Influence of the pairing system on the behaviour of farmed red-legged partridge couples ( Alectoris rufa)

Abstract

Approximately four million red-legged partridges ( Alectoris rufa) are released in Spain each year for repopulation or hunting purposes, all produced on intensive farming facilities under a forced pairing system. We studied the ethological response differences between two types of red-legged partridges couples: free and forced, using an experimental protocol with two groups of 20 couples each one: (A) group of forced pairing, one male and one female randomly chosen were introduced in the same cage and (B) group of free pairing, a female had the opportunity to chose between four males, using as female choice parameter the time spent by the female near each male. The behaviour of the couples during the first week they were together was evaluated. Female red-legged partridges chose males of higher weight and this males display more frequently patterns of feeding and vigilance behaviour. In the red-legged partridge alert and vigilance behavioural patterns are closely correlated to other feeding and cohesive behavioural patterns that increase the reproductive success of the couple. There was not aggressive behaviour in the free couples and only 2 attacks in the forced couples. In conclusion to have the opportunity to choose a partner increase the display of patterns of cohesive and feeding behaviour that increase the welfare of the females red-legged partridge on farm, but the environmental conditions of this study were not able to demonstrate differences in welfare due to pairing methods because there was a practically absence of aggressive behaviour of the male in both pairing options. We consider the cage design and space allowance together with the pairing methods as important factors that should be study in the future to improve welfare of farmed red-legged partridges.