Animal Molecular Breeding 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 207-216 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/amb 207 Research Insight Open Access Evaluating the Heritability of Temperament Traits in Pet Birds JiaXuan Institute of Life Science, Jiyang College of Zhejiang AandF University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: jia.xuan@jicat.org Animal Molecular Breeding, 2024, Vol.14, No.3 doi: 10.5376/amb.2024.14.0022 Received: 15 Mar., 2024 Accepted: 03 May, 2024 Published: 18 May, 2024 Copyright © 2024 Xuan, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Xuan J., 2024, Evaluating the heritability of temperament traits in pet birds, Animal Molecular Breeding, 14(3): 207-216 (doi: 10.5376/amb.2024.14.0022) Abstract Temperament traits, such as aggressiveness, sociability, and fearfulness, are key factors in determining the adaptability of pet birds. This study reviews the definition and common assessment methods of temperament traits in pet birds, delves into the genetic basis of these traits in avian species, and evaluates the heritability of various temperament traits in pet birds using quantitative and molecular genetic approaches. It also examines the impact of environmental factors, such as early life experiences, socialization, and training, on the development of these traits. Through a case study of specific species, this study reveals the heritability of temperament traits in pet birds and discusses its application in breeding and daily care practices. The findings indicate that understanding and applying the heritability of temperament traits can help breeders select birds better suited for domestic life, thereby enhancing the adaptability of pet birds. This study aims to provide a theoretical foundation for more scientifically informed breeding and care practices by uncovering the genetic patterns of these traits across different avian species. Keywords Temperament traits; Heritability; Pet birds; Breeding practices; Environmental influence 1 Introduction Temperament traits in pet birds, much like in other animals, refer to consistent individual differences in behavior that are observable over time and across various situations. These traits encompass a range of behaviors such as anxiety, curiosity, neophobia, activity levels, and social interactions. For instance, studies have identified specific temperament traits in parrots, such as anxiety/vigilance and curiosity/neophilia, which are comparable to neuroticism and extraversion in other species (Coutant et al., 2018). Similarly, in cockatiels, temperament traits have been measured using both observer ratings and direct behavioral observations, revealing consistent patterns that can predict behaviors towards novel objects (Fox and Millam, 2010). Understanding the heritability of temperament traits in pet birds is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it can provide insights into the evolutionary and ecological significance of these traits. Temperament traits are known to influence survival and reproductive success, as well as interactions with the environment and conspecifics (Azevedo and Sant’anna, 2023). For example, in great tits, exploration behavior in novel environments has been shown to be moderately heritable and subject to natural selection, with variations influenced by environmental factors (Quinn et al., 2009). Knowledge of heritable temperament traits can inform breeding programs aimed at enhancing desirable traits and improving animal welfare. For instance, identifying fearful individuals through temperament tests can help in managing their responses to routine handling and stress, thereby improving their overall well-being (Ramos et al., 2023). This study evaluates the heritability of temperament traits in pet birds, with a focus on parrots and other commonly kept species, including developing and validating reliable methods for assessing temperament traits in pet birds, investigating the genetic basis of these traits and their heritability, examining the effects of environmental factors on the expression of temperament traits, and exploring the impact of temperament traits on bird welfare and management practices, with the aiming of contributing to a deeper understanding of the behavioral ecology of pet birds and providing practical insights for their care and management.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==