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Can we predict which hens will feather peck?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 November 2017

M.J.Albentosa  and
C.J. Nicol
M.J.Albentosa
Affiliation:
University of Bristol, Division of Animal Health and Husbandry, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Langford House, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK
C.J. Nicol
Affiliation:
University of Bristol, Division of Animal Health and Husbandry, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Langford House, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK
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Extract

Selective breeding, based on feather pecking bouts per hen, can be an effective method of reducing feather pecking in a controlled research environment (Kjaer 2000). For selective breeding against feather pecking to be applied on a commercial scale using similar methodology would be extremely time consuming. A simple, quick test which predicted a young bird’s likelihood of developing feather pecking would eliminate the need to observe feather pecking behaviour or expose birds to damaging pecking from conspecifics as part of the selection process. A predictive test could also increase the rate of genetic progress and reduce the cost of implementing a selection programme.

Type
Open Communications Session
Information
Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Science , Volume 2001 , 2001 , pp. OC5
Copyright
Copyright © The British Society of Animal Science 2001

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References

Albentosa, M.J. and Nicol, C.J. 2000 The relationship between early behaviour and feather pecking in laying hens. In: Ramos, A., Pinheiro Machado F°, L.C. and Hötzel, M.J. (eds) Proceedings of the 34th International Congress of the ISAE p107. Federal University of Santa Catarina: Florianópolis, Brazil Google Scholar
Kjaer, J.B. 2000 Selection on feather pecking behaviour: direct and indirect responses. (Oral presentation) Google Scholar
RSPCA/University of Bristol meeting on Feather Pecking in Laying Hens: Exploring Solutions, 21 June 2000, University of Bristol, Langford, UK, p19–20.Google Scholar