Differential effects of handling on isolation-induced vocalizations, hypoalgesia, and hyperthermia in domestic fowl. 1991

K J Sufka, and R A Hughes
Department of Psychology, Iowa State University, Ames 50011-3180.

The effects of handling and subsequent brief isolation on vocalizations, thermal nociception, and thermoregulation were examined in 7-day-old cockerels. In Experiment 1, fifteen min of isolation elicited more vocalizations in handled than nonhandled chicks. Nonhandled chicks exhibited longer response latencies than handled chicks. In general, isolated chicks exhibited longer jump response latencies (i.e., hypoalgesia) on hot-plate tests than chicks tested immediately upon removal from the brooder. Compared to handled chicks tested immediately, all other groups exhibited increased core body temperatures. Experiment 2 examined these handling and isolation effects after 15 min of isolation with or without conspecifics. Chicks isolated alone vocalized more than chicks isolated with conspecifics. As in Experiment 1, handled chicks vocalized more than nonhandled chicks. Nonhandled chicks exhibited longer response latencies than handled chicks on hot-plate tests. Isolation-induced hypoalgesia was observed only in handled chicks that were isolated without conspecifics. Core body temperatures were highest in chicks isolates without conspecifics. Additionally, chicks isolated with conspecifics exhibited higher core body temperature than chicks tested immediately. Decreased core body temperature due to handling exposure was observed only in chicks tested immediately. These results demonstrate that isolation effects on vocalizations and nociception are primarily due to social isolation and that isolation effects on thermoregulation are a result of both social and environmental factors. Moreover, the increase in isolation-induced vocalizations in handled animals does not correlate well with the decrease in isolation-induced hypoalgesia and hyperthermia displayed by handled animals.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008297 Male Males
D009619 Nociceptors Peripheral AFFERENT NEURONS which are sensitive to injuries or pain, usually caused by extreme thermal exposures, mechanical forces, or other noxious stimuli. Their cell bodies reside in the DORSAL ROOT GANGLIA. Their peripheral terminals (NERVE ENDINGS) innervate target tissues and transduce noxious stimuli via axons to the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM. Pain Receptors,Receptors, Pain,Nociceptive Neurons,Neuron, Nociceptive,Neurons, Nociceptive,Nociceptive Neuron,Nociceptor,Pain Receptor
D011930 Reaction Time The time from the onset of a stimulus until a response is observed. Response Latency,Response Speed,Response Time,Latency, Response,Reaction Times,Response Latencies,Response Times,Speed, Response,Speeds, Response
D001833 Body Temperature Regulation The processes of heating and cooling that an organism uses to control its temperature. Heat Loss,Thermoregulation,Regulation, Body Temperature,Temperature Regulation, Body,Body Temperature Regulations,Heat Losses,Loss, Heat,Losses, Heat,Regulations, Body Temperature,Temperature Regulations, Body,Thermoregulations
D002645 Chickens Common name for the species Gallus gallus, the domestic fowl, in the family Phasianidae, order GALLIFORMES. It is descended from the red jungle fowl of SOUTHEAST ASIA. Gallus gallus,Gallus domesticus,Gallus gallus domesticus,Chicken
D006234 Handling, Psychological Physical manipulation of animals and humans to induce a behavioral or other psychological reaction. In experimental psychology, the animal is handled to induce a stress situation or to study the effects of "gentling" or "mothering". Handling (Psychology),Handling, Psychology,Psychological Handling,Psychology Handling
D000818 Animals Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA. Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D001143 Arousal Cortical vigilance or readiness of tone, presumed to be in response to sensory stimulation via the reticular activating system. Vigilance, Cortical,Arousals,Cortical Vigilance
D012684 Sensory Thresholds The minimum amount of stimulus energy necessary to elicit a sensory response. Sensory Threshold,Threshold, Sensory,Thresholds, Sensory
D012934 Social Isolation The separation of individuals or groups resulting in the lack of or minimizing of social contact and/or communication. This separation may be accomplished by physical separation, by social barriers and by psychological mechanisms. In the latter, there may be interaction but no real communication. Isolation, Social,Social Exclusion,Exclusion, Social,Social Exclusions

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