Adrenocortical responses of Japanese quail to weighing and to tonic immobility induction

JONES, R. B.; MARIN R.H.; SATTERLEE D. G.

POULTRY SCIENCE

Poultry Science Association, Inc.

Año: 2005 vol. 84 p. 1675 - 1677

0032-5791

Tonic immobility (TI) is induced by brief manual restraint, and it is a commonly used test of fearfulness, particularly in poultry. However, in view of increasing ethical concern about experimentation on living animals, we should ensure that the tests used do not elicit unacceptable distress. Indeed, at the UK, there is some debate as to whether or not TI should be classified as a regulated procedure that requires a Home Office licence to experiment on living animals under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. The present study compared plasma corticosterone (C) concentrations in undisturbed Japanese quail (controls), and in those exposed either to the induction of TI or a routine weighing procedure. Circulating C concentrations were higher following TI induction or weighing than in the controls but the two experimental treatments elicited similar adrenocortical responses. Further, the plasma C levels found here were lower than those reported elsewhere when quail were exposed to crating / transport or to mechanical immobilization stressors. We therefore conclude that the induction of TI may be best regarded as a mild stressor. Furthermore, studies using this technique can identify ways of alleviating fear and thereby improving well-being. Collectively, we believe that the use of TI is justified and it does not require classification as a regulated procedure.