Domestication has led to various morphological, physiological and behavioural changes, which includes changes in growth pattern and body size, changes in reproductive cycles and endocrine responses, increased sociability, and decreased anti-predator responses and fear.

Domesticated animals have been selected for genotyps that have advantaged them in coping with the environment close to humans.

A recent study has suggested that ADRA2C gene might be related to domestication of the White Leghorn (WL) breed. The gene is also hypermethylated in WL in comparison to Red Junglefowl (RJF) which can lead to permenant gene silencing.

Adrenoceptors (ARs) are a part of G protein-copled receptors (GPCRs) and act as the interface between between catecholamines and the target cells.

In mice α2C-AR expression affects dopamine and serotonin balance in the brain and the lack of their expression seems to cause stress protective effect.

We hypothesized that the individuals with different genotypes on ADRA2C would behave differently in fear related behavioural tests. We predicted the WL genotype birds may react to the stress less intensively in comparison to the RJF genotype birds.