Learning ability of 1-d-old partridges (Alectoris rufa) from eggs laid by hens fed with different n-3 fatty acid concentrations

Abstract

1. The diets of commercial strains of laying partridge are usually lower in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and n-3 fatty acids than the diets of wild partridges. The aim of this experiment was to examine the effects of three different PUFA and n-3 concentrations in partridge laying diets.

2. Offspring learning ability (passive avoidance test of 1-d-old chicks) was used to assess the effect of three different maternal diets (144 chicks were tested for each diet). A negative experience, allowing the bird to peck a bead bathed in a bitter liquid (methyl anthranilate—MA), was used for this purpose. The adults had been fed one of three different diets with n-3 contents of 0·48, 4·04 or 7·60 g/kg.

3. There was better memory retention in the offspring of adults fed the intermediate n-3 content compared to those fed the lower content. Discrimination ratio (DR) of the latency time toward the wrong (red) bead was less for the lower n-3 content (0·48) than for the middle n-3 PUFA content (0·43). DR of the number of pecks toward the wrong beads was greater for the lower n-3 content (0·51) than for the middle n-3 PUFA content (0·71).

4. The partridges fed the diet containing the lowest concentration of n-3 and PUFA were unable to express the expected behavioural score (neural embryo development index) given the genetic characteristics of the animals.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Mr Pera and Volac Italia for supplying the saponified palm oil, VETAGRO for producing oil mixture, Mr Biagini and Mr Rustici of the Comune di Scarlino for hosting the trials in their CPPS ‘Casolino’, Mr Lorenzo, Miss Francesca and Mr Paolo of the CPPS ‘Casolino’ for their patience with us during the trials.