Genetic selection for poultry behaviour: Big bad wolf or friend in need?

Citation
Rb. Jones et Pm. Hocking, Genetic selection for poultry behaviour: Big bad wolf or friend in need?, ANIM WELFAR, 8(4), 1999, pp. 343-359
Citations number
110
Language
INGLESE
art.tipo
Review
Categorie Soggetti
Animal Sciences
Journal title
ANIMAL WELFARE
ISSN journal
0962-7286 → ACNP
Volume
8
Issue
4
Year of publication
1999
Pages
343 - 359
Database
ISI
SICI code
0962-7286(199911)8:4<343:GSFPBB>2.0.ZU;2-G
Abstract
Although genetic selection for certain characteristics has compromised the well-being of domestic animals, selective breeding could and probably shoul d be used to improve welfare. Three of the major behavioural problems facin g the poultry industry are fear, feather pecking and social stress. However , these and many other behavioural traits respond readily to genetic select ion. The present paper reports the results of selective breeding studies in which underlying fearfulness, sociality, feather pecking, adrenocortical r esponsiveness, and growth rate were manipulated in Japanese quail, Coturnix japonica, or in chickens, Gallus gallus domesticus. The apparent benefits of selection for appropriate levels of these characteristics are discussed as are the ethical issues involved The ultimate aims of the selection progr ammes and the studies described here are to improve the birds' welfare and productivity by increasing their ability to interact successfully with thei r physical environment, with one another and with human beings.