Effect of group disruption on social behaviour in lines of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) selected for high or low levels of social reinstatementbehaviour

Japanese quail of lines selected for high (HSR) or low (LSR) levels of soci al reinstatement (SR) behaviour were reared in groups of three. At 3 and 6 weeks of age, one group member was replaced with an unfamiliar conspecific bird. Behaviour following introduction of the intruder was similar at both ages. Quail of both lines spent more time immobile after introduction of th e intruder than before its introduction. In the LSR, but not the HSR line, inter-individual distances between intruders and other chicks, were greater than those between familiar chicks. Birds of both lines pecked more betwee n unfamiliar than between familiar birds. Pecks, not associated with escape or avoidance by the pecked bird, were more frequent in HSR groups. Selecti on for HSR behaviour appears to have increased non-aggressive exploration o f intruder whereas selection for LSR behaviour has decreased interest in or increased shunning of intruders. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.