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Variance components and selection response for feather-pecking behavior in laying hens.
1Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Research Centre Foulum, P.O. Box 50, Tjele 8830, Denmark. guosheng.su@agrsci.dk
Poultry Science
|February 3, 2005
Summary
Genetic selection effectively reduced feather pecking in laying hens. Divergent selection experiments showed significant decreases in feather pecking behavior, offering solutions for animal welfare.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Behavioral Genetics
- Quantitative Genetics
Background:
- Feather pecking is a major welfare issue in commercial laying hens.
- Divergent selection experiments are crucial for understanding the genetic basis of complex behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate variance components and selection response for feather pecking behavior.
- To assess the effectiveness of genetic selection in minimizing feather pecking.
Main Methods:
- Divergent selection experiment analyzed using Bayesian analysis with Gibbs sampling.
- Box-Cox transformation applied for data normalization and model fitting.
- Heritability and selection response calculated for feather pecking bouts and pecks.
Main Results:
- Heritability estimates for feather pecking bouts were 0.174 (LP) and 0.139 (HP).
- Heritability estimates for feather pecking pecks were 0.139 (LP) and 0.105 (HP).
- Significant selection responses observed, with total responses for feather pecking bouts reaching 58% (LP) and 74% (HP) after four generations.
Conclusions:
- Genetic selection is a viable strategy for reducing feather pecking behavior in laying hens.
- These findings contribute to improving the welfare of domestic poultry by addressing behavioral problems.