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Chen A, Zhao X, Wen J, Zhao X, Wang G, Zhang X, Ren X, Zhang Y, Cheng X, Yu X, Mei X, Wang H, Guo M, Jiang X, Wei G, Wang X, Jiang R, Guo X, Ning Z, Qu L. Genetic parameter estimation and molecular foundation of chicken beak shape. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103666. [PMID: 38703454 PMCID: PMC11087718 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The bird beak is mainly functioned as feeding and attacking, and its shape has extremely important significance for survival and reproduction. In chickens, since beak shape could lead to some disadvantages including pecking and waste of feed, it is important to understand the inheritance of chicken beak shape. In the present study, we firstly established 4 indicators to describe the chicken beak shapes, including upper beak length (UL), lower beak length (LL), distance between upper and lower beak tips (DB) and upper beak curvature (BC). And then, we measured the 4 beak shape indicators as well as some production traits including body weight (BW), shank length (SL), egg weight (EW), eggshell strength (ES) of a layer breed, Rhode Island Red (RIR), in order to estimate genetic parameters of chicken beak shape. The heritabilities of UL and LL were 0.41 and 0.37, and the heritabilities of DB and BC were 0.22 and 0.21, indicating that beak shape was a highly or mediumly heritable. There were significant positive genetic and phenotypic correlations among UL, LL, and DB. And UL was positively correlated with body weight (BW18) and shank length (SL18) at 18 weeks of age in genetics, and DB was positively correlated with BC in terms of genetics and phenotype. We also found that layers of chicken cages played a role on beak shape, which could be attributed to the difference of lightness in different cage layers. By a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for the chicken UL, we identified 9 significant candidate genes associated with UL in RIR. For the variants with low minor allele frequencies (MAF <0.01) and outside of high linkage disequilibrium (LD) regions, we also conducted rare variant association studies (RVA) and GWAS to find the association between genotype and phenotype. We also analyzed transcriptomic data from multiple tissues of chicken embryos and revealed that all of the 9 genes were highly expressed in beak of chicken embryos, indicating their potential function for beak development. Our results provided the genetic foundation of chicken beak shape, which could help chicken breeding on beak related traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anqi Chen
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhao
- Xingrui Agricultural Stock Breeding, Baoding 072550, Hebei Province, China
| | - Junhui Wen
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Xiurong Zhao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Gang Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xinye Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xufang Ren
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yalan Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xue Cheng
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiaofan Yu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiaohan Mei
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Huie Wang
- Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Biological Resources in Tarim Basin, Tarim University, Alar 843300, China
| | - Menghan Guo
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiaoyu Jiang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Guozhen Wei
- Qingliu Animal Husbandry, Veterinary and Aquatic Products Center, Sanming, China
| | - Xue Wang
- VVBK Animal Medical Diagnostic Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Runshen Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Xing Guo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Zhonghua Ning
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Lujiang Qu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Biological Resources in Tarim Basin, Tarim University, Alar 843300, China.
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Murillo AC, Abdoli A, Blatchford RA, Keogh EJ, Gerry AC. Low levels of chicken body louse (Menacanthus stramineus) infestations affect chicken welfare in a cage-free housing system. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:221. [PMID: 38745229 PMCID: PMC11092089 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06313-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The chicken body louse is an obligate ectoparasite of domestic chickens. Chicken body lice feed on feathers, and infestation with this louse is linked to decreases in egg production, hen weight, and feed conversion efficiency. However, it is unknown how chicken body lice impact egg-laying chickens in cage-free environments. Welfare and behavior metrics were collected from flocks of egg-laying chickens either infested with chicken body lice or left uninfested. METHODS In two trials, two flocks of cage-free commercial egg-laying chickens were infested with chicken body lice or maintained as uninfested controls. At three timepoints, behavior and welfare of all chickens was measured. On-animal sensors were used to quantify pecking, preening, and dustbathing behavior. Other animal-based welfare metrics included recording comb wounds and skin lesions. RESULTS Birds infested with chicken body lice exhibited significantly more preening behaviors than uninfested birds, even at low louse levels. Moderate or severe skin lesions were detected on birds that were moderately infested with chicken body lice while skin lesions were never detected on uninfested birds. CONCLUSIONS The welfare of chickens was impacted by the chicken body louse, a chewing louse that primarily feather feeds. Evidence of skin lesions on infested birds suggests that lice may cause more damage to birds than previously thought, and further evaluation of louse economic damage is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy C Murillo
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA.
| | - Alireza Abdoli
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Richard A Blatchford
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Animal Welfare, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Eammon J Keogh
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Alec C Gerry
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
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Jarrett RA, Erasmus MA, Murillo AC, Scoles KL, Robison CI, Jones DR, Karcher DM. Laying hen production and welfare in a cage-free setting is impacted by the northern fowl mite. J APPL POULTRY RES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.japr.2022.100290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
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4
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Pavan AM, Schussler M, Silva FR, Ferla NJ, Johann L, da Silva GL. Influence of laying hen- systems and ecologic variables on mites of medical and veterinary importance. Vet Parasitol 2022; 304:109682. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2022.109682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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5
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De Haas EN, Newberry RC, Edgar J, Riber AB, Estevez I, Ferrante V, Hernandez CE, Kjaer JB, Ozkan S, Dimitrov I, Rodenburg TB, Janczak AM. Prenatal and Early Postnatal Behavioural Programming in Laying Hens, With Possible Implications for the Development of Injurious Pecking. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:678500. [PMID: 34336975 PMCID: PMC8323009 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.678500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Injurious pecking (IP) represents a serious concern for the welfare of laying hens (Gallus gallus domesticus). The risk of IP among hens with intact beaks in cage-free housing prompts a need for solutions based on an understanding of underlying mechanisms. In this review, we explore how behavioural programming via prenatal and early postnatal environmental conditions could influence the development of IP in laying hens. The possible roles of early life adversity and mismatch between early life programming and subsequent environmental conditions are considered. We review the role of maternal stress, egg conditions, incubation settings (temperature, light, sound, odour) and chick brooding conditions on behavioural programming that could be linked to IP. Brain and behavioural development can be programmed by prenatal and postnatal environmental conditions, which if suboptimal could lead to a tendency to develop IP later in life, as we illustrate with a Jenga tower that could fall over if not built solidly. If so, steps taken to optimise the environmental conditions of previous generations and incubation conditions, reduce stress around hatching, and guide the early learning of chicks will aid in prevention of IP in commercial laying hen flocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elske N De Haas
- Division of Animals in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, Melle, Belgium
| | - Ruth C Newberry
- Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Joanne Edgar
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford, United Kingdom
| | - Anja B Riber
- Aarhus University, Department of Animal Science, Tjele, Denmark
| | - Inma Estevez
- Department of Animal Production, Neiker, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.,IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Valentina Ferrante
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Carlos E Hernandez
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Joergen B Kjaer
- Institute of Animal Welfare and Animal Husbandry, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Celle, Germany
| | - Sezen Ozkan
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ivan Dimitrov
- Agricultural Institute - Stara Zagora, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - T Bas Rodenburg
- Division of Animals in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Andrew M Janczak
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
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6
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Li J, Chen H, Dai C, Sa R, Wang Z, Wang J, Su H, He X, Guo X, Jiang R. Effects of beak trimming on the performance, beak length, behavior, and carcass traits of a local broiler breed reared in battery cages. Anim Sci J 2020; 91:e13405. [PMID: 32613715 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of beak trimming on a local broiler breed. A total of 648 one-day-old birds were randomly allocated into three treatments: no trimming (NBT), infrared beak trimming (IRBT), and hot-blade beak trimming (HBBT). The performance, beak length, behavior, carcass traits, organ percentages, and meat quality were inspected. The body weight (BW) from 7 to 35 days in the IRBT group was significantly lower than that in the NBT group, and the BW from 7 to 49 days was lower than that in the HBBT group (p < .05). Compared with untrimmed birds, birds in the IRBT group had lower average daily feed intake (ADFI) from 15 to 21 days, and higher heart percentage and L* value in the breast muscle. The upper beak length at 28 and 49 days of age were longest in untrimmed birds, intermediate in birds in the HBBT group, and shortest in the IRBT groups (p <.05). No evidence was found that HBBT caused changes in performance, behavior, carcass traits, organ percentages, and meat quality except for lower change in spleen percentage. Taken together, IRBT had more influence at inhibiting early BW, ADFI, and upper beak length than HBBT in the local broiler breed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junying Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China.,Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Science, Hefei, China
| | - Hong Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Cong Dai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Renna Sa
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhicheng Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Jiangxian Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Hu Su
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Xinxin He
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Xing Guo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Runshen Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
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7
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Jacobs L, Vezzoli G, Beerda B, Mench JA. Northern fowl mite infestation affects the nocturnal behavior of laying hens. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2019.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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8
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Riber AB, Hinrichsen LK. Welfare Consequences of Omitting Beak Trimming in Barn Layers. Front Vet Sci 2017; 4:222. [PMID: 29326955 PMCID: PMC5741671 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2017.00222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Beak trimming is used worldwide as a method of reducing the damage to feathers and skin caused by injurious pecking in laying hens. However, beak trimming also causes some welfare issues as trimming the beak results in pain and sensory loss. Due to this dilemma, there is an ongoing discussion in several European countries about whether to ban beak trimming. In this study, we investigated the welfare consequences of keeping layers with intact beaks and examined for links between injurious pecking damage and keel bone damage on an individual level. A study was conducted on 10 commercial farms housing laying hens in the barn system. Each farm participated with a flock of beak-trimmed hens (T) and a flock of non-trimmed (NT) hens that were visited around 32 and 62 weeks of age. During visits, the condition of plumage, skin, feet, and keel bone of 100 hens was assessed. Mortality was recorded by the producers. NT flocks had a lower prevalence of hens with good plumage condition around 32 weeks of age (94.1 vs. 99.6%, P < 0.001) and a higher prevalence of hens with poor plumage condition at 62 weeks of age (63.6 vs. 15.2%, P < 0.001) compared with T flocks. The prevalence of hens with keel bone deviations, with both keel bone fractures and deviations and with body wounds, was higher in NT flocks compared with T flocks at both ages (P < 0.001). Accumulated mortality from placement to end of production tended to be higher in NT flocks compared with T flocks (14.2 vs. 8.6%; P = 0.06). The prevalence of keel bone damage was higher among hens with poor plumage condition than hens with moderate/good plumage condition (31.5 vs. 22.2%; P < 0.001). Thus, omitting beak trimming had negative consequences for the condition of plumage, skin, and keel bone, and tended to increase mortality, highlighting the risk of reduced welfare when keeping layers with intact beaks. In addition, injurious pecking damage was found to be positively linked to keel bone damage. The causal relation is unknown, but we propose that fearfulness is an important factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja B Riber
- Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, Tjele, Denmark
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9
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Murillo AC, Mullens BA. A review of the biology, ecology, and control of the northern fowl mite, Ornithonyssus sylviarum (Acari: Macronyssidae). Vet Parasitol 2017; 246:30-37. [PMID: 28969777 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Revised: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The northern fowl mite, Ornithonyssus sylviarum (Canestrini & Fanzago, 1877), is found on several continents and has been a major pest of poultry in the United States for nearly a century. Lack of earlier USA reports in the United States suggests an introduction or change to pest status in domestic poultry systems occurred in the early 1900s. Though predominantly a nest-parasite of wild birds, this obligate hematophagous mite is a permanent ectoparasite on domestic birds, especially egg-laying chickens. Economic damage is incurred by direct blood feeding and activation of the of host's immune responses. This in turn causes decreased egg production and feed conversion efficiency, and severe infestations can cause anemia or death to birds. Here we review the biology, ecology, and recent control measures for the northern fowl mite. Photomicrographs are included of adult males and females, protonymphs, and larvae with key characters indicated. Special emphasis is placed on current knowledge gaps of basic and applied science importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy C Murillo
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, United States.
| | - Bradley A Mullens
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, United States
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10
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Yamauchi Y, Yoshida S, Matsuyama H, Obi T, Takase K. Morphologically abnormal beaks observed in chickens that were beak-trimmed at young ages. J Vet Med Sci 2017; 79:1466-1471. [PMID: 28757526 PMCID: PMC5627314 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.17-0287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A survey of beak morphological abnormalities was performed on 6,201 chickens (egg-laying hens and chickens for meat production belonging to 25 flocks) brought to a poultry processing plant. The observed abnormalities varied among
flocks with occurrence rates ranging from 0.48 to 46.67%. The occurrence was high in flocks subjected to beak trimming and varied significantly according to chicken breed, with the highest rates of abnormalities in a certain
chicken breed. The most widely observed abnormalities were: 1) uneven growth of the upper and lower mandibles, mostly with elongation of the lower mandible (accounting for 64.8% of all abnormalities); 2) misalignment of the upper
and lower mandibles, causing lateral deviation or crossing (16.3%); 3) sharp or jagged deformities of the mandible tips (10.1%); 4) permanent open beak, a deformity in which the beak did not close completely even when closed
(5.8%); and 5) formation of tubercular swellings at the tips of the upper or lower mandibles (3.1%). This is the first report on the occurrence of beak abnormalities in beak-trimmed poultry in Japan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Yamauchi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Shu Yoshida
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Matsuyama
- Chemical Division, Enuchicken Co., Ltd., 3669 Kori Chiran-cho Minamikyushu-shi, Kagoshima 897-0302, Japan
| | - Takeshi Obi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Kozo Takase
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
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11
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Vezzoli G, King AJ, Mench JA. The effect of northern fowl mite (Ornithonyssus sylviarum) infestation on hen physiology, physical condition, and egg quality. Poult Sci 2016; 95:1042-9. [DOI: 10.3382/ps/pew027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
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12
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Soares N, Tucci E, Freitas E, Fernandes D. Reduced productivity among confined laying hens infested by Allopsoroptoides galli (Mironov, 2013). Poult Sci 2016; 95:819-22. [DOI: 10.3382/ps/pev442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Rezende LDC, Martins NRDS, Teixeira CM, Oliveira PRD, Cunha LM. Epidemiological aspects of lice (Menacanthus species) infections in laying hen flocks from the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Br Poult Sci 2015; 57:44-50. [PMID: 26642864 DOI: 10.1080/00071668.2015.1127893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The epidemiology of chicken lice species such as Menacanthus stramineus, M. cornutus and M. pallidulus were studied during an observational, analytical and sectional survey, to determine predisposing factors for their occurrence in laying hen farms in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. A total of 431 houses on 43 farms were visited in 2012. M. cornutus, M. stramineus and M. pallidulus occurred in 20.9%, 11.6% and 11.6% of farms, respectively. The frequencies of occurrence of M. cornutus, M. stramineus and M.pallidulus in poultry houses were 10.4%, 8.8% and 3.7%, respectively. The epidemiological determinants for the occurrence of these species were investigated using Poisson or logistic regression models. The region of the farm, the recent use of acaricides and the presence of birds, such as saffron finch (Sicalis flaveola), feral pigeon (Columba livia) and Guira cuckoo (Guira guira) around the farms were related to the epidemiology of M. cornutus. Infestation by M. stramineus was associated with age of birds, number of birds per cage and the presence of Guira cuckoo and Chopi blackbird (Gnorimopsar chopi) near the poultry houses. The occurrence of M. pallidulus was influenced by the type of facilities, presence of cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) and free-range domestic hens around the farm. The use of wire mesh nets in the houses and of forced moulting did not influence lice infestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Do Carmo Rezende
- a Departamento de MedicinaVeterináriaPreventiva , Escola de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Campus da UFMG , Belo Horizonte , Minas Gerais , Brazil
| | - N R Da Silva Martins
- a Departamento de MedicinaVeterináriaPreventiva , Escola de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Campus da UFMG , Belo Horizonte , Minas Gerais , Brazil
| | - C M Teixeira
- a Departamento de MedicinaVeterináriaPreventiva , Escola de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Campus da UFMG , Belo Horizonte , Minas Gerais , Brazil
| | - P R De Oliveira
- a Departamento de MedicinaVeterináriaPreventiva , Escola de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Campus da UFMG , Belo Horizonte , Minas Gerais , Brazil
| | - L M Cunha
- b Centro de Ciência Animal , Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas da Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, UFOP , Campus Morro do Cruzeiro, Ouro Preto , Minas Gerais , Brazil
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15
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Vezzoli G, Mullens BA, Mench JA. Relationships between beak condition, preening behavior and ectoparasite infestation levels in laying hens. Poult Sci 2015; 94:1997-2007. [PMID: 26155987 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pev171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of beak condition on ectoparasite populations and preening in laying hens were investigated. Beak-trimmed and beak-intact caged Hy-Line W-36 hens were infested with either chicken body lice or northern fowl mites using a 2×2 factorial design with 4 replicate cages (each containing 2 hens)/treatment: 1) BTL: (beak-trimmed lice-infested); 2) BTM: (beak-trimmed mite-infested); 3) BIL: (beak-intact lice-infested); and 4) BIM: (beak-intact mite-infested). Mite scores and lice numbers were estimated weekly. Hens were video recorded the wk before infestation and at wk 6 and 9 post-infestation. Time spent preening on 6 body areas and in total were analyzed using a repeated measures ANOVA. There was a wk×beak condition interaction for lice loads, with BTL harboring approximately 17 times more lice than BIL from wk 7 to 10 post-infestation (P<0.0001). Beak condition affected mite loads (P<0.0001), with BTM having a higher mite score (3.8±0.26) than BIM (1.4±0.26). At peak infestation, BTL spent more total time preening (P=0.02, s±SE: 232.1±37.6) than prior to infestation (33.9±37.6) and directed their preening behavior towards the vent. In contrast, BIL (73.9±37.6), BTM (9.4±1.6), and BIM (8.6±1.6) did not increase total time spent preening over pre-infestation levels (103.6±37.6, 5.8±1.6, 6.7±1.6 respectively), although BTM did redirect their preening behavior toward the vent. This study confirmed previous studies showing that an intact beak is important for reducing ectoparasite infestations. Preening behavior increased in response to lice infestation, but only in beak-trimmed hens; preening behavior and louse load were correlated at peak infestation. In contrast, mite infestation did not lead to increased preening, and there was no correlation between preening and mite load. However, both lice- and mite-infested hens directed preening behavior predominantly towards the vent where these parasites are typically found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Vezzoli
- Department of Animal Science, and Center for Animal Welfare, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, United States
| | - Bradley A Mullens
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA, 92521, United States
| | - Joy A Mench
- Department of Animal Science, and Center for Animal Welfare, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, United States
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Janczak AM, Riber AB. Review of rearing-related factors affecting the welfare of laying hens. Poult Sci 2015; 94:1454-69. [PMID: 26009752 PMCID: PMC4991062 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pev123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Laying hens may face a number of welfare problems including: acute and chronic pain caused by beak trimming; exaggerated fearfulness that may cause stress and suffocation; difficulties in locating resources, resulting potentially in emaciation and dehydration; frustration and boredom, caused by an environment that is barren; feather pecking; cannibalism; foot lesions; and bone fractures. In Europe, a greater proportion of laying hens are housed in non-cage systems compared to the rest of the world. The extent of the different welfare problems may therefore vary between countries as the type of housing system influences the risk of suffering. More generally, many of these welfare problems are influenced by the rearing environment of the pullets. This article therefore focuses on welfare problems in laying hens that can be traced back to rearing. Factors that have been studied in relation to their effects on bird welfare include beak trimming, housing type, furnishing, enrichment, feeding, stocking density, flock size, sound and light levels, concentration of gasses, age at transfer from rearing to production facilities, similarity between rearing and production facilities, competence of staff, and interactions between bird strain and environment. The present review aims to summarize rearing-related risk factors of poor welfare in adult laying hens housed according to European Union legislation. It aims to identify gaps in current knowledge, and suggests strategies for improving bird welfare by improving rearing conditions. Two main conclusions of this work are that attempts should be made to use appropriate genetic material and that beak trimming should be limited where possible. In addition to this, the rearing system should provide constant access to appropriate substrates, perches, and mashed feed, and should be as similar as possible to the housing system used for the adult birds. Finally, young birds (pullets) should be moved to the production facilities before 16 weeks of age. The measures outlined in this review may be useful for improving the welfare of pullets and adult laying hens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Janczak
- Animal Welfare Research Group, Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Oslo, Norway
| | - Anja B Riber
- Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, Tjele, Denmark
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De La Riva DG, Soto D, Mullens BA. Temperature governs on-host distribution of the northern fowl mite, Ornithonyssus sylviarum (Acari: Macronyssidae). J Parasitol 2014; 101:18-23. [PMID: 25275303 DOI: 10.1645/14-579.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The northern fowl mite, Ornithonyssus sylviarum (Canestri & Fanzago), is an ectoparasite of more than 70 species of North American wild birds, but it has a particularly significant impact on chickens, where it is a permanent resident of vent feathers. Improved control practices depend on a better understanding of host-mite relationships. ISA Brown hens were inoculated experimentally with northern fowl mite adults, and northern fowl mite populations developed naturally. Using a fast-response microprobe, temperatures of individual vent feathers (n = 15) were recorded at 5-mm increments along the length of the feather shaft. Immediately after temperatures were recorded, the individual feathers were quickly clipped at the skin surface and then flash-frozen between 2 small blocks of dry ice, freezing all northern fowl mite stages in situ. The feathers then were cut into 5-mm sections for careful mite enumeration by life stage. There were no overall differences among life stages in the distributions on the feather. Mite positions on feathers (distance from skin) varied distinctly with feather zone temperatures, as well as with ambient and average temperatures over the prior 24 hr. Ambient temperature at time of sampling affected the positions of the 2 mobile categories, adults and larvae/nymphs, but showed no statistical relationship with egg distribution. In contrast, ambient 24-hr temperature influenced the positions of all life stages. On-host feather temperatures reflected ambient temperatures. Feathers collected on hot days (ambient temperatures of 23-33 C) provided a narrow and quite warm range of temperature conditions for mites (often >30-36 C). Temperatures on cool days (ambient temperatures of <23 C) provided much wider on-host temperature ranges for mites to occupy (13-35 C). Mites were farther from the skin on warmer days. When mites had a broad range of temperatures, the feather temperature zone occupied by all life stages averaged 28-29 C. Mites move to occupy favorable temperature conditions on-host. When further out on feathers in warm weather, and under thermal stress, northern fowl mites either move off host or are dislodged. They then become a human pest, are noticed by farmers, and are more likely to disperse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah G De La Riva
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521
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Martin CD, Mullens BA. Housing and dustbathing effects on northern fowl mites (Ornithonyssus sylviarum) and chicken body lice (Menacanthus stramineus) on hens. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2012; 26:323-333. [PMID: 22458590 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2915.2011.00997.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Hen housing (cage or cage-free) did not impact overall abundances of northern fowl mites, Ornithonyssus sylviarum (Canestrini & Fanzago) (Acari: Macronyssidae), or chicken body lice, Menacanthus stramineus (Nitzsch) (Phthiraptera: Menoponidae). Cage-free hens received a dustbox with sand plus diatomaceous earth (DE), kaolin clay or sulphur. Weekly use varied from none to 100% of hens; 73% of hens used the dustbox at least once. Ectoparasite populations on dustbathing hens (users) were compared with those on non-user cage-free and caged hens. All materials reduced ectoparasites on user hens by 80-100% after 1 week of dustbox use. Diatomaceous earth and kaolin failed to reduce ectoparasites on non-user hens, and ectoparasites on user hens recovered after dustbox removal. A sulphur dustbox eliminated mites from all hens (including non-users) within 2-4 weeks. Residual sulphur controlled mites until the end of the experiment (up to 9 weeks), even after the dustbox was removed. Louse populations on hens using the sulphur dustbox were reduced in 1-2 weeks. Residual sulphur effects were less evident in lice, but the use of a sulphur dustbox by a higher proportion of hens extended louse control to all hens. This is the first experimental study to show that bird dustbathing in naturally and widely available dust materials (particularly kaolin) can suppress ectoparasites and thus the behaviour is probably adaptive.
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Affiliation(s)
- C D Martin
- Department of Entomology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
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Di Palma A, Giangaspero A, Cafiero MA, Germinara GS. A gallery of the key characters to ease identification of Dermanyssus gallinae (Acari: Gamasida: Dermanyssidae) and allow differentiation from Ornithonyssus sylviarum (Acari: Gamasida: Macronyssidae). Parasit Vectors 2012; 5:104. [PMID: 22647594 PMCID: PMC3419681 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-5-104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2012] [Accepted: 04/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dermanyssus gallinae (poultry red mite) is a major threat for the poultry industry and is of significant interest for public health. Identification of D. gallinae can be difficult for scientists not familiar with mite morphology and terminology especially when trying to use identification keys. Moreover, this species may easily be confused with another dermanyssoid mite, Ornithonyssus sylviarum (northern fowl mite), which often shares the same hosts and environment. Methods Specimens of D. gallinae were collected at poultry farms in the Puglia and performed for light and scanning electron microscopy observations, identification and micrographs. Moreover specimens of O. sylviarum were collected separately macerated and mounted on slides for light microscopy observations, identification and pictures. Results The micrographs used in this study, based on LM and SEM observations, highlight the following important identifying characters of D. gallinae: the prominent shoulders of the dorsal shield and the jagged edges of the shield reticulations, the position of setae j1, s1 and the epigynal pores, and the presence on tibia IV pl of one seta. Additional micrographs highlighting the shape of the dorsal (abruptly narrowed posteriorly) and epigynal (narrowly rounded posteriorly) shields and the chelicera (elongate, with distinct digits) of O. sylviarum enable its differentiation from D.gallinae. Conclusion The photographic support provided here (both LM and SEM pictures) can be considered a practical tool for scientists who are not well acquainted with the morphology of D.gallinae, and who are involved with classical and molecular systematics, veterinary and human health aspects of poultry red mites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Di Palma
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agroambientali Chimica e Difesa Vegetale (DiSACD), University of Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71100, Foggia, Italy.
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Mullens B, Soto D, Martin C, Callaham B, Gerry A. Northern fowl mite (Ornithonyssus sylviarum) control evaluations using liquid formulations of diatomaceous earth, kaolin, sulfur, azadirachtin, and Beauveria bassiana on caged laying hens. J APPL POULTRY RES 2012. [DOI: 10.3382/japr.2011-00402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Beak condition drives abundance and grooming-mediated competitive asymmetry in a poultry ectoparasite community. Parasitology 2011; 138:748-57. [PMID: 21414243 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182011000229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Ornithonyssus sylviarum (northern fowl mite) and Menacanthus stramineus (chicken body louse) are key poultry pests currently controlled by exclusion or pesticide application. We studied how host beak condition affected their populations over time and how the lice and mites might interact on a host. METHODS Beak-trimmed or beak-intact white leghorn hens were infested initially with either mites or lice and subsequently challenged using the alternate ectoparasite species (reciprocal transfer), while other hens harboured only the initial ectoparasite species. RESULTS Beak-trimmed hens had far higher ectoparasite numbers relative to beak-intact hens, and the 2 ectoparasites showed evidence of grooming-mediated competitive asymmetry. On beak-trimmed hens, larger numbers of lice quickly nearly completely excluded mites in competition for enemy-free space (lower abdomen), while in the reciprocal transfer mites did not affect louse numbers on beak-trimmed hosts. The 2 ectoparasites co-existed on beak-intact hens, which were better able to defend the lower abdomen habitat by grooming. CONCLUSION Lice are somewhat less damaging and much easier to control relative to mites, and might be used to eliminate mites in commercial, beak-trimmed flocks. Beak trimming impairs host grooming and contributes greatly to the high ectoparasite populations seen in commercial flocks. The study adds incentives for poultry breeders to develop more docile hen strains that can be held without beak trimming. This has advantages both to welfare advocates and producers who may no longer need to use insecticides for pest control or be concerned about worker exposure to pesticides.
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