The genetic‐behaviour interface and well‐being of poultry¹

This lecture, the sixth given in memory of the late Dr R. F. Gordon, was delivered at the School of Pharmacy, University of London, on 24th March 1988.

Abstract

1. Marked changes have occurred in poultry production practices and in stocks bred for the production of meat and eggs.

2. Of behaviour patterns that originally favoured domestication, positive responses to humans and adaptability to environments are now most important.

3. Development of specific strains for production of meat or eggs resulted in correlated responses in behavioural traits. Compared with egg strains, meat strains are docile and have excessive appetites, poor immunoresponsiveness and reduced motor ability.

4. Genotype by environment interactions for behaviour limit inferences concerning responses of stocks across environments.

5. Innate behaviour patterns and habituation processes can prevent some stimuli from causing physiological manifestations observed in general responses to stressors.

6. Husbandry procedures should optimise phenotypic expressions of genetic potential to enhance well‐being.

Notes

This lecture, the sixth given in memory of the late Dr R. F. Gordon, was delivered at the School of Pharmacy, University of London, on 24th March 1988.