Feather Plucking Research Articles

Evaluation of an Innovative Zn Source on Feed Efficiency, Growth Performance, Skin and Bone Quality of Broilers Suffering Heat Stress.

One thousand two hundred male broilers were used to evaluate the effect of different dosages of HiZox® on feed efficiency, growth performance and bone quality of broilers suffering from heat stress. A completely randomized design was used, with four treatments and ten replicates. Basal corn−soybean meal diets supplemented with 75, 100 and 125 mg/kg zinc from HiZox and 100 mg/kg zinc from regular ZnO were used to make four treatments. Heat stress was induced after the third week by keeping house temperature between 28−34 °C, from 1 pm until 5 pm. The body weights of the birds that received the diet supplemented with HiZox or ZnO showed no significant difference at 7 and 14 days. Body weight of heat stressed birds fed diets containing different levels of HiZox or ZnO were not different at 28 and 42 days of age. In comparison to the Ross 308 management guide, induced heat stress diminished body weight and feed intake by approximately 17 and 21%, respectively. At 28 days, chickens who received 125 mg/kg Zn from Hizox had better feed efficiency (p < 0.05). The mortality rate of heat-stressed male broiler chickens who received different dosages of HiZox was 2.85% less than that of the regular ZnO group (p < 0.06). The results showed that addition of HiZox to the diet of male broiler under heat stress doubled the skin resistance during feather plucking in the slaughter plant and improved carcass quality (p < 0.07). Tibia breaking strength, included elongation and extension were improved by consumption of a diet supplemented with 75 mg HiZox/kg (p < 0.09). The HiZox-75 fed broilers required higher amounts of energy (MJ) for tibia breaking at break and peak points at 42 days (p < 0.09; p < 0.07). Jejunum Zn concentrations reflected the quantity of ingested Zn (p < 0.0001). Gizzard Zn solubility was dependent on dietary treatment (p < 0.03). Solubility of Zn in the gizzard of chickens who received HiZox was higher (about 30%) than broilers fed regular ZnO. In conclusion, Zn from HiZox was more efficient in decreasing heat stress mortality, increasing skin resistance and bone breaking strength compared to a regular ZnO source.

Comparative evaluation of isoflurane and sevoflurane in avian patients

Background and Aim:Literature comparing the use of isoflurane and sevoflurane inhalation anesthetic agents in birds is scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the comparison of isoflurane and sevoflurane during induction, maintenance, and recovery of anesthesia in avian patients.Materials and Methods:In this study, 24 injured avian patients (n=24) were selected randomly and divided into four groups during kite flying festival. In the present study, isoflurane and sevoflurane were used as induction and maintenance anesthetic agents, with and without butorphanol tartrate premedication agent in all the birds. Different physiological parameters were evaluated, namely, cloacal temperature (°F), heart rate (beats/min), respiratory rate (breaths/min), and SpO2 (%) were recorded at 0, 10, 20 min, and at recovery time. The quality of anesthesia was assessed on the basis of induction time, quality of induction, production of analgesia, muscle relaxation, body reflexes, recovery time, quality of recovery, sitting, standing, and complete recovery time (CRT).Results:The mean±standard error value of induction time was 230.00±32.55, 280.00±25.29, 180.00±21.90, and 260.00±36.87 s, respectively, in Groups I, II, III, and IV. The feather plucking, pharyngeal, and toe pinching reflexes were noticed, when the birds were passing through the light plane of anesthesia during induction. Comparison of cloacal temperature at the time of recovery between Group-I versus Group-III revealed a significant difference (p<0.05). Comparison of mean respiratory rates at the time of recovery between Group-II versus Group-IV revealed a significant difference (p<0.05). Excellent quality of recovery was observed in all the groups of anesthetic protocols. Sitting, standing, and CRT were observed shortest in avian patients maintained with sevoflurane as compared to isoflurane.Conclusion:The quality of induction of anesthesia was rapid in avian patients when induced with sevoflurane as compared to isoflurane. Rapid onset of induction and recovery of anesthesia were found with sevoflurane followed by isoflurane. Induction and maintenance of anesthesia in avian patients with sevoflurane resulted in the lowest time required for sitting, standing, and CRT.

Quality and stability of meat obtained from broiler chickens fed diets containing tonic root (Mondia whitei) as supplement

Tonic root has been speculated to improve Libido and this could have effect on performance and carcass traits of the animal. Afifty-six days experiment was conducted to determine meat quality of Abor acre Strain of broiler chickens fed graded dietary inclusion of supplemental white ginger (Mondia whitei). One hundred and eighty, one day-old broiler chicks were assigned to five treatment groups with three replicates per group. Birds on treatment one were fed concentrate with no supplements, those on treatment two had concentrate + 0.5g Mondia whitei per kg feed, treatment three had concentrate + 1g Mondia whitei per kg feed; Treatment 4 had concentrate with 1.5g Mondia whitei per kg feed and treatment five had concentrate + 2g Mondia whitei per kg feed. At the end of the eight weeks feeding trial, three birds each from each replicate of five treatment groups were randomly selected, deprived of food for 12 hours prior to slaughtering. After the traditional slaughtering method, feather plucking and evisceration were done and breast muscles were excised from the carcasses for quality parameters evaluation. The results showed significance (P&lt; 0.05) in some measured parameters such as colour, yellowness (b*) and Lightness (L*). Highest (P&lt;0.05) triglyceride content of meat (145.33 mg/dL) was recorded in the meat of birds fed inclusion level at 0.5g/kg and the lowest value (91.67mg/dL) in the meat of birds fed inclusion level of 1g/kg. Breast muscles had the highest (P&lt;0.05) pH score 6.72 at 1g/kg inclusion level and least value of 6.51 was in the control group. Dietary inclusion of Mondia whitei showed no significant (P&gt;0.05) effect on cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Although superoxide dismutase (SOD) and water absorptive power were not significantly (P&gt;0.05) influenced, cooking and refrigeration loss as well as thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) in meat were significantly (P&lt;0.05) lowest in birds fed 1g/kg dietary inclusion level of Mondia whitei. Some phytochemicals and overall sensory acceptability were statistically influenced by the dietary treatments.

Functional analysis and treatment of self-injurious feather plucking in a black vulture (Coragyps atratus).

The etiology and maintenance of self-injurious feather plucking (FP) have been attributed to biological and environmental processes, yet a definitive solution has not been found. The current study investigated the application of a functional analysis and function-based treatment to reduce the FP of a black vulture (Coragyps atratus). FP was found to be maintained by positive reinforcement in the form of contingent attention. A treatment consisting of noncontingent reinforcement decreased FP, and levels of FP remained low during schedule thinning. The current study further demonstrates the validity of function-based assessment and treatment with captive animals.

MANUFACTURE AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF POULTRY PLUCKER SUITABLE FOR SMALL FARMS

A study was carried out to manufacture and evaluate of a poultry feather plucking machine to select appropriate operational parameters. The performance evaluation tests were conducted under different factors such as, machine drum rotary speeds of 240, 340, 440 and 560 rpm (6.4, 9.07, 11.74 and 14.95 m/ sec.), scalding times of chicken of 30, 60 and 90 sec and number of machine fingers of 72, 90 and 108. The results show that, the highest average plucking efficiency of 91.4 % was obtainable with machine rotary speed of 240 rpm, scalding time of 30 seconds and number of machine fingers of 108. The lowest average was 43.73 % at the speed of 560 rpm and scalding time of 90 seconds. In general, the results revealed that, the machine plucking efficiency decreased with an increase in machine speed and scalding time. Generally it can be said that, the machine rotary speed, scalding time and number of machine fingers plays an important role in improving the de-feathering. The operationcost of thepoultry feather plucking machinewas 0.3 LE. kg /h, this means that, the operationcost for chicken ( 2 kg) was 0.6 LE., thepoultry feather plucking machine reduce 2.40 LE for each chicken as compared with the price of the operationcost of thepoultry feather plucking in the chicken ship.

FORCED MOLT IN FOUR JUVENILE YELLOW-EYED PENGUINS (MEGADYPTES ANTIPODES).

Penguins are dependent on waterproof plumage for survival. The molt in sub-Antarctic penguin species is a seasonal and catastrophic process during which the animals go through periods of fasting and high levels of stress. Their entire plumage is usually replaced in 3 wk. Attempts at consistent hormonal induction of molt in penguins have been unsuccessful. Four Yellow-eyed Penguins ( Megadyptes antipodes ) were referred for treatment at Wildbase, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand, in late April 2014, following loss of waterproofing, feather breakage, increased body weight, pododermatitis, and damage to caudal feathers from hock sitting. Feather plucking of damaged areas to stimulate feather regrowth was attempted with poor results. Waiting 10-12 mo for a natural molt was not tenable. Catastrophic molt was induced by treatment with 10 g/kg of fresh beef thyroid gland orally once a day. The molt was complete in 18-26 d during which the animals regained full plumage and waterproofing after feather regrowth. The forced molt feathers had abnormal pigmentation but were of sufficient quality to allow release of the birds back to the wild.

Effects of environmental enrichment in a captive pair of Golden Parakeet (Guaruba guarouba, Psittacidae) with abnormal behaviors

Abnormal behaviors (feather plucking, pacing, etc.) are commonly observed in captive animals. Environmental enrichment techniques have been used to improve animal welfare by promoting the reduction of such behaviors and stimulating the display of typical behaviors. The present study examined the effects of environmental enrichment techniques in a captive pair of the endangered Golden Parakeet ( Guaruba guarouba , Psittacidae) which presented feather plucking behavior. Different objects of environmental enrichment were presented to birds between February and July 2008. Behavioral analyses were performed by comparing pre enrichment, enrichment introduction and after enrichment phases. At each phase, a total of 42 hours of behavioral data were collected through the scan method with instantaneous recording at sampling intervals of 30 seconds. The results showed that the behavioral diversity of the parakeets increased (e.g. “social behavior” 14.00 ± 3.01, GL = 2, N = 21, p = 0.19; “locomotion” 25.52 ± 3.14, GL = 2, N = 21, p = 0.01) and feather plucking decreased with the use of enrichment (0.10 ± 0.07, GL = 2, N = 21, p = 0.78). However, abnormal behavior was again observed after removing enrichment objects. Although environmental enrichment did not eliminate completely the display of abnormal behaviors, the introduction of objects had a positive effect on increasing behavioral diversity of the animals and, consequently, improving animal welfare.

Feather plucking in parrots

Feather plucking, a common problem in pet parrots, can be a result of behavioural or medical influences. This article focuses primarily on the psychological and behavioural causes of feather-damaging behaviour,...

Survey of bornaviruses in pet psittacines in Brazil reveals a novel parrot bornavirus

Avian bornaviruses are the causative agents of proventricular dilatation disease (PDD), a fatal neurological disease considered to be a major threat to psittacine bird populations. We performed a survey of the presence of avian bornaviruses and PDD in pet psittacines in Brazil and also studied PDD's clinical presentation as well as the genomic variability of the viruses. Samples from 112 psittacines with clinical signs compatible with PDD were collected and tested for the presence of bornaviruses. We found 32 birds (28.6%) positive for bornaviruses using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Twenty-one (65.6%) of the 32 bornavirus-positive birds presented neurological signs, seven (21.9%) presented undigested seeds in feces, four (12.5%) showed proventricular dilatation, six (18.8%) regurgitation, three (9.4%) feather plucking and three (9.4%) sudden death. The results confirm that avian bornaviruses are present in pet psittacines in Brazil, and sequence analysis identified a distinct virus, named parrot bornavirus 8 (PaBV-8).

Tratamento de um papagaio-verdadeiro (Amazona aestiva) com síndrome do arrancamento de penas usando a técnica de vínculo social e a correção nutricional – relato de caso

The blue-fronted parrot (Amazona aestiva) belongs to the order Psittaciformes and family Pscittacidae. It is widely held as a pet because of its peculiar characteristics. The owners of such animals, however, frequently report behavioral problems. The absence of proper environmental stimuli generated by confinement and lack of social engagement can predispose these animals to characteristic behaviors related to stress, which can be manifested as a feather plucking syndrome. The present study reports the case of a blue-fronted Amazon parrot with a two-year history of feather plucking. The psychosomatic disease was halted once the animal created an emotional bond with a human being. This finding reinforces the social nature of this species and raises questions about the welfare of captive birds of this order.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Feather Plucking in African Grey Parrots (Psittacus erithacus erithacus and Psittacus erithacus timneh) and Cockatoos (Cacatua spp.)

Feather plucking, or the removal by a parrot of its own feathers, is thought to be one of the most common behaviour presentations in veterinary practices that treat avian patients. However, its aetiology is poorly understood. The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence of feather plucking within the population of African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus erithacus and Psittacus erithacus timneh) and cockatoos (Cacatua spp.) registered with 9 veterinary practices in the United Kingdom (UK) and to explore the association between frequently hypothesised risk factors and feather plucking in these species. A questionnaire was sent to the owners of 400 African grey parrots and 310 cockatoos registered with 9 UK veterinary practices. Returned questionnaires from 137 African grey parrots and 92 cockatoos were analysed, of which 39.4% of African grey parrots and 42.4% of cockatoos had exhibited feather-plucking behaviour at some point in their lifetime. Multivariable logistic regression modelling demonstrated that increasing hours of sleep and length of ownership were significantly associated (P < 0.05) with feather plucking in African grey parrots. Pet shop origin, cage location against ≥1 wall and ≥1 vacation taken by owners each year were significantly associated (P < 0.05) with feather plucking in cockatoos. The high prevalence of feather plucking in these commonly kept pets highlights this problem as a welfare concern, whereas the risk factor analysis challenges many frequently cited hypotheses regarding its aetiology. Further research is required to explore whether there is a causal relationship between the significant risk factors identified in this study and feather-plucking behaviour.

Normal and Abnormal Parrot Behavior

Behavior and behavior-associated issues are an important part of psittacine medicine. However, many veterinarians have an approach to parrots from the basics of handling and restraint to their assessment of behavioral issues (e.g., feather plucking), that fails to take into account the importance of understanding a bird’s natural behavior in the wild, and how these actions can be adapted to optimize interactions between the bird and their human owners. Understanding how to influence parrot behavior by positive reinforcement rather than punishment is key to improving the welfare of these captive birds and their owners.

Parrots will be parrots – understanding parrots’ behavioural needs

ABSTRACT:In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the popularity of keeping parrots as companion animals. These beautiful birds have stolen many hearts with their playful behaviour and their ability to physically bond with many owners. Yet keeping parrots in a captive environment can be extremely challenging and behavioural problems, such as incessant screaming, aggression and feather plucking, are not uncommon. This article highlights some common behavioural problems and the importance of creating a suitable enriched environment for your feathered friend to help him or her lead a happy and fulfilling life.

To pluck or not to pluck: scientific methodologies should be carefully chosen, not ‘one size fits all’

McDonald and Griffith (2011) raise important points in their critique of reliance on feathers as a source of DNA for scientific research. Although those authors are right about many details, their one-size-fits all approach (i.e. prescribing blood draws for avian DNA analyses) obscures bigger picture issues that are of extraordinary relevance to avian biology. We introduce four points to provide alternative perspectives on their commentary. In particular, we feel that a) scientific goals should determine methodologies; b) stress to animals is context specific and blood sampling is not always less stressful to birds than feather plucking; c) feather DNA is too valuable to be ignored, especially when coupled with other analyses that require feathers; and d) logistical and other concerns often preclude blood sampling. A one size fits all approach to science is generally short-sighted, be it in regard to the collection of genetic or other samples from birds, or to a suite of other research problems.

Feather sampling provides an unreliable source of DNA that may well have significant long-term impacts: a reply to Katzner et al.

We were pleased to see that our recent point-of-view article (McDonald and Griffi th 2011) has lead to further discussion on this important issue (Katzner et al. 2012). One of our primary goals was to encourage researchers to consider both the potential impacts of their sampling methodologies upon subjects, and also the level of information that particular methods are likely to provide. Whilst we are therefore pleased that Katzner et al. (2012) have continued the discussion and helped to raise the profi le of important issues surrounding the biological sampling of avian tissues, we are disappointed that they have misrepresented our original message. Th e primary critique raised by Katzner et al. (2012) centres on our reputed suggestion that blood sampling was a ‘ one-size-fi ts-all approach ’ to ornithology. Th is main criticism of our article is somewhat weakened by the fact that nowhere in our article did we either state or imply this to be the case. In fact, the opposite is true, in several places in our article we explicitly suggested that feather sampling may well be the best practise in some situations. Th e clearest statement to this eff ect is on the very fi rst page of our article: ‘ Note that we support the obtainment of feather material, after applying an appropriate degree of ethical rigour, when no other means exists for obtaining these data ’ . At present, there is a lack of data that has specifi cally tested for impacts of feather sampling, be it feather plucking or clipping, which makes it very diffi cult to judge the longterm impacts of these techniques. Again, we implore ornithologists to publish data on any potential impacts (or lack thereof ) of feather sampling at their earliest opportunity. Th e main thrust of our article was two-fold. First, to highlight the relatively poor DNA extraction rates associated with feather versus blood sources. Second, to identify some studies that determined signifi cant negative impacts of feather sampling. Th e latter are typically swept under the carpet as ‘ insignifi cant ’ – perusal of the literature suggests that this is not the case for a range of species (Chai and Dudley 1999, Th ompson et al. 2010). Katzner et al. (2012) raise four points in their article that they claim contradict our views, we address each below. 1. Science methodology should be driven by research questions

To pluck or not to pluck: the hidden ethical and scientific costs of relying on feathers as a primary source of DNA

This article responds to the recent prominence of ornithological literature advocating the plucking or clipping of feathers to obtain DNA in avian studies. We argue that the practise of feather plucking or clipping should be strongly discouraged on both scientific and ethical grounds in the avian literature. Currently, despite claims to the contrary, it is not clear that feather sampling as a source of DNA has lower ethical impacts on birds than blood sampling. In addition, feather samples provide a smaller and less reliable biological resource, significantly jeopardising the short and long-term outcomes that can be gained by the sampling. In contrast, blood collection has been experimentally demonstrated to be relatively safe, subject to operators being skilled and following published guidelines, providing large yields of high quality DNA that facilitates archival storage of samples in a manner that the destructive sampling of feathers cannot.

Applying chemical stimuli on feathers to reduce feather pecking in laying hens

Recent studies have shown that spraying a distasteful substance (quinine) on a bird's feather cover reduced short-term feather pecking. The present experiment evaluated if other substances offer similar or better protection against feather pecking. One hundred and twenty birds were divided into 12 groups of 10 birds each. Over a period of 10 days the birds’ response to 10 feathers coated with one of the 11 distasteful substances was observed and recorded. Feathers were soaked in a 1% garlic solution, 1% almond oil, 1% clove oil, 1% clove solution, quinine sulphate solution in four concentrations (0.1%, 1%, 2%, 4%), 0.6 mol magnesium chloride solution, anti-peck spray or an angostura solution. The control group received uncoated feathers. The number of feathers plucked, rejected or eaten was counted 60 min after presenting the feathers. All substances reduced feather plucking ( p < 0.0001) and consumption ( p < 0.0001) significantly, compared to uncoated feathers. Quinine concentrations of 2% and 4% were most effective. This study was the first to investigate the aversive potential of different substances to deter feather peckers from the feathers of other birds. The findings may be useful in the development of spraying devices to prevent feather pecking when other management tools fail.

Bill coloration, a flexible signal in a tropical passerine bird, is regulated by social environment and androgens

Although some group-living animals dynamically modify sexual signals in response to changes in social or reproductive status, this ability is often limited by constraints inherent in the mechanism of signal production. In birds, for example, inflexible moult schedules may restrict the ability to rapidly modify plumage-based signals. In such cases, more flexible secondary signals such as skin, eye, or bill coloration (e.g. soft parts) could potentially be used to achieve dynamic signalling. We addressed the degree to which free-living red-backed fairy-wrens, Malurus melanocephalus, can dynamically update both plumage and soft part signals when status suddenly changes, and how this may be achieved. In this cooperatively breeding passerine, dominant breeding males are distinguished from socially subordinate nonbreeding auxiliary males by the presence of nuptial plumage, dark bills and large sperm storage organs. Following an experimentally induced shift in status from auxiliary to breeder, males showed rapid increases in excreted androgen metabolites. Although they showed no overall change in nuptial plumage colour, several experimental males developed red nuptial feathers on the back following feather plucking, indicating that they had the capacity to develop bright nuptial plumage but were constrained from doing so by the moult schedule. In contrast, experimental males showed a rapid darkening of their bills, reflecting their newly acquired breeding status. These findings (1) provide experimental evidence that status affects physiologically controlled visual signals in free-living birds, (2) suggest that this linkage is mediated by testosterone and (3) illustrate how secondary ornaments may be used in dynamic signalling when the primary signalling modality is constrained.

How to…

Abstract Feather plucking is common in pet parrots but unless the cause is investigated thoroughly presumptive treatment is likely to fail. Kevin Eatwell discusses the approach.

Bird parasites: Part 1

ECTOPARASITES Ectoparasites are perhaps the most obvious form of parasitism to an owner, although it is also common for owners to suspect ectoparasitism even when parasitic disease is unlikely. In particular ‘feather plucking’ behaviour in psittacine birds rarely has an ectoparasitic cause (Fig. 1). Other common causes of abnormal plumage in psittacine species include husbandry and nutritional factors and circovirus infection.