Award details

Genetics of a behavioural vice: feather pecking and canibalism in poultry

Reference	BBS/E/R/00000660
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Dr Paul Hocking
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	The Roslin Institute
Department	The Roslin Institute Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	190,405
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/04/2001
End date	31/03/2005
Duration	48 months

Abstract

Feather pecking, pulling and cannibalism (FPC) are major welfare problems in laying hens and turkeys and there is an established genetic basis for this behaviour. The ultimate objective of this project is to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for FPC to use as a selection tool and to locate the genes involved in the expression of the trait(s). In preliminary experiments we have identified four lines of commercial layers that were either characterised by high levels of FPC or by none. We will confirm the status of these lines and strengthen and refine the measurement of FPC and traits that may predict it. A cross of two lines (high and low FPC) will be made to produce 500 F2 progeny that will be measured for the selected traits. A genome scan of 25 percent of the birds in both tails of the distribution and an analysis of QTL-marker associations will be conducted using methods developed at Roslin.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Agri-food (AF)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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