Åkerberg et al. (2012) remind us that sometimes important research questions are sitting right in front of us. Laboratory dogs have been the focus of much research for years, but few people have asked how variable their behavior is. There is no reason to assume that laboratory dogs do not exhibit variable behavioral phenotypes and that …
Studies using classical conditioning have shown that hens display high frequencies of dopamine-controlled cue-induced anticipatory behaviours in the cue-reward interval when signalling mealworm rewards. However, it is not known whether anticipatory behaviours are reward specific, and whether the opioid system is involved in their control. The purpose of the present study was to investigate (1) …
Although, the incidence of frustration-related behaviours is influenced by frustration-provoking social and environmental conflicts, the occurrence of particular frustration-related behaviours associated with discriminatory learning remains controversial. For example, the assumption that frustration is associated with stress and stress may interfere with learning and memory is well established, but if the incidence of particular frustration-related behaviours …
Unique markings or body-mounted sensors facilitate data collection from individuals in large groups of similar-looking conspecifics but may have unintended consequences on behavior. A wireless sensor attached to the back of laying hens via a harness has been developed to monitor space use and activity. Prior to collecting experimental data, effects of the sensor on …
Commercial laying hens in North America are typically beak trimmed to prevent injury and mortality caused by feather pecking and cannibalism. Beak trimming is most commonly performed on day-old chicks at the hatchery, either by hot blade (HB) or infrared (INF) techniques. The differences between these 2 methods and the potential variability within each method …
To determine the risk of infection associated with exposure to low-pathogenic avian influenza (AI) virus-contaminated poultry litter, the tenacity of low pathogenic A/Ck/CA/431/00(H6N2), A/Mallard/MN/355779/00(H5N2), and A/turkey/ Ohio/313053/04(H3N2) was evaluated. Viral stocks were incubated with poultry litter from commercial flocks at 25°C. Three types of poultry litter, wood shavings, shavings plus gypsum, and shavings plus peanut …
Avian influenza (AI) is considered an exotic disease in the Brazilian poultry industry, according to the National Avian Health Program (PNSA), with permanent monitoring of domestic, exotic and native avian species. Brazil presents privileged environmental conditions of reduced risk. In addition, all commercial poultry and conservation holdings are registered in state or national inventories and …
Avian influenza viruses (AIV) are highly susceptible to all disinfectants because they are enveloped viruses. Disinfectants effective against AIV have optimum efficacies at temperatures above 20°C. Very few studies on effective disinfectants at low temperatures have been done. Disinfectants were investigated at 4 different temperatures (25, 4, 0, and −10°C) and 2 contact times (1 …
Aerosol Transmission of an Avian Influenza H9N2 Virus with a Tropism for the Respiratory Tract of Chickens
A study was carried out in French breeder duck flocks in 2008 and 2009 to identify practices and events related to the introduction of avian influenza viruses (AIVs). The status of flocks was assessed using serological methods for all subtypes of AIV without typing. Flocks managed with both natural mating and artificial insemination were investigated …
The Consumer Goods Forum has established Pulp, Paper and Packaging Guidelines. The Guidelines are intended to assist companies in the development of their own policies for sourcing pulp, paper and packaging and were developed by retailers and manufacturers from within the CGF membership.
A presentation given by Ben Dellaert, Netherlands to the OIE in Cairo in October 2008.
Following on from the Avian Influenza outbreaks in Jalisco in 2012 and Guanajuato in 2013 the Mexican Egg Industry has provided a summary of the event and some recommendations for the global industry in the case of future action.
Following on from the Avian Influenza outbreaks in Jalisco in 2012 and Guanajuato in 2013 the Mexican Egg Industry has …
Report from FAO December 2012
New products that are based on higher animal welfare standards encounter several barriers on the road to market acceptance. The authors focus on the Dutch poultry sector and distinguish between retailer and consumer barriers. Retailers barriers include the powerful position of retailers, the price competition, and the price-orienatation of decision makers. At the consumer level …
Upcoming nesting behaviour traits, such as the exact oviposition time or the time spent in the nest, have a direct impact on economically relevant aspects. Hens which stay for a long time in the nest box, require more nest capacity which result in the higher investments for the farmer. This is simialr to flocks in …
Many animals produce alarm calls that warn conspecifics about predators. In some species, alarm calls communicate continuous traits associated with …