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Tiemann I, Fijn LB, Bagaria M, Langen EMA, van der Staay FJ, Arndt SS, Leenaars C, Goerlich VC. Glucocorticoids in relation to behavior, morphology, and physiology as proxy indicators for the assessment of animal welfare. A systematic mapping review. Front Vet Sci 2023; 9:954607. [PMID: 36686168 PMCID: PMC9853183 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.954607] [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: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Translating theoretical concepts of animal welfare into quantitative assessment protocols is an ongoing challenge. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are frequently used as physiological measure in welfare assessment. The interpretation of levels of GCs and especially their relation to welfare, however, is not as straightforward, questioning the informative power of GCs. The aim of this systematic mapping review was therefore to provide an overview of the relevant literature to identify global patterns in studies using GCs as proxy for the assessment of welfare of vertebrate species. Following a systematic protocol and a-priory inclusion criteria, 509 studies with 517 experiments were selected for data extraction. The outcome of the experiments was categorized based on whether the intervention significantly affected levels of GCs, and whether these effects were accompanied by changes in behavior, morphology and physiology. Additional information, such as animal species, type of intervention, experimental set up and sample type used for GC determination was extracted, as well. Given the broad scope and large variation in included experiments, meta-analyses were not performed, but outcomes are presented to encourage further, in-depth analyses of the data set. The interventions did not consistently lead to changes in GCs with respect to the original authors hypothesis. Changes in GCs were not consistently paralleled by changes in additional assessment parameter on behavior, morphology and physiology. The minority of experiment quantified GCs in less invasive sample matrices compared to blood. Interventions showed a large variability, and species such as fish were underrepresented, especially in the assessment of behavior. The inconclusive effects on GCs and additional assessment parameter urges for further validation of techniques and welfare proxies. Several conceptual and technical challenges need to be met to create standardized and robust welfare assessment protocols and to determine the role of GCs herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inga Tiemann
- Faculty of Agriculture, Institute of Agricultural Engineering, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany,*Correspondence: Inga Tiemann ✉
| | - Lisa B. Fijn
- Division of Animals in Science and Society, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Marc Bagaria
- Division of Animals in Science and Society, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Esther M. A. Langen
- Division of Animals in Science and Society, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - F. Josef van der Staay
- Division of Farm Animal Health, Behaviour and Welfare Group, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Saskia S. Arndt
- Division of Animals in Science and Society, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Cathalijn Leenaars
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Vivian C. Goerlich
- Division of Animals in Science and Society, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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Boz MA, Sarıca M, Yamak US, Erensoy K. Behavioral traits of artificially and naturally hatched geese in intensive and free-range production systems. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Hartnett P, Boyle LA, O'Driscoll K. Rearing in female-only groups and dietary mineral supplementation improves sow welfare in the early parities and lifetime performance. Transl Anim Sci 2020; 4:txaa176. [PMID: 33367220 PMCID: PMC7745001 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txaa176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The lifetime performance of commercial sows relies on longevity, which is dependent on good health and reproductive performance. However, there is a high rate of wastage of sows in the early parities, which is influenced by the way they are managed and housed during rearing. This study investigated the carry-over effect of gilt rearing strategy on the measures of welfare and performance. Eighty sows were reared using a two by two factorial design: rearing group composition [GC; female-only (FEM) or mixed-sex (MIX) from weaning] with or without supplementary minerals (CON = control diet; SUPP = control + Cu, Zn, and Mn) from 5 wk into the finisher stage. Once served, gilts were managed in a dynamic group gestation pen and fed a standard gestating sow diet. Locomotory ability was scored (0 to 5) and salivary cortisol measured five times during the first gestation, and human approach tests were carried out on day 108. Hooves were scored for injuries and legs for bursas at day 70 of the first gestation, at first weaning, and at the second farrowing. Sow behavior in the hoof scoring crate (movement, vocalization, and handling ease) was also recorded. The number of piglets born alive and dead during the first five parities was recorded as was the performance of the first litter to finish. Data were analyzed using general or generalized linear mixed models, as appropriate, using SAS (v 9.4). There was no effect (P > 0.05) of rearing treatment on locomotory ability, bursa score, the total number of piglets born, or on offspring growth. However, there was an interaction between GC and supplementary minerals (P < 0.05) on salivary cortisol levels with MIX × SUPP sows having the highest levels. Total hoof scores and heel erosion scores were higher in sows reared in MIX groups (P < 0.01), and CON sows tended to have higher horizontal crack scores (P = 0.06). Sows from MIX kicked more at weaning than FEM (P < 0.05) and tended to be more fearful in the forced human approach test (P = 0.1) where they are scored on their reaction to being approached. They also had more stillborn piglets across all five parities than FEM (P < 0.05). Overall, rearing replacement sows in FEM groups and dietary mineral supplementation had minimal but beneficial effects on their subsequent welfare and performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe Hartnett
- Pig Development Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland.,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Laura A Boyle
- Pig Development Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
| | - Keelin O'Driscoll
- Pig Development Department, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
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Fujiwara M, Haskell MJ, Macrae AI, Rutherford KMD. Impact of Maternal High Stocking Density during the Dry Period on Dairy Calf Health, Behaviour, and Welfare. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10060922. [PMID: 32466441 PMCID: PMC7341238 DOI: 10.3390/ani10060922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Negative impacts of stressful maternal experience during pregnancy on offspring health and behaviour have been reported in various mammalian species including humans, laboratory animals, and farm animals. This study investigated the effect of limited space allowance for dairy cows during late gestation on the growth and behaviour of their offspring during the pre-weaning period. Our results indicated associations between maternal high stocking density and a higher frequency of social behaviours and increased behavioural reactivity to weaning in offspring. Maternal high stocking density also reduced behavioural reactions of healthy offspring to a painful procedure. However, there was no association between maternal high stocking density and offspring growth or behaviour in the first week of life. To our knowledge, this study is the first to attempt to demonstrate associations between maternal stocking density during late pregnancy and offspring behaviour in dairy cattle. Abstract This study aimed to investigate the effect of maternal stocking density during late pregnancy (approximately 60 ± 4 days before calving) on offspring performance during the pre-weaning period. Forty-five dairy calves were born to cows that went through either industry minimum standards (H: n = 24, high stocking density) or more extensive space allowances (L: n = 21, low stocking density) during the dry period. Body weight and average daily gain during the pre-weaning period (day 1–49) were measured. Observations were made of: (i) activity levels (day 2–6); ii) the level of training required to use an automatic feeder, and behavioural reactions to the group environment (d7); (iii) feeding and social behaviour in the group pen (day 7–21); and (iv) responses to weaning (day 40–49) and disbudding (day 28+). Compared to L calves, H calves made more frequent social contacts with pen mates in the group pen (p = 0.003) and decreased their lying time around weaning (p = 0.045). Among the healthy calves, L calves displayed more severe behavioural reactions to the disbudding procedure (p < 0.001), a significant increase in salivary cortisol concentrations (p = 0.013), and more frequent pain-related behaviour (p = 0.036). This study indicated associations between maternal stocking density during late pregnancy and some welfare-relevant offspring outcomes during the pre-weaning period; these effects were found to be modulated by offspring health status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayumi Fujiwara
- Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Security, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Marie J. Haskell
- Animal Behaviour & Welfare Team, Animal and Veterinary Science Research Group, SRUC, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK; (M.J.H.); (K.M.D.R.)
| | - Alastair I. Macrae
- Dairy Herd Health and Productivity Service, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK;
| | - Kenneth M. D. Rutherford
- Animal Behaviour & Welfare Team, Animal and Veterinary Science Research Group, SRUC, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK; (M.J.H.); (K.M.D.R.)
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Mayorga EJ, Ross JW, Keating AF, Rhoads RP, Baumgard LH. Biology of heat stress; the nexus between intestinal hyperpermeability and swine reproduction. Theriogenology 2020; 154:73-83. [PMID: 32531658 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Unfavorable weather conditions are one of the largest constraints to maximizing farm animal productivity. Heat stress (HS), in particular, compromises almost every metric of profitability and this is especially apparent in the grow-finish and reproductive aspects of the swine industry. Suboptimal production during HS was traditionally thought to result from hypophagia. However, independent of inadequate nutrient consumption, HS affects a plethora of endocrine, physiological, metabolic, circulatory, and immunological variables. Whether these changes are homeorhetic strategies to survive the heat load or are pathological remains unclear, nor is it understood if they temporally occur by coincidence or if they are chronologically causal. However, mounting evidence suggest that the origin of the aforementioned changes lie at the gastrointestinal tract. Heat stress compromises intestinal barrier integrity, and increased appearance of luminal contents in circulation causes local and systemic inflammatory responses. The resulting immune activation is seemingly the epicenter to many, if not most of the negative consequences HS has on reproduction, growth, and lactation. Interestingly, thermoregulatory and production responses to HS are only marginally related. In other words, increased body temperature indices poorly predict decreases in productivity. Further, HS induced malnutrition is also a surprisingly inaccurate predictor of productivity. Thus, selecting animals with a "heat tolerant" phenotype based solely or separately on thermoregulatory capacity or production may not ultimately increase resilience. Describing the physiology and mechanisms that underpin how HS jeopardizes animal performance is critical for developing approaches to ameliorate current production issues and requisite for generating future strategies (genetic, managerial, nutritional, and pharmaceutical) aimed at optimizing animal well-being, and improving the sustainable production of high-quality protein for human consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- E J Mayorga
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - J W Ross
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - A F Keating
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA
| | - R P Rhoads
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - L H Baumgard
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, USA.
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Prunier A, Averos X, Dimitrov I, Edwards SA, Hillmann E, Holinger M, Ilieski V, Leming R, Tallet C, Turner SP, Zupan M, Camerlink I. Review: Early life predisposing factors for biting in pigs. Animal 2020; 14:570-587. [PMID: 31436143 PMCID: PMC7026718 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731119001940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The pig industry faces many animal welfare issues. Among these, biting behaviour has a high incidence. It is indicative of an existing problem in biters and is a source of physical damage and psychological stress for the victims. We categorize this behaviour into aggressive and non-aggressive biting, the latter often being directed towards the tail. This review focusses specifically on predisposing factors in early life, comprising the prenatal and postnatal periods up to weaning, for the expression of aggressive and non-aggressive biting later in life. The influence of personality and coping style has been examined in a few studies. It varies according to these studies and, thus, further evaluation is needed. Regarding the effect of environmental factors, the number of scientific papers is low (less than five papers for most factors). No clear influence of prenatal factors has been identified to date. Aggressive biting is reduced by undernutrition, cross-fostering and socialization before weaning. Non-aggressive biting is increased by undernutrition, social stress due to competition and cross-fostering. These latter three factors are highly dependent on litter size at birth. The use of familiar odours may contribute to reducing biting when pigs are moved from one environment to another by alleviating the level of stress associated with novelty. Even though the current environment in which pigs are expressing biting behaviours is of major importance, the pre-weaning environment should be optimized to reduce the likelihood of this problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Prunier
- INRA, PEGASE, Agrocampus-Ouest, Saint Gilles 35590, France
| | - X. Averos
- Department of Animal Production, Neiker-Tecnalia Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Vitoria-Gasteiz 01080, Spain
| | - I. Dimitrov
- Agricultural Institute, Stara Zagora 6000, Bulgaria
| | - S. A. Edwards
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
| | - E. Hillmann
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Berlin 10115, Germany
| | - M. Holinger
- ETH Zurich, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Zürich 8092, Switzerland
| | - V. Ilieski
- University Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Skopje, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Skopje 1000, Republic of North Macedonia
| | - R. Leming
- Estonian University of Life Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Tartu 51014, Estonia
| | - C. Tallet
- INRA, PEGASE, Agrocampus-Ouest, Saint Gilles 35590, France
| | - S. P. Turner
- SRUC, Kings Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK
| | - M. Zupan
- University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Domžale 1230, Slovenia
| | - I. Camerlink
- University of Veterinary Medicine (Vetmeduni) Vienna, Institute of Animal Welfare Science, Veterinärplatz 1, Vienna 1210, Austria
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Sow environment during gestation: part I. Influence on maternal physiology and lacteal secretions in relation with neonatal survival. Animal 2019; 13:1432-1439. [DOI: 10.1017/s1751731118002987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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Brajon S, Ringgenberg N, Torrey S, Bergeron R, Devillers N. Impact of prenatal stress and environmental enrichment prior to weaning on activity and social behaviour of piglets ( Sus scrofa ). Appl Anim Behav Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2017.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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9
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Lucy MC, Safranski TJ. Heat stress in pregnant sows: Thermal responses and subsequent performance of sows and their offspring. Mol Reprod Dev 2017; 84:946-956. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Revised: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C. Lucy
- Division of Animal SciencesUniversity of MissouriColumbiaMissouri
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10
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van Eck L, Antonides A, Nordquist R, van der Staay F. Testing post-weaning food motivation in low and normal birth weight pigs in a runway and operant conditioning task. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2016.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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11
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Sinclair KD, Rutherford KMD, Wallace JM, Brameld JM, Stöger R, Alberio R, Sweetman D, Gardner DS, Perry VEA, Adam CL, Ashworth CJ, Robinson JE, Dwyer CM. Epigenetics and developmental programming of welfare and production traits in farm animals. Reprod Fertil Dev 2016; 28:RD16102. [PMID: 27439952 DOI: 10.1071/rd16102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The concept that postnatal health and development can be influenced by events that occur in utero originated from epidemiological studies in humans supported by numerous mechanistic (including epigenetic) studies in a variety of model species. Referred to as the 'developmental origins of health and disease' or 'DOHaD' hypothesis, the primary focus of large-animal studies until quite recently had been biomedical. Attention has since turned towards traits of commercial importance in farm animals. Herein we review the evidence that prenatal risk factors, including suboptimal parental nutrition, gestational stress, exposure to environmental chemicals and advanced breeding technologies, can determine traits such as postnatal growth, feed efficiency, milk yield, carcass composition, animal welfare and reproductive potential. We consider the role of epigenetic and cytoplasmic mechanisms of inheritance, and discuss implications for livestock production and future research endeavours. We conclude that although the concept is proven for several traits, issues relating to effect size, and hence commercial importance, remain. Studies have also invariably been conducted under controlled experimental conditions, frequently assessing single risk factors, thereby limiting their translational value for livestock production. We propose concerted international research efforts that consider multiple, concurrent stressors to better represent effects of contemporary animal production systems.
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12
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Positive and negative gestational handling influences placental traits and mother-offspring behavior in dairy goats. Physiol Behav 2016; 157:129-38. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2016.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2015] [Revised: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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13
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Dixon LM, Sparks NHC, Rutherford KMD. Early experiences matter: a review of the effects of prenatal environment on offspring characteristics in poultry. Poult Sci 2015; 95:489-99. [PMID: 26614679 PMCID: PMC4957487 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pev343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Early life experiences can be important in determining offspring phenotypes and may influence interaction with the environment and hence health, welfare, and productivity. The prenatal environment of poultry can be divided into the pre-lay environment and the egg storage/incubation environment, both of which can affect offspring outcomes. The ability to separate maternal and egg/incubation effects makes birds well suited to this type of research. There are many factors, including feeding and nutrition, environmental conditions, husbandry practices, housing system, social environment, infectious environment, and maternal health status, that can influence both the health and performance and behavior and cognition of the offspring. There are some aspects of the environments that can be changed to produce beneficial effects in the offspring, like addition of certain additives to feed or short changes in incubation temperatures, while other aspects should be avoided to reduce negative effects, such as unpredictable feeding and lighting regimens. Measures of offspring characteristics may prove to be a useful method of assessing parent stock welfare if known stressors result in predictable offspring outcomes. This has the advantage of assessing the parent environment without interfering with the animals and possibly affecting their responses and could lead to improved welfare for the animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Dixon
- Animal Behavior and Welfare, Animal and Veterinary Science Research Group, SRUC, West Mains Rd, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK
| | - N H C Sparks
- Avian Science Research Center, Animal and Veterinary Science, Research Group, SRUC, West Mains Rd, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK
| | - K M D Rutherford
- Animal Behavior and Welfare, Animal and Veterinary Science Research Group, SRUC, West Mains Rd, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK
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Coulon M, Nowak R, Andanson S, Petit B, Lévy F, Boissy A. Effects of prenatal stress and emotional reactivity of the mother on emotional and cognitive abilities in lambs. Dev Psychobiol 2015; 57:626-36. [DOI: 10.1002/dev.21320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Accepted: 04/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marjorie Coulon
- INRA; UMR1213, Herbivores; 63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle France
- Clermont Université, VetAgro Sup; UMR1213 Herbivores, BP 10448; 63000 Clermont-Ferrand France
- Université de Lyon,VetAgro Sup; UMR1213 Herbivores; 69280 Marcy-l'Etoile France
| | - Raymond Nowak
- INRA; UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements; 37380 Nouzilly France
- CNRS; UMR7247; 37380 Nouzilly France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours; 37041 Tours France
- Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation; 37380 Nouzilly France
| | - Stephane Andanson
- INRA; UMR1213, Herbivores; 63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle France
- Clermont Université, VetAgro Sup; UMR1213 Herbivores, BP 10448; 63000 Clermont-Ferrand France
- Université de Lyon,VetAgro Sup; UMR1213 Herbivores; 69280 Marcy-l'Etoile France
| | - Bérengère Petit
- INRA; UMR1213, Herbivores; 63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle France
- Clermont Université, VetAgro Sup; UMR1213 Herbivores, BP 10448; 63000 Clermont-Ferrand France
- Université de Lyon,VetAgro Sup; UMR1213 Herbivores; 69280 Marcy-l'Etoile France
| | - Frédéric Lévy
- INRA; UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements; 37380 Nouzilly France
- CNRS; UMR7247; 37380 Nouzilly France
- Université François Rabelais de Tours; 37041 Tours France
- Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation; 37380 Nouzilly France
| | - Alain Boissy
- INRA; UMR1213, Herbivores; 63122 Saint-Genès-Champanelle France
- Clermont Université, VetAgro Sup; UMR1213 Herbivores, BP 10448; 63000 Clermont-Ferrand France
- Université de Lyon,VetAgro Sup; UMR1213 Herbivores; 69280 Marcy-l'Etoile France
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15
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Space allowance during gestation and early maternal separation: Effects on the fear response and social motivation of lambs. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2014.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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16
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Coulon M, Lévy F, Ravel C, Nowak R, Boissy A. Mild effects of gestational stress and social reactivity on the onset of mother-young interactions and bonding in sheep. Stress 2014; 17:460-70. [PMID: 25256606 DOI: 10.3109/10253890.2014.969238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Consequences of prenatal stress on mother-young relationships are well-documented in altricial mammals but less so in precocial mammals. In this study, we investigated the effects of unpredictable aversive events on maternal behavior and mutual mother-young recognition in pregnant ewes while accounting for modulatory effects of ewe reactivity. From a population of 120 Romane-breed ewes, we selected 20 high-responsive (HR) and 20 low-responsive (LR) ewes according to pre-mating reactivity assessed in isolation tests. Over the final third of pregnancy, 10 HR ewes and 10 LR ewes were exposed daily to various aversive events such as social isolation, mixing and transport (stressed ewes), while the other 20 ewes were not exposed to aversive events (control ewes). Although the treatment induced chronic stress, physiologically confirmed by an increase in salivary cortisol following transport and sham shearing, maternal behavior of stressed ewes observed during the first 30 min postpartum and in the selectivity test 1 h 30 min later did not differ from controls. However, in a maternal motivation test performed 48 h postpartum, stressed ewes vocalized less than controls when separated from their lambs, and walked less readily past an unknown object to reach their lambs. Lambs of stressed ewes spent more time near their dam in a preference test performed 15 h after birth compared to control-ewe lambs. HR ewes spent more time grooming their lambs than LR ewes. We posit that domestication could have selected animals displaying robust expression of maternal behavior related to social reactivity and producing offspring that are better adapted to challenging situations.
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Kamal M, Van Eetvelde M, Depreester E, Hostens M, Vandaele L, Opsomer G. Age at calving in heifers and level of milk production during gestation in cows are associated with the birth size of Holstein calves. J Dairy Sci 2014; 97:5448-58. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2014-7898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2014] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Rutherford KM, Piastowska-Ciesielska A, Donald RD, Robson SK, Ison SH, Jarvis S, Brunton PJ, Russell JA, Lawrence AB. Prenatal stress produces anxiety prone female offspring and impaired maternal behaviour in the domestic pig. Physiol Behav 2014; 129:255-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2014.02.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2013] [Revised: 02/21/2014] [Accepted: 02/28/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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de Haas EN, Bolhuis JE, Kemp B, Groothuis TGG, Rodenburg TB. Parents and early life environment affect behavioral development of laying hen chickens. PLoS One 2014; 9:e90577. [PMID: 24603500 PMCID: PMC3948370 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0090577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2013] [Accepted: 02/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe feather pecking (SFP) in commercial laying hens is a maladaptive behavior which is associated with anxiety traits. Many experimental studies have shown that stress in the parents can affect anxiety in the offspring, but until now these effects have been neglected in addressing the problem of SFP in commercially kept laying hens. We therefore studied whether parental stock (PS) affected the development of SFP and anxiety in their offspring. We used flocks from a brown and white genetic hybrid because genetic background can affect SFP and anxiety. As SFP can also be influenced by housing conditions on the rearing farm, we included effects of housing system and litter availability in the analysis. Forty-seven rearing flocks, originating from ten PS flocks were followed. Behavioral and physiological parameters related to anxiety and SFP were studied in the PS at 40 weeks of age and in the rearing flocks at one, five, ten and fifteen weeks of age. We found that PS had an effect on SFP at one week of age and on anxiety at one and five weeks of age. In the white hybrid, but not in the brown hybrid, high levels of maternal corticosterone, maternal feather damage and maternal whole-blood serotonin levels showed positive relations with offsprings' SFP at one week and offsprings' anxiety at one and five weeks of age. Disruption and limitation of litter supply at an early age on the rearing farms increased SFP, feather damage and fearfulness. These effects were most prominent in the brown hybrid. It appeared that hens from a brown hybrid are more affected by environmental conditions, while hens from a white hybrid were more strongly affected by parental effects. These results are important for designing measures to prevent the development of SFP, which may require a different approach in brown and white flocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elske N. de Haas
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Science, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - J. Elizabeth Bolhuis
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Science, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bas Kemp
- Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Science, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ton G. G. Groothuis
- Behavioural Biology, Centre for Behaviour and Neuroscience, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - T. Bas Rodenburg
- Behavioural Ecology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Čikoš Š, Czikková S, Chrenek P, Makarevich AV, Burkuš J, Janštová Ž, Fabian D, Koppel J. Expression of adrenergic receptors in bovine and rabbit oocytes and preimplantation embryos. Reprod Domest Anim 2013; 49:92-100. [PMID: 23991902 DOI: 10.1111/rda.12233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2013] [Accepted: 08/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Catecholamines play an important role in embryogenesis, and data obtained in the rodent model indicate that they can act even during the preimplantation period of development. Using RT-PCR with specific oligonucleotide primers distinguishing among all members of the adrenergic receptor family, we examined expression of adrenergic receptors in bovine and rabbit oocytes, morulas and blastocysts. We found several profiles of adrenoceptor mRNA expression. Transcripts for some receptor subtypes (bovine alpha 2 receptors, rabbit α2A, α2C, β1 and β2 receptors) were detected at all examined stages, which suggests receptor expression throughout (or at most stages) the preimplantation developmental period. Expression in oocytes but not at later stages was found in only one adrenoceptor subtype (rabbit α1B). In contrast, mRNA for several adrenoceptors was found in embryos but not in oocytes (bovine beta adrenoceptors and rabbit α1A). Nucleotide sequences of our PCR products amplified in rabbit oocytes, and preimplantation embryos represent the first published mRNA sequences (partial sequences coding at least one transmembrane region) of rabbit α2C, β1 and β2 adrenoceptors. Our results suggest that the expression of adrenergic receptors can be a general feature of mammalian oocytes and preimplantation embryos. On the other hand, comparison of three mammalian species (cattle, rabbit and mouse) revealed possible interspecies differences in the expression of particular adrenoceptor subtypes. Our results support the opinion that stress mediators can act directly in cells of preimplantation embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Š Čikoš
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Slovakia
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Arnott G, Roberts D, Rooke JA, Turner SP, Lawrence AB, Rutherford KMD. Board invited review: The importance of the gestation period for welfare of calves: maternal stressors and difficult births. J Anim Sci 2012; 90:5021-34. [PMID: 22952359 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2012-5463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The prenatal period is of critical importance in defining how individuals respond to their environment throughout life. Stress experienced by pregnant females has been shown to have detrimental effects on offspring biology in humans and a variety of other species. It also is becoming increasingly apparent that prenatal events can have important consequences for the behavior, health, and productivity of offspring in farmed species. Pregnant cattle may experience many potentially important stressors, for instance, relating to their social environment, housing system and physical environment, interactions with humans and husbandry procedures, and their state of health. We examined the available literature to provide a review of the implications of prenatal stress for offspring welfare in cattle. The long-term effects of dystocia on cattle offspring also are reviewed. To ensure a transparent and repeatable selection process, a systematic review approach was adopted. The research literature clearly demonstrates that prenatal stress and difficult births in beef and dairy cattle both have implications for offspring welfare and performance. Common husbandry practices, such as transport, were shown to influence offspring biology and the importance of environmental variables, including thermal stress and drought, also were highlighted. Maternal disease during pregnancy was shown to negatively impact offspring welfare. Moreover, dystocia-affected calves suffer increased mortality and morbidity, decreased transfer of passive immunity, and important physiological and behavioral changes. This review also identified considerable gaps in our knowledge and understanding of the effects of prenatal stress in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Arnott
- Animal Behaviour and Welfare, Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Research Group, SRUC, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK.
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