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Individual variation in T-maze behaviour in poultry: consequences, associated behavioural traits and welfare implications

Reference	BBS/E/R/03780661
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Dr Robert Jones
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	The Roslin Institute
Department	The Roslin Institute Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	76,605
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/04/2001
End date	31/03/2005
Duration	48 months

Abstract

The aim of this study is to understand the mechanisms underpinning the phenotypic differences uncovered in our recent discovery that a simple behavioural measure in 2-3- day-old chicks appears to predict later behaviour and production. We found that the broiler chicks that traverse a T-maze rapidly (HP) at 2-3 days of age grew faster, showed greater sociality, were less responsive to an acute stressor, and were slightly less fearfull than slower (LP) birds. We will establish whether these relationships hold in different breeds, species and group compositions, assess sex effects, determine if HP birds show a non-specific reduction in stress-responsiveness, and seek evidence of genetic variation. Complementary studies of laying hens and selectively bred quail will aid the clarification of underpinning mechanisms and identify new opportunities.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Animal Sciences (AS)
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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