A genome-wide association study in a large F2-cross of laying hens reveals novel genomic regions associated with feather pecking and aggressive pecking behavior.

Background: Feather pecking and aggressive pecking in laying hens are serious economic and welfare issues. In spite of extensive research on feather pecking during the last decades, the motivation for this behavior is still not clear. A small to moderate heritability has frequently been reported for these traits.

Genetic parameters and signatures of selection in two divergent laying hen lines selected for feather pecking behaviour.

Background: Feather pecking (FP) in laying hens is a well-known and multi-factorial behaviour with a genetic background. In a selection experiment, two lines were developed for 11 generations for high (HFP) and low (LFP) feather pecking, respectively. Starting with the second generation of selection, there was a constant difference in mean number of FP bouts between both lines.

Quantitative genetic analysis of traits related to fear and feather pecking in laying hens.

Feather pecking is a well known problem in flocks of laying hens. It is partially controlled by genetics. Fear is frequently reported to be related with feather pecking.