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.