Feather pecking behaviour in White Leghorns, a genetic study

Area of Science:

• Animal Genetics
• Animal Behaviour
• Avian Science

Background:

• Feather pecking (FP) is a significant welfare concern in commercial poultry.
• Understanding the genetic basis of FP is crucial for developing selection strategies.
• Previous research has limited data on genetic parameters of FP at later ages.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate genetic parameters for performing and receiving feather pecking (FP) at different ages in White Leghorns.
• To investigate genetic correlations between FP, plumage cover, and body weight.
• To assess the feasibility of selecting against FP behavior.

Main Methods:

• Estimation of heritability for performing and receiving FP using sum of pecks (PECKS) and sum of bouts (BOUTS) at 6, 38, and 69 weeks of age.
• Calculation of genetic correlations between FP at different ages, and with plumage cover and body weight at 51 weeks.
• Analysis of data from a commercial pure line of White Leghorns.

Main Results:

• Heritability for performing FP significantly increased with age, from 0.05 at 6 weeks to 0.38 at 69 weeks (for PECKS).
• Heritability for receiving FP was generally low, with significant estimates only at 6 weeks and for the average across ages.
• High and significant genetic correlations were found for performing FP across age classes, unlike receiving FP. Plumage cover and body weight showed negative genetic correlations with performing FP.

Conclusions:

• Genetic variation for performing feather pecking increases with age in White Leghorns.
• Selection against feather pecking behavior is likely feasible based on the estimated genetic parameters.
• These findings provide valuable data for genetic improvement programs aimed at reducing feather pecking in poultry.