Feto-Maternal Communication in Broiler Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus)

2. Feto-Maternal Communication in Broiler Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) Presentation of a MSc Thesis By: Albin Gräns

3. Introduction – Material & Methods – Results & Discussion - Conclusion Background • Needs of the parents vs. needs of the fetuses • Feto-maternal communication would have an adaptive value. • Possible means of communication are sounds, movements and chemical signals.

4. Introduction – Material & Methods – Results & Discussion - Conclusion Aims How is the fetus affected by decreasing temperatures? Do fetuses behaviourally respond to decreasing temperatures?

5. Introduction – Material & Methods – Results & Discussion - Conclusion EP 18d IP Five Temperature intervals x 30 min 40°C 30 °C

6. Introduction – Material & Methods – Results & Discussion - Conclusion • Physiological variables indicating well-being • Oxygen consumption (VO2) • Ventilation frequency • Groups of communication variables • Fetal vocalizations • Fetal movements

7. Introduction– Material & Methods– Results & Discussion - Conclusion • Oxygen consumption • Conforming response T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5

8. Introduction– Material & Methods– Results & Discussion - Conclusion T1 T2 T3 T4 T5

9. Introduction– Material & Methods– Results & Discussion - Conclusion Temperature sensitivity (ml min-1ºC-1) 18d IP EP

10. Introduction– Material & Methods– Results & Discussion - Conclusion + - • Vocalizations • Movements • Ventilation freq. Maximum peak trend - + T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 - + - 35-36°C + T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5

11. Introduction– Material & Methods– Results & Discussion - Conclusion (Lundy 1969) Opt Embryonic Development 0 ULT LLOD PZT (36.0°C) (40.5°C) (26.0°C) For Chickens:

12. Introduction– Material & Methods– Results & Discussion- Conclusion Conclusion • VO2 decreased linearly with decreasing temperatures. • Fetal vocalization was notcorrelated with temperature variations. • Fetal movements peaked at 35-36°C and can be important for communication purposes.

13. Acknowledgement: My supervisor Jordi Altimiras for all the help, guidance and critical reading of the manuscript Kläckeribolaget in Väderstad for supplying me with eggs. Thank you for your attention!