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Chang Q, Li C, Zhao S, Wang H, Li J, Zhang R, Bao J. Research Note: Effects of environmental sound stimulus on behavioral responses, cortisol levels, and horizontal immunity of transferred pullets. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103689. [PMID: 38579543 PMCID: PMC11004998 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103689] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of prolonged exposure to varying levels of music or noise on the behavioral, physiological, and immune responses of pullets following their transfer to an egg-laying facility. A total of 240 one-day-old Hy-Line Brown pullets were randomly assigned to five groups: 0 dB sound stimulation, low-decibel music (65-75 dB), high-decibel music (85-95 dB), low-decibel noise (65-75 dB), and high-decibel noise (85-95 dB) stimuli. Pullets received music or noise stimuli 10 h per d from 1-day-old to 16-wk-old and were then transferred to the egg-laying facility. The results indicated that feeding and drinking behaviors significantly decreased (P < 0.05), whereas feather pecking, aggression, and preening behaviors significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the pullets after transfer. Pullets also had higher serum cortisol (COR) levels (P < 0.05), whereas immunoglobulin Y (IgY), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (INF-γ), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels significantly increased (P < 0.05). Low-decibel sound stimuli increased aggressive behavior and decreased pecking behavior (P < 0.05). High-decibel sound stimuli decreased feather pecking, cage pecking, aggression, and sham dustbathing behaviors (P < 0.05). In addition, a low-decibel sound stimulus decreased the serum COR content, and increased the serum IL-6 level in the transferred pullets. A high-decibel sound stimulus also induced shorter tonic immobility (TI) durations in pullets on d 7 after transport stress. Meanwhile, high-decibel sound stimulus decreased the serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels of pullets. In conclusion, the transfer has detrimental effects on the pullets. Long-term sound stimulation effectively mitigated the negative impact of transportation stress on pullets. Among them, the high-decibel sound stimulus showed more promise in relieving transport stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Chang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Chun Li
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Shuai Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Haowen Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Jianhong Li
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Runxiang Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin, 150030, China.
| | - Jun Bao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin, 150030, China
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Kim DH, Song JY, Park J, Kwon BY, Lee KW. The Effect of Low Temperature on Laying Performance and Physiological Stress Responses in Laying Hens. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3824. [PMID: 38136861 PMCID: PMC10741227 DOI: 10.3390/ani13243824] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study investigated the effect of low temperature on laying performance, egg quality, body temperature, yolk malondialdehyde, yolk corticosterone, and serum biochemistry in laying hens. A total of 40 laying hens (Hy-Line Brown) aged 36 weeks were housed in one of two environmental chambers kept at 12 ± 4.5 °C (low temperature) or 24 ± 3 °C (normal temperature) for 4 weeks. Low vs. normal temperature significantly increased (p < 0.05) live body weight, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio in laying hens. Skin surface temperature, but not rectal temperature, was decreased in laying hens exposed to low vs. normal temperature. Hens exposed to low temperature laid an intense eggshell color compared with those raised in a normal temperature. Malondialdehyde concentrations in yolk were increased in low-temperature-exposed laying hens compared with those at normal temperature conditions, but this effect was only noted on day 7, post the low-temperature exposure (p = 0.04). Finally, low vs. normal temperature increased the concentrations of total cholesterol and triglyceride in serum. Collectively, this study indicates that exposure to low temperature in laying hens initially disrupted antioxidant system and altered lipid metabolism in laying hens without inducing stress responses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Kyung-Woo Lee
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea; (D.-H.K.); (J.-Y.S.); (J.P.); (B.-Y.K.)
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Gariglio M, Dabbou S, Renna M, Biasato I, Bellezza Oddon S, Meneguz M, Miazzo RD, Bergagna S, Colombino E, Macchi E, Schiavone A. Does the provision of live black soldier fly and yellow mealworm larvae improve Muscovy duck welfare? J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2023; 14:153. [PMID: 38044427 PMCID: PMC10694867 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-023-00949-7] [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: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The provision of environmental enrichments to Muscovy ducks could reduce the expression of the aggressive behaviors. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of black soldier fly (BSF) and yellow mealworm (YM) live larva provision on Muscovy duck performance, excreta corticosterone metabolites (ECM), behavior, and blood parameters. METHODS A total of 126 3-day-old female Muscovy ducklings were allotted to 18 pens (6 replicates/treatment, 7 birds/pen) and assigned to 3 experimental treatments: a control group fed commercial feed, and two experimental treatments fed commercial feed plus the 5% (based on the expected daily feed intake, as fed basis) of BSF and YM live larvae (BSF and YM groups, respectively). A two-phase feeding program was applied: starter (from 3 to 31 days of age) and grower-finisher (from 32 to 55 days of age). The live weight, average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were calculated. Larva consumption times were collected, and video recordings were performed during 3 periods (P) each day: the hour before (P1), during (P2), and after (P3) the larva administration. ECM were evaluated at 3, 31, and 55-day-old. Finally, the total red and white blood cell counts, serum proteins, lipids, and liver and renal function serum enzymes were evaluated on 12 birds/treatment. RESULTS The experimental treatment did not affect the growth performance of the birds (P > 0.05). Larva consumption times were always similar between the two insect species, except at 14-18 days of age, were BSF larvae were consumed faster than YM larvae (P < 0.001). The birds showed less walking activity during P2, and preening behavior increased in YM birds during P3. The C birds increased the attack behavior over the weeks (P < 0.05). During weeks 1-3 the YM group reduced the attack frequency (P1 > P3; P < 0.05). Finally, the provision of live BSF and YM larvae significantly reduced the ECM at 55 days of age and the heterophil to lymphocyte ratio (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Live BSF and YM larva supplementation in Muscovy duck improves duck welfare, without impairing birds' growth performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Gariglio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, Torino (TO), 10095, Italy
| | - Sihem Dabbou
- Center Agriculture Food Environment (C3A), University of Trento, Via Edmund Mach 1, San Michele All'Adige, Trento (TN), 38098, Italy
| | - Manuela Renna
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, Torino (TO), 10095, Italy.
| | - Ilaria Biasato
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, Torino (TO), 10095, Italy
| | - Sara Bellezza Oddon
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, Torino (TO), 10095, Italy
| | - Marco Meneguz
- BEF Biosystems s.r.l, Via Tancredi Canonico 18/C, Torino (TO), 10156, Italy
| | - Raul Daniel Miazzo
- Unidad de Investigación Aviar, Producción Avícola, Fac. Agr. y Vet., Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Cordoba, Argentina
| | - Stefania Bergagna
- Veterinary Medical Research Institute for Piemonte, Liguria and Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, Torino (TO), 10154, Italy
| | - Elena Colombino
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, Torino (TO), 10095, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Macchi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, Torino (TO), 10095, Italy
| | - Achille Schiavone
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, Torino (TO), 10095, Italy
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Bird Welfare in Zoos and Aquariums: General Insights across Industries. JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANICAL GARDENS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/jzbg3020017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal welfare is a priority across accredited zoological institutions; however, historically, research has been prioritized for mammals. Bird-focused studies accounted for less than 10% of welfare research in zoos and aquariums over the last ten years. Due to the lack of scientific publications on bird welfare, zoo scientists and animal practitioners can look to other industries such as agriculture, laboratories, and companion animal research for insight. This qualitative review highlights findings across industries to inform animal care staff and scientists on the welfare needs of birds within zoos and aquariums. Specifically, the review includes an overview of research on different topics and a summary of key findings across nine resources that affect bird welfare. We also highlight areas where additional research is necessary. Future welfare research in zoos and aquariums should prioritize studies that consider a diversity of bird species across topics and work to identify animal-based measures with empirical evidence. Moving forward, research from other industries can help develop innovative research on bird welfare within zoos and aquariums.
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Assessing animal welfare: a triangulation of preference, judgement bias and other candidate welfare indicators. Anim Behav 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2022.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Kim DH, Lee YK, Lee SD, Lee KW. Impact of relative humidity on the laying performance, egg quality, and physiological stress responses of laying hens exposed to high ambient temperature. J Therm Biol 2022; 103:103167. [PMID: 35027187 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2021.103167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The present study investigated the effects of relative humidity (RH) on the laying performance, egg quality, and stress indicators of laying hens raised at high ambient temperatures. A total of 180 Hy-Line Brown laying hens (68-wk-old) were randomly allotted to one of the following three RH conditions for 12 h a day (9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.) over four weeks: low RH (LRH; 25% RH), moderate RH (MRH; 50% RH), and high RH (HRH; 75% RH); ambient temperature was 30 °C under all treatments. None of the RH treatments affected hen-day egg production, egg weight, or egg mass (P > 0.05). However, feed intake was lower in the HRH group than in the LRH group (P < 0.05). Plasma corticosterone (CORT) concentration on day 21, yolk CORT concentration on day 3, and albumen CORT concentration on day 7 following RH exposure were higher in the HRH group than in the LRH group (P < 0.05). Moreover, plasma HDL-cholesterol concentration on day 14 was higher in the HRH group than in the LRH group (P < 0.05). On days 3 and 14, the Haugh unit decreased (P < 0.05) in the LRH group compared with that in the MRH and HRH groups. The HRH-exposed laying hens showed the lowest (P < 0.05) eggshell thickness on day 14. The absolute weights of eggshell, yolk, and albumen decreased in the HRH group compared with those in the MRH and LRH groups. Overall, high RH lowered feed intake and egg quality except for the Haugh unit, and induced stress response as manifested by elevated plasma, yolk, and albumen CORT concentrations. To our best knowledge, the present study is the first to demonstrate the role of RH in triggering temperature stress responses in laying hens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da-Hye Kim
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yoo-Kyung Lee
- National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development of Administration (NIAS-RDA), Wanju-gun, 55365, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sung-Dae Lee
- National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development of Administration (NIAS-RDA), Wanju-gun, 55365, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kyung-Woo Lee
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea.
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Hosseinian S, Ansari S. Prophylactic effects of dietary ascorbic acid on oxidative stress indices, physiological and behavioural responses of domestic pigeons exposed to road transport stress. Vet Med Sci 2021; 7:2389-2398. [PMID: 34797959 PMCID: PMC8604146 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Transport disturbs birds' welfare and health status which lead to oxidative stress and dietary ascorbic acid mitigates the adverse effects of transport stress. The present study was aimed to evaluate the impacts of ascorbic acid administration on oxidative stress indices, cortisol, H/L ratio, tonic immobility reaction and rectal temperature of pigeons exposed to road transport. A total of 80 clinically healthy pigeons were selected and randomly divided to eight equal groups as follow: (1) Ctrl- : fed by basal diet and no subjected to transport stress; (2) Ctrl+: fed by the basal diet and subjected to transport stress; (3, 4) 1DBS10 and 1DBS16: received ascorbic acid from 1 day before transport stress at doses of 10 g/100 L and 16 g/100 L of drinking water, respectively; (5, 6) 3DBS10 and 3DBS16: treated with ascorbic acid from 3 consecutive days before transport stress at doses of 10 g/100 L and 16 g/100 L, respectively and (7, 8) 7DBS10 and 7DBS16: received ascorbic acid from 7 consecutive days before the transport at doses 10 g/100 L and 16 g/100 L, respectively. Birds were transported for 3 h over a distance of about 200 km. The total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde and cortisol were measured before transport and at 6, 24 and 72 h post-transportation. The rectal temperature and tunic immobility reactions were recorded. Dietary ascorbic acid led to a decrease in tonic immobility response, hetrophil to lymphocyte ratio, circulating cortisol and total antioxidant capacity, and an increase in circulating malondialdehyde in pigeons exposed to transport stress compare to Ctrl+ group. In conclusion, ascorbic acid administration at dose 16 g/100 L of drinking water from 3 and 7 days before exposure to stress helps attenuate undesirable effects of oxidative stress in pigeons.
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Affiliation(s)
- S.A. Hosseinian
- Department of Clinical Science, School of Veterinary MedicineShiraz UniversityShirazIran
| | - S. Ansari
- Department of Clinical Science, School of Veterinary MedicineShiraz UniversityShirazIran
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Kulshreshtha G, Benavides-Reyes C, Rodriguez-Navarro AB, Diep T, Hincke MT. Impact of Different Layer Housing Systems on Eggshell Cuticle Quality and Salmonella Adherence in Table Eggs. Foods 2021; 10:foods10112559. [PMID: 34828840 PMCID: PMC8625084 DOI: 10.3390/foods10112559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The bacterial load on the eggshell surface is a key factor in predicting the bacterial penetration and contamination of the egg interior. The eggshell cuticle is the first line of defense against vertical penetration by microbial food-borne pathogens such as Salmonella Enteritidis. Egg producers are increasingly introducing alternative caging systems into their production chain as animal welfare concerns become of greater relevance to today’s consumer. Stress that is introduced by hen aggression and modified nesting behavior in furnished cages can alter the physiology of egg formation and affect the cuticle deposition/quality. The goal of this study was to determine the impact of caging systems (conventional, enriched, free-run, and free-range), on eggshell cuticle parameters and the eggshell bacterial load. The cuticle plug thickness and pore length were higher in the free-range eggs as compared to conventional eggs. The eggshells from alternative caging (enriched and free-range) had a higher total cuticle as compared to conventional cages. A reduction in bacterial cell counts was observed on eggshells that were obtained from free-range eggs as compared to the enriched systems. An inverse correlation between the contact angle and Salmonella adherence was observed. These results indicate that the housing systems of layer hens can modify the cuticle quality and thereby impact bacterial adherence and food safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garima Kulshreshtha
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada;
| | - Cristina Benavides-Reyes
- Departamento de Mineralogia y Petrologia, Campus de Fuentenueva, Universidad de Granada, 18002 Granada, Spain; (C.B.-R.); (A.B.R.-N.)
| | - Alejandro B. Rodriguez-Navarro
- Departamento de Mineralogia y Petrologia, Campus de Fuentenueva, Universidad de Granada, 18002 Granada, Spain; (C.B.-R.); (A.B.R.-N.)
| | - Ty Diep
- Lyn Egg Production and Grading, Burnbrae Farms Limited, Lyn, ON K0E 1M0, Canada;
| | - Maxwell T. Hincke
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada;
- Department of Innovation in Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-613-562-5800 (ext. 8193)
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Abstract
Although many factors affect the welfare of hens housed in cage and non-cage systems, welfare issues in cage systems often involve behavioural restrictions, whereas many welfare issues in non-cage systems involve health and hygiene. This review considers and compares the welfare of laying hens in cages, both conventional and furnished cages, with that of hens in non-cage systems, so as to highlight the welfare implications, both positive and negative, of cage housing. Comparisons of housing systems, particularly in commercial settings, are complex because of potentially confounding differences in physical, climatic and social environments, genetics, nutrition and management. Furthermore, some of the confounding factors are inherent to some specific housing systems. Nevertheless, research in commercial and experimental settings has indicated that hens in conventional and furnished cages have lower (or similar), but not higher, levels of stress on the basis of glucocorticoid concentrations than do hens in non-cage systems. Furthermore, caged hens, generally, have lower mortality rates than do hens in non-cage systems. However, the behavioural repertoire of laying hens housed in conventional cages is clearly more compromised than that of hens in non-cage systems. In contrast to conventional cages, furnished cages may provide opportunities for positive emotional experiences arising from perching, dust-bathing, foraging and nesting in a nest box. Some have suggested that the problems with modern animal production is not that the animals are unable to perform certain behavioural opportunities, but that they are unable to fill the extra time available with limited behaviours when they have no need to find food, water or shelter. Environmental enrichment in which objects or situations are presented that act successfully, and with a foreseeable rewarding outcome for hens by also providing regular positive emotional experience, is likely to enhance hen welfare. Research on cage systems highlights the importance of the design of the housing system rather than just the housing system per se.
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Hemsworth PH, Edwards LE. Natural behaviours, their drivers and their implications for laying hen welfare. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/an19630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Some believe that farm animals need to be kept in conditions that provide ‘natural’ aspects in the animal’s environment and, thus, provide the opportunity for the animals to perform their full ‘behavioural repertoire’. Captivity may restrict either behaviours that animals have instinctive, intrinsic propensities to perform whatever the environment or behaviours that are elicited by deficits in the animals’ environment. Behavioural restriction may also thwart general motivation to seek variety and/or avoid monotonous conditions. Appreciating whether an animal suffers if deprived of the opportunity to perform natural behaviour requires, first, an understanding of how the behaviour in question is elicited and controlled, the effects of early experience and genetics on the behaviour and the behaviour of the species in the wild, and, second, the behavioural, physiological and fitness effects of deprivation of the behaviour. Housing laying hens in conventional cages compromises their behavioural repertoire, such as nesting in a nest box, dust bathing, perching and foraging, and the present review focuses on the welfare implications if these natural behaviours are thwarted in modern poultry production. A floor space of <561 cm2/hen increases physiological stress, reduces egg production and increases mortality in laying hens. There is also evidence of behavioural restriction in terms of reduced wing stretching, leg stretching, tail wagging, locomotion, floor and object pecking and preening with floor space in the range of 542–750 cm2/hen. Preference and motivation research has indicated that laying hens value resources such as nest boxes for oviposition, substrates for foraging and dust bathing, and perches for roosting. However, there is no convincing evidence that deprivation of these resources results in physiological stress. Furthermore, apart from adverse effects of the absence of perches on bone strength, there is no evidence that deprivation of nest boxes, perches, and foraging and dust-bathing substrates results in reduction in fitness such as reduced egg production or health. Nevertheless, preference research has indicated that the opportunity to utilise these resources, particularly nest boxes, may elicit positive emotional states in laying hens. Therefore, it is important to understand both how motivated the animal is to choose an option or perform a behaviour as well as the consequences of depriving the animal of this opportunity.
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The Impact of Temperature and Humidity on the Performance and Physiology of Laying Hens. Animals (Basel) 2020; 11:ani11010056. [PMID: 33396835 PMCID: PMC7823783 DOI: 10.3390/ani11010056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The present study investigated whether the temperature-humidity index (THI) influences the production parameters and physiology of laying hens. Two environmental conditions combining high temperature with low relative humidity (TLHH75) or vice versa (THHL75), with the same THI value (75), were considered. The same THI value indicated equal thermal stress for laying hens. Neither TLHH75 nor THHL75 affected laying performance, including egg production, egg weight, and egg mass, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, plasma biochemical parameters, and stress indicators. Our study suggests that laying hens exposed to the same THI values will receive similar thermal stresses. The results of this study will serve as a scientific basis for management decisions and handling laying hens under thermally challenging conditions. Abstract We investigated the effect of different ambient temperatures and relative humidity (RH) with the same temperature-humidity indices (THI) on laying performance, egg quality, heterophil to lymphocyte ratio (H/L ratio), corticosterone (CORT) concentration in blood, yolk, and albumen, and plasma biochemical parameters of laying hens. Commercial hens (Hy-Line Brown; n = 120), aged 60 weeks, were allocated to two environmental chambers. Laying hens were subjected to either one of two thermal treatments—26 °C and 70% RH (TLHH75) or 30 °C and 30% RH (THHL75) for 28 days—with the same THI of 75. Neither TLHH75 nor THHL75 affected laying performance, including egg production, egg weight, egg mass, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio (p > 0.05). Plasma biochemical parameters such as total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus were not altered by the environmental treatments (p > 0.05). As for stress indicators, both environmental regimes failed to affect blood H/L ratio and CORT levels in plasma, yolk, and albumen (p > 0.05), although albumen CORT levels were elevated (p < 0.05) in TLHH75 group at day 7. Hence, our study suggests that laying hens performed and responded similarly when exposed to either TLHH75 or THHL75 characterized by the same THI. These results can serve as a scientific basis for management decisions and handling laying hens under thermally challenging conditions.
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Wei H, Bi Y, Xin H, Pan L, Liu R, Li X, Li J, Zhang R, Bao J. Keel fracture changed the behavior and reduced the welfare, production performance, and egg quality in laying hens housed individually in furnished cages. Poult Sci 2020; 99:3334-3342. [PMID: 32616227 PMCID: PMC7597854 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2020.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Keel fracture has adverse effects on welfare, behavior, health, production performance, and egg quality of laying hens. To investigate this, 90 healthy Lohmann white laying hens with normal keel bones at 17 wk of age (WOA) were used in this study and housed individually in furnished cages. All hens were marked with fractured keel (FK) or normal keel (NK) based on the keel bone status through palpation at 5 time-points (22, 27, 32, 37, and 42 WOA). After the palpation, the behavior was observed for 2 consecutive days at each time-point, and the total number of eggs produced, dirty eggs, broken eggs, and feed intake of FK and NK laying hens were recorded at 27–32, 32–37, and 37–42 WOA, respectively. After each behavioral observation, 10 fresh FK hens and 10 NK hens were randomly selected to determinate the welfare and egg quality. The results showed that the incidences of keel fracture increased with the age of laying hens. Compared with NK hens, the sitting and standing behaviors significantly increased (P < 0.05) while feeding, walking, perching, and jumping behaviors significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in FK hens. There were no significant changes in drinking, preening, comforting, cage pecking, and nesting behaviors between NK and FK hens (P > 0.05). During the experiment period, the egg production rate, body weight, daily feed intake, and eggshell strength, thickness, and weight decreased (P < 0.05) and duration of tonic immobility increased (P < 0.05) in FK hens compared with those in NK hens. At 27–32 WOA, FK hens had significantly elevated broken egg rate (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the dirty egg rate, egg shape index, protein height, Haugh unit, feather cover score, and toe and foot pad health score (P > 0.05). Therefore, keel fracture in laying hens caused changes in behavior and reduced the welfare, production performance, feed intake, and eggshell quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haidong Wei
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, 150030 Harbin, China
| | - Yanju Bi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, 150030 Harbin, China
| | - Hongwei Xin
- Institute of Agriculture, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 37996 TN, USA
| | - Lei Pan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, 150030 Harbin, China
| | - Runze Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, 150030 Harbin, China
| | - Xiang Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, 150030 Harbin, China
| | - Jianhong Li
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, 150030 Harbin, China
| | - Runxiang Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, 150030 Harbin, China.
| | - Jun Bao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, 150030 Harbin, China.
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Seltmann MW, Ukonaho S, Reichert S, Dos Santos D, Nyein UK, Htut W, Lummaa V. Faecal Glucocorticoid Metabolites and H/L Ratio are Related Markers of Stress in Semi-Captive Asian Timber Elephants. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10010094. [PMID: 31935980 PMCID: PMC7023510 DOI: 10.3390/ani10010094] [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: 11/30/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Animals are kept in captivity for various reasons worldwide. Throughout its range countries, the Asian elephant is used for various purposes, with a significant proportion of the remaining population working as draft and transport animals in the timber industry. However, captivity can also lead to compromises in welfare that need to be quantified for successful intervention. A key way of assessing an animal’s well-being in wildlife and zoo biology is to measure its stress. Previous studies have found positive, negative, or no relationship between two commonly used measures of stress: stress hormones and the ratio of two types of white blood cells—heterophils to lymphocytes. Our study is one of the first to show a positive and consistent link between these two measures in semi-captive Asian elephants from Myanmar, irrespective of sex, age, or environmental context. Our results show that using the heterophil/lymphocyte ratio from blood smears on-site may offer a potentially cheaper and faster way to determine stress than measuring faecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations in the laboratory. Abstract Animals are kept in captivity for various reasons, but species with a slower pace of life may adapt to captive environments less easily, leading to welfare concerns and the need to assess stress reliably in order to develop effective interventions. Our aim was to assess welfare of semi-captive timber elephants from Myanmar by investigating the relationship between two physiological markers of stress commonly used as proxies for welfare, faecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations (FGM) and heterophil/lymphocyte ratios (H/L), and link these measures to changes in body condition (determined by body weight). We further assessed how robustly these two markers of stress performed in animals of different age or sex, or in different ecological contexts. We measured FGM concentrations and H/L ratios between 2016 and 2018 from 316 samples of 75 females and 49 males ranging in age from 4 to 68. We found a positive and consistent link between FGMs and H/L ratios in Asian elephants, irrespective of their sex, age, or ecological context. Our results will help to inform managers of (semi-) captive elephants about using heterophil/lymphocyte ratio data from blood smears on site as a potentially cheaper and faster alternative to determining stress than measuring faecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations in the laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin W. Seltmann
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, FIN-20014 Turku, Finland; (S.U.); (S.R.); (D.D.S.); (V.L.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Susanna Ukonaho
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, FIN-20014 Turku, Finland; (S.U.); (S.R.); (D.D.S.); (V.L.)
| | - Sophie Reichert
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, FIN-20014 Turku, Finland; (S.U.); (S.R.); (D.D.S.); (V.L.)
| | - Diogo Dos Santos
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, FIN-20014 Turku, Finland; (S.U.); (S.R.); (D.D.S.); (V.L.)
| | - U Kyaw Nyein
- Myanma Timber Enterprise, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, Gyogone Forest Compound, Bayint Naung Road, Insein Township, Yangon, Myanmar; (U.K.N.); (W.H.)
| | - Win Htut
- Myanma Timber Enterprise, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, Gyogone Forest Compound, Bayint Naung Road, Insein Township, Yangon, Myanmar; (U.K.N.); (W.H.)
| | - Virpi Lummaa
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, FIN-20014 Turku, Finland; (S.U.); (S.R.); (D.D.S.); (V.L.)
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Giersberg MF, Kemper N, Spindler B. Pecking and piling: The behaviour of conventional layer hybrids and dual-purpose hens in the nest. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2019.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Engel JM, Widowski TM, Tilbrook AJ, Butler KL, Hemsworth PH. The effects of floor space and nest box access on the physiology and behavior of caged laying hens. Poult Sci 2019; 98:533-547. [PMID: 30165652 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pey378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Confinement housing appears to be at the forefront of concern about laying hen welfare. This experiment examined the effects of floor space during rearing (315 or 945 cm2/bird) and adulthood (542 or 1648 cm2/bird) and access to a nest box on the welfare of caged laying hens. Measurements of the normality of biological functioning, such as plasma, egg albumen and yolk and fecal corticosterone concentrations, and heterophil to lymphocyte ratios, behavioral time budgets, mortality and efficiency of productivity, and measurement of hen preferences, such as choice behavior in Y maze tests, were used to assess hen welfare. There were no effects of treatment on physiological measurements. Hens given less space during adulthood spent less time mobile, inedible pecking, drinking, and preening and spent more time resting and feed pecking and sitting (P < 0.05). Hens with access to a nest box spent more time resting (P = 0.046) and less time sham dust bathing (P = 0.044) than hens without access to a nest box. There were no effects of space allowance on choice behavior for space or a nest box over food; however, hens with access to a nest box chose the nest box over food more than hens without access to a nest box (P = 0.0053). The present experiment provides no convincing evidence that either reducing space allowance in adulthood from 1648 to 542 cm2/bird or eliminating access to a nest box results in disruption of biological function. Less space and no access to a nest box did not increase the choice for more space or a nest box, respectively, over food in the preference tests. However, reduced floor space reduced behavioral freedom and denying access to a nest box eliminated the opportunity for the motivated behavior of laying their eggs in a discrete enclosed nest box, both of which presumably provide hens with the opportunity for positive affective experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Engel
- Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - T M Widowski
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - A J Tilbrook
- Centre for Animal Science, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - K L Butler
- Biometrics Group, Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport & Resources, Hamilton, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - P H Hemsworth
- Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
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Davis AK, Maney DL. The use of glucocorticoid hormones or leucocyte profiles to measure stress in vertebrates: What’s the difference? Methods Ecol Evol 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.13020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew K. Davis
- Odum School of EcologyThe University of Georgia Athens Georgia
| | - Donna L. Maney
- Department of PsychologyEmory University Atlanta Georgia
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Wilson PW, Suther CS, Bain MM, Icken W, Jones A, Quinlan-Pluck F, Olori V, Gautron J, Dunn IC. Understanding avian egg cuticle formation in the oviduct: a study of its origin and deposition. Biol Reprod 2017; 97:39-49. [PMID: 28859284 PMCID: PMC5803769 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [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: 04/25/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The cuticle is a unique invisible oviduct secretion that protects avian eggs from bacterial penetration through gas exchange pores. Despite its importance, experimental evidence is lacking for where, when, and what is responsible for its deposition. By using knowledge about the ovulatory cycle and oviposition, we have manipulated cuticle deposition to obtain evidence on these key points. Cuticle deposition was measured using staining and spectrophotometry. Experimental evidence supports the location of cuticle deposition to be the shell gland pouch (uterus), not the vagina, and the time of deposition to be within the final hour before oviposition. Oviposition induced by arginine vasotocin or prostaglandin, the penultimate and ultimate factors for the induction of oviposition, produces an egg with no cuticle; therefore, these factors are not responsible for cuticle secretion. Conversely, oviposition induced by GNRH, which mimics the normal events of ovulation and oviposition, results in a normal cuticle. There is no evidence that cuticle deposition differs at the end of a clutch and, therefore, there is no evidence that the ovulatory surge of progesterone affects cuticle deposition. Overall, the results demonstrate that the cuticle is a specific secretion and is not merely an extension of the organic matrix of the shell. Cuticle deposition was found to be reduced by an environmental stressor, and there is no codependence of the deposition of pigment and cuticle. Defining the basic facts surrounding cuticle deposition will help reduce contamination of hen's eggs and increase understanding of the strategies birds use to protect their eggs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter W. Wilson
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, Scotland, UK
| | - Ceara S. Suther
- College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Maureen M. Bain
- College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | | | - Anita Jones
- School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Joseph Black Building, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Fiona Quinlan-Pluck
- School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, Joseph Black Building, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | | | - Joël Gautron
- INRA, UR83 Recherches Avicoles, Nouzilly, France
| | - Ian C. Dunn
- The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, Scotland, UK
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Ferrante V, Mugnai C, Ferrari L, Marelli SP, Spagnoli E, Lolli S. Stress and reactivity in three Italian chicken breeds. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/1828051x.2016.1185978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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