Behavioral and adrenal responses to various stressors in mule ducks from different commercial genetic selection schemes and their respective parental genotypes

Arnaud, Isabelle; Gardin, Emilie; Sauvage, E.; Bernadet, Marie; Couty, Michel; Guy, Gérard; Guemene, Daniel D.

doi:10.3382/ps.2009-00553

Cited by 6 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…Indeed, such selection might reduce the buffer capacity of the animal in its reaction to stress (Rauw, 2007 ). Mule ducks are known to have a high sensitivity to stress, high social motivation, and a high level of fear of humans (Arnaud et al., 2010 ; Guéméné et al., 2006 ; Marie-Etancelin et al., 2008 ). Our results indicate that selection for lower RFI increases vocal expression during novelty investigation and lowers vocal reactivity to a human.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of selection for residual feed intake on production traits and behavior of mule ducks

et al. 2016

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A divergent selection experiment of Muscovy sires based on the residual feed intake (RFI) of their male mule progeny was initiated in 2009. Using electronic feeders, the aim of this study was to establish whether 3 generations of selection for RFI had an impact on feeding behavior traits and general behavior, and to examine its effect on liver and meat quality. Eighty mule ducks, issued from 8 Muscovy drakes per line with extreme RFI, were tested in a pen equipped with 4 electronic feeders. Feeding behaviors were recorded from 3 to 7 wk after hatching under ad libitum feeding conditions. Then animals were prepared for overfeeding with a 3-week period of restricted feeding, and overfed during 12 d before slaughter. The RFI was significantly lower in the low RFI line than in the high RFI line (−5.4 g/d, P = 0.0005) and daily feed intake was reduced both over the entire test period (−5 g/d, P = 0.049) and on a weekly basis (P = 0.006). Weekly and total feed conversion ratios were also significantly lower (−0.08, P = 0.03 and −0.06, P = 0.01, respectively). Low RFI ducks had more frequent meals, spent as much time eating as high RFI ducks, and their feeding rate was lower when analyzed at the wk level only. Additionally no significant correlation between feed efficiency and feeding behavior traits was evidenced, indicating only limited relationships between RFI and feeding patterns. Some differences in behavioral responses to stressors (open field test combined with a test measuring the response to human presence) suggested that a lower RFI is associated with less fearfulness. Selection for RFI had no effect on liver weight and quality and a slightly deleterious impact on meat quality (decreased drip loss and L*). Finally, low RFI animals had higher body weights after restricted feeding from wk 10 to wk 12 and after overfeeding than high RFI ducks. This suggests that selection for reduced RFI until 7 wk of age increases the feed efficiency up to slaughter.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of selection for residual feed intake on production traits and behavior of mule ducks

et al. 2016

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“…more fearful than the two parents for fear of man at 10 weeks of age) (Faure et al., 2003 ). Other studies suggested that Domestic ducks respond to fear and stress with a general increase in behavioural activity and physiological responses, while Muscovy ducks showed increased avoidance behaviour (Arnaud et al., 2008 , 2010 ).…”

Section: Assessmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Welfare of ducks, geese and quail on farm

Nielsen,

Alvarez,

Bicout

et al. 2023

EFS2

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This Scientific Opinion concerns the welfare of Domestic ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus), Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata domesticus) and their hybrids (Mule ducks), Domestic geese (Anser anser f. domesticus) and Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) in relation to the rearing of breeders, birds for meat, Muscovy and Mule ducks and Domestic geese for foie gras and layer Japanese quail for egg production. The most common husbandry systems (HSs) in the European Union are described for each animal species and category. The following welfare consequences are described and assessed for each species: restriction of movement, injuries (bone lesions including fractures and dislocations, soft tissue lesions and integument damage and locomotory disorders including lameness), group stress, inability to perform comfort behaviour, inability to perform exploratory or foraging behaviour and inability to express maternal behaviour (related to prelaying and nesting behaviours). Animal-based measures relevant for the assessment of these welfare consequences were identified and described. The relevant hazards leading to the welfare consequences in the different HSs were identified. Specific factors such as space allowance (including minimum enclosure area and height) per bird, group size, floor quality, characteristics of nesting facilities and enrichment provided (including access to water to fulfil biological needs) were assessed in relation to the welfare consequences and, recommendations on how to prevent the welfare consequences were provided in a quantitative or qualitative way.

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