Brain gain-Is the cognitive performance of domestic hens affected by a functional polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene?

The serotonin transporter (5-HTT) plays an important role in regulating serotonergic transmission removal of serotonin (5-HT) from synaptic clefts. Alterations in 5-HTT expression and subsequent 5-HT transmission have been found to be associated with changes in behaviour, such as fearfulness or activity, in humans and other vertebrates. In humans, alterations in 5-HTT expression have been suggested to be able to lead to better learning performance, with more fearful persons being better at learning.

Fear but not social behaviour is affected by a polymorphism in the 5'-flanking region of the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) gene in adult hens.

The serotonin transporter gene (5-HTT) is involved in the regulation of the neural serotonin. Polymorphisms in the 5-HTT gene have been described in many species to be involved in physiological processes and emotions. A functional polymorphism in the 5´-flanking region of the 5-HTT gene is known from chickens, with a deletion-allele (D), which is associated with an increased 5-HTT expression, in comparison to the wild-type-allele (W).

Modulation of Fear and Arousal Behavior by Serotonin Transporter (5-HTT) Genotypes in Newly Hatched Chickens.

The serotonin transporter (5-HTT) plays a key role in regulating serotonergic transmission via removal of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) from synaptic clefts. Alterations in 5-HTT expression and 5-HT transmission have been shown to cause changes to adult behavior including fear. The objective of the present study was to investigate the 5-HTT role in fear in birds at the very early stages of post-hatching life.

Evidence for the Association of a Deleted Variant in the 5'-Flanking Region of the Chicken serotonin transporter (5-HTT) Gene with a Temporary Increase in Feed Intake and Growth Rate.

The serotonergic system has been shown to be implicated in the regulation of mood and feeding behavior. Previous studies have identified a polymorphism in the 5'-flanking region of the serotonin transporter ( 5 - HTT ) gene of Lohmann Brown (LB) laying hens. The deleted variant D was found to be associated with increased body weight.