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Struthers S, Dunn IC, Schoenebeck JJ, Sandilands V. Examining the relationship between different naturally-occurring maxillary beak shapes and their ability to cause damage in commercial laying hens. Br Poult Sci 2024; 65:105-110. [PMID: 38334033 DOI: 10.1080/00071668.2024.2308279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
1. Using chicken models to avoid unnecessary harm, this study examined the relationship between naturally-occurring maxillary (top) beak shapes and their ability to cause pecking damage.2. A selection of 24 Lohmann Brown laying hens from a total population of 100 were sorted into two groups based on their maxillary beak shape, where 12 were classified as having sharp beaks (SB) and 12 as having blunt beaks (BB).3. All hens were recorded six times in a test pen which contained a chicken model (foam block covered with feathered chicken skin) and a video camera. During each test session, the number of feathers removed from the model, the change in skin and block weight (proxies for tissue damage) and the percentage of successful pecks (resulting in feather and/or tissue removal) were recorded.4. SB hens removed more feathers from the model and had a greater change in skin weight than BB hens. The mean number of pecks made at the model did not differ between the beak shape groups; however, SB hens had a greater percentage of successful pecks, resulting in feather and/or tissue removal, compared to BB hens.5. In conclusion, SB hens were more capable of removing feathers and causing damage. Birds performed more successful pecks resulting in feather and/or tissue removal as they gained experience pecking at the model.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Struthers
- Department of Agriculture and Land-Based Engineering, Scotland's Rural College, Midlothian, UK
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | - I C Dunn
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | - J J Schoenebeck
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | - V Sandilands
- Department of Agriculture and Land-Based Engineering, Scotland's Rural College, Midlothian, UK
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2
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Struthers S, Andersson B, Schmutz M, Matika O, McCormack HA, Wilson PW, Dunn IC, Sandilands V, Schoenebeck JJ. An analysis of the maxillary beak shape variation between 2 pure layer lines and its relationship to the underlying premaxillary bone, feather cover, and mortality. Poult Sci 2023; 102:102854. [PMID: 37354620 PMCID: PMC10404746 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.102854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Beak shape varies considerably within and between intact-beak laying hens, and aspects of beak shape appear to be heritable. As an alternative to beak treatment (an effective method of reducing damage from severe feather pecking (SFP)), this variation could be used to genetically select hens whose beak shapes are less apt to cause damage. To be able to select certain phenotypes, the beak shape variation that exists within laying hen flocks must first be characterized. The objectives of this study were to 1) describe the maxillary beak shape variation in 2 pure White Leghorn layer lines with intact beaks using geometric morphometrics to analyze images, and 2) examine the beak shape's relationship to the premaxillary bone, feather cover, and mortality. A lateral head image was taken of each hen (n = 710), and 20 landmarks were placed along each image's dorsal and ventral margins of the maxillary beak. Landmark coordinates were standardized by Procrustes superimposition, and the covariation was analyzed by principal components analysis and multivariate regression. Feather cover was scored at 3 ages and mortality was monitored throughout the production cycle. Three principal components (PCs) explained 83% of the maxillary beak shape variation and the first PC partially separated the 2 lines. Maxillary beak shapes ranged from long and narrow with pointed tips to short and wide with more curved tips. Moderate correlations were found between the maxillary beak and premaxillary bone shape (rs = 0.44) and size (rs = 0.52). Line A hens had better feather cover than Line B at all ages. Line A hens also had less total and cannibalism-related mortality than Line B (10.7 and 0.4% vs. 16.7 and 2.4%, respectively). Beak shape may be one factor contributing to the observed differences in feather cover and mortality. The results suggest that distinct maxillary beak phenotypes within each line could be selected to help reduce SFP damage and improve bird welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Struthers
- Department of Agriculture, Horticulture, and Engineering Science, Scotland's Rural College, Midlothian EH25 9RG, United Kingdom; The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian EH25 9RG, United Kingdom.
| | - B Andersson
- Lohmann Breeders GmbH, Cuxhaven DE 27472, Germany
| | - M Schmutz
- Lohmann Breeders GmbH, Cuxhaven DE 27472, Germany
| | - O Matika
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian EH25 9RG, United Kingdom
| | - H A McCormack
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian EH25 9RG, United Kingdom
| | - P W Wilson
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian EH25 9RG, United Kingdom
| | - I C Dunn
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian EH25 9RG, United Kingdom
| | - V Sandilands
- Department of Agriculture, Horticulture, and Engineering Science, Scotland's Rural College, Midlothian EH25 9RG, United Kingdom
| | - J J Schoenebeck
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian EH25 9RG, United Kingdom
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Bessei W, Tetens J, Bennewitz J, Falker-Gieske C, Hofmann T, Piepho HP. Disturbed circadian rhythm of locomotor activity of pullets is related to feather pecking in laying hens. Poult Sci 2023; 102:102548. [PMID: 36907128 PMCID: PMC10024181 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.102548] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Various aspects of activity, such as spontaneous activity, explorative activity, activity in open-field tests, and hyperactivity syndrome have been explored as causal factors of feather pecking in laying hens, with no clear results. In all previous studies, mean values of activity over different time intervals were used as criteria. Incidental observation of alternated oviposition time in lines selected for high (HFP) and low feather pecking (LFP), supported by a recent study which showed differentially expressed genes related to the circadian clock in the same lines, led to the hypothesis that feather pecking may be related to a disturbed diurnal activity rhythm. Hence activity recordings of a previous generation of these lines have been reanalyzed. Data sets of a total of 682 pullets of 3 subsequent hatches of HFP, LFP, and an unselected control line (CONTR) were used. Locomotor activity was recorded in pullets housed in groups of mixed lines in a deep litter pen on 7 consecutive 13-h light phases, using a radio-frequency identification antenna system. The number of approaches to the antenna system was recorded as a measure of locomotor activity and analyzed using a generalized linear mixed model including hatch, line, time of day and the interactions of hatch × time of day and line × time of day as fixed effects. Significant effects were found for time and the interaction line × time of day but not for line. All lines showed a bimodal pattern of diurnal activity. The peak activity of the HFP in the morning was lower than that of the LFP and CONTR. In the afternoon peak all lines differed with the highest mean in the LFP followed by CONTR and HFP. The present results provide support for the hypothesis that a disturbed circadian clock plays a role in the development of feather pecking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Werner Bessei
- 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
| | - Jörn Bennewitz
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Clemens Falker-Gieske
- Department of Animal Sciences, Georg-August-University, Burckhardtweg 2, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tanja Hofmann
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Hans-Peter Piepho
- Institute of Crop Science, University of Hohenheim, Fruwirthstr. 23, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
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Rieke L, Spindler B, Zylka I, Kemper N, Giersberg MF. Pecking Behavior in Conventional Layer Hybrids and Dual-Purpose Hens Throughout the Laying Period. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:660400. [PMID: 33969040 PMCID: PMC8102775 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.660400] [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: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
To avoid the killing of surplus male layer chickens, dual-purpose hybrids are suggested as an alternative approach. These strains may offer additional advantages compared to conventional laying hens, for instance, a lower tendency to develop injurious pecking behavior. The aim of this study was to assess the behavior, with focus on pecking behavior, of conventional layers (Lohmann Brown plus, LB+) and dual-purpose hens (Lohmann Dual, LD). About 1,845 hens per strain with intact beaks were housed in four stable compartments in aviary systems. Video-based scan sampling of general behaviors and continuous observations of pecking behavior were carried out between 25 and 69 weeks of life. With the exception of "dustbathing" and "scratching," hybrid × time during the laying period affected all of the observed general behaviors [F (2, 89) = 3.92-10.81, P < 0.001-0.05]. With increasing age, the LB+ hens performed more general pecking, more locomotion and less comfort and sitting behavior. General pecking and comfort behavior did not change over time in the LD hens, whereas inactive behaviors increased with age. During continuous observations, a significant hybrid x period interaction was found for all forms of pecking behavior [F (2, 89) = 4.55-14.80, P < 0.001-0.05]. The LB+ hens showed particularly more severe feather pecking (SFP), which increased with age. In contrast, SFP remained exceptionally low in the LD hens throughout production. Therefore, dual-purpose hybrids should be considered as an alternative to both avoid the killing of surplus male chickens and the development of SFP in laying hen production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Rieke
- Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behavior, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hanover, Germany
| | - Birgit Spindler
- Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behavior, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hanover, Germany
| | - Isabel Zylka
- Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behavior, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hanover, Germany
| | - Nicole Kemper
- Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behavior, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hanover, Germany
| | - Mona Franziska Giersberg
- Animals in Science and Society, Department Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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Borda-Molina D, Iffland H, Schmid M, Müller R, Schad S, Seifert J, Tetens J, Bessei W, Bennewitz J, Camarinha-Silva A. Gut Microbial Composition and Predicted Functions Are Not Associated with Feather Pecking and Antagonistic Behavior in Laying Hens. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:235. [PMID: 33809351 PMCID: PMC8001194 DOI: 10.3390/life11030235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Feather pecking is a well-known problem in layer flocks that causes animal welfare restrictions and contributes to economic losses. Birds' gut microbiota has been linked to feather pecking. This study aims to characterize the microbial communities of two laying hen lines divergently selected for high (HFP) and low (LFP) feather pecking and investigates if the microbiota is associated with feather pecking or agonistic behavior. METHODS Besides phenotyping for the behavioral traits, microbial communities from the digesta and mucosa of the ileum and caeca were investigated using target amplicon sequencing and functional predictions. Microbiability was estimated with a microbial mixed linear model. RESULTS Ileum digesta showed an increase in the abundance of the genus Lactobacillus in LFP, while Escherichia was abundant in HFP hens. In the caeca digesta and mucosa of the LFP line were more abundant Faecalibacterium and Blautia. Tryptophan metabolism and lysine degradation were higher in both digesta and mucosa of the HFP hens. Linear models revealed that the two lines differ significantly in all behavior traits. Microbiabilities were close to zero and not significant in both lines and for all traits. CONCLUSIONS Trait variation was not affected by the gut microbial composition in both selection lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Borda-Molina
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (D.B.-M.); (H.I.); (M.S.); (R.M.); (S.S.); (J.S.); (W.B.); (J.B.)
| | - Hanna Iffland
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (D.B.-M.); (H.I.); (M.S.); (R.M.); (S.S.); (J.S.); (W.B.); (J.B.)
| | - Markus Schmid
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (D.B.-M.); (H.I.); (M.S.); (R.M.); (S.S.); (J.S.); (W.B.); (J.B.)
| | - Regina Müller
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (D.B.-M.); (H.I.); (M.S.); (R.M.); (S.S.); (J.S.); (W.B.); (J.B.)
| | - Svenja Schad
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (D.B.-M.); (H.I.); (M.S.); (R.M.); (S.S.); (J.S.); (W.B.); (J.B.)
| | - Jana Seifert
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (D.B.-M.); (H.I.); (M.S.); (R.M.); (S.S.); (J.S.); (W.B.); (J.B.)
| | - Jens Tetens
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany;
- Center for Integrated Breeding Research, University of Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Werner Bessei
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (D.B.-M.); (H.I.); (M.S.); (R.M.); (S.S.); (J.S.); (W.B.); (J.B.)
| | - Jörn Bennewitz
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (D.B.-M.); (H.I.); (M.S.); (R.M.); (S.S.); (J.S.); (W.B.); (J.B.)
| | - Amélia Camarinha-Silva
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany; (D.B.-M.); (H.I.); (M.S.); (R.M.); (S.S.); (J.S.); (W.B.); (J.B.)
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Comparison of Changes in the Plumage and Body Condition, Egg Production, and Mortality of Different Non-Beak-Trimmed Pure Line Laying Hens during the Egg-Laying Period. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11020500. [PMID: 33671858 PMCID: PMC7918532 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The spread of both alternative and non-cage laying hen housing systems and the more forceful European refusal of beak trimming generate new problems in commercial egg production. The hybrid layers, which have been genetically selected under cage housing conditions for more decades, have lively temperament, are more susceptible for feather pecking and, in more cases, they are expressly aggressive, which led to permanent conflict situations in the large group keeping systems. Therefore, the omission of beak trimming could lead to an increased risk for feather pecking and consequently to a risk for increased mortality in the hen house by using the current commercial layers. Therefore, changes in the live weight, plumage and body condition, egg production, and mortality of different TETRA pure line non-beak-trimmed laying hens were compared during the egg-production period in our study, where the plumage condition was considered as an indicator trait for feather pecking. Our results confirm the findings of former studies that the genetic background of the hens is an important factor impacting feather pecking and suggest that breeding for an improved plumage condition might be a potential way to improve animal welfare in non-beak-trimmed layer flocks. Abstract The experiment was carried out with altogether 1740 non-beak-trimmed laying hens, which originated from Bábolna TETRA Ltd., representing two different types (Rhode Island Red (RIR) and Rhode Island White (RIW)) and four different lines (Lines 1–2: RIR, Lines 3–4: RIW). The plumage and body condition of randomly selected 120 hens (30 hens/line) was examined at 20, 46, and 62 weeks of age. The egg production and the mortality of the sampled hens were recorded daily. Based on the results, it was established that the lines differ clearly in most of the examined traits. It was also pointed out that injurious pecking of the hens resulted not only in damages in the plumage but also in the body condition. The results obviously demonstrated that the highest egg production and the lowest mortality rate were reached by those hens, which had the best plumage and body condition. Because the occurrence of injurious pecking seems to depend on the genetic background, selection of the hens (lines, families, individuals) for calm temperament will be very important in the future in order to maintain the high production level in non-beak-trimmed layer flocks.
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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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Mens A, van Krimpen M, Kwakkel R. Nutritional approaches to reduce or prevent feather pecking in laying hens: any potential to intervene during rearing? WORLD POULTRY SCI J 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/00439339.2020.1772024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A.J.W. Mens
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Animal Nutrition Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - M.M. van Krimpen
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - R.P. Kwakkel
- Animal Nutrition Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Iffland H, Wellmann R, Schmid M, Preuß S, Tetens J, Bessei W, Bennewitz J. Genomewide Mapping of Selection Signatures and Genes for Extreme Feather Pecking in Two Divergently Selected Laying Hen Lines. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10020262. [PMID: 32041297 PMCID: PMC7070400 DOI: 10.3390/ani10020262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Feather pecking is a behavior frequently occurring in commercial layer flocks. It often leads to skin injuries and cannibalism. Besides economic losses, severe animal welfare problems cannot be ignored. Previous research has shown that the trait is heritable. Thus breeding against feather pecking is possible, but phenotyping in a commercial environment is economically unfeasible at the moment because of the lack of proper techniques. Therefore, understanding the genetic background of the trait is mandatory to establish a genomic breeding program. This would require genotypic information of the hens, which is feasible under practical conditions. In the present study, we used different methods to identify regions in the genome that influence feather pecking and extreme feather pecking. We found one trait associated with the genomic region. The use of genotypic information from this region in terms of selection against the undesired behavior may help to improve animal welfare in layer flocks. Abstract Feather pecking (FP) is a longstanding serious problem in commercial flocks of laying hens. It is a highly polygenic trait and the genetic background is still not completely understood. In order to find genomic regions influencing FP, selection signatures between laying hen lines divergently selected for high and low feather pecking were mapped using the intra-population iHS and the inter-population FST approach. In addition, the existence of an extreme subgroup of FP hens (EFP) across both selected lines has been demonstrated by fitting a mixture of negative binomial distributions to the data and calculating the posterior probability of belonging to the extreme subgroup (pEFP) for each hen. A genomewide association study (GWAS) was performed for the traits pEFP and FP delivered (FPD) with a subsequent post GWAS analysis. Mapping of selection signatures revealed no clear regions under selection. GWAS revealed a region on Chromosome 1, where the existence of a QTL influencing FP is likely. The candidate genes found in this region are a part of the GABAergic system, which has already been linked to FP in previous studies. Despite the polygenic nature of FP, selection on these candidate genes may reduce FP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Iffland
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 17, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany; (R.W.); (M.S.); (S.P.); (W.B.); (J.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Robin Wellmann
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 17, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany; (R.W.); (M.S.); (S.P.); (W.B.); (J.B.)
| | - Markus Schmid
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 17, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany; (R.W.); (M.S.); (S.P.); (W.B.); (J.B.)
| | - Siegfried Preuß
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 17, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany; (R.W.); (M.S.); (S.P.); (W.B.); (J.B.)
| | - Jens Tetens
- Department of Animal Science, University of Göttingen, Burckhardtweg 2, 37077 Göttingen, Germany;
| | - Werner Bessei
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 17, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany; (R.W.); (M.S.); (S.P.); (W.B.); (J.B.)
| | - Jörn Bennewitz
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 17, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany; (R.W.); (M.S.); (S.P.); (W.B.); (J.B.)
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10
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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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Comin A, Jeremiasson A, Kratzer G, Keeling L. Revealing the structure of the associations between housing system, facilities, management and welfare of commercial laying hens using Additive Bayesian Networks. Prev Vet Med 2019; 164:23-32. [PMID: 30771891 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2019.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
After the ban of battery cages in 1988, a welfare control programme for laying hens was developed in Sweden. Its goal was to monitor and ensure that animal welfare was not negatively affected by the new housing systems. The present observational study provides an overview of the current welfare status of commercial layer flocks in Sweden and explores the complexity of welfare aspects by investigating and interpreting the inter-relationships between housing system, production type (i.e. organic or conventional), facilities, management and animal welfare indicators. For this purpose, a machine learning procedure referred to as structure discovery was applied to data collected through the welfare programme during 2010-2014 in 397 flocks housed in 193 different farms. Seventeen variables were fitted to an Additive Bayesian Network model. The optimal model was identified by an exhaustive search of the data iterated across incremental parent limits, accounting for prior knowledge about causality, potential over-dispersion and clustering. The resulting Directed Acyclic Graph shows the inter-relationships among the variables. The animal-based welfare indicators included in this study - flock mortality, feather condition and mite infestation - were indirectly associated with each other. Of these, severe mite infestations were rare (4% of inspected flocks) and mortality was below the acceptable threshold (< 0.6%). Feather condition scored unsatisfactory in 21% of the inspected flocks; however, it seemed to be only associated to the age of the flock, ruling out any direct connection with managerial and housing variables. The environment-based welfare indicators - lighting and air quality - were an issue in 5 and 8% of the flocks, respectively, and showed a complex inter-relationship with several managerial and housing variables leaving room for several options for intervention. Additive Bayesian Network modelling outlined graphically the underlying process that generated the observed data. In contrast to ordinary regression, it aimed at accounting for conditional independency among variables, facilitating causal interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Comin
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Unit of Animal Welfare, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7068, Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Disease Control and Epidemiology, Section of Epidemiological Methods, Swedish National Veterinary Institute, 751 89, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Alexandra Jeremiasson
- The Swedish Egg Association, Green Tech Park, Gråbrödragatan 11, 532 31, Skara, Sweden
| | - Gilles Kratzer
- Department of Mathematics, Unit of Applied Statistics, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Linda Keeling
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Unit of Animal Welfare, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7068, Uppsala, Sweden
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12
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de Haas EN, van der Eijk JA. Where in the serotonergic system does it go wrong? Unravelling the route by which the serotonergic system affects feather pecking in chickens. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 95:170-188. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Lutz V, Stratz P, Preuß S, Tetens J, Grashorn MA, Bessei W, Bennewitz J. A genome-wide association study in a large F2-cross of laying hens reveals novel genomic regions associated with feather pecking and aggressive pecking behavior. Genet Sel Evol 2017; 49:18. [PMID: 28158968 PMCID: PMC5291977 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-017-0287-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Feather pecking and aggressive pecking in laying hens are serious economic and welfare issues. In spite of extensive research on feather pecking during the last decades, the motivation for this behavior is still not clear. A small to moderate heritability has frequently been reported for these traits. Recently, we identified several single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with feather pecking by mapping selection signatures in two divergent feather pecking lines. Here, we performed a genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) for feather pecking and aggressive pecking behavior, then combined the results with those from the recent selection signature experiment, and linked them to those obtained from a differential gene expression study. Methods A large F2 cross of 960 F2 hens was generated using the divergent lines as founders. Hens were phenotyped for feather pecks delivered (FPD), aggressive pecks delivered (APD), and aggressive pecks received (APR). Individuals were genotyped with the Illumina 60K chicken Infinium iSelect chip. After data filtering, 29,376 SNPs remained for analyses. Single-marker GWAS was performed using a Poisson model. The results were combined with those from the selection signature experiment using Fisher’s combined probability test. Results Numerous significant SNPs were identified for all traits but with low false discovery rates. Nearly all significant SNPs were located in clusters that spanned a maximum of 3 Mb and included at least two significant SNPs. For FPD, four clusters were identified, which increased to 13 based on the meta-analysis (FPDmeta). Seven clusters were identified for APD and three for APR. Eight genes (of the 750 investigated genes located in the FPDmeta clusters) were significantly differentially-expressed in the brain of hens from both lines. One gene, SLC12A9, and the positional candidate gene for APD, GNG2, may be linked to the monomanine signaling pathway, which is involved in feather pecking and aggressive behavior. Conclusions Combining the results from the GWAS with those of the selection signature experiment substantially increased the statistical power. The behavioral traits were controlled by many genes with small effects and no single SNP had effects large enough to justify its use in marker-assisted selection. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12711-017-0287-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Lutz
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Patrick Stratz
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Siegfried Preuß
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Jens Tetens
- Division of Functional Breeding, Department of Animal Sciences, Georg-August-University Göttingen, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Michael A Grashorn
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Werner Bessei
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Jörn Bennewitz
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
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Abstract
Feather pecking is a serious economic and welfare problem in laying hens. Feather damage occurs mainly through severe feather pecking (SFP). Selection experiments have proved that this behavior is heritable and lines have been divergently selected for high (HFP) and low feather pecking (LFP). The number of bouts of SFP per hen follows a Poisson distribution with a maximum nearby 0. A few studies indicate that the distribution within flocks is not homogenous but contains sub-groups of birds showing extremely high levels of feather pecking (EFP). It was the aim of the current study to re-analyze data on SFP of lines selected for HFP/LFP and their F2 cross so as to uncover hidden sub-populations of EFP birds. Data of seven selection generations of HFP and LFP selection lines as well as their F2 cross have been used. We fitted a two-component mixture of Poisson distributions in order to separate the sub-group of EFP from the remaining birds. HFP and LFP lines differed mainly in mean bouts per bird. The proportion of EFP was only marginal in the LFP as compared with the HFP and the F2 population. Selection for LFP did not result in total elimination of EFP. The presence of even small proportions of EFP may play an important role in initiating outbreaks of feather pecking in large flocks. Further studies on feather pecking should pay special attention to the occurrence of EFP sub-groups.
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