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Fu Y, Cheng HW. The Influence of Cecal Microbiota Transplantation on Chicken Injurious Behavior: Perspective in Human Neuropsychiatric Research. Biomolecules 2024; 14:1017. [PMID: 39199404 PMCID: PMC11352350 DOI: 10.3390/biom14081017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have evidenced that neuropsychiatric disorders (mental illness and emotional disturbances) with aggression (or violence) pose a significant challenge to public health and contribute to a substantial economic burden worldwide. Especially, social disorganization (or social inequality) associated with childhood adversity has long-lasting effects on mental health, increasing the risk of developing neuropsychiatric disorders. Intestinal bacteria, functionally as an endocrine organ and a second brain, release various immunomodulators and bioactive compounds directly or indirectly regulating a host's physiological and behavioral homeostasis. Under various social challenges, stress-induced dysbiosis increases gut permeability causes serial reactions: releasing neurotoxic compounds, leading to neuroinflammation and neuronal injury, and eventually neuropsychiatric disorders associated with aggressive, violent, or impulsive behavior in humans and various animals via a complex bidirectional communication of the microbiota-gut-brain (MGB) axis. The dysregulation of the MGB axis has also been recognized as one of the reasons for the prevalence of social stress-induced injurious behaviors (feather pecking, aggression, and cannibalistic pecking) in chickens. However, existing knowledge of preventing and treating these disorders in both humans and chickens is not well understood. In previous studies, we developed a non-mammal model in an abnormal behavioral investigation by rationalizing the effects of gut microbiota on injurious behaviors in chickens. Based on our earlier success, the perspective article outlines the possibility of reducing stress-induced injurious behaviors in chickens through modifying gut microbiota via cecal microbiota transplantation, with the potential for providing a biotherapeutic rationale for preventing injurious behaviors among individuals with mental disorders via restoring gut microbiota diversity and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuechi Fu
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA;
| | - Heng-Wei Cheng
- Livestock Behavior Research Unit, USDA-ARS, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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Milby-Blackledge A, Farnell Y, Zhao D, Berghman L, Laino C, Muller M, Byrd JA, Farnell M. Serum cytokine profile of neonatal broiler chickens infected with Salmonella Typhimurium. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1359722. [PMID: 38465263 PMCID: PMC10920336 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1359722] [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: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The avian immune system responds to Salmonella infection by expressing cytokines and chemokines. We hypothesized that the immune status of Salmonella Typhimurium (ST) challenged neonatal broilers would differ from the uninfected treatment. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate 12 cytokines. Day of hatch male chicks were randomly allocated into a control or ST challenged group. At day three of age, sterile diluent or 5.0 × 108 CFU of ST was given orally to each chick. Blood was obtained 24 h post challenge and serum separated for later analysis (n = 30 chicks/treatment). Significant (p ≤ 0.05) increases in pro-inflammatory cytokines-interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-16, and IL-21; anti-inflammatory cytokines- IL-10; chemokines-regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), macrophage inflammatory protein-1β (MIP-1β), and MIP-3α; colony stimulating factors-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF); and growth factors-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were observed in the serum of the challenged chicks when compared to the control. No significant differences were observed in IL-2, interferon gamma (IFNγ), and IFNα. These data indicate the detection of mucosal immune responses in broiler chickens following ST infection. The heightened levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and colony stimulating factors align with known inflammatory mechanisms, like the influx of immune cells. However, the elevation of IL-10 was unexpected, due to its immunoregulatory properties. Notably, the rise in VEGF levels is compelling, as it suggests the possibility of tissue repair and angiogenesis in ST infected birds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yuhua Farnell
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Department of Poultry Science, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Dan Zhao
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Department of Poultry Science, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Luc Berghman
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Department of Poultry Science, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Craig Laino
- Millipore Sigma, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | | | - J. Allen Byrd
- United States Department of Agriculture, Southern Plains Agricultural Research Service, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Morgan Farnell
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Department of Poultry Science, College Station, TX, United States
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Huang C, Hao E, Yue Q, Liu M, Wang D, Chen Y, Shi L, Zeng D, Zhao G, Chen H. Malfunctioned inflammatory response and serotonin metabolism at the microbiota-gut-brain axis drive feather pecking behavior in laying hens. Poult Sci 2023; 102:102686. [PMID: 37327743 PMCID: PMC10404692 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.102686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Feather pecking (FP) is a multifactorial abnormal behavior in laying hens where they display harmful pecks in conspecifics. FP has been associated with the altered functioning of the microbiome-gut-brain axis affecting host emotions and social behavior. The altered levels of serotonin (5-HT), a key monoaminergic neurotransmitter at both terminals of the gut-brain axis, affect the development of abnormal behavior, such as FP in laying hens. However, the underlying mechanism involving reciprocal interactions along the microbiota-gut-brain axis, particularly about the metabolism of 5-HT, remains unclear in FP phenotypes. This study examined the microbiota diversity, intestinal microbial metabolites, inflammatory responses, and 5-HT metabolism in divergently selected high (HFP; n = 8) and low (LFP; n = 8) FP hens to investigate the possible interconnections between FP behavior and the examined parameters. The 16S rRNA analysis revealed that compared to LFP birds, the gut microbiota of HFP birds exhibited a decrease in the abundance of phylum Firmicutes and genera Lactobacillus, while an increase in the abundance of phylum Proteobacteria and genera Escherichia Shigella and Desulfovibrio. Furthermore, the intestinal differential metabolites associated with FP phenotypes were mainly enriched in the tryptophan metabolic pathway. HFP birds had higher tryptophan metabolites and possibly a more responsive immune system compared to the LFP birds. This was indirectly supported by altered TNF-α levels in the serum and expression of inflammatory factor in the gut and brain. Moreover, HFP birds had lower serum levels of tryptophan and 5-HT compared to LFP birds, which was consistent with the downregulation of 5-HT metabolism-related genes in the brain of HFP birds. The correlation analysis revealed that genera Lactobacillus and Desulfovibrio were associated with differences in intestinal metabolites, 5-HT metabolism, and inflammatory response between the LFP and HFP birds. In conclusion, differences in the cecal microbiota profile, immune response and 5-HT metabolism drive FP phenotypes, which could be associated with the gut abundance of genera Lactobacillus and Desulfovibrio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxuan Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China
| | - Erying Hao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China
| | - Qiaoxian Yue
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China
| | - Meng Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China
| | - Dehe Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China
| | - Yifan Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China
| | - Lei Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China
| | - Dan Zeng
- Hua Yu Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd., Handan, Hebei 057150, China
| | - Guoxian Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China
| | - Hui Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei 071001, China.
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Huang C, Yue Q, Sun L, Di K, Yang D, Hao E, Wang D, Chen Y, Shi L, Zhou R, Zhao G, Chen H. Restorative effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus LR-32 on the gut microbiota, barrier integrity, and 5-HT metabolism in reducing feather-pecking behavior in laying hens with antibiotic-induced dysbiosis. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1173804. [PMID: 37180262 PMCID: PMC10169825 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1173804] [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: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of abnormal feather-pecking (FP) behavior, where laying hens display harmful pecks in conspecifics, is multifactorial and has been linked to the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Antibiotics affect the gut microbial composition, leading to gut-brain axis imbalance and behavior and physiology changes in many species. However, it is not clear whether intestinal dysbacteriosis can induce the development of damaging behavior, such as FP. The restorative effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus LR-32 against intestinal dysbacteriosis-induced alternations need to be determined either. The current investigation aimed to induce intestinal dysbacteriosis in laying hens by supplementing their diet with the antibiotic lincomycin hydrochloride. The study revealed that antibiotic exposure resulted in decreased egg production performance and an increased tendency toward severe feather-pecking (SFP) behavior in laying hens. Moreover, intestinal and blood-brain barrier functions were impaired, and 5-HT metabolism was inhibited. However, treatment with Lactobacillus rhamnosus LR-32 following antibiotic exposure significantly alleviated the decline in egg production performance and reduced SFP behavior. Lactobacillus rhamnosus LR-32 supplementation restored the profile of the gut microbial community, and showed a strong positive effect by increasing the expression of tight junction proteins in the ileum and hypothalamus and promoting the expression of genes related to central 5-HT metabolism. The correlation analysis revealed that probiotic-enhanced bacteria were positively correlated, and probiotic-reduced bacteria were negatively correlated with tight junction-related gene expression, and 5-HT metabolism, and butyric acid levels. Overall, our findings indicate that dietary supplementation with Lactobacillus rhamnosus LR-32 can reduce antibiotic-induced FP in laying hens and is a promising treatment to improve the welfare of domestic birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxuan Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Science, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Qiaoxian Yue
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Science, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Keqian Di
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - Duanli Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Erying Hao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Dehe Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Yifan Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Lei Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Rongyan Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Guoxian Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
| | - Hui Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, China
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Wang C, Li Y, Wang H, Li M, Rong J, Liao X, Wu Y, Wang Y. Differences in peripheral and central metabolites and gut microbiome of laying hens with different feather-pecking phenotypes. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1132866. [PMID: 36937288 PMCID: PMC10017472 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1132866] [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: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Feather pecking (FP) is a maladaptive behavior in laying hens that is associated with numerous physiological traits, including those involving the central neurotransmitter system and the immune system, which have been identified in many species as being regulated by the gut microbiota via the "microbiota-gut-brain" (MGB) axis. Yet, it is unknown whether and how gut microbiota influences FP by regulating multiple central neurotransmission systems and immune system. Methods This study was measured the prevalence of severe FP (SFP) in the commercial layer farm. The chicken flock with the highest frequency of SFP were selected for FP phenotype identification. Nontargeted metabolomics was performed to investigated the differences in the peripheral and central metabolites and 16S rDNA sequencing was performed to investigated the differences in gut microbiome of laying hens with different FP phenotypes. Correlation analysis was performed to determine the potential mechanism by which the disturbed gut microbiota may modulate host physiology and behavior. Results The results showed that pullets (12 weeks of age) showed significantly higher SFP frequencies than chicks (6 weeks of age) and adults (22 weeks of age; p < 0.05). Compared to neutrals (N), peckers (P) exhibited the stress-induced immunosuppression with the increased plasma levels of corticosterone and norepinephrine, and the decreased plasma levels of IgA, IL-1, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor α (p < 0.05). In the cecum, the relative abundances of Bacteroides and Gemmiger were higher in the P group, while Roseburia, Ruminococcus2, Anaerostipes, Lachnospiracea_incertae_sedis and Methanobrevibacter were more enriched in the N group. Moreover, increased plasma levels of L-tryptophan, beta-tyrosine and L-histidine were found in the P group (p < 0.05). Notably, in the P group, hippocampal levels of L-tryptophan, xanthurenic acid, L-histidine and histamine were improved and showed a positive association with L-glutamic acid levels. Plasma levels of L-tryptophan, beta-tyrosine and L-histidine were both positively correlated with Bacteroides abundance but negatively correlated with Methanobrevibacter abundance. Conclusion Overall, these findings suggest that the development of FP may be affected by the gut microbiota, which regulates the central glutamatergic nerve system by altering the metabolism of tryptophan, histidine and tyrosine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaling Li
- Guangdong Provincial Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haoliang Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Miao Li
- Guangdong Provincial Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinsheng Rong
- Guangdong Provincial Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xindi Liao
- Guangdong Provincial Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yinbao Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yan Wang,
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Falker-Gieske C, Bennewitz J, Tetens J. Structural variation and eQTL analysis in two experimental populations of chickens divergently selected for feather-pecking behavior. Neurogenetics 2023; 24:29-41. [PMID: 36449109 PMCID: PMC9823035 DOI: 10.1007/s10048-022-00705-5] [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: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Feather pecking (FP) is a damaging nonaggressive behavior in laying hens with a heritable component. Its occurrence has been linked to the immune system, the circadian clock, and foraging behavior. Furthermore, dysregulation of miRNA biogenesis, disturbance of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAergic) system, as well as neurodevelopmental deficiencies are currently under debate as factors influencing the propensity for FP behavior. Past studies, which focused on the dissection of the genetic factors involved in FP, relied on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and short insertions and deletions < 50 bp (InDels). These variant classes only represent a certain fraction of the genetic variation of an organism. Hence, we reanalyzed whole-genome sequencing data from two experimental populations, which have been divergently selected for FP behavior for over more than 15 generations, performed variant calling for structural variants (SVs) as well as tandem repeats (TRs), and jointly analyzed the data with SNPs and InDels. Genotype imputation and subsequent genome-wide association studies, in combination with expression quantitative trait loci analysis, led to the discovery of multiple variants influencing the GABAergic system. These include a significantly associated TR downstream of the GABA receptor subunit beta-3 (GABRB3) gene, two microRNAs targeting several GABA receptor genes, and dystrophin (DMD), a direct regulator of GABA receptor clustering. Furthermore, we found the transcription factor ETV1 to be associated with the differential expression of 23 genes, which points toward a role of ETV1, together with SMAD4 and KLF14, in the disturbed neurodevelopment of high-feather pecking chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemens Falker-Gieske
- Department of Animal Sciences, Georg-August-University, Burckhardtweg 2, 37077, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Jörn Bennewitz
- grid.9464.f0000 0001 2290 1502Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Jens Tetens
- grid.7450.60000 0001 2364 4210Department of Animal Sciences, Georg-August-University, Burckhardtweg 2, 37077 Göttingen, Germany ,grid.7450.60000 0001 2364 4210Center for Integrated Breeding Research, Georg-August-University, Albrecht-Thaer-Weg 3, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
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Mott AC, Mott A, Preuß S, Bennewitz J, Tetens J, Falker-Gieske C. eQTL analysis of laying hens divergently selected for feather pecking identifies KLF14 as a potential key regulator for this behavioral disorder. Front Genet 2022; 13:969752. [PMID: 36061196 PMCID: PMC9428588 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.969752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Feather pecking in chickens is a damaging behavior, seriously impacting animal welfare and leading to economic losses. Feather pecking is a complex trait, which is partly under genetic control. Different hypotheses have been proposed to explain the etiology of feather pecking and notably, several studies have identified similarities between feather pecking and human mental disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and schizophrenia. This study uses transcriptomic and phenotypic data from 167 chickens to map expression quantitative trait loci and to identify regulatory genes with a significant effect on this behavioral disorder using an association weight matrix approach. From 70 of the analyzed differentially expressed genes, 11,790 genome wide significantly associated variants were detected, of which 23 showed multiple associations (≥15). These were located in proximity to a number of genes, which are transcription regulators involved in chromatin binding, nucleic acid metabolism, protein translation and putative regulatory RNAs. The association weight matrix identified 36 genes and the two transcription factors: SP6 (synonym: KLF14) and ENSGALG00000042129 (synonym: CHTOP) as the most significant, with an enrichment of KLF14 binding sites being detectable in 40 differentially expressed genes. This indicates that differential expression between animals showing high and low levels of feather pecking was significantly associated with a genetic variant in proximity to KLF14. This multiallelic variant was located 652 bp downstream of KLF14 and is a deletion of 1-3 bp. We propose that a deletion downstream of the transcription factor KLF14 has a negative impact on the level of T cells in the developing brain of high feather pecking chickens, which leads to developmental and behavioral abnormalities. The lack of CD4 T cells and gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors are important factors for the increased propensity of laying hens to perform feather pecking. As such, KLF14 is a clear candidate regulator for the expression of genes involved in the pathogenic development. By further elucidating the regulatory pathways involved in feather pecking we hope to take significant steps forward in explaining and understanding other mental disorders, not just in chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Mott
- Department of Animal Sciences, Georg-August-University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Siegfried Preuß
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Jörn Bennewitz
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Jens Tetens
- Department of Animal Sciences, Georg-August-University, Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Integrated Breeding Research, Georg-August-University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Clemens Falker-Gieske
- Department of Animal Sciences, Georg-August-University, Göttingen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Clemens Falker-Gieske,
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Mindus C, van Staaveren N, Fuchs D, Gostner JM, Kjaer JB, Kunze W, Mian MF, Shoveller AK, Forsythe P, Harlander-Matauschek A. Regulatory T Cell Modulation by Lactobacillus rhamnosus Improves Feather Damage in Chickens. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:855261. [PMID: 35478602 PMCID: PMC9036099 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.855261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
It is currently unclear whether potential probiotics such as lactic acid bacteria could affect behavioral problems in birds. To this end, we assessed whether a supplementation of Lactobacillus rhamnosus JB-1 can reduce stress-induced severe feather pecking (SFP), feather damage and fearfulness in adult birds kept for egg laying. In parallel, we assessed SFP genotypic and phenotypic-related immune responses and aromatic amino acid status linked to neurotransmitter production. Social stress aggravated plumage damage, while L. rhamnosus treatment improved the birds' feather cover in non-stressed birds, but did not impact fearfulness. Our data demonstrate the significant impact of L. rhamnosus supplementation on the immune system. L. rhamnosus supplementation induced immunosuppressive regulatory T cells and cytotoxic T cells in both the cecal tonsils and the spleen. Birds exhibiting the SFP phenotype possessed lower levels of cecal tonsils regulatory T cells, splenic T helper cells and a lower TRP:(PHE+TYR). Together, these results suggest that bacteria may have beneficial effects on the avian immune response and may be useful therapeutic adjuncts to counteract SFP and plumage damage, thus increasing animal health and welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Mindus
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Nienke van Staaveren
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Dietmar Fuchs
- Biocenter, Institute of Biological Chemistry, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Johanna M. Gostner
- Biocenter, Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Joergen B. Kjaer
- Institute of Animal Welfare and Animal Husbandry, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Celle, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Kunze
- Brain-Body Institute, St. Joseph's Healthcare, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - M. Firoz Mian
- Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Anna K. Shoveller
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Paul Forsythe
- Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Alexandra Harlander-Matauschek
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Alexandra Harlander-Matauschek
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Michel V, Berk J, Bozakova N, van der Eijk J, Estevez I, Mircheva T, Relic R, Rodenburg TB, Sossidou EN, Guinebretière M. The Relationships between Damaging Behaviours and Health in Laying Hens. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:986. [PMID: 35454233 PMCID: PMC9029779 DOI: 10.3390/ani12080986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the ban in January 2012 of conventional cages for egg production in the European Union (Council Directive 1999/74/EC), alternative systems such as floor, aviary, free-range, and organic systems have become increasingly common, reaching 50% of housing for hens in 2019. Despite the many advantages associated with non-cage systems, the shift to a housing system where laying hens are kept in larger groups and more complex environments has given rise to new challenges related to management, health, and welfare. This review examines the close relationships between damaging behaviours and health in modern husbandry systems for laying hens. These new housing conditions increase social interactions between animals. In cases of suboptimal rearing and/or housing and management conditions, damaging behaviour or infectious diseases are likely to spread to the whole flock. Additionally, health issues, and therefore stimulation of the immune system, may lead to the development of damaging behaviours, which in turn may result in impaired body conditions, leading to health and welfare issues. This raises the need to monitor both behaviour and health of laying hens in order to intervene as quickly as possible to preserve both the welfare and health of the animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Michel
- Direction de la Stratégie et des Programmes, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), 94701 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Jutta Berk
- Institute for Animal Welfare and Animal Husbandry, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 29223 Celle, Germany;
| | - Nadya Bozakova
- Department of General Animal Breeding, Animal Hygiene, Ethology and Animal Protection Section, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Student’s Campus, Trakia University, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria;
| | - Jerine van der Eijk
- Animal Health and Welfare, Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University and Research, De Elst 1, 6708 Wageningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Inma Estevez
- Department of Animal Production, Neiker-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, 01080 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain;
| | - Teodora Mircheva
- Section of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria;
| | - Renata Relic
- Faculty of agriculture, University of Belgrade, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - T. Bas Rodenburg
- Animals in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Evangelia N. Sossidou
- Laboratory of Farm Animal Health and Welfare, Veterinary Research Institute, Ellinikos Georgikos Or-Ganismos-DIMITRA (ELGO-DIMITRA), 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Maryse Guinebretière
- Epidemiology, Health and Welfare Unit, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), 22440 Ploufragan, France;
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Falker-Gieske C, Bennewitz J, Tetens J. The light response in chickens divergently selected for feather pecking behavior reveals mechanistic insights towards psychiatric disorders. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 49:1649-1654. [PMID: 34954808 PMCID: PMC8825407 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-07111-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Feather pecking is a serious behavioral disorder in chickens that has a considerable impact on animal welfare and poses an economic burden for poultry farming. To study the underlying genetics of feather pecking animals were divergently selected for feather pecking over 15 generations based on estimated breeding values for the behavior. Methods and results By characterizing the transcriptomes of whole brains isolated from high and low feather pecking chickens in response to light stimulation we discovered a putative dysregulation of micro RNA processing caused by a lack of Dicer1. This results in a prominent downregulation of the GABRB2 gene and other GABA receptor transcripts, which might cause a constant high level of excitation in the brains of high feather pecking chickens. Moreover, our results point towards an increase in immune system-related transcripts that may be caused by higher interferon concentrations due to Dicer1 downregulation. Conclusion Based on our results, we conclude that feather pecking in chickens and schizophrenia in humans have numerous common features. For instance, a Dicer1 dependent disruption of miRNA biogenesis and the lack of GABRB2 expression have been linked to schizophrenia pathogenesis. Furthermore, disturbed circadian rhythms and dysregulation of genes involved in the immune system are common features of both conditions. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11033-021-07111-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemens Falker-Gieske
- Division of Functional Breeding, Department of Animal Sciences, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Burckhardtweg 2, 37077, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Jörn Bennewitz
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Jens Tetens
- Department of Animal Sciences, Georg-August-University, Burckhardtweg 2, 37077, Göttingen, Germany.,Center for Integrated Breeding Research, Georg-August-University, Albrecht-Thaer-Weg 3, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
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11
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Mindus C, van Staaveren N, Bharwani A, Fuchs D, Gostner JM, Kjaer JB, Kunze W, Mian MF, Shoveller AK, Forsythe P, Harlander-Matauschek A. Ingestion of Lactobacillus rhamnosus modulates chronic stress-induced feather pecking in chickens. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17119. [PMID: 34429482 PMCID: PMC8384842 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96615-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Feather pecking (FP) is a stress-induced neuropsychological disorder of birds. Intestinal dysbiosis and inflammation are common traits of these disorders. FP is, therefore, proposed to be a behavioral consequence of dysregulated communication between the gut and the brain. Probiotic bacteria are known to favorably modulate the gut microbiome and hence the neurochemical and immune components of the gut-brain axis. Consequently, probiotic supplementation represents a promising new therapeutic to mitigate widespread FP in domestic chickens. We monitored FP, gut microbiota composition, immune markers, and amino acids related to the production of neurochemicals in chickens supplemented with Lactobacillus rhamnosus or a placebo. Data demonstrate that, when stressed, the incidence of FP increased significantly; however, L. rhamnosus prevented this increase. L. rhamnosus supplementation showed a strong immunological effect by increasing the regulatory T cell population of the spleen and the cecal tonsils, in addition to limiting cecal microbiota dysbiosis. Despite minimal changes in aromatic amino acid levels, data suggest that catecholaminergic circuits may be an interesting target for further studies. Overall, our findings provide the first data supporting the use of a single-strain probiotic to reduce stress-induced FP in chickens and promise to improve domestic birds' welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Mindus
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Nienke van Staaveren
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Aadil Bharwani
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Dietmar Fuchs
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biocenter, Center for Chemistry and Biomedicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Johanna M Gostner
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Biocenter, Center for Chemistry and Biomedicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Joergen B Kjaer
- Institute of Animal Welfare and Animal Husbandry, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Celle, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Kunze
- Brain-Body Institute, St. Joseph's Healthcare, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - M Firoz Mian
- Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, 50 Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton, ON, L8N 4A6, Canada
| | - Anna K Shoveller
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Paul Forsythe
- Division of Respirology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, 50 Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton, ON, L8N 4A6, Canada
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12
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Hollemans MS, de Vries Reilingh G, de Vries S, Parmentier HK, Lammers A. Effects of early nutrition and sanitary conditions on antibody levels in early and later life of broiler chickens. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 117:103954. [PMID: 33309542 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2020.103954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Immune maturation of broiler chickens may be affected by management, such as early life feeding strategy (early versus delayed nutrition) or by low or high sanitary conditions (LSC versus HSC). We compared systemic maternal (MAb), natural (NAb), natural auto- (NAAb), and antigen specific antibody (SpAb) levels (IgM, IgY) between broilers (n = 48 per treatment) that received early (EN) or delayed nutrition for 72 h (DN) housed in either low (LSC) or high sanitary conditions (HSC) between 7 and 35 d of age. We found minimal interactions between feeding strategy and sanitary conditions. At 7 d of age, broilers receiving EN compared with DN, had elevated levels of IgM binding keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), phosphoryl-conjugated ovalbumin (PC-OVA), and muramyl dipeptide (MDP), whereas effects of feeding strategy diminished at later ages. In LSC compared with HSC broilers, levels of NAb agglutinating RRBC and sheep red blood cells (SRBC) were already elevated from 14 d of age onwards. At 33 d of age, antibody levels (NAb, NAAb, anti-LPS, anti-MDP) were all elevated in LSC, compared with HSC broilers, for both IgM and IgY, but not IgM against KLH. Western blotting revealed different binding patterns of NAAb against chicken liver homogenate, which may indicate that the NAAb repertoire is affected by antigenic pressure. Our data suggest that antibody levels are affected for an important part by environmental conditions (feeding strategy and sanitary conditions), but minimally by their interaction. However, it remains to be further studied whether the enhanced levels of antibodies as initiated by EN and LSC contribute to enhanced resistance to infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Hollemans
- Coppens Diervoeding B.V, PO Box 79, NL-5700AB, Helmond, the Netherlands; Adaptation Physiology Group, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 338, NL-6700AH, Wageningen, the Netherlands; Animal Nutrition Group, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 338, NL-6700AH, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - G de Vries Reilingh
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 338, NL-6700AH, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - S de Vries
- Animal Nutrition Group, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 338, NL-6700AH, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - H K Parmentier
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 338, NL-6700AH, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - A Lammers
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Wageningen University & Research, PO Box 338, NL-6700AH, Wageningen, the Netherlands
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13
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Verwoolde MB, van den Biggelaar RHGA, de Vries Reilingh G, Arts JAJ, van Baal J, Lammers A, Jansen CA. Innate immune training and metabolic reprogramming in primary monocytes of broiler and laying hens. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 114:103811. [PMID: 32750399 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2020.103811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Recently, we have reported trained innate immunity in laying chicken monocytes. In the present study, we further investigated trained innate immunity of monocytes in layers and broilers. Monocytes of both breeds isolated from blood were trained in vitro with β-glucan, rec-chicken IL-4 or a combination of both, and restimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), after which inflammation and metabolism-related responses were measured. Training of laying and broiler hen monocytes resulted in increased mRNA levels of IL-1β, iNOS and HIF-1α, but enhanced surface expression of CD40 and NO production was only observed in layers. Our in vitro study demonstrates that monocytes from different genetic backgrounds can be trained. However, the observed differences suggest a differential effect on immune functionality associated with innate training. Whether these differences in immune functions between layers and broilers have effect on disease resistance remains to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel B Verwoolde
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands; Animal Nutrition Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Robin H G A van den Biggelaar
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ger de Vries Reilingh
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Joop A J Arts
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jürgen van Baal
- Animal Nutrition Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Aart Lammers
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Christine A Jansen
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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14
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Falker-Gieske C, Mott A, Preuß S, Franzenburg S, Bessei W, Bennewitz J, Tetens J. Analysis of the brain transcriptome in lines of laying hens divergently selected for feather pecking. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:595. [PMID: 32854615 PMCID: PMC7457272 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-07002-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Feather pecking (FP) in laying hens reduces animal welfare and leads to economic losses for the layer industry. FP is considered a heritable condition that is influenced by dysregulation of neurotransmitter homeostasis, the gut microbiome, and the immune system. To identify genes and biological pathways responsible for FP behavior we compared the brain transcriptomes of 48 hens divergently selected for FP. In addition, we tested if high feather peckers (HFP) and low feather peckers (LFP) respond differently to light since light has been shown to trigger FP behavior. Results Of approximately 48 million reads/sample an average of 98.4% were mapped to the chicken genome (GRCg6a). We found 13,070 expressed genes in the analyzed brains of which 423 showed differential expression between HFP and LFP. Genes of uncertain function and non-coding RNAs were overrepresented among those transcripts. Functional analyses revealed the involvement of cholinergic signaling, postsynaptic activity, membrane channels, and the immune system. After the light stimulus, 28 genes were found to be differentially expressed. These included an interaction cluster of core components of the circadian clock. However, differences in the response to light between HFP and LFP were not detectable. Conclusions Genes involved in cholinergic signaling, channel activity, synaptic transmission, and immune response were found to be involved in FP behavior. We propose a model in which the gut microbiota modulates the immune system, which in turn affects cholinergic signaling. This might have an influence on monoamine signaling with possible involvement of GABA or glutamate signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemens Falker-Gieske
- Department of Animal Sciences, Georg-August-University, Burckhardtweg 2, 37077, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Andrea Mott
- Department of Animal Sciences, Georg-August-University, Burckhardtweg 2, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Siegfried Preuß
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Sören Franzenburg
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Rosalind-Franklin-Straße 12, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Werner Bessei
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Jörn Bennewitz
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Jens Tetens
- Department of Animal Sciences, Georg-August-University, Burckhardtweg 2, 37077, Göttingen, Germany.,Center for Integrated Breeding Research, Georg-August-University, Albrecht-Thaer-Weg 3, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
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15
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Verwoolde MB, van den Biggelaar RHGA, van Baal J, Jansen CA, Lammers A. Training of Primary Chicken Monocytes Results in Enhanced Pro-Inflammatory Responses. Vet Sci 2020; 7:E115. [PMID: 32825152 PMCID: PMC7560005 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci7030115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Beta-glucan-stimulated mammalian myeloid cells, such as macrophages, show an increased responsiveness to secondary stimulation in a nonspecific manner. This phenomenon is known as trained innate immunity and is important to prevent reinfections. Trained innate immunity seems to be an evolutionary conserved phenomenon among plants, invertebrates and mammalian species. Our study aimed to explore the training of primary chicken monocytes. We hypothesized that primary chicken monocytes, similar to their mammalian counterparts, can be trained with β-glucan resulting in increased responses of these cells to a secondary stimulus. Primary blood monocytes of white leghorn chickens were primary stimulated with β-glucan microparticulates (M-βG), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), recombinant chicken interleukin-4 (IL-4) or combinations of these components for 48 h. On day 6, the primary stimulated cells were secondary stimulated with LPS. Nitric oxide (NO) production levels were measured as an indicator of pro-inflammatory activity. In addition, the cells were analyzed by flow cytometry to characterize the population of trained cells and to investigate the expression of surface markers associated with activation. After the secondary LPS stimulation, surface expression of colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) and the activation markers CD40 and major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) was higher on macrophages that were trained with a combination of M-βG and IL-4 compared to unstimulated cells. This increased expression was paralleled by enhanced NO production. In conclusion, this study showed that trained innate immunity can be induced in primary chicken monocytes with β-glucan, which is in line with previous experiments in mammalian species. Innate immune training may have the potential to improve health and vaccination strategies within the poultry sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel B. Verwoolde
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, De Elst 1, 6708 WD Wageningen, The Netherlands;
- Animal Nutrition Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, De Elst 1, 6708 WD Wageningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Robin H. G. A. van den Biggelaar
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (R.H.G.A.v.d.B.); (C.A.J.)
| | - Jürgen van Baal
- Animal Nutrition Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, De Elst 1, 6708 WD Wageningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Christine A. Jansen
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (R.H.G.A.v.d.B.); (C.A.J.)
| | - Aart Lammers
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, De Elst 1, 6708 WD Wageningen, The Netherlands;
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16
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van der Eijk JAJ, Rodenburg TB, de Vries H, Kjaer JB, Smidt H, Naguib M, Kemp B, Lammers A. Early-life microbiota transplantation affects behavioural responses, serotonin and immune characteristics in chicken lines divergently selected on feather pecking. Sci Rep 2020; 10:2750. [PMID: 32066789 PMCID: PMC7026165 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-59125-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gut microbiota influences host behaviour and physiology, such as anxiety, stress, serotonergic and immune systems. These behavioural and physiological characteristics are related to feather pecking (FP), a damaging behaviour in chickens that reduces animal welfare and productivity. Moreover, high FP (HFP) and low FP (LFP) lines differed in microbiota composition. However, it is unknown whether microbiota can influence the development of FP. For the first time, we identified the effects of microbiota transplantation on FP, and behavioural and physiological characteristics related to FP. HFP and LFP chicks received sterile saline (control), HFP or LFP microbiota transplantation during the first two weeks post-hatch. Microbiota transplantation influenced behavioural responses of the HFP line during treatment and of the LFP line after treatment. In both lines, homologous microbiota transplantation (i.e., receiving microbiota from their line) resulted in more active behavioural responses. Furthermore, microbiota transplantation influenced immune characteristics (natural antibodies) in both lines and peripheral serotonin in the LFP line. However, limited effects on microbiota composition, stress response (corticosterone) and FP were noted. Thus, early-life microbiota transplantation had immediate and long-term effects on behavioural responses and long-term effects on immune characteristics and peripheral serotonin; however, the effects were dependent on host genotype. Since early-life microbiota transplantation influenced behavioural and physiological characteristics that are related to FP, it could thus influence the development of FP later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerine A J van der Eijk
- Behavioural Ecology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - T Bas Rodenburg
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
- Department of Animals in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hugo de Vries
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Joergen B Kjaer
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Institute of Animal Welfare and Animal Husbandry, Celle, Germany
| | - Hauke Smidt
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Marc Naguib
- Behavioural Ecology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Bas Kemp
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Aart Lammers
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
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17
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Fijn LB, van der Staay FJ, Goerlich-Jansson VC, Arndt SS. Importance of Basic Research on the Causes of Feather Pecking in Relation to Welfare. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10020213. [PMID: 32012933 PMCID: PMC7070775 DOI: 10.3390/ani10020213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Feather pecking is a problematic behavior shown by commercially held laying hens who peck at and pull out feathers of their pen mates. In effort to battle the economic and welfare issues that result from feather pecking many studies on the subject focus on practical solutions (i.e., they follow an applied research approach), while basic research related to feather pecking, research without a practical aim in mind, has received far less attention. Both applied and basic research contribute to a better understanding of feather pecking behavior. In this article we argue that basic research could make an important contribution to science-based knowledge of the causes of feather pecking and the welfare of hens performing this behavior and of the hens receiving the pecks. Abstract Feather pecking is a prominent issue in the commercial egg industry, associated with economic losses and welfare problems. A non-systematic literature search suggests that studies on feather pecking are predominantly concerned with applied research goals. That is to say, they aim to solve or diminish the effects of this problematic behavior by orienting towards practical approaches. The strong emphasis on this research approach has skewed our knowledge of the causes of feather pecking in relation to welfare. While the need for such research is high, there is an equivalent need for basic research that has not received corresponding effort. Also, current research predominantly focuses on the negative effects on the birds being pecked, whereas too little attention is given to the possible welfare problems of the peckers. We argue that more basic research is needed for obtaining comprehensive science-based knowledge of behavioral needs and abilities of hens, in particular with respect to behavioral problems that threaten their welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa B. Fijn
- Division Animals in Science and Society, Animal Behaviour, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Utrecht, 3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands; (V.C.G.-J.); (S.S.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-623-535-366
| | - F. Josef van der Staay
- Division of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Behavior & Welfare Group (Formerly Emotion & Cognition Group), University Utrecht, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands;
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Vivian C. Goerlich-Jansson
- Division Animals in Science and Society, Animal Behaviour, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Utrecht, 3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands; (V.C.G.-J.); (S.S.A.)
| | - Saskia S. Arndt
- Division Animals in Science and Society, Animal Behaviour, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Utrecht, 3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands; (V.C.G.-J.); (S.S.A.)
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