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Perretti A, Weimer S. A comparison of inversion test holding methods for broilers. Poult Sci 2024; 103:104163. [PMID: 39153269 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.104163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective, robust, and repeatable assessments of fear responses of poultry can lead to improvements in research techniques, the validity of test results, and ultimately bird welfare. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of 2 different holding methods on broiler fear responses during the inversion test, a standardized method of assessing fear in poultry. On D15 and D34 mixed-sex broilers (N = 80) were inverted and held either by their shanks (N = 40) or feet (N = 40) at arm's length away from the experimenter for 30 s. The frequency of wing flapping, head movement, attempts to right, and vocalizations were observed from video recordings collected during the inversion test. Vocalizations at D15 and D34 were not different when comparing holding methods. Frequency of attempts to right and wing flapping at D15 were greater (P < 0.001) for birds held by their feet (0.90 and 16.6, respectively) than when they were held by their shanks (0.20 and 0.73, respectively). Similarly, on D34 wing flapping remained greater (P < 0.001) for birds held by their feet (23.8) compared to their shanks (8.1). Conversely, head movements were greater (P = 0.05) for birds held by their shanks (9.2) compared to their feet (6.3) on D15. Within both the shank and feet holding method, vocalizations at D15 were greater (30.7 and 35.6, respectively) compared to D34 (11.93 and 15.38, respectively) (P < 0.001). There was no holding method effect on head movements within each age. These results suggest that behaviors observed during the inversion test can be influenced by the inversion holding method and that handling should be standardized while conducting behavioral tests to assess fear in poultry.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Perretti
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - S Weimer
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA.
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da Porciuncula GC, Aita MF, Werncke D, Bettencourt AF, Poli CHEC, Fischer V. Maternal behavior scores and temperament of ewes under intensive and extensive handling systems. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2024; 27:679-693. [PMID: 36573253 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2022.2160248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Maternal behavior has been related to ewe's reactivity, as more reactive ewes might have greater risk of presenting worse maternal ability. This study aimed to determine the association between maternal behavior score (MBS) of Corriedale ewes with their physiological and behavioral variables measured at weaning of their offspring within two handling systems. Data from 335 ewes with average (± SE) age of 3.1 ± 1.8 years and 46.5 ± 6.1 kg of body weight were used. Experimental farms were classified into two handling systems: intensive (n = 3) and extensive (n = 2), based on stocking density and nature of human-animal relationships. Maternal behavior was evaluated in the field within 24 h after delivery, using a 6-rated scale (1 = poor to 6 = excellent). This scale takes into account the distance the ewe takes from the lamb when the lamb is restrained by an observer. The temperament of the ewes was evaluated during an arena test, at the weaning of the lambs, and was divided into two phases: social isolation and human presence. Data were subjected to principal component analysis and logistic regression. Logistic regression of principal factor (PF) scores in MBS showed that physical activity during the isolation phase increased in 1.57 (CI: 1.02 to 2.42; P < 0.05) the probability of extensively handling ewes showing high MBS (≥4), while in intensively handling ewes, logistic regression showed that the number of vocalizations in both phases of the arena test increased in 1.64 (CI: 1.12 to 2.4; P < 0.05) the probability of ewes having high MBS. Albeit the handling systems are not comparable, MBS was positively associated with some behavioral variables measured at the arena test.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marta Farias Aita
- Iwar Beckman Research Center, Rio Grande do Sul State Agricultural Research Foundation (FEPAGRO CAMPANHA), Hulha Negra, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Daíse Werncke
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Arthur Fernandes Bettencourt
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Vivian Fischer
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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Hasenpusch P, Wilder T, Seidel A, Thaller G. Dairy cow personality: Consistency in a familiar testing environment. JDS COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 5:511-515. [PMID: 39310831 PMCID: PMC11410465 DOI: 10.3168/jdsc.2023-0499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
Personality affects the behavior of dairy cows in response to various situations on farm, such as novel or social challenges, which can affect the welfare of individual cows. Personality traits are evaluated through behavioral testing, typically in unfamiliar environments, but this can be a time-consuming process. Using a novel object test (NOT) and a forced human approach test (FHAT), we tested 222 individual dairy cows and retested a subset of cows (n = 78) 8 mo afterward. The aim was to see if personality traits can be identified in a familiar environment and if traits were consistent in between test and retest. Principal component analysis was used to identify personality traits. Extracted components (personality traits) were named according to determining variables (loadings <-0.63 or >0.63). Based on identified personality traits we calculated the intraclass correlation (ICC) coefficient and the differences between personality trait in test and retest to assess consistency. We identified 3 personality traits from NOT measurements ("explorative," "boldness," and "sociable") explaining 85% of the variance and one trait from behavioral measurements in the FHAT ("trusting") explaining 74% of the variance. Mean ICC of 0.6 with a standard deviation of 0.18 shows that although traits are consistent at herd level, cows react individually in stressful situations. As both tests were carried out in a familiar environment and results are similar to other studies that used unfamiliar environments, we can conclude that tests can be performed in a familiar environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. Hasenpusch
- Institute for Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, 24098 Kiel, Germany
| | - T. Wilder
- Institute for Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, 24098 Kiel, Germany
| | - A. Seidel
- Institute for Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, 24098 Kiel, Germany
| | - G. Thaller
- Institute for Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, 24098 Kiel, Germany
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Lindner E, Gingerich K, Utzig S, Miller-Cushon E. Effects of social housing on dairy calf response to novelty shortly after weaning and grouping. JDS COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 5:384-389. [PMID: 39310840 PMCID: PMC11410482 DOI: 10.3168/jdsc.2023-0446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
Dairy calf social development and responses to novelty are influenced by social contact, but longer-term implications of early life social housing for response to novelty in weaned calves are less clear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of preweaning social housing on how dairy calves respond to novel feed and objects a few days following weaning and grouping. At birth, calves were alternately assigned to either individual (IH; n = 22 calves) or pair housing (PH; n = 18 pairs; 1 focal calf enrolled/pair). Following weaning (at 53.4 ± 2.0 d; mean ± standard deviation), calves were mingled between treatments and group-housed with calves born the same week (4 to 6 calves/pen; 12 total groups). Beginning at 56.4 ± 2 d of age, calves were exposed to 2 novel feed tests (sliced carrots and chopped red apples) conducted in the home pen on consecutive days. Following novel feed tests, a subset of calves (n = 11 IH and n = 9 PH calves, from separate paired pens) was exposed to a novel object test, conducted individually in a testing arena. During novel feed tests, the latency to contact the novel feed did not differ between treatments but previously IH calves spent more time at the feed trough (6.9 vs. 4.3 min/h, IH vs. PH, standard error = 0.25). In the novel object test, latency to contact the novel object and duration of contact did not differ between previous housing treatments but previously IH calves moved around the arena more. These results suggest that preweaning social housing had some carryover effects on behavioral responses during novel feed and novel object tests a few days following weaning and grouping, potentially reflecting differences in social feeding behavior and activity in a novel space, but avoidance of the novel object and feed were not affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- E.E. Lindner
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608
| | - K.N. Gingerich
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608
| | - S. Utzig
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608
| | - E.K. Miller-Cushon
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608
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Ishikawa A, Takanuma T, Hashimoto N, Tsudzuki M. Association between Temperament and Stress-related Gene Expression in Day-old Chickens. J Poult Sci 2024; 61:2024022. [PMID: 39130209 PMCID: PMC11310665 DOI: 10.2141/jpsa.2024022] [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: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Stress in day-old chickens from commercial hatcheries is associated with problematic behavior in adult animals. Recently, we developed a new behavioral handling test for day-old chickens and demonstrated that it assessed temperament differences between seven breeds of native Japanese and Western chickens. In this study, we used 2-day-old male chicks from five of the above breeds to investigate the relationship between temperament and mRNA levels of three stress-related genes (nuclear receptor subfamily 3 group C member 1 (NR3C1), cytochrome P450 family 11 subfamily A member 1, and hydroxy-delta-5-steroid dehydrogenase, 3 beta- and steroid delta-isomerase 1) involved in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Principal component analysis of 10 behavioral traits for the handling test revealed that the Fayoumi breed and Hiroshima line of the Chabo breed, both of which exhibited boisterous temperament, clustered separately from the other breeds. Only NR3C1 expression showed a significant positive correlation with two behavioral traits (general vocalization and approaching the wall), and a negative correlation with movement. These results suggest that the complex temperament of day-old chickens is regulated, in part, by stress-related genes along the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Ishikawa
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya
University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Tomoka Takanuma
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya
University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Norikazu Hashimoto
- Livestock Experiment Station, Wakayama Prefecture,
Hidaka-Gun 644-1111, Japan
| | - Masaoki Tsudzuki
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima
University, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8525, Japan
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Corrales-Hlinka F, Pérez-Clariget R, Ungerfeld R, Freitas-de-Melo A. Stress response to social isolation followed by exposure to a novel object in aged ewes born to undernourished mothers. Behav Processes 2024; 220:105069. [PMID: 38897363 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2024.105069] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Fetal programming by subnutrition affects offspring's behaviour, metabolism, and sensitivity to stressors in sheep. The objective was to determine the stress response of ewes born to mothers nutritionally restricted during gestation to social isolation followed by exposure to a novel object. Twenty-six-year-old Corriedale ewes born to mothers who grazed high or low pasture allowances (HPA and LPA groups) from 23 days before conception until 122 days of gestation were used. Ewes were individually isolated in a novel place for 10 min, and 5 min after its beginning, an orange ball was dropped into the test pen. The ewes' behaviours were recorded during the test. Blood proteins, glucose and cortisol concentrations, heart and respiratory rates and rectal and surface temperatures were determined. The number of times looking at the ball tended to be greater in HPA ewes than LPA (6.7 ± 1.0 vs 4.7 ± 0.8, P = 0.08). The LPA ewes had greater serum albumin concentration than HPA ewes (3.2 ± 0.1 g/dL vs 3.0 ± 0.1 g/dL, P = 0.02), regardless of the applied stressors. Overall, the nutritional treatments applied to ewes during their intrauterine development did not modify the stress responses to social isolation followed by exposure to a novel object.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florencia Corrales-Hlinka
- Departamento de Producción Animal y Pasturas, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
| | - Raquel Pérez-Clariget
- Departamento de Producción Animal y Pasturas, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
| | - Rodolfo Ungerfeld
- Departamento de Biociencias Veterinarias, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
| | - Aline Freitas-de-Melo
- Departamento de Biociencias Veterinarias, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Uruguay.
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Charrier M, Lumineau S, George I, Meurisse M, Georgelin M, Palme R, Angelier F, Coustham V, Nicolle C, Bertin A, Darmaillacq AS, Dickel L, Guémené D, Calandreau L, Houdelier C. Maternal stress effects across generations in a precocial bird. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 11:231826. [PMID: 39205998 PMCID: PMC11349446 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.231826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Prenatal maternal stress (PMS) is known to shape the phenotype of the first generation offspring (F1) but according to some studies, it could also shape the phenotype of the offspring of the following generations. We previously showed in the Japanese quail that PMS increased the emotional reactivity of F1 offspring in relation to (i) a variation in the levels of some histone post-translational modification (H3K27me3) in their brains and (ii) a modulation of the hormonal composition of the eggs from which they hatched. Here, we wondered whether PMS could also influence the behaviour of the second (F2) and third (F3) generation offspring due to the persistence of the specific marks we identified. Using a principal component analysis, we found that PMS influenced F2 and F3 quail profiles with subtle differences between generations. It increased F2 neophobia, F3 fearfulness and F3 neophobia but only in females. Interestingly, we did not find any variations in the level of histone post-translational modification in F3 brains and we observed inconsistent modulations of androstenedione levels in F1 and F2 eggs. Although they may vary over generations, our results demonstrate that PMS can have phenotypical effects into the third generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Charrier
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, Normandie Univ, EthoS (Éthologie animale et humaine), UMR 6552, Rennes, France
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, 37380 Nouzilly, France
- SYSAAF, Centre INRAE Val de Loire, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Sophie Lumineau
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, Normandie Univ, EthoS (Éthologie animale et humaine), UMR 6552, Rennes, France
| | - Isabelle George
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, Normandie Univ, EthoS (Éthologie animale et humaine), UMR 6552, Rennes, France
| | - Maryse Meurisse
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Marion Georgelin
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Rupert Palme
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Frédéric Angelier
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, CNRS-LRU, UMR 7372, 79360 Villiers en Bois, France
| | - Vincent Coustham
- INRAE, Université de Tours, BOA, 37380 Nouzilly, France
- INRAE, Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, NUMEA, 64310 Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle, France
| | - Céline Nicolle
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, Normandie Univ, EthoS (Éthologie animale et humaine), UMR 6552, Rennes, France
| | - Aline Bertin
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Anne-Sophie Darmaillacq
- Normandie University, UNICAEN, University of Rennes, CNRS, EthoS (Éthologie animale et humaine), UMR 6552, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Ludovic Dickel
- Normandie University, UNICAEN, University of Rennes, CNRS, EthoS (Éthologie animale et humaine), UMR 6552, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Daniel Guémené
- SYSAAF, Centre INRAE Val de Loire, 37380 Nouzilly, France
- INRAE, Université de Tours, BOA, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | | | - Cécilia Houdelier
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, Normandie Univ, EthoS (Éthologie animale et humaine), UMR 6552, Rennes, France
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Larrigaldie I, Damon F, Mousqué S, Patris B, Lansade L, Schaal B, Destrez A. Do sheep (Ovis aries) discriminate human emotional odors? Anim Cogn 2024; 27:51. [PMID: 39060454 PMCID: PMC11282138 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-024-01895-1] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
While sheep can detect and discriminate human emotions through visual and vocal cues, their reaction to human body odors remains unknown. The present study aimed to determine whether sheep (Ovis aries) can detect human odors, olfactorily discriminate stressed from non-stressed individuals, and behave accordingly based on the emotional valence of the odors. Axillary secretions from 34 students were collected following an oral examination (stress odor) or a regular class (non-stress odor). Fourteen female and 15 male lambs were then exposed to these odors through a habituation-dishabituation procedure. The habituation stimulus was presented four times for one minute, followed by the dishabituation stimulus presented once for one minute. Behavioral variables included spatiality relative to target odors, approach/withdrawal, ear positioning, sniffing, ingestion, and vocalization. Both female and male lambs more often positioned their ears backwards/forwards, and asymmetrically when exposed to the dishabituation stimulus, but regardless of their stress or non-stress value. They also changed their approach behavior when exposed to the dishabituation stimuli. Lambs displayed some behavioral signs of discrimination between the habituation and dishabituation odors, but regardless of their relation to stress or non-stress of human donors. In sum, this exploratory study suggests that young sheep respond negatively to the odor of unfamiliar humans, without showing any specific emotional contagion related to the stress odor. This exploratory study suggests young ovines can detect human body odor, a further step toward understanding the human-sheep relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izïa Larrigaldie
- Development of Olfaction in Cognition and Communication Lab, Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l'Alimentation, CNRS, Université Bourgogne, Institut Agro Dijon, Dijon, France.
| | - Fabrice Damon
- Development of Olfaction in Cognition and Communication Lab, Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l'Alimentation, CNRS, Université Bourgogne, Institut Agro Dijon, Dijon, France
| | - Solène Mousqué
- Development of Olfaction in Cognition and Communication Lab, Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l'Alimentation, CNRS, Université Bourgogne, Institut Agro Dijon, Dijon, France
- Institut Agro Dijon, Dijon, France
| | - Bruno Patris
- Development of Olfaction in Cognition and Communication Lab, Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l'Alimentation, CNRS, Université Bourgogne, Institut Agro Dijon, Dijon, France
| | - Léa Lansade
- Unité de Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, IFCE, Inrae, CNRS, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Benoist Schaal
- Development of Olfaction in Cognition and Communication Lab, Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l'Alimentation, CNRS, Université Bourgogne, Institut Agro Dijon, Dijon, France
| | - Alexandra Destrez
- Development of Olfaction in Cognition and Communication Lab, Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l'Alimentation, CNRS, Université Bourgogne, Institut Agro Dijon, Dijon, France
- Institut Agro Dijon, Dijon, France
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Addy-Orduna LM, Ortiz-Santaliestra ME, Mougeot F, Bolívar-Muñoz P, Camarero PR, Mateo R. Behavioral Responses of Imidacloprid-Dosed Farmland Birds to a Simulated Predation Risk. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 39034620 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c01893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Sublethal exposure to imidacloprid and other neonicotinoid insecticides may affect the neurological functions of birds. As such, behavior may be compromised. Here, we tested experimentally the effects of 1 and 6 mg/kg bw of imidacloprid on the antipredator behavioral responses of the red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) to simulated predator threats. Sixty-six partridges were challenged in groups or individually to intra- and interspecific alarm calls, to a raptor silhouette (aerial predation risk), and to a fox model (terrestrial predation risk). Antipredator behaviors were recorded as active (escape, active vigilance) and passive (passive vigilance, crouching, and freezing) responses. Latency in response to the stimuli, percentage of individuals who responded, response duration, speed of active responses, and vocalizations were measured. In experiments with partridges in the group, crouching against simulated predation risk lasted less time in birds treated with 6 mg a.i./kg bw than in control birds. In the experiments with individual partridges, passive vigilance against the intraspecific alarm lasted longer in birds treated with 6 mg a.i./kg bw than in control birds. The observed hyperreactivity to the predatory threat after a sublethal imidacloprid exposure can have consequences on survival under field conditions, where predation is a main driver of population dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Addy-Orduna
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Paraná, Ruta 11 km 12.5, 3100 Paraná, Entre Ríos, Argentina
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Manuel E Ortiz-Santaliestra
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - François Mougeot
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Paula Bolívar-Muñoz
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Pablo R Camarero
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Rafael Mateo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
- Instituto de Diagnóstico Ambiental y Estudios del Agua (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
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10
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Setser MMW, Neave HW, Costa JHC. Are you ready for a challenge? Personality traits influence dairy calves' responses to disease, pain, and nutritional challenges. J Dairy Sci 2024:S0022-0302(24)01013-0. [PMID: 39033912 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-24514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Dairy calves routinely experience disease, pain, and nutritional stressors such as diarrhea, dehorning, and weaning early in life. These stressors lead to changes in behavioral expression that varies in magnitude between individuals, where a greater magnitude change would suggest lower resilience in individuals to a stressor. Thus, this study first aimed to quantify the individual variation in magnitude change in feeding behaviors and activity in response to a bout of diarrhea, dehorning, and weaning. The next objective was to then investigate if personality traits were related to this magnitude of behavioral response in dairy calves, and thus their resilience toward these stressors. Calves were followed with 2 precision livestock technologies (e.g.: an automatic feeding system (AFS), and leg accelerometer) to track behavioral changes in response during the time when the stressors were present. The AFS provided daily measures of milk intake, drinking speed, rewarded and unrewarded visits to the milk feeding station, and calf starter intake. The leg accelerometer provided daily measures of steps, activity index, lying time, and lying bouts. At 23 ± 3 d of age, Holstein dairy calves (n = 49) were subjected to a series of standardized personality tests that exposed calf to novelty and fear stimuli. Factors extracted from a principal component analysis on the behaviors from the personality test were utilized to represent personality traits: Factor 1 ('Fearful'), Factor 2 ('Active') and Factor 3 ('Explorative'). The magnitude change in behaviors from the precision livestock technologies were calculated relative to the behavior performed on the day the stressor occurred (i.e., day of diagnosis; day of dehorning; day weaned). Linear regression models were utilized to determine if calf scores on each factor were associated with magnitude change in behavior for each of the stressor periods with day relative to the stressor included as a repeated measure. Models were run independently for the period leading up to and following each stressor. We found that calves varied in their behavioral responses to diarrhea, dehorning, and weaning stressors, despite being reared in the same environment and experiencing consistent management procedures. Additionally, personality traits measured from standardized tests were associated to both the direction and magnitude of change in behaviors around each stressor. For instance, with diarrhea, calves that were highly 'Fearful' had a greater magnitude change in milk intake and drinking speed following diagnosis than the least 'Fearful' calves. With dehorning, calves that were highly 'Explorative' had a greater magnitude change in lying time when dehorned, but a smaller magnitude change in lying bouts and drinking speed following dehorning, than the least 'explorative' calves. With weaning, calves that were highly 'Active' had a smaller magnitude change in unrewarded visits leading up to and following weaning than calves that were the least 'Active'. Each of the personality traits had a significant association with change in behavior surrounding each of the stressors evaluated, although these associations depended on the type of stressor. These results have implications for how individual calves experience each stressor and therefore individual animal welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Woodrum Setser
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - H W Neave
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Aarhus University, Tjele, Denmark; Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - J H C Costa
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky; Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont.
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11
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Jurkovich V, Hejel P, Kovács L. A Review of the Effects of Stress on Dairy Cattle Behaviour. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:2038. [PMID: 39061500 PMCID: PMC11273513 DOI: 10.3390/ani14142038] [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: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In this narrative review, the authors summarise the relationship between stress and behaviour and how dairy cattle cope with stressors. Based on the available literature, the most common stressors in intensive dairy cattle farming, such as pain, disease, heat stress, poor comfort caused by technology, and social stress, are surveyed. The authors describe how these stressors modify the behaviour of dairy cattle, influencing their feeding patterns, social interactions, and overall well-being. Additionally, the review explores the effectiveness of various coping mechanisms employed by dairy cattle to mitigate stress, including physiological adaptations and behavioural responses. This review is a valuable resource for understanding and grading stress in dairy cattle through behavioural reactions. Elucidating the intricate interplay between stressors and behaviour offers insights into potential interventions to improve animal welfare and productivity in dairy farming. Furthermore, this review highlights areas for future research, suggesting avenues for more comprehensive behavioural studies to enhance our understanding of stress management strategies in dairy cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Jurkovich
- Centre for Animal Welfare, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Péter Hejel
- Department of Animal Hygiene, Herd Health and Mobile Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2, H-1078 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Levente Kovács
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Páter Károly u. 1, H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary
- Bona Adventure Ltd., Peres u. 44, H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary
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12
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Wang Y, Zhang J, Wang X, Wang R, Zhang H, Zhang R, Bao J. The inflammatory immunity and gut microbiota are associated with fear response differences in laying hens. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103816. [PMID: 38718537 PMCID: PMC11097073 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The fear response is a crucial adaptive mechanism for coping with environmental changes, and the individuals have different levels of fearfulness. The purpose of this study was to determine the status of the immune response and gut health in hens with different fear responses. A total of 80 healthy 75-wk-old native Lindian chickens were individually housed in conventional cages and categorized into high (TH) and low (TL) levels of fearfulness using the tonic immobility (TI) test. The immunological status and intestinal health of the laying hens were assessed, and the intestinal microbial community was sequenced using 16S rRNA testing. The results showed that the immune-related genes of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-6, and IgG were significantly upregulated in the spleen of TH hens compared with hens in the TL group (P < 0.01). The inflammatory immune-related genes Toll-like receptor (TLR)2, TLR4, nuclear factor (NF)-κB, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, IL-10, and IgG were significantly increased in the intestinal tract, whereas IL-4, IgA, and the intestinal barrier gene claudin-4 were significantly decreased in TH hens (P < 0.05). In addition, serum concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, interferon (IFN)-α and IgG were significantly higher in TH hens (P < 0.01). A high fear response also led to changes in gut microbial diversity, with a higher Simpson's index and lower β-diversity similarity than hens with a low-fear response (P < 0.05). The TH group showed an increase in 8 genera, including Bacillaceae and Coprococcus, whereas the genus Anaerorhabdus decreased (P < 0.05). The gut microbiota has also been associated with gut barrier genes, and inflammatory cytokines. Bartonella stimulates IL-1β and IgG secretion, whereas Lactobacillus inhibits IL-6 secretion, and Coprococcus and Subdoligranulum are associated with the maintenance of intestinal barrier function. The results of this study suggest that laying hens with high fear response levels have a more sensitive immune response and a more enriched gut microbiota, which may have positive effects on adapting to a complex environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, 150030 Harbin, China
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, 150030 Harbin, China
| | - Xiaoxu Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, 150030 Harbin, China
| | - Rui Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, 150030 Harbin, China; Branch of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary of Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 161005 Qiqihar, China
| | - Haoran Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, 150030 Harbin, China
| | - Runxiang Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, 150030 Harbin, China; Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, 150030 Harbin, China.
| | - Jun Bao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, 150030 Harbin, China; Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, 150030 Harbin, China
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13
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Skånberg L, Holt RV, Newberry RC, Estevez I, McCrea K, Keeling LJ. Making the most of life: environmental choice during rearing enhances the ability of laying hens to take opportunities. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1425851. [PMID: 38948678 PMCID: PMC11211632 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1425851] [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: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The potential of aviary housing for improving laying hen (Gallus gallus domesticus) welfare will be constrained if rearing conditions limit the hens' behavioral ability to take opportunities. Incorporating theories on developmental plasticity and animal agency, this study aimed to determine: (1) whether a choice of litter and perch types during rearing would promote long-lasting changes in use of novel locations and resources, and (2) the influence of timing of choice provision. Methods Laying hen chicks were assigned to either a "Single-choice" (one litter and perch type) or "Multi-choice" environment (four litter and perch types) during "Early" (day 1-week 4) and "Late" rearing (week 5-15). The environments were switched in half of the 16 pens in week 5, resulting in a 2 × 2 factorial design with four choice environment by period combinations. The allocation of perch and litter space was the same across all treatment combinations. In week 16, all groups were moved to standard aviary laying pens (Laying period, week 16-27). Results When first moved to the laying pens, hens with Multi-choice in either or both rearing periods were quicker to spread out in their pen than hens with Single-choice throughout rearing. Multi-choice in Early rearing also reduced the latency to use novel elevated structures (perches and nests) in the laying pens. Multi-choice during Late rearing increased success in finding and consuming hidden mealworms (tested in weeks 9-17) and increased the proportion of eggs laid on elevated nesting trays. Numerically, hens switched from Multi-choice to Single-choice in week 5 used the outdoor range less than hens switched from Single-choice to Multi-choice. Discussion These results support the hypothesis that offering multiple resource choices during rearing improves hens' ability to make the most of new opportunities by being more proactive in exploring and exploiting newly available resources. In different opportunity challenges, hens showed positive outcomes in response to choice during Early, Late or both stages of rearing, suggesting that best results can be obtained by offering environmental choice throughout rearing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Skånberg
- Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Regine V. Holt
- Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Ruth C. Newberry
- Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Inma Estevez
- Neiker Basque Institute for Agricultural Research, Basque Research and Technology Alliance, Vitoria, Spain
- IKERBASQUE Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Kirste McCrea
- Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Linda J. Keeling
- Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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14
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Lucas ME, Hemsworth LM, Butler KL, Morrison RS, Tilbrook AJ, Marchant JN, Rault JL, Galea RY, Hemsworth PH. Early human contact and housing for pigs - part 1: responses to humans, novelty and isolation. Animal 2024; 18:101164. [PMID: 38761440 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2024.101164] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of fear and stress responses in animals can be influenced by early life experiences, including interactions with humans, maternal care, and the physical surroundings. This paper is the first of three reporting on a large experiment examining the effects of the early housing environment and early positive human contact on stress resilience in pigs. This first paper reports on the responses of pigs to humans, novelty, and social isolation. Using a 2 × 2 factorial design, 48 litters of pigs were reared in either a conventional farrowing crate (FC) where the sow was confined or a loose farrowing pen (LP; PigSAFE pen) which was larger, more physically complex and allowed the sow to move freely throughout the farrowing and lactation period. Piglets were provided with either routine contact from stockpeople (C), or routine contact plus regular opportunities for positive human contact (+HC) involving 5 min of scratching, patting and stroking imposed to the litter 5 days/week from 0-4 weeks of age. The positive handling treatment was highly effective in reducing piglets' fear of humans, based on +HC piglets showing greater approach and less avoidance of an unfamiliar person at 3 weeks of age. There was evidence that this reduction in fear of humans lasted well beyond when the treatment was applied (lactation), with +HC pigs showing greater approach and less avoidance of humans in tests at 6, 9 and 14 weeks of age. The +HC treatment also reduced piglets' fear of a novel object at 3 weeks of age, and for pigs in FC, the cortisol response after social isolation at 7 weeks of age. Rearing in FC compared to LP reduced piglets' fear of novelty at 3 weeks of age, as well as their vocalisations and cortisol response to isolation at 7 weeks of age. The FC pigs showed greater approach and less avoidance of humans compared to LP pigs at 3, 4 and 6 weeks of age, but not at 9 and 14 weeks of age. These results show that positive handling early in life can reduce pigs' fear of humans, fear of novelty and physiological stress response to social isolation. The LP pigs were reared in a more isolated environment with less overall contact with stockpeople and other pigs, which may have increased their fear responses to humans and novel situations, suggesting that different housing systems can modulate these pigs' responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Lucas
- The Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| | - L M Hemsworth
- The Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - K L Butler
- The Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - R S Morrison
- Rivalea Australia Pty Ltd, Corowa, Victoria 2464, Australia
| | - A J Tilbrook
- Centre for Animal Science, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, St Lucia 4072, Australia; School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton Campus, Gatton, Queensland 4343, Australia
| | - J N Marchant
- Organic Plus Trust, Alexandria, VA 22302, USA; A World of Good Initiative Inc., Dover, DE 19901, USA
| | - J-L Rault
- Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna A-1210, Austria
| | - R Y Galea
- The Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - P H Hemsworth
- The Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
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15
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Hammond A, Buchynski K, Shynkaruk T, Brown J, Crowe T, Schwean-Lardner K. Do flickering lights impact turkey hen behavior, stress, and fear? Poult Sci 2024; 103:103699. [PMID: 38608391 PMCID: PMC11017336 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103699] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Little is known about the effect of light-flicker frequency on poultry, particularly on turkeys. This experiment examined the impact of light-flicker frequency on the behavior, stress, and fear response of Nicholas Select turkey hens reared to 11 wk. The experiment was a randomized complete block design (2 trials), with a one-way factorial analysis evaluating 3 light-flicker frequencies (30, 90, or 195 Hertz; Hz). Birds (n = 3,276 per trial) were housed in 9 individual environmentally controlled rooms (3 replicates per treatment per trial). Data collected included: behavior (4, 8, and 10 wk), incidence of aggressive damage, heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and novel object test (daily d 1-7 and at 4, 8, and 11 wk). Data were analyzed using Proc Mixed (SAS 9.4), with significance declared at P ≤ 0.05. Behavior data are presented as the percentage of time spent performing the behavior. At 4 wk, gentle feather pecking and exploratory behaviors were higher under 195 Hz compared to 30 Hz (P = 0.04 and P = 0.05, respectively). Preening was higher under 90 Hz compared to 30 Hz (P = 0.05). At 8 wk, wing flapping was lowest under 195 Hz (P < 0.01). Gentle feather pecking was higher under 90 and 195 Hz compared to 30 Hz (P = 0.02). Fighting (P = 0.05), aggressive pecking (P = 0.02), and aggressive behaviors (P = 0.01) were lower under 30 Hz compared to 90 Hz. At 10 wk, preening was decreased under 30 Hz (P = 0.03). Incidences of aggressive damage were reduced under 30 Hz compared to 90 Hz (0 d-4 wk; P = 0.01) and under 30 compared to both 90 and 195 Hz (4-8 wk; P = 0.01). At 11 wk, heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratios were lowest under 30 Hz (P = 0.04). The novel object test was unaffected by flicker treatment. In conclusion, many behaviors and the stress and fear responses were unaffected by either visible or non-visible flicker. However, visible flicker (30 Hz) reduced some comfort and exploratory behaviors early in life, and the impact on preening continued to older ages, suggesting minor negative impacts of flicker, particularly early in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Hammond
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N5A8, Canada
| | - K Buchynski
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N5A8, Canada
| | - T Shynkaruk
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N5A8, Canada
| | - J Brown
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N5A8, Canada
| | - T Crowe
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N5A9, Canada
| | - K Schwean-Lardner
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N5A8, Canada.
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16
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Kliphuis S, Manet MWE, Goerlich VC, Nordquist RE, Vernooij H, Tuyttens FAM, Rodenburg TB. Effects of lighted incubation and foraging enrichment during rearing on individual fear behavior, corticosterone, and neuroplasticity in laying hen pullets. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103665. [PMID: 38569241 PMCID: PMC10999657 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103665] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmental conditions during incubation and rearing can influence stress responsivity of laying hen pullets throughout their lifespan, and therefore have important implications for their welfare. In this study, a 12:12h green LED light-dark cycle during incubation and larvae provisioning as enrichment during rearing were tested as strategies to optimize early-life conditions and thereby decrease stress responsivity in ISA Brown laying hens. A combination of parameters was measured to indicate neuronal, physiological, and behavioral changes that may affect fear and stress. The proteins calbindin D28k (calbindin1), doublecortin (DCX), and neuronal nuclein protein (NeuN) were quantified after hatch as a proxy for brain plasticity. Plasma and feather corticosterone levels were measured after hatch and at the end of the rearing phase, and fearfulness was investigated through a series of behavioral tests (i.e., voluntary approach, open field, tonic immobility, and manual restraint tests). No effects of light during incubation were found on calbindin1, DCX, or NeuN. Neither of the treatments affected corticosterone levels in blood plasma and feathers. Light-incubated pullets showed less fearfulness towards humans in the voluntary approach test, but not in the other behavioral tests reported in this study. Larvae provisioning had no effect on behavior. Our study showed minor effects of light during incubation and no effects of enrichment during rearing on stress responsivity of laying hen pullets. The small effects may be explained by the enriched rearing conditions for all birds in this experiment (low stocking density, natural daylight, and 24/7 classical music). Given the promising results of lighted incubation in other studies, which were mostly performed in broiler chickens, and evidence regarding the positive effects of enrichment during rearing, the potential of these strategies to improve laying hen welfare needs to be explored further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia Kliphuis
- Animals in Science and Society, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Maëva W E Manet
- Animals in Science and Society, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Vivian C Goerlich
- Animals in Science and Society, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rebecca E Nordquist
- Animals in Science and Society, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Vernooij
- Animals in Science and Society, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Frank A M Tuyttens
- Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Merelbeke, Belgium; Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - T Bas Rodenburg
- Animals in Science and Society, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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17
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Chasles M, Fleurot R, Giacobini P, Tillet Y. Prenatal Androgen Exposure Induces Anxiety-Like Behavior in Ewes. Neuroendocrinology 2024; 114:721-732. [PMID: 38697024 DOI: 10.1159/000539111] [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: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In humans, prenatal androgen excess can lead to a broad spectrum of pathologies in adulthood, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Women with PCOS present a variety of reproductive and metabolic disturbances and they also face increased risk to develop neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety. Despite the high prevalence, the cause of depressive and anxiety symptoms is not fully elucidated. The use of androgenized ewe models can provide valuable insights into the pathogenesis of PCOS, as they closely mimic the reproductive, neuroendocrine, and metabolic characteristics observed in women with this condition. METHOD We studied the impact of prenatal exposure to testosterone propionate on cognitive and behavioral performances of Ile-de-France ewes, using a plethora of behavioral tests for anxiety and cognitive performances. RESULTS Our findings indicate that prenatal androgenized ewes exhibit markedly elevated levels of anxiety-like behavior compared to control animals, while showing no discernible differences in cognitive performance. CONCLUSION These discoveries offer novel perspectives on how maternal androgen excess contributes to anxiogenic effects in PCOS preclinical models, underscoring the ewe's significance as a model for conducting mechanistic studies to unravel the physiological and molecular aspects of anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Chasles
- Inserm, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neuroscience and Cognition, Inserm UMR-S1172, University Lille, Lille, France
| | - Renaud Fleurot
- UMR Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRAE, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Paolo Giacobini
- Inserm, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neuroscience and Cognition, Inserm UMR-S1172, University Lille, Lille, France
| | - Yves Tillet
- UMR Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRAE, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
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18
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Woodrum Setser MM, Neave HW, Costa JHC. Individuality of calves: Linking personality traits to feeding and activity daily patterns measured by precision livestock technology. J Dairy Sci 2024; 107:3235-3251. [PMID: 38135049 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-24257] [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: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Animal personality has established connections with animal performance, resilience, and welfare which are related to stable behavioral patterns. Precision livestock technologies introduce the opportunity to measure these behavior patterns automatically and noninvasively. Thus, the primary aim of this study was to determine if personality traits in dairy calves measured via standardized personality assessments were associated with activity measured via a commercially available accelerometer. Secondary aims of this study were to investigate if personality traits were associated with feeding behaviors measured via an automatic feeding system (AFS) and with average daily gain (ADG). We characterized personality traits of Holstein calves (n = 49) utilizing standardized personality (novel environment, novel person, novel object, and startle) tests. Behaviors from these tests were summarized and 3 factors were extracted from a principal component analysis to represent calf personality traits: fearful, active, and explorative. Factor scores were regressed against behaviors from the accelerometer and AFS and with ADG. We found that calves that were more active were associated with taking more steps in the home environment, consuming more calf starter, and with reaching the benchmark of 1 kg of starter consumed in a day at a younger age. The trait active was also associated with greater ADG throughout the study. In addition, calves that were more explorative in the personality tests were associated with less starter consumed and lower ADG specifically during the weaning period. The findings of this research contribute to the existing literature by further establishing the links between personality traits and the daily behavioral patterns and performance of young calves. This study suggests the potential for using precision technology to assess and characterize personality traits, thereby enhancing their practical applicability on farms. Future research should focus on evaluating how personality traits, as measured through standardized assessments and precision technologies, correlate with deviations in behavior observed in dairy calves during stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Woodrum Setser
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546
| | - H W Neave
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Aarhus University, 8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | - J H C Costa
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546; Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405.
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19
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Ede T, Ceribelli M, Parsons TD. Gilts prefer an open pen to a stall. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9684. [PMID: 38678149 PMCID: PMC11055906 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60617-2] [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: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Stalls or crates are a very common type of housing used on pig farms that restrict an animal's movement. How this confinement impacts the animal's affective states is seldom investigated. We conducted a preference test over 7 days where trios of gilts (n = 10 trios, 27.4 ± 1.5 weeks old) had free access between individual self-locking stalls (~ 1.2 m2) and a shared open area allowing 2.8 m2/animal (71% of total area). Gilts had access to ad libitum feed and water both inside the crates and in the open area. After 7 days, personality traits of the animals were assessed with open field (OF) and novel object (NO) tests. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) yielded two main components, which we defined as Passivity and Engagement. The median time spent outside the crate was 95.2% as 21/29 of the gilts exhibited a significant preference for pen over crate during the 7-day trial (p < 0.05). Passivity had no relationship with time spent in the open area, but engagement during OF/NO was associated with less use of the open area (OR = 0.39, 95CI = [0.25, 0.60]). Interestingly, gilts were likely to spend less time in the open area at nighttime compared to daytime (Odds Ratio = 0.49, 95CI = [0.40, 0.60]), as well as experimental days passed (OR = 0.70, 95CI = [0.66, 0.73]). During the first daytime and nighttime, 1/29 and 2/29 animals preferred the crate respectively, whereas by the last daytime and nighttime 5 and 9 gilts preferred the crate respectively (p < 0.05). While both intrinsic (personality) and extrinsic (time of day, experimental day) factors appear to influence the gilt's housing preferences, most gilts significantly prefer an open area to a crate when free access is provided between the two. A smaller subpopulation of animals developed a preference for stalls but still utilize both the stall and the pen throughout the day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Ede
- Swine Teaching and Research Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, PA, USA.
| | - Mia Ceribelli
- Swine Teaching and Research Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, PA, USA
| | - Thomas D Parsons
- Swine Teaching and Research Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Kennett Square, PA, USA
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20
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Field L, Hemsworth L, Jongman E, McGill D, Verdon M. Early-life contact with non-maternal adult cows and a pasture-based rearing environment influence behavioural responses of dairy heifers to novelty. Anim Welf 2024; 33:e18. [PMID: 38618293 PMCID: PMC11016361 DOI: 10.1017/awf.2024.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
The complexity experienced in early life can affect trait development of individuals, including sociability and fearfulness. The modern dairy calf's rearing environment often lacks environmental and social complexity. This study examined the effects of early-life, non-maternal adult contact and access to a physically complex environment on the responses of dairy heifers to several stressors, including restraint, social isolation, and novelty at 18 months of age. From the age of 2-13 weeks, 60 dairy heifers (Bos taurus) were reared according to one of three treatments applied to 20 calves each: (1) Hand-reared at pasture in groups of ten, with three unrelated dry cows (+S); (2) Hand-reared at pasture in groups of ten (-S); or (3) Hand-reared in sheds in groups of 10-12 as a commercial control (CC). At 13 weeks, all treatment groups were mixed and managed at pasture as a single herd. At 18 months, the responses of 50 heifers to restraint in a crush, social isolation and a novel object were observed (+S = 16, -S = 17, CC = 17). Treatment did not influence responses to restraint or social isolation, but influenced some indicators of fearfulness during exposure to a novel object. Six +S heifers interacted with the novel object compared to 0 -S and one CC, and CC heifers spent around 50% more time in vigilance than +S or -S heifers. Dairy heifers provided with early-life social enrichment in the form of non-maternal adult contact may have reduced fear of novelty. The implications for lifelong ability to adapt to novel situations, such as entry into the milking herd, should be assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Field
- Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Corner Flemington Road and Park Drive, Parkville, VIC3052, Australia
- Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 3523, Burnie, TAS7320, Australia
| | - Lauren Hemsworth
- Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Corner Flemington Road and Park Drive, Parkville, VIC3052, Australia
| | - Ellen Jongman
- Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Corner Flemington Road and Park Drive, Parkville, VIC3052, Australia
| | - David McGill
- Institute of Future Farming Systems, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity Australia, Rockhampton, QLD4701, Australia
| | - Megan Verdon
- Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 3523, Burnie, TAS7320, Australia
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21
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Zhang Y, Yang X, Sun F, Zhang Y, Yao Y, Bai Z, Yu J, Liu X, Zhao Q, Li X, Bao J. Emotional "Contagion" in Piglets after Sensory Avoidance of Rewarding and Punishing Treatment. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1110. [PMID: 38612349 PMCID: PMC11011006 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071110] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
In the pig farming industry, it is recommended to avoid groups when treating individuals to reduce adverse reactions in the group. However, can this eliminate the adverse effects effectively? Piglets were assigned to the Rewarding Group (RG), the Punishing Group (PG), and the Paired Control Group (PCG). There were six replicates in each group, with two paired piglets per replicate. One piglet of the RG and PG was randomly selected as the Treated pig (TP), treated with food rewards or electric shock, and the other as the Naive pig (NP). The NPs in the RG and PG were unaware of the treatment process, and piglets in the PCG were not treated. The behavior and heart rate changes of all piglets were recorded. Compared to the RG, the NPs in the PG showed longer proximity but less contact behavior, and the TPs in the PG showed more freezing behavior. The percentage change in heart rate of the NPs was synchronized with the TPs. This shows that after sensory avoidance, the untreated pigs could also feel the emotions of their peers and their emotional state was affected by their peers, and the negative emotions in the pigs lasted longer than the positive emotions. The avoidance process does not prevent the transfer of negative emotions to peers via emotional contagion from the stimulated pig.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Changjiang Road No. 600, Harbin 150030, China; (Y.Z.); (X.Y.); (F.S.); (Y.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.B.); (J.Y.); (Q.Z.)
| | - Xuesong Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Changjiang Road No. 600, Harbin 150030, China; (Y.Z.); (X.Y.); (F.S.); (Y.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.B.); (J.Y.); (Q.Z.)
| | - Fang Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Changjiang Road No. 600, Harbin 150030, China; (Y.Z.); (X.Y.); (F.S.); (Y.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.B.); (J.Y.); (Q.Z.)
| | - Yaqian Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Changjiang Road No. 600, Harbin 150030, China; (Y.Z.); (X.Y.); (F.S.); (Y.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.B.); (J.Y.); (Q.Z.)
| | - Yuhan Yao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Changjiang Road No. 600, Harbin 150030, China; (Y.Z.); (X.Y.); (F.S.); (Y.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.B.); (J.Y.); (Q.Z.)
| | - Ziyu Bai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Changjiang Road No. 600, Harbin 150030, China; (Y.Z.); (X.Y.); (F.S.); (Y.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.B.); (J.Y.); (Q.Z.)
| | - Jiaqi Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Changjiang Road No. 600, Harbin 150030, China; (Y.Z.); (X.Y.); (F.S.); (Y.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.B.); (J.Y.); (Q.Z.)
| | - Xiangyu Liu
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Changjiang Road No. 600, Harbin 150030, China;
| | - Qian Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Changjiang Road No. 600, Harbin 150030, China; (Y.Z.); (X.Y.); (F.S.); (Y.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.B.); (J.Y.); (Q.Z.)
| | - Xiang Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Changjiang Road No. 600, Harbin 150030, China; (Y.Z.); (X.Y.); (F.S.); (Y.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.B.); (J.Y.); (Q.Z.)
| | - Jun Bao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Changjiang Road No. 600, Harbin 150030, China; (Y.Z.); (X.Y.); (F.S.); (Y.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.B.); (J.Y.); (Q.Z.)
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22
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Huang C, Hernandez CE, Wall H, Tahamtani FM, Ivarsson E, Sun L. Live black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae in feed for laying hens: effects on hen gut microbiota and behavior. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103429. [PMID: 38244264 PMCID: PMC10831256 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103429] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
This study examined the effects of including live black soldier fly (BSF, Hermetia illucens) larvae in the diet of laying hens on gut microbiota, and the association between microbiota and fearfulness. A total of 40 Bovans White laying hens were individually housed and fed 1 of 4 dietary treatments that provided 0, 10, 20%, or ad libitum daily dietary portions of live BSF larvae for 12 wk. Cecum microbiota was collected at the end of the experiment and sequenced. Behavioral fear responses to novel objects and open field tests on the same hens were compared against results from gut microbiota analyses. The results showed that the bacteria genera Enterococcus, Parabacteroides, and Ruminococcus torques group were positively associated with increased dietary portion of live larvae, while Lactobacillus, Faecalibacterium, Bifidobacterium, Subdoligranulum, and Butyricicoccus were negatively associated with larvae in the diet. Inclusion of larvae did not affect fear behavior, but the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae CHKCI001 and Erysipelatoclostridium was associated with fear-related behaviors. Further studies are needed to determine whether the change in gut microbiota affects fearfulness in the long-term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxuan Huang
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Science, Uppsala 75007, Sweden; College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071001, China
| | - Carlos E Hernandez
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Science, Uppsala 75007, Sweden
| | - Helena Wall
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Science, Uppsala 75007, Sweden
| | | | - Emma Ivarsson
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Science, Uppsala 75007, Sweden
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Science, Uppsala 75007, Sweden.
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23
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Babington S, Tilbrook AJ, Maloney SK, Fernandes JN, Crowley TM, Ding L, Fox AH, Zhang S, Kho EA, Cozzolino D, Mahony TJ, Blache D. Finding biomarkers of experience in animals. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2024; 15:28. [PMID: 38374201 PMCID: PMC10877933 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-023-00989-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
At a time when there is a growing public interest in animal welfare, it is critical to have objective means to assess the way that an animal experiences a situation. Objectivity is critical to ensure appropriate animal welfare outcomes. Existing behavioural, physiological, and neurobiological indicators that are used to assess animal welfare can verify the absence of extremely negative outcomes. But welfare is more than an absence of negative outcomes and an appropriate indicator should reflect the full spectrum of experience of an animal, from negative to positive. In this review, we draw from the knowledge of human biomedical science to propose a list of candidate biological markers (biomarkers) that should reflect the experiential state of non-human animals. The proposed biomarkers can be classified on their main function as endocrine, oxidative stress, non-coding molecular, and thermobiological markers. We also discuss practical challenges that must be addressed before any of these biomarkers can become useful to assess the experience of an animal in real-life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Babington
- School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Alan J Tilbrook
- Centre for Animal Science, The Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia
| | - Shane K Maloney
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Jill N Fernandes
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia
| | - Tamsyn M Crowley
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3217, Australia
- Poultry Hub Australia, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2350, Australia
| | - Luoyang Ding
- School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Archa H Fox
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Song Zhang
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Elise A Kho
- Centre for Animal Science, The Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Daniel Cozzolino
- Centre for Nutrition and Food Sciences, The Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Timothy J Mahony
- Centre for Animal Science, The Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Dominique Blache
- School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia.
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
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24
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Papadaki K, Laliotis GP, Koutsouli P, Bizelis I. Attention bias and novel object test in rams (Ovis aries) under intensive farming. Behav Processes 2024; 215:104993. [PMID: 38246264 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2024.104993] [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: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Affective states are long lasting mood states resulting from an accumulation of experiences. The knowledge of the affective state of animals can significantly help maintain and/or increase animal welfare. The aim of the study was to recognize the affective state of 13 adult rams reared under an intensive system and to further associate their affective state with hierarchy, sociability order and maintenance and social behaviour. The affective state was estimated by exposing them to an attention bias test and two novel object tests. Individuals with negative affective states performed reduced head hanging (p = 0.014), reduced agonistic behaviour (p = 0.033), increased social proximity (p = 0.009) and received less affiliative behaviours (p = 0.006). The study estimated the affective state of the rams and indicated easily recognizable maintenance and social behaviours correlated with negative affective state. Such behaviours could increase the awareness of the animals' welfare and thus improve management practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kallirroi Papadaki
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Department of Animal Science, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, GR11855 Athens, Greece
| | - George P Laliotis
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Department of Animal Science, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, GR11855 Athens, Greece.
| | - Panagiota Koutsouli
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Department of Animal Science, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, GR11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Iosif Bizelis
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Department of Animal Science, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, GR11855 Athens, Greece
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25
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Eichler F, Ehrle A, Machnik M, Jensen KC, Wagner S, Baudisch N, Bolk J, Pötzsch M, Thevis M, Bäumer W, Lischer C, Wiegard M. Behavioral observations, heart rate and cortisol monitoring in horses following multiple oral administrations of a cannabidiol containing paste (part 2/2). Front Vet Sci 2024; 10:1305873. [PMID: 38234983 PMCID: PMC10791836 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1305873] [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: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
As a remedy against stress and anxiety, cannabidiol (CBD) products are of increasing interest in veterinary medicine. Limited data is available describing the actual effectiveness of CBD in horses. The aim of this study (part 2 of 2) was to analyze stress parameters via behavioral observation, heart rate monitoring and assessment of blood and saliva cortisol levels in healthy horses treated repeatedly with a CBD containing paste. Twelve horses were randomly assigned to a treatment or a control group. Two pastes were orally administered in a double-blinded study design, one paste containing CBD and one paste without active ingredient. Both pastes were administered twice daily over 15 days (dose: 3 mg CBD/kg). Behavioral observations were conducted daily using a sedation score and a rating of facial expressions, based on the previously described facial sedation scale for horses (FaceSed) and the Horse Grimace Scale. Blood and saliva samples were obtained regularly to determine cortisol levels throughout the study. Cortisol levels were analyzed by means of liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). Behavioral observations and cortisol levels were compared between groups. Prior to paste administration, a novel object test was performed and the horses' reaction to loading on a trailer was recorded. Both tests were repeated after 13 days of paste application. Movement patterns such as different gaits during the novel object test were evaluated and an ethogram was designed to assess exhibited behavioral traits. Cardiac beat-to-beat (R-R) intervals were recorded throughout and evaluated using heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) parameters. Blood and saliva samples for cortisol analysis were taken before and after the tests. Daily behavioral observations and cortisol levels did not differ between the treatment and the control group. Similarly, analysis of movement patterns, HR, HRV and cortisol levels during the novel object test and trailer test did not identify significant differences between the groups. Regularly administered oral CBD (3 mg/kg BID over 15 days) had no statistically significant effect on behavioral observations, cortisol levels, HR and HRV in horses. Further research is required to establish adequate doses and indications for the use of CBD in horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabienne Eichler
- Equine Clinic, Veterinary Hospital Freie Universität Berlin, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anna Ehrle
- Equine Clinic, Veterinary Hospital Freie Universität Berlin, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marc Machnik
- Center for Preventive Doping Research, Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Katharina Charlotte Jensen
- Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sabrina Wagner
- Center for Preventive Doping Research, Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Natalie Baudisch
- Equine Clinic, Veterinary Hospital Freie Universität Berlin, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia Bolk
- Equine Clinic, Veterinary Hospital Freie Universität Berlin, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Magdalena Pötzsch
- Equine Clinic, Veterinary Hospital Freie Universität Berlin, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mario Thevis
- Center for Preventive Doping Research, Institute of Biochemistry, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Bäumer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christoph Lischer
- Equine Clinic, Veterinary Hospital Freie Universität Berlin, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mechthild Wiegard
- Institute of Animal Welfare, Animal Behavior and Laboratory Animal Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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26
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Atkinson L, Doyle RE, Jongman EC. Temperament Behaviours in Individually Tested Sheep Are Not Related to Behaviours Expressed in the Presence of Conspecifics. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:155. [PMID: 38200886 PMCID: PMC10778033 DOI: 10.3390/ani14010155] [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: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Individual behavioural testing in sheep is common; however, outcomes may be misleading as they are a highly gregarious species that is usually managed in groups. We investigated whether behaviour expressed by 3-4-month-old Merino lambs (n = 220) in social isolation was related to their behaviour towards the same stimuli when three other conspecifics were present, and if measures of temperament (vocalisations and locomotory behaviours) were repeatable across both social situations. Expression of all behaviours were reduced when conspecifics were present, and vocalisations were rarely performed in social groups, suggesting that this behaviour is a response to social isolation. Similarities across the two social situations, in ranked order of how individual lambs expressed each behaviour, indicate that vigilance and attentional orienting towards a human were repeatable (p < 0.001), as was vigilance in a startle test (p < 0.05). However, no clear relationship between behaviours expressed across the two social situations was found. The results of this study suggest that testing sheep individually should be conducted with caution where the outcome is applied to animals managed in groups. Vigilance shows promise as a measure of an underlying trait that is stable across social contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh Atkinson
- The Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Rebecca E. Doyle
- Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education, The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 1RS, UK
| | - Ellen C. Jongman
- The Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
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27
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Tatemoto P, Pértille F, Bernardino T, Zanella R, Guerrero-Bosagna C, Zanella AJ. An enriched maternal environment and stereotypies of sows differentially affect the neuro-epigenome of brain regions related to emotionality in their piglets. Epigenetics 2023; 18:2196656. [PMID: 37192378 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2023.2196656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms are important modulators of neurodevelopmental outcomes in the offspring of animals challenged during pregnancy. Pregnant sows living in a confined environment are challenged with stress and lack of stimulation which may result in the expression of stereotypies (repetitive behaviours without an apparent function). Little attention has been devoted to the postnatal effects of maternal stereotypies in the offspring. We investigated how the environment and stereotypies of pregnant sows affected the neuro-epigenome of their piglets. We focused on the amygdala, frontal cortex, and hippocampus, brain regions related to emotionality, learning, memory, and stress response. Differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were investigated in these brain regions of male piglets born from sows kept in an enriched vs a barren environment. Within the latter group of piglets, we compared the brain methylomes of piglets born from sows expressing stereotypies vs sows not expressing stereotypies. DMRs emerged in each comparison. While the epigenome of the hippocampus and frontal cortex of piglets is mainly affected by the maternal environment, the epigenome of the amygdala is mainly affected by maternal stereotypies. The molecular pathways and mechanisms triggered in the brains of piglets by maternal environment or stereotypies are different, which is reflected on the differential gene function associated to the DMRs found in each piglets' brain region . The present study is the first to investigate the neuro-epigenomic effects of maternal enrichment in pigs' offspring and the first to investigate the neuro-epigenomic effects of maternal stereotypies in the offspring of a mammal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Tatemoto
- Center for Comparative Studies in Sustainability, Health and Welfare, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, FMVZ, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fábio Pértille
- Avian Behavioral Genomics and Physiology Group, IFM Biology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Animal Biotechnology Laboratory, Animal Science Department, University of São Paulo - Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture (ESALQ), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
- Physiology and Environmental Toxicology Program, Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Thiago Bernardino
- Center for Comparative Studies in Sustainability, Health and Welfare, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, FMVZ, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
- Graduation Program in One Health, University of Santo Amaro, São Paulo Brazil
| | - Ricardo Zanella
- Faculty of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, University of Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Carlos Guerrero-Bosagna
- Avian Behavioral Genomics and Physiology Group, IFM Biology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Physiology and Environmental Toxicology Program, Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Adroaldo José Zanella
- Center for Comparative Studies in Sustainability, Health and Welfare, Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, FMVZ, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
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28
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Nogues E, Weary DM, von Keyserlingk MAG. Graduate Student Literature Review: Sociability, fearfulness, and coping style-Impacts on individual variation in the social behavior of dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:9568-9575. [PMID: 37678797 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-23553] [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: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Dairy cattle typically live in groups, but individuals within these groups vary in their social behavior. An improved understanding of factors affecting the expression of social behavior may help refine management practices on farms to better accommodate the needs of all individuals within the herd. In this paper, we review (1) some examples of how social behavior is expressed in cattle, (2) commonly assessed personality traits in this species (i.e., sociability and fearfulness) as well as coping style, and (3) how these can affect the expression of social behavior of dairy cattle and in turn their welfare. We also identify understudied social behaviors that personality might influence (social learning, social stress, and social buffering of negative emotions), and that could inform how to improve the welfare of intensively housed dairy cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emeline Nogues
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4.
| | - Daniel M Weary
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4
| | - Marina A G von Keyserlingk
- Animal Welfare Program, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4
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29
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Ishikawa A, Takanuma T, Hashimoto N, Goto T, Tsudzuki M. New Behavioral Handling Test Reveals Temperament Differences in Native Japanese Chickens. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3556. [PMID: 38003175 PMCID: PMC10668715 DOI: 10.3390/ani13223556] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well known in the poultry industry that fear and stress experienced during the handling of day-old chicks in commercial hatcheries can have long-lasting effects on their behavior later in life. These hatchery-related stresses are more intense and complex than those encountered in traditional behavioral tests. Consequently, a single behavioral test may not be sufficient to measure hatchery stresses and chicken temperament. In this study, we developed a new behavioral handling test for day-old chickens, which incorporated concepts from established behavioral tests used with both young and adult birds. The new test assessed 10 behavioral traits, including vocalization frequency and responses to human interaction. It was conducted on 96 two-day-old chicks from seven breeds of native Japanese and Western chickens. The results of the principal component analysis classified chicken temperaments into three distinct categories: bustle, aggression, and timidity. Using these categories, the seven breeds were classified into five groups, each with distinct temperaments. This study highlights the reliability and value of the new handling test in characterizing the temperaments of various chicken breeds and provides insights into the complex behaviors of chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Ishikawa
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Tomoka Takanuma
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Norikazu Hashimoto
- Laboratory of Poultry, Livestock Experiment Station, Wakayama Prefecture, Hidaka-Gun, Wakayama 644-1111, Japan;
| | - Tatsuhiko Goto
- Research Center for Global Agromedicine, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro 080-8555, Japan;
| | - Masaoki Tsudzuki
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8525, Japan;
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30
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Fernández-Lázaro G, Latorre R, Fontanillas Pérez JC, Barja I. Reaction to Novel Objects and Fecal Glucocorticoid Metabolite Levels in Two Species of Nocturnal Geckos. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3384. [PMID: 37958139 PMCID: PMC10649715 DOI: 10.3390/ani13213384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Many reptiles are maintained in captivity and heavily traded, although welfare measures for many species are not well established and are under-researched compared to other animals. In this study, we focused on two of these species: crested geckos (Correlophus ciliatus) and leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius). To better interpret their behavior in captivity, the individual reaction to novel objects and the fecal glucocorticoid metabolite levels were measured in an attempt to identify the potential correlation between them. Also, we explored if some characteristic of the objects (e.g., color, shape, or smell) resulted in being more attractive to some species and/or individuals. Equivalent responses to different objects were not obtained for all the geckos, the behavioral response being highly individual and context-dependent, although modulated by the species. Individuals which manipulated earlier and interacted longer with novel objects showed lower basal fecal corticosterone metabolite (FCM) levels. Differences according to the species suggested that crested geckos have significantly greater and more variable FCM levels than leopard geckos. Our results can help to understand the reaction of geckos to novelty and have the potential to serve in their welfare assessment, although more studies are needed to proper establish welfare protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Fernández-Lázaro
- Departamento de Psicología Biológica y de la Salud, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Didáctica de las Ciencias Experimentales, Sociales y Matemáticas, Facultad de Educación, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Roberto Latorre
- Departamento de Ingeniería Informática, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain;
| | | | - Isabel Barja
- Eco- and Ethophysiology Lab, Departamento de Biología, Unidad de Zoología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Cambio Global (CIBC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C. Darwin 2, 28049 Madrid, Spain
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Zhao S, Cui W, Yin G, Wei H, Li J, Bao J. Effects of Different Auditory Environments on Behavior, Learning Ability, and Fearfulness in 4-Week-Old Laying Hen Chicks. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3022. [PMID: 37835629 PMCID: PMC10572013 DOI: 10.3390/ani13193022] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental enrichment can improve animal welfare. As a method of environmental enrichment, the effect of different auditory stimulations on the behavior response and welfare of laying hen chicks has yet to be investigated. Therefore, this study was aimed at exploring the impact of various auditory exposures on the behavior, learning ability, and fear response of 4-week-old laying hen chicks. A total of 600 1-day-old chicks were randomly assigned to five different groups: C (control group), LM (Mozart's String Quartets, 65 to 75 dB), LN (recorded ventilation fans and machinery, 65 to 75 dB), HN (recorded ventilation fans and machinery, 85 to 95 dB), and HM (Mozart's String Quartets, 85 to 95 dB). The experiment was conducted from day 1 until the end of the experiment on day 28. Groups LM and LN were exposed to music and noise stimulation ranging from 65 to 75 dB. Groups HN and HM, meanwhile, received noise and music stimulation ranging from 85 to 95 dB. The control group (C) did not receive any additional auditory stimuli. During the experimental period, continuous behavioral recordings were made of each group of chicks from day 22 to day 28. On day 21, the PAL (one-trial passive avoidance learning) task was conducted. On days 23 and 24, OF (open field) and TI (tonic immobility) tests were performed, and the levels of serum CORT (corticosterone) and DA (dopamine) were measured. The results indicated that exposure to music and noise at intensities ranging from 85 to 95 dB could reduce comforting, preening, PAL avoidance rate, the total number of steps and grid crossings of OF, and the concentration of DA in 4 WOA chicks (p < 0.05), increase the freezing times of OF (p < 0.05); 65 to 75 dB of noise stimulation could reduce preening and total number steps of OF in 4 WOA chicks (p < 0.05), increase the freezing times of OF (p < 0.05); and 65 to 75 dB of music exposure could reduce the concentration of CORT in 4 WOA chicks (p < 0.05). Therefore, 65 to 75 dB of music exposure could produce positive effects on chicks and showed relatively low CORT level, whereas 85 to 95 dB of music and noise exposure could reduce comforting and preening behavior, impair learning ability, and increase the fear responses of chicks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China; (S.Z.); (W.C.); (G.Y.)
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Weiguo Cui
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China; (S.Z.); (W.C.); (G.Y.)
| | - Guoan Yin
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China; (S.Z.); (W.C.); (G.Y.)
| | - Haidong Wei
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China;
| | - Jianhong Li
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China;
| | - Jun Bao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
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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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Van Poucke E, Suchánková H, Jensen P. Commercial hatchery processing may affect susceptibility to stress in laying hens. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291324. [PMID: 37695788 PMCID: PMC10495002 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Directly upon hatching, laying hen chicks are exposed to multiple stressful events during large-scale hatchery processing, which may affect their later coping abilities. Commercial hatchery chicks (HC) were compared to chicks that were incubated and hatched simultaneously under calm conditions (CC). After being raised under similar, non-stressful conditions for 36 days, all chicks were exposed to a series of stressors: transportation and introduction into a novel environment followed by a regrouping event in order to characterize long-lasting consequences of hatchery treatment. Tonic immobility, corticosterone levels, and peripheral body temperature were used to assess reactions to the stress events. Tonic immobility was not affected by treatment but was significantly reduced in CC after transport. Corticosterone levels did not differ between treatments when assessed two days before and two days after regrouping. Comb temperature was significantly higher in HC following regrouping, indicating stress-induced hyperthermia. Furthermore, comb temperature dropped more following blood sampling in HC than in CC, indicating a stronger autonomic response to acute stress. In conclusion, the results suggest possible long-term negative effects of commercial hatchery processing, compared to hatching under silent and less stressful conditions, on the coping ability of laying hens to later stressful experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enya Van Poucke
- IFM Biology, AVIAN Behavioural Physiology and Genomics Group, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Hedvika Suchánková
- IFM Biology, AVIAN Behavioural Physiology and Genomics Group, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Per Jensen
- IFM Biology, AVIAN Behavioural Physiology and Genomics Group, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Hüttner J, Clauß A, Klambeck L, Andersson R, Kemper N, Spindler B. Association with Different Housing and Welfare Parameters on Results of a Novel Object Test in Laying Hen Flocks on Farm. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2207. [PMID: 37444005 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132207] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this on-farm study was to determine if flocks showing feather damage and/or cannibalism would have a higher fear response to the novel object (NOT) and the association between different housing and welfare parameters on results of the NOT. Therefore, 16 flocks were observed during the laying period in Germany. In total, there were six barns, seven free-range, and three organic flocks. The plumage and integument condition of 50 birds of each flock were evaluated at 4 different times during the laying period (V1: 18th to 23rd week of life, V2: 26th to 35th week of life, V3: 49th to 57th week of life, V4: 61st to 73rd week of life). At the same observation times, the NOT was performed in the flocks (at four different locations per visit time). Based on the average number of hens gathered around the novel object (NO) within the period of two minutes, conclusions can be made about the fearfulness of the flock. The present study shows that the more fearful a flock was, the more frequent feather damage (p < 0.001) and cannibalism (p < 0.01) occurred. Age and flock size were associated with fearfulness. Fearfulness of hens increased with the increasing age of hens (p < 0.001) and with an increasing flock size (p < 0.001). Hens of white feather color appeared to be more fearful than brown hens (p < 0.001). Hens kept on barn farms showed significantly lower numbers of hens around the novel object (p < 0.001) than on free-range farms, which possibly indicates that having permanent access to outdoor space generally appears to be associated with the fearfulness of a flock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Hüttner
- Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behaviour, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - Annette Clauß
- Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behaviour, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - Lea Klambeck
- Department of Animal Husbandry and Poultry Sciences, University of Applied Sciences Osnabrueck, 49090 Osnabrueck, Germany
| | - Robby Andersson
- Department of Animal Husbandry and Poultry Sciences, University of Applied Sciences Osnabrueck, 49090 Osnabrueck, Germany
| | - Nicole Kemper
- Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behaviour, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - Birgit Spindler
- Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behaviour, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30173 Hannover, Germany
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Lourenço-Silva MI, Ulans A, Campbell AM, Almeida Paz ICL, Jacobs L. Social-pair judgment bias testing in slow-growing broiler chickens raised in low- or high-complexity environments. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9393. [PMID: 37296295 PMCID: PMC10256692 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36275-1] [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: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Impacts of environmental complexity on affective states in slow-growing broiler chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) are unknown. Chickens' performance in judgment bias tests (JBT) can be limited as they are tested individually, causing fear and anxiety. The objectives were to apply a social-pair JBT to assess the effect of environmental complexity on slow-growing broiler chickens` affective states, and assess the impact of fearfulness, anxiety, and chronic stress on JBT performance. Six-hundred Hubbard Redbro broilers were housed in six low-complexity (similar to commercial) or six high-complexity (permanent and temporary enrichments) pens. Twelve chicken pairs were trained (1 pair/pen, n = 24 chickens) using a multimodal approach (visual and spatial cues), with reward and neutral cues of opposing color and location. Three ambiguous cues were tested: near-positive, middle, and near-neutral cues. Approach and pecking behavior were recorded. Eighty-three percent of chickens (20/24) were successfully trained in 13 days. Fearfulness, anxiety, and chronic stress did not impact chickens' performance. Chickens successfully discriminated between cues. Low-complexity chickens approached the middle cue faster than high-complexity chickens, indicating that they were in a more positive affective state. The environmental complexity provided in this study did not improve affective states in slow-growing broiler chickens compared to a control. A social-pair JBT resulted in excellent learning and testing outcomes in slow-growing broilers.
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Affiliation(s)
- M I Lourenço-Silva
- Department of Animal Production and Preventive Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (FMVZ), São Paulo State University "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - A Ulans
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - A M Campbell
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - I C L Almeida Paz
- Department of Animal Production and Preventive Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (FMVZ), São Paulo State University "Júlio de Mesquita Filho" (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - L Jacobs
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
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de Abreu Rezende YG, Queiroz MB, Young RJ, da Silva Vasconcellos A. Behavioural effects of noise on Linnaeus's two-toed sloth ( Choloepus didactylus) in a walk-through enclosure. Anim Welf 2023; 32:e40. [PMID: 38487410 PMCID: PMC10936293 DOI: 10.1017/awf.2023.34] [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: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Anthropogenic noise has been related to stress in captive animals; despite this there have been few studies on animal welfare assessment in walk-through zoo enclosures. We aimed to investigate the behavioural effects of noise on a male-female pair of two-toed sloths (Choloepus didactylus), housed in a walk-through enclosure in a zoo in the UK. The animals were filmed for 24 h per day, during three days per week, including days with potential low and high flow of visitors, for three weeks. Sound pressure measurement was performed four times each collection day (twice in the morning, once at noon and once in the afternoon), for 15 min per session, using a sound level meter. The number of visitors passing the enclosure during each session was also recorded. The videos were analysed using focal sampling, with continuous recording of behaviour. Correlations between noise and the behaviours expressed during, and in the 24 h after the acoustic recording, were investigated. The number of visitors correlated with the acoustic parameters. At the moment of exposure, higher levels of noise correlated with decreased inactivity, and longer expression of locomotion and maintenance behaviours for the male; the female spent more time inside a box in these moments. During the 24 h hours after exposure to loud noise, the female showed no behavioural changes while the male tended to reduce foraging. The behavioural changes observed in both individuals have already been reported in other species, in response to stressful events. Our study indicates the need for a good acoustic management in walk-through zoo enclosures where sloths are housed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marina Bonde Queiroz
- School of Science, Engineering and the Environment and Life Sciences, University of Salford, Salford, GB, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Robert John Young
- School of Science, Engineering and the Environment and Life Sciences, University of Salford, Salford, GB, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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37
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Montalcini CM, Petelle MB, Toscano MJ. Commercial laying hens exhibit long-term consistent individual differences and behavioural syndromes in spatial traits. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:230043. [PMID: 37234496 PMCID: PMC10206461 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.230043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Past research has supported the importance of animal personalities for the productivity and welfare of farm animals. However, current assessments of personality traits are commonly conducted over short periods using standardized assays and may not reflect all important aspects of behaviours in commercial settings throughout the production period. This study aimed to evaluate consistent behavioural differences between 194 commercial laying hens within an aviary across most of the production period (eight months). We used five spatial behaviours related to various aspects of commercial hens' daily routine, including the sleeping, feeding, nesting, indoor movements and outdoor usage. All behaviours were repeatable over time and across contexts, with consistent differences between individuals explaining between 23% and 66% of the variation. These long-term consistencies revealed the potential applicability of the behaviours as personality traits of commercial hens. Moreover, we identified behavioural syndromes comprising all behaviours except the nesting-related behaviour, indicating two axes of spatial personalities that may be driven by different mechanisms. We discussed the significance of such individual differences in using personality traits to breed more resilient farm animals. Future research should evaluate associations of these behaviours with animal welfare and productivity to inform breeding efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille M. Montalcini
- ZTHZ, Division of Animal Welfare, VPH Institute, University of Bern, 3052 Zollikofen, Switzerland
- Graduate School of Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Matthew B. Petelle
- ZTHZ, Division of Animal Welfare, VPH Institute, University of Bern, 3052 Zollikofen, Switzerland
| | - Michael J. Toscano
- ZTHZ, Division of Animal Welfare, VPH Institute, University of Bern, 3052 Zollikofen, Switzerland
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Tiemann I, Becker S, Fournier J, Damiran D, Büscher W, Hillemacher S. Differences among domestic chicken breeds in tonic immobility responses as a measure of fearfulness. PeerJ 2023; 11:e14703. [PMID: 37033722 PMCID: PMC10081456 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14703] [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: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background One priority for animal welfare is for animals to experience less fear, especially during human contact. For domestic animals, breeds that are less fearful may provide genetic resources to develop strains with improved welfare due to lower susceptibility to fear. Genetic predispositions inherited in these breeds might reflect the large diversity of chicken breeds. The goal of the present study was to systematically test a diverse group of chicken breeds to search for breeds that experience less fear. Methods Nineteen chicken breeds from commercial hybrid lines, native layer-type, meat-type and dual-purpose breeds, ornamental breeds as well as bantam breeds were tested in a standardized tonic immobility (TI) test. Chickens were manually restrained on their back, and the time to first head movement and first leg movement, the duration of TI, as well as the number of attempts needed to induce TI were measured. Results The TI response differed among chicken breeds (p ≤ 0.001) for naïve, mature hens. The median number of attempts required to induce TI ranged from 1 to 2 and did not differ significantly among breeds. Median durations were much more variable, with Lohmann Brown showing shortest durations (6 s, 12 s, 58 s for time to first head movement, first leg movement and total duration of TI, respectively). In contrast, medians reached the maximum of 600 s for all three measures in German Creepers. Repeated tests on the same individuals did not affect attempts needed to induce TI nor TI durations. Breeds clustered into two main groups, with layer-type native breeds and ornamental breeds having longer TI durations, and bantam, dual-purpose and meat-type native breeds having shorter TI durations. Conclusions Our findings provide evidence for substantial variation of fearfulness among breeds. This variation could be linked to the intended use during the breed's specific history. Knowledge and quantitative measurement of these behavioural responses provide the opportunity to improve welfare through selection and future breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inga Tiemann
- Institute of Agricultural Engineering, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Senta Becker
- Institute of Agricultural Engineering, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jocelyn Fournier
- Department of Animal & Poultry Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Daalkhaijav Damiran
- Department of Animal & Poultry Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Wolfgang Büscher
- Institute of Agricultural Engineering, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sonja Hillemacher
- Institute of Agricultural Engineering, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Edgar JL, Omi Y, Booth F, Mackie N, Richards G, Tarlton J. Fear, anxiety, and production in laying hens with healed keel bone fractures. Poult Sci 2023; 102:102514. [PMID: 36805403 PMCID: PMC9969248 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.102514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
For laying hens, the immediate aftermath and healing period of a keel fracture (KF) is characterized by reduced ability to perform species-specific behavior, access resources, and pain. However, the longer-term impacts, once the fracture is completely healed, are less clear. As well as acute pain and behavioral changes, a negative experience can shape future responses to putatively threatening stimuli, raising future fear, and anxiety levels during husbandry-related events. We aimed to determine whether hens that had previously sustained keel bone fractures, but were now outside of the peak age range for new fractures, showed higher fear and anxiety levels compared to intact hens. We also determined if healed keel bone fractures were associated with reduced production, changes in behavior and resource use. One hundred and fifty hens with a palpation score of 1 ( "KF") and 150 hens with a palpation score of 0 (keel fracture free, "KFF") were selected from a commercial farm at 63 wk of age and housed in 6 groups (3 × KF and 3 × KFF). We compared production (hen weight and feed consumption, egg quantity, quality and weight, floor eggs, shell thickness, and weight) and home pen behavior (behaviors and transitional movements) in both groups. Finally, we measured the responses of KF (n = 75) and KFF (n = 75) during tonic immobility, novel arena, and novel object tests. KF and KFF hens did not differ in their responses to the tonic immobility, novel arena, and novel object tests, nor were there differences between the 2 groups in home pen behavior and transitional movements. KFF birds were lighter and laid eggs with less eggshell membrane compared KF birds, but no differences were found between KF and KFF in any other production measures. We found no evidence that healed KFs were associated with detrimental welfare effects in laying hens, but further work is required to determine the mechanisms and implications of the lower body weight and egg shell membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Edgar
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford BS40 5DU, United Kingdom.
| | - Y Omi
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford BS40 5DU, United Kingdom
| | - F Booth
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford BS40 5DU, United Kingdom
| | - N Mackie
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford BS40 5DU, United Kingdom
| | - G Richards
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford BS40 5DU, United Kingdom
| | - J Tarlton
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford BS40 5DU, United Kingdom
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Electroencephalogram and Physiological Responses as Affected by Slaughter Empathy in Goats. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13061100. [PMID: 36978640 PMCID: PMC10044356 DOI: 10.3390/ani13061100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in emotions and cognitive science make it imperative to assess the emotional stress in goats at the time of slaughter. The present study was envisaged to study the electroencephalogram and physiological responses as affected by slaughter empathy in goats. A total of 12 goats were divided into two groups viz., E-group (goats exposed to slaughter environment, n = 6) and S-group (goat slaughtered in front of E-group, n = 6). The electroencephalogram and physiological responses in male Boer cross goats (E-group) were recorded in a slaughterhouse in two stages viz., control (C) without exposure to the slaughter of conspecifics and treatment (T) while visualizing the slaughter of conspecifics (S—slaughter group). The exposure of the goat to the slaughter of a conspecific resulted in a heightened emotional state. It caused significant alterations in neurobiological activity as recorded with the significant changes in the EEG spectrum (beta waves (p = 0.000491), theta waves (p = 0.017), and median frequency MF or F50 (p = 0.002)). Emotional stress was also observed to significantly increase blood glucose (p = 0.031) and a non-significant (p = 0.225) increase in heart rate in goats. Thus, slaughter empathy was observed to exert a significant effect on the electric activity of neurons in the cerebrocortical area of the brain and an increase in blood glucose content.
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Vitorino A, Stilwell G, Pais J, Carolino N. Evaluation of Chute Exit, Novelty and Human Approach Tests in Mertolenga Beef Cattle. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13061087. [PMID: 36978628 PMCID: PMC10044351 DOI: 10.3390/ani13061087] [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: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Livestock behavior and welfare are increasingly recognized to be related, not only to the animals' handling, but also with productivity. The present work was carried out at the Mertolenga Breed Testing Center and its objective was to evaluate the behavior of Mertolenga breed young bulls when exiting the chute, the reaction to novelty and human approach tests, as well as to understand if the responses between these tests are related. Twenty-nine Mertolenga-bred young bulls from 16 different farms, aged between 8 and 13 months, entered the study farm from the end of May to the beginning of June 2021. Data was collected on six different days and analyzed with the SAS® 9.4 software. Older animals showed a tendency to leave the chute more calmly, take longer to touch the novelty ball and to touch the ball less often, with a consequent reduction in the likelihood of playing with it. In the human approach test, animals that came out of the chute more calmly allowed the human to come closer. These behavior tests should be further studied on potential sires, so as to increase docility and manageability of autochthonous beef breeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Vitorino
- INIAV-Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, I.P., Fonte Boa, 2005-048 Vale de Santarém, Portugal
- CIISA-Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Av. Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - George Stilwell
- CIISA-Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Av. Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - José Pais
- ACBM-Associação de Criadores de Bovinos Mertolengos, Rua Diana de Liz Horta do Bispo, Apartado 466, 7006-806 Évora, Portugal
| | - Nuno Carolino
- INIAV-Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, I.P., Fonte Boa, 2005-048 Vale de Santarém, Portugal
- CIISA-Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Av. Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Escola Universitária Vasco da Gama, Av. José R. Sousa Fernandes 197, Lordemão, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal
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Werner A, Blaeske A, Rauch E, Erhard M, Unterholzner J, Schmidt P, Gotthart M, Louton H. Behavior of broilers and impacts occurring to them during mechanical loading under field conditions. Poult Sci 2023; 102:102688. [PMID: 37141814 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.102688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanical loading has been used increasingly in recent years alongside the manual loading of broilers. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of various factors on the behavior of broilers and the impacts occurring to broilers during loading with a loading machine in order to identify risk factors and thus improve animal welfare. During 32 loadings we assessed escape behavior, wing flapping, flip, bumping into an animal, and bumping against the machine or container by evaluation of video recordings. The parameters were analyzed for influences of rotation speed, container type (GP container vs. SmartStack container), husbandry system ("Indoor Plus" vs. "Outdoor Climate"), and season. In addition, the behavior and impact parameters were correlated with the loading-related injuries. The results showed that an increase in rotation and conveyor belt speed was associated with an elevated risk of all behaviors or impacts, except for a lower risk of escape behavior. The seasonal influence showed that the risk of wing flapping, bumping into an animal, and bumping against the machine or container was highest in fall. The comparison of the container types showed that the risk of escape behavior, wing flapping, and bumping into an animal was increased when loading with the SmartStack container, but the risk of bumping against the machine or container was reduced. For animals of the husbandry system "Outdoor Climate," the risk of bumping into an animal and bumping against the machine or container was reduced. In addition, we found an influence of the examined parameters on the loading-related injuries. Increased escape behavior reduced the risk of severe injuries (fractures, dislocations, epiphysiolyses). Wing flapping and bumping against the machine or container increased the risk of hematomas and abrasions. The risk of hematomas was increased if broilers bumped into conspecifics. In summary, our analysis revealed that the behavior and impacts on the animals during loading are influenced by each of the analyzed factors and that they in turn can affect loading-related injuries.
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Jardat P, Ringhofer M, Yamamoto S, Gouyet C, Degrande R, Parias C, Reigner F, Calandreau L, Lansade L. Horses form cross-modal representations of adults and children. Anim Cogn 2023; 26:369-377. [PMID: 35962844 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-022-01667-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Recently, research on domestic mammals' sociocognitive skills toward humans has been prolific, allowing us to better understand the human-animal relationship. For example, horses have been shown to distinguish human beings on the basis of photographs and voices and to have cross-modal mental representations of individual humans and human emotions. This leads to questions such as the extent to which horses can differentiate human attributes such as age. Here, we tested whether horses discriminate human adults from children. In a cross-modal paradigm, we presented 31 female horses with two simultaneous muted videos of a child and an adult saying the same neutral sentence, accompanied by the sound of an adult's or child's voice speaking the sentence. The horses looked significantly longer at the videos that were incongruent with the heard voice than at the congruent videos. We conclude that horses can match adults' and children's faces and voices cross-modally. Moreover, their heart rates increased during children's vocalizations but not during adults'. This suggests that in addition to having mental representations of adults and children, horses have a stronger emotional response to children's voices than adults' voices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Plotine Jardat
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France.
| | - Monamie Ringhofer
- Department of Animal Science, Teikyo University of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinya Yamamoto
- Institute for Advanced Study, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Wildlife Research Center, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Chloé Gouyet
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Rachel Degrande
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Céline Parias
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | | | | | - Léa Lansade
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, 37380, Nouzilly, France.
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Rentsch AK, Ellis JL, Widowski TM. Fearfulness in Commercial Laying Hens: A Meta-Analysis Comparing Brown and White Egg Layers. Poult Sci 2023; 102:102664. [PMID: 37058921 PMCID: PMC10123257 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.102664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
High fearfulness in commercial laying hens can negatively affect production parameters and animal welfare. Brown and white egg layers differ in several behavioral characteristics, though reported differences in fearfulness are inconsistent. A meta-analysis was conducted to determine whether there are systematic differences in measures of fearfulness between brown and white layers. Twenty-three studies that examined either 1 or both of 2 behavioral tests were included: tonic immobility (TI) (longer duration = higher fearfulness, 16 studies) and novel object (NO) test (lower approach rate = higher fearfulness, 11 studies). The 2 tests were analyzed separately. TI analyses: A generalized linear mixed effect model (GLMM) with a lognormal distribution was fitted to describe the data with experiment nested in study as a random effect. Explanatory (X) variables were considered through backward selection, where potential X-variables included color (brown vs. white layers), decade (1980s, 2000s, 2020s), age (prelay vs. in lay), genetic stock (hybrid vs. grand-/parent stock), and methodology (back vs. side position). NO test analyses: univariable GLMMs with a beta distribution were fitted with approach rate as the Y-variable and color, decade, age, stock, or 2 methodological factors (test duration, single vs. group testing) as X-variables. Models were evaluated by assessing information criteria, residuals/random effect normality, significance of X-variables and model evaluation statistics (mean square prediction error, concordance correlation coefficient). TI duration was best explained by a color-by-decade interaction (P = 0.0006). Whites in the 1980s had longer TI durations (709.43 ± 143.88 s) than browns in the 1980s (282.90 ± 59.70 s), as well as in comparison to browns (208.80 ± 50.82 s) or whites (204.85 ± 49.60 s) in the 2020s. The NO approach rate was best explained by color (P ≤ 0.05 in 3 models), age (P < 0.05 in 3 models), and decade (P = 0.04). Whites had a higher approach rate (0.7 ± 0.07) than browns (0.5 ± 0.11), birds in lay a higher rate (0.8 ± 0.07) than birds prelay (0.4 ± 0.12), and approach rate for papers published in the 2000s (0.8 ± 0.09) was higher than in the 2020s (0.2 ± 0.12). The phylogenetic difference in the 1980s was no longer detectable after enforcing an upper limit on TI durations (10 min), as became common practice in later studies. Our findings suggest that phylogenetic differences in fearfulness and changes over time are test dependent, and this raises important questions and potential consequences for assessing hen welfare in commercial egg production.
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Tajonar K, Gonzalez-Ronquillo M, Relling A, Nordquist RE, Nawroth C, Vargas-Bello-Pérez E. Toward assessing the role of dietary fatty acids in lamb's neurological and cognitive development. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1081141. [PMID: 36865439 PMCID: PMC9971820 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1081141] [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: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding and measuring sheep cognition and behavior can provide us with measures to safeguard the welfare of these animals in production systems. Optimal neurological and cognitive development of lambs is important to equip individuals with the ability to better cope with environmental stressors. However, this development can be affected by nutrition with a special role from long-chain fatty acid supply from the dam to the fetus or in lamb's early life. Neurological development in lambs takes place primarily during the first two trimesters of gestation. Through late fetal and early postnatal life, the lamb brain has a high level of cholesterol synthesis. This rate declines rapidly at weaning and remains low throughout adulthood. The main polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the brain are ω-6 arachidonic acid and ω-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are elements of plasma membranes' phospholipids in neuronal cells. DHA is essential for keeping membrane integrity and is vital for normal development of the central nervous system (CNS), and its insufficiency can damage cerebral functions and the development of cognitive capacities. In sheep, there is evidence that supplying PUFA during gestation or after birth may be beneficial to lamb productive performance and expression of species-specific behaviors. The objective of this perspective is to discuss concepts of ruminant behavior and nutrition and reflect on future research directions that could help to improve our knowledge on how dietary fatty acids (FA) relate to optimal neurological and cognitive development in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Tajonar
- Departamento de Medicina y Zootecnia de Rumiantes, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico,Department of Animal Sciences, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Manuel Gonzalez-Ronquillo
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Toluca, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Relling
- Department of Animal Science, College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Rebecca E. Nordquist
- Unit Animals in Science and Society, Department Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Christian Nawroth
- Institute of Behavioural Physiology, Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany,*Correspondence: Christian Nawroth ✉
| | - Einar Vargas-Bello-Pérez
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom,Einar Vargas-Bello-Pérez ✉
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Taylor PS, Campbell DLM, Jurecky E, Devine N, Lee C, Hemsworth PH. Novelty during rearing increased inquisitive exploration but was not related to early ranging behavior of laying hens. FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2023.1128792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Range use by free-range laying hen flocks is heterogeneous. We hypothesized that ranging behaviour may be motivated by curiosity and thwarted by fearfulness. This project aimed to increase a hen’s motivation to explore by enriching the rearing environment and identify relationships between exploration, fear and ranging. Day-old Hy-Line chicks (n = 1700) were reared in environments that provided novel items, structures for perching or an industry standard floor rearing environment. Prior to range access, fear and exploratory behaviors were assessed at 18 weeks of age (cohort 1; n = 30 hens/treatment) via novel arena and novel object tests and at 22 weeks of age (cohort 2; n = 30 hens/treatment) using an 8-arm radial maze choice paradigm adapted from previous rodent research. Hens were trained to expect success in two arms (reward) and failure in two arms (mild punishment), the remaining four arms (ambiguous arms) were not available during training. After training, all hens were retested for 8 minutes with access to the four familiar arms only, then for four minutes with access to the ambiguous arms for the first time, in addition to the success and failure arms. Latency to enter the ambiguous arms and the number of ambiguous arms entered were assessed as an indicator of a hen’s willingness to forgo reward and risk punishment to explore a novel area. At 25 weeks of age, hens were provided with range access and individual range access was monitored for three weeks. Latency to access the range and the number of days the range was accessed was not related to rearing treatment (p > 0.05) and was only weakly correlated with behavior during the novel arena, novel object and 8-arm radial maze tests (r < 0.3). However, hens reared in the novelty rearing environment were more willing to forgo reward to explore the ambiguous arms than hens reared in the control environment (p = 0.004). We did not identify strong evidence that exploration or fearfulness was related to early ranging behavior. However, we show that motivation to explore increases when hens are reared in an enriched environment.
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Shynkaruk T, Long K, LeBlanc C, Schwean-Lardner K. Impact of stocking density on the welfare and productivity of broiler chickens reared to 34 days of age. J APPL POULTRY RES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.japr.2023.100344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023] Open
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Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Canali E, Drewe JA, Garin‐Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Schmidt CG, Herskin MS, Miranda Chueca MÁ, Padalino B, Pasquali P, Roberts HC, Spoolder H, Stahl K, Velarde A, Viltrop A, Winckler C, Tiemann I, de Jong I, Gebhardt‐Henrich SG, Keeling L, Riber AB, Ashe S, Candiani D, García Matas R, Hempen M, Mosbach‐Schulz O, Rojo Gimeno C, Van der Stede Y, Vitali M, Bailly‐Caumette E, Michel V. Welfare of broilers on farm. EFSA J 2023; 21:e07788. [PMID: 36824680 PMCID: PMC9941850 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2023.7788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
This Scientific Opinion considers the welfare of domestic fowl (Gallus gallus) related to the production of meat (broilers) and includes the keeping of day-old chicks, broiler breeders, and broiler chickens. Currently used husbandry systems in the EU are described. Overall, 19 highly relevant welfare consequences (WCs) were identified based on severity, duration and frequency of occurrence: 'bone lesions', 'cold stress', 'gastro-enteric disorders', 'group stress', 'handling stress', 'heat stress', 'isolation stress', 'inability to perform comfort behaviour', 'inability to perform exploratory or foraging behaviour', 'inability to avoid unwanted sexual behaviour', 'locomotory disorders', 'prolonged hunger', 'prolonged thirst', 'predation stress', 'restriction of movement', 'resting problems', 'sensory under- and overstimulation', 'soft tissue and integument damage' and 'umbilical disorders'. These WCs and their animal-based measures (ABMs) that can identify them are described in detail. A variety of hazards related to the different husbandry systems were identified as well as ABMs for assessing the different WCs. Measures to prevent or correct the hazards and/or mitigate each of the WCs are listed. Recommendations are provided on quantitative or qualitative criteria to answer specific questions on the welfare of broilers and related to genetic selection, temperature, feed and water restriction, use of cages, light, air quality and mutilations in breeders such as beak trimming, de-toeing and comb dubbing. In addition, minimal requirements (e.g. stocking density, group size, nests, provision of litter, perches and platforms, drinkers and feeders, of covered veranda and outdoor range) for an enclosure for keeping broiler chickens (fast-growing, slower-growing and broiler breeders) are recommended. Finally, 'total mortality', 'wounds', 'carcass condemnation' and 'footpad dermatitis' are proposed as indicators for monitoring at slaughter the welfare of broilers on-farm.
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da Fonseca de Oliveira AC, Webber SH, Ramayo-Caldas Y, Dalmau A, Costa LB. Hierarchy Establishment in Growing Finishing Pigs: Impacts on Behavior, Growth Performance, and Physiological Parameters. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:292. [PMID: 36670831 PMCID: PMC9854468 DOI: 10.3390/ani13020292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, an increased number of studies have dealt with the analysis of social dominance related to animal behavior, physiology, and performance. This study aimed to investigate whether hierarchical ranking affects the coping style, non-social behavior during open field and novel object tests, performance, and physiological parameters of pigs. A total of 48 growing pigs (24 barrows and 24 females) were mixed three times during the growing-finishing period. The social and non-social behaviors of pigs were directly noted, and three behavioral tests were performed during the experimental period. Performance and physiological parameters were also recorded. Statistical analysis considered hierarchical classification (dominant vs. intermediary vs. subordinate) and p-values ≤ 0.05 were considered significant. After three regroupings, the pigs in different hierarchical classifications showed no change in hair cortisol values and open-field and novel object tests. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and leukocyte values increased in intermediary pigs, and the lowest counts were found in pigs classified as dominants. Furthermore, dominant pigs visited the feeder more but spent shorter time there compared to subordinate and intermediary pigs. Our results suggest that hierarchical classification influenced feeding behavior and physiological parameters without affecting cortisol values and growth performance, demonstrating a possible compensation skill.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Saulo Henrique Webber
- Graduate Program of Animal Science, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná-PUCPR, Curitiba 80215-901, Brazil
| | - Yuliaxis Ramayo-Caldas
- Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries-IRTA, Porcine Control and Evaluation, 17121 Monells, Spain
| | - Antoni Dalmau
- Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries-IRTA, Porcine Control and Evaluation, 17121 Monells, Spain
| | - Leandro Batista Costa
- Graduate Program of Animal Science, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná-PUCPR, Curitiba 80215-901, Brazil
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Michalski E, Woodrum Setser MM, Mazon G, Neave HW, Costa JHC. Personality of individually housed dairy-beef crossbred calves is related to performance and behavior. FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2022.1097503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in behavioral responses of individually housed dairy-beef crossbred calves to standardized personality tests (novel person, novel object, and startle test) and investigate associations of personality traits with performance and home pen behavior. Dairy-beef crossbred (Holstein x Angus) calves (n=29) were individually housed with ad libitum access to water and calf starter. Body weight was measured weekly and calf starter intake was recorded daily from day of arrival (8.5 ± 2.1; experimental day 1) for 76 days. Behavior within the home pen (eating, drinking, non-nutritive oral manipulation) and activity were recorded on experimental days 13, 32, 53, and 67 using a camera and a pedometer. The calves were subjected to standardized personality tests in their home pen at the end of the experimental period (80.7 ± 2.0 d of age), including a novel person test (stationary person in the corner of their home pen) and combined novel object/startle test (remote-controlled car in the pen, that suddenly moved when touched). A principal component analysis on the behaviors recorded from the tests (latency to approach person or object, time spent attentive and touching the person or object, and time spent inactive, playing and grooming) yielded 3 factors that explained 76.1% of the variance, and were interpreted as personality traits labeled “fearful”, “inactive”, and “bold”. These factors were examined in regression analyses for their associations with home pen behavior and performance. The factor “fearful” had negative associations with total average daily gain and average grain intake. In contrast, the factor “inactive” had positive associations with non-nutritive oral manipulation of buckets or walls. The factor “bold” had no significant association with any of the performance or home pen behavior measures. In conclusion, personality traits identified from standardized tests were related to performance and home pen behavior measures in individually housed, crossbred calves. These results complement work in group housed calves suggesting personality testing may be useful selective tools to identify high and low performing calves from an early age.
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