title: Preliminary studies on the reaction of growing geese (Anser anser f. domestica) to the proximity of wind turbines.
abstract: Wind farms produce electricity without causing air pollution and environmental degradation. Unfortunately, wind turbines are a source of infrasound, which may cause a number of physiological effects, such as an increase in cortisol and catecholamine secretion. The impact of infrasound noise, emitted by wind turbines, on the health of geese and other farm animals has not previously been evaluated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of noise, generated by wind turbines, on the stress parameters (cortisol) and the weight gain of geese kept in surrounding areas. The study consisted of 40 individuals of 5-week-old domestic geese Anser anser f domestica, divided into 2 equal groups. The first experimental gaggle (I) remained within 50 m from turbine and the second one (II) within 500 m. During the 12 weeks of the study, noise measurements were also taken. Weight gain and the concentration of cortisol in blood were assessed and significant differences in both cases were found. Geese from gaggle I gained less weight and had a higher concentration of cortisol in blood, compared to individuals from gaggle II. Lower activity and some disturbing changes in behavior of animals from group I were noted. Results of the study suggest a negative effect of the immediate vicinity of a wind turbine on the stress parameters of geese and their productivity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Management, Faculty of Animal Breeding and Biology, University of Technology and Life Sciences in Bydgoszcz, Mazowiecka 28, 85-084 Bydgoszcz. zywienie@utp.edu.pl
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mikolajczak
authors.affiliation: Department of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Technology and Life Sciences in Bydgoszcz, Prof. Kaliskiego 7, 85-789 Bydgoszcz.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Borowski
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Management, Faculty of Animal Breeding and Biology, University of Technology and Life Sciences in Bydgoszcz, Mazowiecka 28, 85-084 Bydgoszcz.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Marć-Pieńkowska
authors.affiliation: Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nicolaus Copernicus University Collegium Medicum, Bydgoszcz.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Odrowaz-Sypniewska
authors.affiliation: Department of Poultry Breeding, Faculty of Animal Breeding and Biology, University of Technology and Life Sciences in Bydgoszcz, Mazowiecka 28, 85-084 Bydgoszcz.
authors.forename: Z
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Bernacki
authors.affiliation: Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nicolaus Copernicus University Collegium Medicum, Bydgoszcz.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Siódmiak
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Management, Faculty of Animal Breeding and Biology, University of Technology and Life Sciences in Bydgoszcz, Mazowiecka 28, 85-084 Bydgoszcz.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Szterk
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D046090:Anseriformes / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000502:physiology*; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology*; D001835:Body Weight; D004736:Energy-Generating Resources; D006799:Housing, Animal; D006854:Hydrocortisone; D009622:Noise; D014732:Vibration; D014796:Visual Perception; D014919:Wind
chemical_list: D006854:Hydrocortisone