16 research outputs found
Immune neuroendocrine phenotypes in Coturnix coturnix: Do avian species show LEWIS/FISCHER-like profiles?
Immunoneuroendocrinology studies have identified conserved communicational paths in birds and mammals, e.g. the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal axis with anti-inflammatory activity mediated by glucocorticoids. Immune neuroendocrine phenotypes (INPs) have been proposed for mammals implying the categorization of a population in subgroups underlying divergent immune-neuroendocrine interactions. These phenotypes were studied in the context of the LEWIS/FISCHER paradigm (rats expressing high or low pro-inflammatory profiles, respectively). Although avian species have some common immunological mechanisms with mammals, they have also evolved some distinct strategies and, until now, it has not been studied whether birds may also share with mammals similar INPs. Based on corticosterone levels we determined the existence of two divergent groups in Coturnix coturnix that also differed in other immune-neuroendocrine responses. Quail with lowest corticosterone showed higher lymphoproliferative and antibody responses, interferon-Îł and interleukin-1ÎČ mRNA expression levels and lower frequencies of leukocyte subpopulations distribution and interleukin-13 levels, than their higher corticosterone counterparts. Results suggest the existence of INPs in birds, comparable to mammalian LEWIS/FISCHER profiles, where basal corticosterone also underlies responses of comparable variables associated to the phenotypes. Concluding, INP may not be a mammalian distinct feature, leading to discuss whether these profiles represent a parallel phenomenon evolved in birds and mammals, or a common feature inherited from a reptilian ancestor millions of years ago
Review of the social and environmental factors affecting the behavior and welfare of turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo)
In modern rearing systems, turkey producers
often face economic losses due to increased aggression,
feather pecking, cannibalism, leg disorders, or
injuries among birds, which are also significant welfare
issues. The main underlying causes appear to relate
to rapid growth, flock size, density, poor environmental
complexity, or lighting, which may be deficient in
providing the birds with an adequate physical or social
environment. To date, there is little information
regarding the effect of these factors on turkey welfare.
This knowledge is, however, essential to ensure the welfare
of turkeys and to improve their quality of life, but
may also be beneficial to industry, allowing better bird
performance, improved carcass quality, and reduced
mortality and condemnations. This paper reviews the
available scientific literature related to the behavior of
turkeys as influenced by the physical and social environment
that may be relevant to advances toward
turkey production systems that take welfare into consideration.
We addressed the effects that factors such
as density, group size, space availability, maturation,
lightning, feeding, and transport may have over parameters
that may be relevant to ensure welfare of turkeys.
Available scientific studies were based in experimental
environments and identified individual factors corresponding
to particular welfare problems. Most of the
studies aimed at finding optimal levels of rearing conditions
that allow avoiding or decreasing most severe
welfare issues. This paper discusses the importance of
these factors for development of production environments
that would be better suited from a welfare and
economic point of view