B.-M.); (H.I.); (M.S.); (R.M.); (S.S.); (J.S.); (W.B.); (J.B.)
| | - Markus Schmid
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (D.B.-M.); (H.I.); (M.S.); (R.M.); (S.S.); (J.S.); (W.B.); (J.B.)
| | - Regina Müller
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (D.B.-M.); (H.I.); (M.S.); (R.M.); (S.S.); (J.S.); (W.B.); (J.B.)
| | - Svenja Schad
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (D.B.-M.); (H.I.); (M.S.); (R.M.); (S.S.); (J.S.); (W.B.); (J.B.)
| | - Jana Seifert
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (D.B.-M.); (H.I.); (M.S.); (R.M.); (S.S.); (J.S.); (W.B.); (J.B.)
| | - Jens Tetens
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany;
- Center for Integrated Breeding Research, University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Werner Bessei
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (D.B.-M.); (H.I.); (M.S.); (R.M.); (S.S.); (J.S.); (W.B.); (J.B.)
| | - Jörn Bennewitz
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (D.B.-M.); (H.I.); (M.S.); (R.M.); (S.S.); (J.S.); (W.B.); (J.B.)
| | - Amélia Camarinha-Silva
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (D.B.-M.); (H.I.); (M.S.); (R.M.); (S.S.); (J.S.); (W.B.); (J.B.)
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15
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Fouad AM, El-Senousey HK, Ruan D, Wang S, Xia W, Zheng C. Tryptophan in poultry nutrition: Impacts and mechanisms of action. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2021; 105:1146-1153. [PMID: 33655568 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.13515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Many studies have shown that productivity, immune system, antioxidant status, and meat and egg quality can be optimized by dietary supplementation with amino acids that are not usually added to poultry diets. Understanding the effects of these amino acids may encourage feed manufacturers and poultry producers to include them as additives. One of these amino acids is tryptophan (Trp). The importance of Trp is directly related to its role in protein anabolism and indirectly related to its metabolites such as serotonin and melatonin. Thus, Trp could affect the secretion of hormones, development of immune organs, meat and egg production, and meat and egg quality in poultry raised under controlled or stressed conditions. Therefore, this review discusses the main roles of Trp in poultry production and its mode (s) of action in order to help poultry producers decide whether they need to add Trp to poultry diets. Further areas of research are also identified to address information gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Mohamed Fouad
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science (South China) of Ministry of Agriculture, State Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Breeding, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Nutrition, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - HebatAllah Kasem El-Senousey
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science (South China) of Ministry of Agriculture, State Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Breeding, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Nutrition, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Dong Ruan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science (South China) of Ministry of Agriculture, State Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Breeding, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Nutrition, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science (South China) of Ministry of Agriculture, State Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Breeding, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Nutrition, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiguang Xia
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science (South China) of Ministry of Agriculture, State Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Breeding, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Nutrition, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuntian Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science (South China) of Ministry of Agriculture, State Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Breeding, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Nutrition, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
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16
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Chenxuan H, Qiaoxian Y, Yifan C, Dehe W, Rongyan Z, Guoxian Z, Hui C. Effects of in ovo injection of serotonin on behavior and hypothalamic genes expression in post hatch-chicks. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2020.105176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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17
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Yıldırım A, Kraimi N, Constantin P, Mercerand F, Leterrier C. Effects of tryptophan and probiotic supplementation on growth and behavior in quail. Poult Sci 2020; 99:5206-5213. [PMID: 33142436 PMCID: PMC7647826 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2020.07.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In laying hens, a diet supplemented with tryptophan (Trp) has been shown to affect their pecking behavior. However, unlike this positive effect, Trp is also involved in negative effects on behavior and stress through indolic pathways. Indole production can be reduced by probiotics (Pro), thus we hypothesized that Pro may prevent negative effects of Trp and increase beneficial effects on behavior in birds. Combined effects of Pro and Trp were also expected. To investigate the effects on behavior in birds of supplementing with a high level of Trp with or without Pro, Japanese quail were used because their behavior can be influenced by Pediococcus acidilactici, and they can be highly aggressive. Quails (n = 120) were assigned to 4 groups in a 2 × 2 factorial design for 55 d: C-C (control diet with usual Trp level, 0.3%; without Pro; n = 30), Trp-C (Trp: 2%; without Pro; n = 30), C-Pro (control diet; with Pro: 1 x 109 CFU/L P. acidilactici in drinking water; n = 30), and Trp-Pro (Trp 2%; with Pro; n = 30). Body weight was measured every week, and different tests were conducted to investigate behavioral characteristics of each quail. Contrary to our hypothesis, there was almost no interaction between Trp and Pro treatments. Tryptophan supplementation significantly (P < 0.05) reduced live weight up to 27 d, whereas Pro treatment had no effect. There was no significant difference between groups for tonic immobility variables (P > 0.05). The birds fed the high Trp diet spent significantly less time in the periphery of the open field than those fed the control diet and moved less in the arena during the social isolation test. Interindividual distances were significantly lower in males fed with Trp 2% than with the control diet, whereas Trp and Pro supplements interacted in females. The treatments did not affect sexual motivation in males. These results indicate that a high level of Trp reduced growth and appeared to enhance emotional reactivity in quails and that supplementing with Pro did not reduce these effects. In conclusion, feeding high Trp for 55 d cannot be recommended as a strategy to improve social behavior unlike effects observed in laying hens.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Yıldırım
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokat Gaziosmanpasa University, 60000 Tokat, Turkey
| | - N Kraimi
- UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRAE, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, Center Val de Loire, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - P Constantin
- UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRAE, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, Center Val de Loire, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - F Mercerand
- UE PEAT, INRAE, Center Val de Loire, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - C Leterrier
- UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRAE, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, Center Val de Loire, 37380 Nouzilly, France.
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18
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Mens A, van Krimpen M, Kwakkel R. Nutritional approaches to reduce or prevent feather pecking in laying hens: any potential to intervene during rearing? WORLD POULTRY SCI J 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/00439339.2020.1772024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A.J.W. Mens
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Animal Nutrition Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - M.M. van Krimpen
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - R.P. Kwakkel
- Animal Nutrition Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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19
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Fijn LB, van der Staay FJ, Goerlich-Jansson VC, Arndt SS. Importance of Basic Research on the Causes of Feather Pecking in Relation to Welfare. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10020213. [PMID: 32012933 PMCID: PMC7070775 DOI: 10.3390/ani10020213] [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: 12/14/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Feather pecking is a problematic behavior shown by commercially held laying hens who peck at and pull out feathers of their pen mates. In effort to battle the economic and welfare issues that result from feather pecking many studies on the subject focus on practical solutions (i.e., they follow an applied research approach), while basic research related to feather pecking, research without a practical aim in mind, has received far less attention. Both applied and basic research contribute to a better understanding of feather pecking behavior. In this article we argue that basic research could make an important contribution to science-based knowledge of the causes of feather pecking and the welfare of hens performing this behavior and of the hens receiving the pecks. Abstract Feather pecking is a prominent issue in the commercial egg industry, associated with economic losses and welfare problems. A non-systematic literature search suggests that studies on feather pecking are predominantly concerned with applied research goals. That is to say, they aim to solve or diminish the effects of this problematic behavior by orienting towards practical approaches. The strong emphasis on this research approach has skewed our knowledge of the causes of feather pecking in relation to welfare. While the need for such research is high, there is an equivalent need for basic research that has not received corresponding effort. Also, current research predominantly focuses on the negative effects on the birds being pecked, whereas too little attention is given to the possible welfare problems of the peckers. We argue that more basic research is needed for obtaining comprehensive science-based knowledge of behavioral needs and abilities of hens, in particular with respect to behavioral problems that threaten their welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa B. Fijn
- Division Animals in Science and Society, Animal Behaviour, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Utrecht, 3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands; (V.C.G.-J.); (S.S.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-623-535-366
| | - F. Josef van der Staay
- Division of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Behavior & Welfare Group (Formerly Emotion & Cognition Group), University Utrecht, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands;
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Vivian C. Goerlich-Jansson
- Division Animals in Science and Society, Animal Behaviour, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Utrecht, 3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands; (V.C.G.-J.); (S.S.A.)
| | - Saskia S. Arndt
- Division Animals in Science and Society, Animal Behaviour, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Utrecht, 3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands; (V.C.G.-J.); (S.S.A.)
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21
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Van Krimpen M, Kwakkel R, Reuvekamp B, Van Der Peet-Schwering C, Den Hartog L, Verstegen M. Impact of feeding management on feather pecking in laying hens. WORLD POULTRY SCI J 2019. [DOI: 10.1079/wps200478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M.M. Van Krimpen
- Applied Research, Animal Sciences Group, Wageningen UR, PO Box 65, NL-8200 AB Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | | | - B.F.J. Reuvekamp
- Applied Research, Animal Sciences Group, Wageningen UR, PO Box 65, NL-8200 AB Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | | | - L.A. Den Hartog
- Animal Production Systems Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, PO Box 338, NL-6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Nutreco R&D, PO Box 220, NL-5830 AE Boxmeer, The Netherlands
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22
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The prevention and control of feather pecking in laying hens: identifying the underlying principles. WORLD POULTRY SCI J 2019. [DOI: 10.1017/s0043933913000354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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23
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Kraimi N, Dawkins M, Gebhardt-Henrich SG, Velge P, Rychlik I, Volf J, Creach P, Smith A, Colles F, Leterrier C. Influence of the microbiota-gut-brain axis on behavior and welfare in farm animals: A review. Physiol Behav 2019; 210:112658. [PMID: 31430443 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2019.112658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
There is increasing evidence of a pivotal role of the gut microbiota (GUT-M) in key physiological functions in vertebrates. Many studies discuss functional implications of the GUT-M not only on immunity, growth, metabolism, but also on brain development and behavior. However, while the influence of the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) on behavior is documented in rodents and humans, data on farm animals are scarce. This review will first report the well-known influence of the MGBA on behavior in rodent and human and then describe its influence on emotion, memory, social and feeding behaviors in farm animals. This corpus of experiments suggests that a better understanding of the effects of the MGBA on behavior could have large implications in various fields of animal production. Specifically, animal welfare and health could be improved by selection, nutrition and management processes that take into account the role of the GUT-M in behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narjis Kraimi
- INRA, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, UMR 85, Centre Val de Loire, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Marian Dawkins
- University of Oxford, Department of Zoology, OX1 3PS Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Philippe Velge
- ISP, INRA, Université de Tours, UMR 1282, Centre Val de Loire, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Ivan Rychlik
- Veterinary Research Institute, Brno 62100, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Volf
- Veterinary Research Institute, Brno 62100, Czech Republic
| | | | - Adrian Smith
- University of Oxford, Department of Zoology, OX1 3PS Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Frances Colles
- University of Oxford, Department of Zoology, OX1 3PS Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Christine Leterrier
- INRA, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, UMR 85, Centre Val de Loire, 37380 Nouzilly, France.
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Birkl P, Chow J, Forsythe P, Gostner JM, Kjaer JB, Kunze WA, McBride P, Fuchs D, Harlander-Matauschek A. The Role of Tryptophan-Kynurenine in Feather Pecking in Domestic Chicken Lines. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:209. [PMID: 31316999 PMCID: PMC6610432 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Research into the role of tryptophan (TRP) breakdown away from the serotonergic to the kynurenine (KYN) pathway by stimulating the brain-endocrine-immune axis system interaction has brought new insight into potential etiologies of certain human behavioral and mental disorders. TRP is involved in inappropriate social interactions, such as feather-destructive pecking behavior (FP) in birds selected for egg laying. Therefore, our goal was to determine the effect of social disruption stress on FP and the metabolism of the amino acids TRP, phenylalanine (PHE), tyrosine (TYR), their relevant ratios, and on large neutral amino acids which are competitors with regard to their transport across the blood-brain barriers, at least in the human system, in adolescent birds selected for and against FP behavior. We used 160 laying hens selected for high (HFP) or low (LFP) FP activity and an unselected control line (UC). Ten pens with 16 individuals each (4 HFP birds; 3 LFP birds; 9 UC birds) were used. At 16 weeks of age, we disrupted the groups twice in 5 pens by mixing individuals with unfamiliar birds to induce social stress. Blood plasma was collected before and after social disruption treatments, to measure amino acid concentrations. Birds FP behavior was recorded before and after social disruption treatments. HFP birds performed significantly more FP and had lower KYN/TRP ratios. We detected significantly higher FP activity and significantly lower plasma PHE/TYR ratios and a trend to lower KYN/TRP ratios in socially disrupted compared to control pens. This might indicate that activating insults for TRP catabolism along the KYN axis in laying hens differs compared to humans and points toward the need for a more detailed analysis of regulatory mechanisms to understand the role of TRP metabolism for laying hen immune system and brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Birkl
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Jacqueline Chow
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Paul Forsythe
- Department of Medicine, Brain-Body Institute and Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Johanna M. Gostner
- Division of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University Innsbruck, Biocenter, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Joergen B. Kjaer
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Animal Welfare and Animal Husbandry, Celle, Germany
| | - Wolfgang A. Kunze
- Department of Medicine, Brain-Body Institute and Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Peter McBride
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Dietmar Fuchs
- Division of Biological Chemistry, Medical University Innsbruck, Biocenter, Innsbruck, Austria
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Höglund E, Øverli Ø, Winberg S. Tryptophan Metabolic Pathways and Brain Serotonergic Activity: A Comparative Review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:158. [PMID: 31024440 PMCID: PMC6463810 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The essential amino acid L-tryptophan (Trp) is the precursor of the monoaminergic neurotransmitter serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT). Numerous studies have shown that elevated dietary Trp has a suppressive effect on aggressive behavior and post-stress plasma cortisol concentrations in vertebrates, including teleosts. These effects are believed to be mediated by the brain serotonergic system, even though all mechanisms involved are not well understood. The rate of 5-HT biosynthesis is limited by Trp availability, but only in neurons of the hindbrain raphe area predominantly expressing the isoform TPH2 of the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH). In the periphery as well as in brain areas expressing TPH1, 5-HT synthesis is probably not restricted by Trp availability. Moreover, there are factors affecting Trp influx to the brain. Among those are acute stress, which, in contrast to long-term stress, may result in an increase in brain Trp availability. The mechanisms behind this stress induced increase in brain Trp concentration are not fully understood but sympathetic activation is likely to play an important role. Studies in mammals show that only a minor fraction of Trp is utilized for 5-HT synthesis whereas a larger fraction of the Trp pool enters the kynurenic pathway. The first stage of this pathway is catalyzed by the hepatic enzyme tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) and the extrahepatic enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), enzymes that are induced by glucocorticoids and pro-inflammatory cytokines, respectively. Thus, chronic stress and infections can shunt available Trp toward the kynurenic pathway and thereby lower 5-HT synthesis. In accordance with this, dietary fatty acids affecting the pro-inflammatory cytokines has been suggested to affect metabolic fate of Trp. While TDO seems to be conserved by evolution in the vertebrate linage, earlier studies suggested that IDO was only present mammals. However, recent phylogenic studies show that IDO paralogues are present within the whole vertebrate linage, however, their involvement in the immune and stress reaction in teleost fishes remains to be investigated. In this review we summarize the results from previous studies on the effects of dietary Trp supplementation on behavior and neuroendocrinology, focusing on possible mechanisms involved in mediating these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Höglund
- Norwegian Institute of Water Research, Oslo, Norway
- Centre of Coastal Research, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Øyvind Øverli
- Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Svante Winberg
- Behavioural Neuroendocrinology Group, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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de Haas EN, van der Eijk JA. Where in the serotonergic system does it go wrong? Unravelling the route by which the serotonergic system affects feather pecking in chickens. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 95:170-188. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Gomes LM, de Mello Miassi G, Sousa dos Santos L, Anton Dib Saleh M, Sartori JR, Panhoza Tse ML, Antonio Berto D. Impact of two light programs and two levels of dietary tryptophan for weanling piglets. Livest Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2018.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Bello AU, Idrus Z, Meng GY, Narayan EJ, Farjam AS. Dose-response relationship of tryptophan with large neutral amino acids, and its impact on physiological responses in the chick model. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 260:146-150. [PMID: 29339185 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Tryptophan (Trp) has been associated with the regulation of several behavioral and physiological processes, through stimulation of serotonergic activity. Tryptophan utilization at the metabolic level is influenced by the competitive carrier system it shares with large neutral amino acids (LNAA). This study was carried out using meat-type chicken as a model, to investigate the dose response effects of Trp/LNAA on fear response (tonic immobility; TI) and hormonal responses, including corticosterone (CORT), serotonin (5-HT), triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). A total of 12 cages (48 birds) were assigned to each of the six experimental groups at 29-42 days of age. Experimental diets were formulated to have incremental levels of Trp/LNAA (0.025, 0.030, 0.035, 0.040, 0.045, and 0.050). The results revealed that, Trp/NAA had no significant effect on growth performance and TI of the birds. However, elevation of Trp/LNAA was concurred with a linear reduction in CORT (P < .0001, r2 = 0.819) and linear increases in 5-HT (P < .0001, r2 = 0.945), T3 (P = .0003, r2 = 0.403) and T4 (P < .0001, r2 = 0.937) levels. In conclusion, the results from the current study demonstrated that, although incremental levels of Trp/LNAA did not affect bird growth performance or fearfulness, it increased 5-HT, T3 and T4, and decreased CORT levels in a linear dose-dependent manner. Manipulation of Trp feeding levels could be applied to manage stressful conditions in birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alhassan Usman Bello
- Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Zulkifli Idrus
- Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Selangor, Malaysia; Department of Animal Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Goh Yong Meng
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Edward J Narayan
- School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
| | - Abdoreza Soleimani Farjam
- Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Selangor, Malaysia.
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Are practice recommendations for the prevention of feather pecking in laying hens in non-cage systems in line with the results of experimental and epidemiological studies? Appl Anim Behav Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2017.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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U. Bello A, Idrus Z, Yong Meng G, Awad EA, Soleimani Farjam A. Gut microbiota and transportation stress response affected by tryptophan supplementation in broiler chickens. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/1828051x.2017.1340814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alhassan U. Bello
- Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Zulkifli Idrus
- Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Animal Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Goh Yong Meng
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Elmutaz Atta Awad
- Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
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Landsberg G, Milgram B, Mougeot I, Kelly S, de Rivera C. Therapeutic effects of an alpha-casozepine and L-tryptophan supplemented diet on fear and anxiety in the cat. J Feline Med Surg 2017; 19:594-602. [PMID: 27677831 PMCID: PMC5505228 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x16669399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Objectives This study assessed the anxiolytic effectiveness of a test diet (Royal Canin Feline Calm diet) supplemented with L-tryptophan and alpha-casozepine. Methods Subjects were 24 cats that were classified as mildly or markedly fearful based on the presence of a person in their home room. Three different protocols were used to assess anxiety: (1) evaluation of the response to a human in the cat's home room (home room test); (2) analysis of the response to placement in an empty test room (open-field test); and (3) analysis of the response to an unfamiliar human (human interaction test). All three protocols were first run at baseline, and the results were used to assign the animals to control and test diet groups that showed equivalent fear and anxiety. Both groups were retested on the three protocols after 2 weeks (test 1) and again after 4 weeks (test 2). Results The diet groups differed for two behavioral measures in the open-field test: inactivity duration and inactivity frequency. The control group showed statistically significant increases in inactivity duration between baseline and test 1 and baseline and test 2, while the group fed the test diet showed a marginally not significant decrease in inactivity duration between baseline and test 1 and a not significant decrease for test 2. There was also a significant increase in inactivity frequency between baseline and test 1 in the test diet group and marginally not significant decrease in the control group. There were no differences between groups in the approach of the cats toward people for the home room test and the human interaction test. Conclusions and relevance These results suggest that the test diet reduced the anxiety response to placement in an unfamiliar location, but that fear in the presence of an unfamiliar person was not counteracted by the diet.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Isabelle Mougeot
- Royal Canin, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
- CanCog Technologies, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Kops M, Kjaer J, Güntürkün O, Westphal K, Korte-Bouws G, Olivier B, Korte S, Bolhuis J. Brain monoamine levels and behaviour of young and adult chickens genetically selected on feather pecking. Behav Brain Res 2017; 327:11-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Revised: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Sutoh M, Kasuya E, Yayou KI, Ohtani F, Kobayashi Y. Intravenous tryptophan administration attenuates cortisol secretion induced by intracerebroventricular injection of noradrenaline. Anim Sci J 2015; 87:266-70. [PMID: 26260296 DOI: 10.1111/asj.12409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Revised: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 02/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate the possibility of suppression of stress-induced cortisol (CORT) secretion by tryptophan (TRP) administration and to better understand its regulatory mechanisms by using a noradrenaline (NA) injection into the third ventricle (3V) as a stress model in cattle. A total of 25 Holstein steers with a cannula in the 3V were used. First, the increase in CORT secretion was observed following a NA injection into the 3V in a dose-dependent manner, verifying the appropriateness of this treatment as a stress model of CORT secretion (Experiment 1). The effect of prior-administration of TRP into peripheral blood with a dose that has been demonstrated to increase brain 5-hydroxytryptamine levels on the elevation of plasma CORT induced by NA or corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) was then examined (Experiment 2). The prior administration of TRP suppressed NA-induced, but not CRH-induced, CORT elevation. These results suggest that an increase in TRP absorption into peripheral blood could suppress the stress-induced CORT secretion in cattle via the attenuation of the stimulatory effect of NA on the hypothalamic CRH release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madoka Sutoh
- Animal Physiology and Nutrition Research Division, National Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Etsuko Kasuya
- Animal Physiology Research Unit, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Ken-ichi Yayou
- Animal Physiology Research Unit, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Fumihiro Ohtani
- Animal Physiology and Nutrition Research Division, National Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Yosuke Kobayashi
- Animal Physiology and Nutrition Research Division, National Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, Tsukuba, Japan
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Liu Y, Yuan JM, Zhang LS, Zhang YR, Cai SM, Yu JH, Xia ZF. Effects of tryptophan supplementation on growth performance, antioxidative activity, and meat quality of ducks under high stocking density. Poult Sci 2015; 94:1894-901. [PMID: 26089478 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pev155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
High stocking density (STD) could affect duck welfare and production. The objective of our study was to investigate whether dietary tryptophan (TRP) supplementation could alleviate the detrimental effects of high STD on ducks. White Pekin ducks at 4 to 6 wk of age were raised at 11 birds/m(2) and fed diets containing 0.18, 0.48, 0.78, or 1.08% TRP for 21 d. Growth performance, concentrations of TRP and metabolites in the blood and hypothalamus, antioxidative activities in serum and tissue, meat quality, serum uric acid, and urea nitrogen were measured. Weight gain and feed efficiency were significantly improved by TRP supplementation at ≥ 0.48 and ≥ 0.78% (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). Serum TRP, hypothalamic TRP, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), 5-hydroxyindoleacitic acid (5-HIAA), and 5-HIAA/5-HT were also increased significantly (P < 0.01). These increases plateaued at 0.48% TRP, and no further improvement was obtained by adding more TRP to the diet. Dietary TRP supplementation significantly increased levels of total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) in serum; GSH-Px in liver; and GSH-Px and CAT in breast muscle (P < 0.05). Malondialdehyde levels in breast muscle decreased (P < 0.001). Drip loss of breast muscle and pH decline at 45 min postmortem were reduced by TRP supplementation (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). Meat color was similar among different treatments (P > 0.05). Breast muscle shear force was increased significantly when dietary TRP level increased to 1.08% (P < 0.01). For ducks raised at 11 birds/m², dietary TRP supplementation could alleviate stress and improve growth performance, antioxidative activity, and meat quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - J M Yuan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - L S Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Y R Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - S M Cai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - J H Yu
- Animal Department, Beijing Aquarium, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Z F Xia
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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Wang B, Min Z, Yuan J, Zhang B, Guo Y. Effects of dietary tryptophan and stocking density on the performance, meat quality, and metabolic status of broilers. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2014; 5:44. [PMID: 25705377 PMCID: PMC4335389 DOI: 10.1186/2049-1891-5-44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2014] [Accepted: 09/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Highly automated cage-rearing systems are becoming increasingly popular in China. However, a high stocking density can cause oxidative stress and decrease broiler performance. The tryptophan (TRP) derivative 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HT) has been shown to preserve membrane fluidity in birds suffering from oxidative stress. Therefore, this experiment was conducted to determine the effects of dietary TRP supplementation on performance, breast meat quality and oxidative stress in broilers reared in cages with a high or low stocking density. Methods Female Arbor Acres broilers (25-d-old, n = 144) were randomly allocated to 1 of 4 treatments. The birds were fed a diet based on corn, soybean meal, cottonseed meal and corn gluten meal containing either 0.18 or 0.27% TRP and were housed with stocking densities of 11 or 15.4 birds/m2 in a 2 × 2 factorial experiment. Broiler performance was evaluated from d 25 to 42. Eight birds from each treatment were slaughtered on d 42 and plasma and breast muscle samples were collected to measure biochemical indices. Results A higher stocking density tended to be associated with reduced weight gain (P < 0.10), and significantly increased plasma glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT) activity (P < 0.001). Increased dietary TRP significantly reduced the activities of lactic dehydrogenase and GPT while increasing total cholesterol in the plasma (P < 0.01), reducing drip loss of breast muscle (P < 0.10) and improving feed efficiency (P < 0.10). Conclusions An increase in dietary TRP, 1.5-fold higher than the standard supplementation level, can alleviate oxidative stress as well as improve welfare and feed efficiency in broilers reared in cages with a high stocking density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhizhi Min
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jianmin Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Bingkun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yuming Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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Kops MS, Kjaer JB, Güntürkün O, Westphal KGC, Korte-Bouws GAH, Olivier B, Bolhuis JE, Korte SM. Serotonin release in the caudal nidopallium of adult laying hens genetically selected for high and low feather pecking behavior: an in vivo microdialysis study. Behav Brain Res 2014; 268:81-7. [PMID: 24720936 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2014.03.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Revised: 03/26/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Severe feather pecking (FP) is a detrimental behavior causing welfare problems in laying hens. Divergent genetic selection for FP in White Leghorns resulted in strong differences in FP incidences between lines. More recently, it was shown that the high FP (HFP) birds have increased locomotor activity as compared to hens of the low FP (LFP) line, but whether these lines differ in central serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) release is unknown. We compared baseline release levels of central 5-HT, and the metabolite 5-HIAA in the limbic and prefrontal subcomponents of the caudal nidopallium by in vivo microdialysis in adult HFP and LFP laying hens from the ninth generation of selection. A single subcutaneous d-fenfluramine injection (0.5 mg/kg) was given to release neuronal serotonin in order to investigate presynaptic storage capacity. The present study shows that HFP hens had higher baseline levels of 5-HT in the caudal nidopallium as compared to LFP laying hens. Remarkably, no differences in plasma tryptophan levels (precursor of 5-HT) between the lines were observed. d-fenfluramine increased 5-HT levels in both lines similarly indirectly suggesting that presynaptic storage capacity was the same. The present study shows that HFP hens release more 5-HT under baseline conditions in the caudal nidopallium as compared to the LFP birds. This suggests that HFP hens are characterized by a higher tonic 5-HT release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjolein S Kops
- Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Joergen B Kjaer
- Friedrich Loeffler Institut, Institute for Animal Welfare and Animal Husbandry, Celle, Germany.
| | - Onur Güntürkün
- Department of Psychology, Ruhr-University of Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Koen G C Westphal
- Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Gerdien A H Korte-Bouws
- Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Berend Olivier
- Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - J Elizabeth Bolhuis
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - S Mechiel Korte
- Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Kops MS, de Haas EN, Rodenburg TB, Ellen ED, Korte-Bouws GA, Olivier B, Güntürkün O, Korte SM, Bolhuis JE. Selection for low mortality in laying hens affects catecholamine levels in the arcopallium, a brain area involved in fear and motor regulation. Behav Brain Res 2013; 257:54-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2013.09.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2013] [Revised: 09/13/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Kops MS, de Haas EN, Rodenburg TB, Ellen ED, Korte-Bouws GAH, Olivier B, Güntürkün O, Bolhuis JE, Korte SM. Effects of feather pecking phenotype (severe feather peckers, victims and non-peckers) on serotonergic and dopaminergic activity in four brain areas of laying hens (Gallus gallus domesticus). Physiol Behav 2013; 120:77-82. [PMID: 23911692 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2013.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2013] [Revised: 06/10/2013] [Accepted: 07/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Severe feather pecking (SFP) in laying hens is a detrimental behavior causing loss of feathers, skin damage and cannibalism. Previously, we have associated changes in frontal brain serotonin (5-HT) turnover and dopamine (DA) turnover with alterations in feather pecking behavior in young pullets (28-60 days). Here, brain monoamine levels were measured in adult laying hens; focusing on four brain areas that are involved in emotional behavior or are part of the basal ganglia-thalamopallial circuit, which is involved in obsessive compulsive disorders. Three behavioral phenotypes were studied: Severe Feather Peckers (SFPs), Victims of SFP, and Non-Peckers (NPs). Hens (33 weeks old) were sacrificed after a 5-min manual restraint test. SFPs had higher 5-HIAA levels and a higher serotonin turnover (5-HIAA/5-HT) in the dorsal thalamus than NPs, with intermediate levels in victims. NPs had higher 5-HT levels in the medial striatum than victims, with levels of SFPs in between. 5-HT turnover levels did not differ between phenotypes in medial striatum, arcopallium and hippocampus. DA turnover levels were not affected by feather pecking phenotype. These findings indicate that serotonergic neurotransmission in the dorsal thalamus and striatum of adult laying hens depends on differences in behavioral feather pecking phenotype, with, compared to non-pecking hens, changes in both SFP and their victims. Further identification of different SFP phenotypes is needed to elucidate the role of brain monoamines in SFP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjolein S Kops
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Faculty of Science, P.O. Box 80082, 3508 TB Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Qaisrani SN, van Krimpen MM, Kwakkel RP. Effects of dietary dilution source and dilution level on feather damage, performance, behavior, and litter condition in pullets. Poult Sci 2013; 92:591-602. [PMID: 23436509 DOI: 10.3382/ps.2012-02378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary dilution sources and levels on feather damage, performance, feeding behavior, and litter condition in rearing pullets. It was hypothesized that dietary dilution increases feeding-related behavior and improves feather condition, particularly if insoluble nonstarch polysaccharides are used as the dilution source. In total, 864 Lohmann Brown 1-d-old non-beak-trimmed pullets were used until 18 wk of age. Four dietary treatments, a control diet without any dilution (R_0%), 7.5% diluted diet with sunflower seed extract/oat hulls (R_7.5%), 15% diluted diet with sunflower seed extract (R_15%_S), and 15% diluted diet with oat hulls (R_15%_O), with 6 replicates (1 replicate is a pen with 36 pullets) per treatment were used. On 4-wk intervals, behavioral parameters, including eating time, feather pecking, feather condition, and general behavior were evaluated. Pullets fed the control diet showed increased feather, comb, and wire pecking compared with pullets fed diluted diets. The level of feather damage decreased with increasing dietary dilution level. Pullets receiving R_15%_S and R_15%_O showed more feeding-related behavior than the pullets on R_7.5% and R_0%. Oat hulls were more effective in preventing feather damage than sunflower seed extract. Pullets did not fully compensate their feed intake if fed a dietary dilution, resulting in a proportionally reduced available ME intake. The R_15%_O pullets had 2.9% lower average BW gain compared with those fed R_0%. Average eating duration increased by 12.8, 33.2, and 42.1% in R_7.5%, R_15%_S, and R_15%_O fed pullets, respectively, compared with R_0%, whereas eating rate [feed intake (g)/pullet per eating min] was decreased in R_15%_S and R_15%_O pullets. Relative weights of empty gizzards were 3.95, 10.30, and 62.72% greater in R_7.5%, R_15%_S, and R_15%_O pullets compared with pullets fed R_0%. It was concluded that dietary dilution affected time budgets of the pullets, as shown by more feeding-related behavior, resulting in less feather pecking behavior. Based on our results, application of this feeding strategy could improve production and welfare in pullets.
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Affiliation(s)
- S N Qaisrani
- Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen, the Netherlands
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Liu HW, Shi BM, Liu DS, Shan AS. Supplemental dietary tryptophan modifies behavior, concentrations of salivary cortisol, plasma epinephrine, norepinephrine and hypothalamic 5-hydroxytryptamine in weaning piglets. Livest Sci 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2012.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Meyer B, Bessei W, Bessei AW, Vahjen W, Zentek J, Harlander-Matauschek A. Dietary inclusion of feathers affects intestinal microbiota and microbial metabolites in growing Leghorn-type chickens. Poult Sci 2012; 91:1506-13. [PMID: 22700493 DOI: 10.3382/ps.2011-01786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Feather pecking in laying hens is a serious behavioral problem that is often associated with feather eating. The intake of feathers may influence the gut microbiota and its metabolism. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of 2 different diets, with or without 5% ground feathers, on the gut microbiota and the resulting microbial fermentation products and to identify keratin-degrading bacteria in chicken digesta. One-day-old Lohmann-Selected Leghorn chicks were divided into 3 feeding groups: group A (control), B (5% ground feathers in the diet), and C, in which the control diet was fed until wk 12 and then switched to the 5% feather diet to study the effect of time of first feather ingestion. The gut microbiota was analyzed by cultivation and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of ileum and cecum digesta. Short-chain fatty acids, ammonia, and lactate concentrations were measured as microbial metabolites. The concentration of keratinolytic bacteria increased after feather ingestion in the ileum (P < 0.001) and cecum (P = 0.033). Bacterial species that hydrolyzed keratin were identified as Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus reuteri-like species (97% sequence homology), and Lactobacillus salivarius-like species (97% sequence homology). Molecular analysis of cecal DNA extracts showed that the feather diet lowered the bacterial diversity indicated by a reduced richness (P < 0.001) and shannon (P = 0.012) index. The pattern of microbial metabolites indicated some changes, especially in the cecum. This study showed that feather intake induced an adaptation of the intestinal microbiota in chickens. It remains unclear to what extent the changed metabolism of the microbiota reflects the feather intake and could have an effect on the behavior of the hens.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Meyer
- Institut of Animal Nutrition, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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Dong X, Azzam M, Rao W, Yu D, Zou X. Evaluating the impact of excess dietary tryptophan on laying performance and immune function of laying hens reared under hot and humid summer conditions. Br Poult Sci 2012; 53:491-6. [DOI: 10.1080/00071668.2012.719149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- X.Y. Dong
- a Feed Science Institute, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus , Hangzhou, 310058 , China
| | - M.M.M. Azzam
- a Feed Science Institute, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus , Hangzhou, 310058 , China
- b Poultry Production Department , Mansoura University , Mansoura 35516 , Egypt
| | - W. Rao
- a Feed Science Institute, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus , Hangzhou, 310058 , China
| | - D.Y. Yu
- a Feed Science Institute, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus , Hangzhou, 310058 , China
| | - X.T. Zou
- a Feed Science Institute, Zhejiang University, Zijingang Campus , Hangzhou, 310058 , China
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Effects of prescription diet on dealing with stressful situations and performance of anxiety-related behaviors in privately owned anxious dogs. J Vet Behav 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2011.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Uitdehaag K, Rodenburg T, Van Reenen C, Koopmanschap R, De Vries Reilingh G, Engel B, Buist W, Komen H, Bolhuis J. Effects of genetic origin and social environment on behavioral response to manual restraint and monoamine functioning in laying hens. Poult Sci 2011; 90:1629-36. [DOI: 10.3382/ps.2010-01292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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van Krimpen M, Veldkamp T, Binnendijk G, de Veer R. Effect of four processed animal proteins in the diet on behavior in laying hens. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2011.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Across-line SNP association study for direct and associative effects on feather damage in laying hens. Behav Genet 2010; 40:715-27. [PMID: 20496162 DOI: 10.1007/s10519-010-9370-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2010] [Accepted: 05/07/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
An association study between SNP markers and feather condition score on the back, rump and belly of laying hens was performed. Feather condition score is a measure of feather damage, which has been shown to be closely related to feather pecking behaviour in hens housed in groups. A population of 662 hens was genotyped for 1536 SNPs of which 1022 could be used for the association study. The analysis was conducted across 9 different lines of White Leghorn and Rhode Island Red origin. Across lines linkage disequilibrium is conserved at shorter distances than within lines; therefore, SNPs significantly associated with feather condition score across lines are expected to be closer to the functional mutations. The SNPs that had a significant across-line effect but did not show significant SNP-by-line interaction were identified, to test that the association was consistent across lines. Both the direct effect of the individual's genotype on its plumage condition, and the associative effect of the genotype of the cage mates on the individual's plumage condition were analysed. The direct genetic effect can be considered as the susceptibility to be pecked at, whereas the associative genetic effect can be interpreted as the propensity to perform feather pecking. Finally, 11 significant associations between SNPs and behavioural traits were detected in the direct model, and 81 in the associative model. A role of the gene for the serotonin receptor 2C (HTR2C) on chromosome 4 was found. This supports existing evidence of a prominent involvement of the serotonergic system in the modulation of this behavioural disorder in laying hens. The genes for IL9, IL4, CCL4 and NFKB were found to be associated to plumage condition, revealing relationships between the immune system and behaviour.
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van Zeeland YR, Spruit BM, Rodenburg TB, Riedstra B, van Hierden YM, Buitenhuis B, Korte SM, Lumeij JT. Feather damaging behaviour in parrots: A review with consideration of comparative aspects. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2009.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Virden W, Kidd M. Physiological stress in broilers: Ramifications on nutrient digestibility and responses. J APPL POULTRY RES 2009. [DOI: 10.3382/japr.2007-00093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Parmentier HK, Rodenburg TB, De Vries Reilingh G, Beerda B, Kemp B. Does enhancement of specific immune responses predispose laying hens for feather pecking? Poult Sci 2009; 88:536-42. [PMID: 19211522 DOI: 10.3382/ps.2008-00424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
To mimic airborne immune challenges, layer hens were intratracheally and concurrently challenged with various doses of the protein antigen human serum albumin (HuSA) and the pathogen-associated molecular pattern lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at 7 and 13 wk of age. All groups received 1 similar dose of HuSA plus LPS at 11 mo of age. Evaluation of plumage and body condition at 12 mo of age revealed that birds that had undergone intratracheal immunization with a high dosage of HuSA, irrespective of the concurrent dose of LPS, had significantly more feather damage but less wounds to the vent region, as opposed to birds not receiving HuSA. On the other hand, a high dosage of LPS was related to comb damage. These results suggest that stimulation of specific (humoral) immune responses (to HuSA) rather than innate responses (to LPS) at a young age may predispose layers for feather pecking (FP) behavior at later ages. Involvement of immune mechanisms in FP or vent damage may differ. Predisposal for FP behavior by specific immunity can have consequences for health and vaccine management.
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Affiliation(s)
- H K Parmentier
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University, Marijkeweg 40, 6709 PG Wageningen, the Netherlands.
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