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- Title
ORIGINAL ARTICLE Diurnal and oviposition-related changes in heart rate, body temperature and locomotor activity of laying hens.
- Authors
Khalil, Ashraf M.; Matsui, Kanji; Takeda, Ken-ichi
- Abstract
Diurnal and oviposition patterns of heart rate (HR), deep body temperature (BT) and locomotor activity (LA) in conscious and unrestrained Rhode Island Red hens were studied by a radiotelemetry system. Behavioral observations were also made on diurnal changes and during the pre- and post-laying period. Heart rate, BT and LA showed characteristic diurnal changes synchronized with a photoperiod of 15 h light and 9 h dark. In the light period, HR, BT, and LA levels were significantly higher than in the dark period ( P < 0.001). Furthermore, the highest levels of these parameters were recorded just after they were fed (08.30 hours), while the lowest level was measured after lights-off and remained stable throughout the dark period. Behavioral observations indicated that during the light period the hens spent most of their time in very active movement, exhibiting various behavioral patterns. However, in the dark period the hens spent almost all their time resting. The present results suggest that performing various behavioral activities cause heat generated by muscle exertion, which plays a significant role in daily HR, BT, and LA in laying hens. However, during the 60 min before and after oviposition, LA appeared to have increased steadily toward the moment of laying, and then regressed gradually in the post-laying period to a level significantly lower than in the pre-laying period ( P < 0.001). Furthermore, the pre-laying behavior of hens indicated extreme restlessness and more activity, whereas the post-laying period is characterized by less activity and increased relaxation. Consequently, laying behavior has a profound but transitory effect on HR and BT, suggesting that oviposition was probably associated with intense LA.
- Subjects
BODY temperature; HEART beat; LOCOMOTION; HENS; ANIMAL behavior
- Publication
Animal Science Journal, 2004, Vol 75, Issue 2, p169
- ISSN
1344-3941
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/j.1740-0929.2004.00172.x