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ARS Home » Midwest Area » West Lafayette, Indiana » Livestock Behavior Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #291079
Title: Differential serotonergic mediation of aggression in roosters selected for resistance and susceptibility to Marek's disease

Author
item Dennis, Rachel
item Cheng, Heng-Wei

Submitted to: British Poultry Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/20/2013
Publication Date: 4/16/2014
Publication URL: http://handle.nal.usda.gov/10113/58736
Citation: Dennis, R.L., Cheng, H. 2014. Differential serotonergic mediation of aggression in roosters selected for resistance and susceptibility to Marek's disease. British Poultry Science. 55(1):13-20.

Interpretive Summary: Serotonin is a primary neurotransmitter regulating aggression and impulsive behaviors. The present study investigates the effects of two different pharmaceutical agents (selective receptor antagonists) on two strains of domestic roosters. The roosters used in this study were selected for susceptibility or resistance to Marek's disease. Previous studies have shown these strains also differ greatly in their aggressiveness profiles. The present study determined that roosters from the high aggressive strain responded differently to the pharmaceutical agents than did roosters from the low aggressive strain. Our data provide evidence of genetic differences in regulating aggression through the serotonin pathway. The results from the present study can be used to help identify genetic markers that can be used in breeding programs to select birds with reduced aggressiveness.

Technical Abstract: Serotonin (5-HT) is a primary regulating neurotransmitter involved in aggressive and impulsive behaviors in mammals. Previous studies have also demonstrated the function of serotonergic system in regulating aggression is affected by both genetic and environmental factors. The serotonergic system may display similar functions in chickens. Our objective was to investigate the aggressive and impulsive behavioral response to antagonism of the 5-HT1A and 1B receptors in roosters bred for susceptibility and resistance to Marek’s disease (i.e., strain 72 and 63, respectively). Roosters from strain 72 exhibited increased aggressive and feather pecking behaviors compared to strain 63 roosters, and reduced levels of brain 5-HT. Antagonism of 5-HT1A receptors increased aggressiveness in strain 72, but not strain 63 roosters. 5-HT1B receptor antagonism had no effect on aggression in either strain. Serotonin turnover, but not absolute central 5-HT levels, was altered in both strains following 5-HT1B antagonism, but only in strain 72 roosters following 5-HT1A antagonism. Our data suggests 5-HT1A and 1B regulate aggression differently in high and low aggressive strains.