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May F, Spindler B, Müsse J, Skiba K, Kemper N, Stracke J. Use of an elevated platform with perforated surface and manure belt by fast-growing broilers on commercial farms. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103243. [PMID: 37980765 PMCID: PMC10692722 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.103243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Like other members of the species Gallus gallus, fast-growing broilers are motivated to perch. However, broilers in the European Union are kept in unstructured barns, with no opportunity to sit elevated and rest undisturbed. A possible solution to this problem is elevated platforms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of an elevated platform with perforated surface and manure belt by fast-growing broilers. On 2 commercial farms, an elevated platform was installed in 1 barn per farm. Approximately 35,000 Ross 308 broilers were housed in each barn for 3 fattening periods. On 1 d per wk, the number of broilers per m² on the platform and the ramp was determined every 30 min from video recordings. Besides, focal animals were observed to analyze their behavior on the platform at different ages and during light and dark periods. Broilers used the elevated platform and the ramp from the first week until the end of the fattening period (platform: 9.92 broilers per m², ramp: 6.47 broilers per m²), with a peak in the fourth week of life (platform: 13.00 broilers per m²). In wk 2, 4, and 5, platform use was higher during the light period than during the dark period. Broilers stayed longer on the platform in the dark period (dark: 01:54:23 [hh:mm:ss], light: 00:19:54 [hh:mm:ss]). In every phase of the fattening period, broilers on the platform were inactive to a high proportion (on average 80.60%). This indicates that broilers used the platform also for resting behavior. Thus, the elevated platform with perforated surface and manure belt is a suitable option to structure broiler barns. It allows the broilers to sit elevated and provides additional space. Factors such as a shallow ramp incline of 20°, wide ramps, and appropriate material used for the surface and ramps may have contributed to its high use by broilers of all ages. Further research is needed to evaluate the design of platforms that allow broilers to rest undisturbed.
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Affiliation(s)
- F May
- Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behavior, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (Foundation), 30173 Hannover, Germany.
| | - B Spindler
- Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behavior, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (Foundation), 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - J Müsse
- Department 3.7, Research Livestock, Chamber of Agriculture Lower Saxony, 26121 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - K Skiba
- Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behavior, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (Foundation), 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - N Kemper
- Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behavior, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (Foundation), 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - J Stracke
- Institute of Animal Science, Ethology, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
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2
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Campbell AM, Anderson MG, Jacobs L. Measuring Chronic Stress in Broiler Chickens: Effects of Environmental Complexity and Stocking Density on Immunoglobulin-A Levels. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2058. [PMID: 37443856 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Commercial housing conditions may contribute to chronic negative stress in broiler chickens, reducing their animal welfare. The objective of this study was to determine how secretory (fecal) and plasma immunoglobulin-A (IgA) levels in fast-growing broilers respond to positive and negative housing conditions. In three replicated experiments, male Ross 708 broilers (n = 1650/experiment) were housed in a 2 × 2 factorial study of high or low environmental complexity and high or low stocking density. In experiments 1 and 3 but not in experiment 2, high complexity tended to positively impact day 48 plasma IgA concentrations. When three experiments were combined, high complexity positively impacted day 48 plasma IgA concentrations. Stocking density and the complexity × density interaction did not impact day 48 plasma IgA concentrations. Environmental complexity and the complexity × density interaction did not impact day 48 secretory IgA concentrations. A high stocking density negatively impacted day 48 secretory IgA concentrations overall but not in individual experiments. These results suggest that environmental complexity decreased chronic stress, while a high stocking density increased chronic stress. Thus, plasma IgA levels increased under high-complexity housing conditions (at day 48), and secretory IgA levels (at day 48) decreased under high-density conditions, suggesting that chronic stress differed among treatments. Therefore, these measures may be useful for quantifying chronic stress but only if the statistical power is high. Future research should replicate these findings under similar and different housing conditions to confirm the suitability of IgA as a measure of chronic stress in broiler chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Leonie Jacobs
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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3
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Baxter M, O'Connell NE. Large variation in the movement of individual broiler chickens tracked in a commercial house using ultra-wideband backpacks. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7634. [PMID: 37169813 PMCID: PMC10175278 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34149-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of the movement patterns of individual broiler chickens in large flocks is extremely limited. Here we report the use of a Real Time Locating System to track individual broilers in a house of 28 000 birds. Broilers were fitted with backpacks containing ultra-wideband tags on day 21 (N = 8 broilers) or day 24 (N = 9 broilers), with tags recording positioning and distance data until Day 38. Tagged birds were penned overnight on Day 31 to avoid 'thinning'. We found no clear evidence of broilers consistently creating similar sized "home ranges". Some broilers spent most time < 10 m from where they were originally found while others visited at least 90% of the house in the period before thinning. While some broilers rapidly returned to the area they were collected from at thinning, the majority did not. Movement data suggested that broilers that restricted themselves to smaller areas of the house were not necessarily less active. Although there was an average reduction in movement with age, this was not linear and there was individual variation. There was also no clear association between movement patterns and broiler weight or gait score, suggesting a more complicated relationship between activity, ranging and some welfare measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Baxter
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queens University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5DL, United Kingdom
| | - Niamh E O'Connell
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queens University Belfast, 19 Chlorine Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5DL, United Kingdom.
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4
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van der Eijk JAJ, van Harn J, Gunnink H, Melis S, van Riel JW, de Jong IC. Fast- and slower-growing broilers respond similarly to a reduction in stocking density with regard to gait, hock burn, skin lesions, cleanliness, and performance. Poult Sci 2023; 102:102603. [PMID: 36996512 PMCID: PMC10070940 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.102603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
There is an increasing trend toward broiler production systems with higher welfare requirements. Breed and stocking density are considered key factors for broiler welfare that are often specified as criteria for such higher welfare systems. However, it remains unknown how slower-growing broilers respond to a reduction in stocking density with regard to their welfare and performance, and whether this response differs from fast-growing broilers. Therefore, we compared fast- (F) and slower-growing broilers (S) housed at 4 different stocking densities (24, 30, 36, and 42 kg/m2, based on slaughter weight) and measured their welfare scores (i.e., gait, footpad dermatitis, hock burn, skin lesions and cleanliness), litter quality and performance. The experiment had a 2 × 4 factorial design with 4 replicates (pens) per treatment (32 pens in total). Thinning (15%) was done in a 50/50 male/female ratio at 38 (F) and 44 (S) d of age (estimated body weight of 2.2 kg). We hypothesized that breeds would respond differently to a reduction in stocking density. Contrary to our hypothesis, only one interaction between breed and stocking density was found on footpad dermatitis, indicating that fast- and slower-growing broilers generally showed similar responses to a reduction in stocking density. F broilers showed a steeper decline in the prevalence of footpad dermatitis with reducing stocking density compared to S broilers. Broilers housed at lower stocking densities (24 and/or 30 kg/m2) showed improved welfare measures, litter quality and performance compared to those housed at higher stocking densities (36 and/or 42 kg/m2). S broilers had better welfare scores (gait, footpad dermatitis and skin lesions), litter quality and lower performance compared to F broilers. In conclusion, reducing stocking density improved welfare of both F and S broilers, but more for F broilers in case of footpad dermatitis, and using S broilers improved welfare compared to F broilers. Reducing stocking density and using slower-growing broilers benefits broiler welfare, where combining both would further improve broiler welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerine A J van der Eijk
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University and Research, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Jan van Harn
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University and Research, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Henk Gunnink
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University and Research, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Stephanie Melis
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University and Research, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Johan W van Riel
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University and Research, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Ingrid C de Jong
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University and Research, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands
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5
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Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Canali E, Drewe JA, Garin‐Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Schmidt CG, Herskin MS, Miranda Chueca MÁ, Padalino B, Pasquali P, Roberts HC, Spoolder H, Stahl K, Velarde A, Viltrop A, Winckler C, Tiemann I, de Jong I, Gebhardt‐Henrich SG, Keeling L, Riber AB, Ashe S, Candiani D, García Matas R, Hempen M, Mosbach‐Schulz O, Rojo Gimeno C, Van der Stede Y, Vitali M, Bailly‐Caumette E, Michel V. Welfare of broilers on farm. EFSA J 2023; 21:e07788. [PMID: 36824680 PMCID: PMC9941850 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2023.7788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
This Scientific Opinion considers the welfare of domestic fowl (Gallus gallus) related to the production of meat (broilers) and includes the keeping of day-old chicks, broiler breeders, and broiler chickens. Currently used husbandry systems in the EU are described. Overall, 19 highly relevant welfare consequences (WCs) were identified based on severity, duration and frequency of occurrence: 'bone lesions', 'cold stress', 'gastro-enteric disorders', 'group stress', 'handling stress', 'heat stress', 'isolation stress', 'inability to perform comfort behaviour', 'inability to perform exploratory or foraging behaviour', 'inability to avoid unwanted sexual behaviour', 'locomotory disorders', 'prolonged hunger', 'prolonged thirst', 'predation stress', 'restriction of movement', 'resting problems', 'sensory under- and overstimulation', 'soft tissue and integument damage' and 'umbilical disorders'. These WCs and their animal-based measures (ABMs) that can identify them are described in detail. A variety of hazards related to the different husbandry systems were identified as well as ABMs for assessing the different WCs. Measures to prevent or correct the hazards and/or mitigate each of the WCs are listed. Recommendations are provided on quantitative or qualitative criteria to answer specific questions on the welfare of broilers and related to genetic selection, temperature, feed and water restriction, use of cages, light, air quality and mutilations in breeders such as beak trimming, de-toeing and comb dubbing. In addition, minimal requirements (e.g. stocking density, group size, nests, provision of litter, perches and platforms, drinkers and feeders, of covered veranda and outdoor range) for an enclosure for keeping broiler chickens (fast-growing, slower-growing and broiler breeders) are recommended. Finally, 'total mortality', 'wounds', 'carcass condemnation' and 'footpad dermatitis' are proposed as indicators for monitoring at slaughter the welfare of broilers on-farm.
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6
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Reducing stocking density benefits behaviour of fast- and slower-growing broilers. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2022.105754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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7
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Nasr MAF, Alkhedaide AQ, Radwan MME, Hafez AESE, Hussein MA, El Bayomi RM. Growth, carcass parameters, biochemical and oxidative stress indices, and meat traits of duck breeds under different stocking densities. Poult Sci 2022; 101:101992. [PMID: 35841644 PMCID: PMC9293631 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2022.101992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/29/2022] Open
Abstract
This investigation was aimed to inspect if there is an influence of various stocking density on growth, carcass parameters, blood indices, and meat traits of Muscovy and Mallard ducks. One hundred twenty-six 1-day-old of each Muscovy and Mallard ducks were randomly allocated into three experimental groups with different stocking density. Group one (SD1) was 5 ducks/m2, while group 2 (SD2) was 7 ducks/m2 and group 3 (SD3) was 9 ducks/m2. The growth, carcass parameters, meat quality, blood indices were calculated. Body weight of SD1 was 18 and 4.5% heavier than SD2, while, it was 29.5 and 12% heavier than SD3 of Muscovy and Mallard duck breeds, respectively. SD3 possessed the highest levels of, H/L, ALT, AST, LDL, VLDL, and MDA with the lowest levels of lymphocyte, SOD,GSH, GPX, C3, total antioxidant capacity and IGG of both ducks' breeds. The carcass weight decreased by 40 and 15% from SD1 to SD3 in Muscovy and mallard ducks, respectively. The dressing % was highest at SD1 (84 and 83%) when compared with SD3(71and80%) of Muscovy and Mallard ducks, respectively. Cooking loss was 20 and 16% greater in group three when compared with group one in Muscovy and Mallard ducks, respectively. In conclusion ducks raised in low SD possessed the best performance with better welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A F Nasr
- Animal Wealth Development Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44511 Egypt.
| | - Adel Q Alkhedaide
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Turabah University College, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Marwa M E Radwan
- Food Control Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44511, Egypt
| | - Abd-El Salam E Hafez
- Food Control Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44511, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Hussein
- Food Control Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44511, Egypt
| | - Rasha M El Bayomi
- Food Control Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44511, Egypt
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8
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Forslind S, Hernandez CE, Riber AB, Wall H, Blokhuis HJ. Resting behavior of broilers reared with or without artificial brooders. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:908196. [PMID: 35958316 PMCID: PMC9360316 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.908196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Rest and sleep are important for the welfare of mammals and birds. A large part of the daily time budget of broiler chickens is taken up by resting behavior and the quality of resting is important. However, in intensive broiler production systems, disruptions of resting behaviors are common. These disruptions of resting behavior could be negative for the health and growth of the birds. This study investigated if artificial brooders that provide a delimited and darker resting place, away from active birds, reduce disruptions of resting behavior compared to a control situation without artificial brooders. Six pens of each treatment were used in the same building, keeping 60 chickens (Ross 308) per pen. The artificial brooders were removed at 21 days of age. Data on disturbances and duration of resting bouts and activity between resting bouts were collected on 20 and 34 days of age. Also, as an indicator of the quality of rest, the animals' cognitive performance was evaluated in a spatial learning test that was performed at 11 days of age. The results showed that birds housed in pens with access to brooders have longer resting bouts (260.7 ± 5.2 vs. 132.8 ± 5.3s, p < 0.001) and are less likely to be disturbed during resting by other individuals (0.15 vs. 0.48, p < 0.001). The effect of the artificial brooders on both the duration of resting bouts and the proportion of disturbances remained after the removal of the brooders at 21 days of age. The duration of activity between resting bouts was shorter if the resting bout was ended by a disturbance (9.98 ± 1.0 vs. 61.0 ± 2.4s, p < 0.001). Birds reared with brooders were more likely to solve the spatial learning task (0.5 vs. 0.27, p < 0.01), but those succeeding were not faster at solving it. Broilers may be exposed to disrupted rest due to the lack of a dedicated resting place separated from areas with high activity. Using artificial brooders reduces disturbances but does not eliminate them. Therefore, additional changes to the housing conditions or management will be needed to prevent disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Forslind
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Carlos E. Hernandez
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anja B. Riber
- Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, Tjele, Denmark
| | - Helena Wall
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Harry J. Blokhuis
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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9
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Averós X, Nazar FN, Estevez I. Animal Welfare Assessment: Quantifying Differences Among Commercial Medium and Fast Growth Broiler Flocks. FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2022.868851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A combined welfare assessment protocol, including indicators from the Welfare Quality® and AWIN® EU funded projects, was tested on commercial fast and medium growth commercial broiler flocks to determine differences in their assessments as measured with the used of animal welfare indicators. Ten commercial fast (Ross 308, Cobb 500, or a mix of both) and 10 medium growth (Hubbard JA × Ross 308), mixed sex commercial flocks were assessed at 32 and 48 days of age, respectively. Two observers simultaneously collected data on each flock. Observations included transect walks on central and wall areas to assess the AWIN® welfare indicators, bedding quality, environmental parameters and positive behaviors, all of them collected with the i-WatchBroiler app. According to the WQ protocol, welfare assessment indicators including the human avoidance tests, gait score, body weight and hock burns were also measured on each flock. Novel object tests were also carried out. The results of the study show that fast growth flocks had a higher incidence of welfare issues shown by the higher percentage of immobile, lame, sick, featherless, and tail wounded birds. Positive behaviors such as play fighting, wing flapping and running were more frequently observed in medium growth flocks on central locations, while fast growth flocks had a more limited expression of such behaviors. Fast growth flocks also had worse gait scores. Medium growth flocks expressed a different response to behavioral tests depending on the house location, likely attributable to their better mobility and welfare state, and also to the smaller stocking densities at which they were housed, while on the other hand the behavior of fast growth broilers during tests was similar regardless house location, being likely affected by mobility problems and the higher stocking density specific to their management. These results provide quantitative evidences on the differences in animal welfare assessment outcomes in fast and medium growth broilers. Nevertheless, results also suggest that some of the test responses were associated with the physical state and movement ability of the birds and house location that limit their response capacity. Such limitations should be considered when interpreting animal welfare assessment outcomes. These results add to previously published scientific evidences showing the potential of the method and app technology for practical on-farm broiler welfare assessment, including positive indicators, with farmers, technical personnel, certification bodies or scientist as potential end-users.
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10
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Sirovnik J, Euteneuer P, von Borstel UK. An attempt to use sound-imprinting to attract broilers onto elevated platforms for night-time roosting. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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11
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12
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Winter J, Toscano MJ, Stratmann A. Piling behaviour in Swiss layer flocks: Description and related factors. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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13
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Rewarding memories? Behaviour of broiler chickens towards peat in flocks with and without previous exposure to peat. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2020.105129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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14
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Slow-growing broilers are healthier and express more behavioural indicators of positive welfare. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15151. [PMID: 32938994 PMCID: PMC7494998 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72198-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Broiler chicken welfare is under increasing scrutiny due to welfare concerns regarding growth rate and stocking density. This farm-based study explored broiler welfare in four conditions representing commercial systems varying in breed and planned maximum stocking density: (1) Breed A, 30 kg/m2; (2) Breed B, 30 kg/m2; (3) Breed B, 34 kg/m2; (4) Breed C, 34 kg/m2. Breeds A and B were ‘slow-growing’ breeds (< 50 g/day), and Breed C was a widely used ‘fast-growing’ breed. Indicators of negative welfare, behavioural indicators of positive welfare and environmental outcomes were assessed. Clear differences between conditions were detected. Birds in Condition 4 experienced the poorest health (highest mortality and post-mortem inspection rejections, poorest walking ability, most hock burn and pododermatitis) and litter quality. These birds also displayed lower levels of behaviours indicative of positive welfare (enrichment bale occupation, qualitative ‘happy/active’ scores, play, ground-scratching) than birds in Conditions 1–3. These findings provide farm-based evidence that significant welfare improvement can be achieved by utilising slow-growing breeds. There are suggested welfare benefits of a slightly lower planned maximum stocking density for Breed B and further health benefits of the slowest-growing breed, although these interventions do not offer the same magnitude of welfare improvement as moving away from fast-growing broilers.
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15
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Adler C, Tiemann I, Hillemacher S, Schmithausen AJ, Müller U, Heitmann S, Spindler B, Kemper N, Büscher W. Effects of a partially perforated flooring system on animal-based welfare indicators in broiler housing. Poult Sci 2020; 99:3343-3354. [PMID: 32616228 PMCID: PMC7597817 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2020.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Alternative flooring designs in broiler housing have been the subject of intensive research. Research comparing different floor types with a focus on animal-based welfare indicators might be of special interest to meet the animal's needs. This case-control study investigated the effect of a partially perforated vs. a littered flooring system on health- and behavior-based welfare indicators of fast-growing Ross 308 broilers. Furthermore, production performance was assessed. The experimental barn was partially (50%) equipped with a perforated floor directly underneath the feeders and water lines accessible by perforated ramps. Conventional wood shavings were used in the control barn, as usual in practice. There were 4 fattening periods (repetitions) of 31 to 32 D performed with 500 animals per barn (final density of 39 kg m-2). Beside the flooring system, management conditions were identical. Health- and behavior-based welfare indicators were assessed weekly. Production performance indicators were measured continuously during animal control. During the avoidance distance test, animals were less fearful on day 21 (P = 0.010) and tended to be less fearful on day 28 (P = 0.083) in the barn with the partially perforated flooring system compared to the littered control barn. More animals around the novel object were also assessed in the barn with the partially perforated flooring system during the novel object test on day 1 (P < 0.001) and a tendency was found on day 28 (P = 0.064). Results showed that the partially perforated flooring system had a positive influence on foot pad dermatitis from day 14 (all P ≤ 0.007) and hock burn on day 28 (P < 0.001). With regard to the production performance, animals showed no differences in final body weight for both floor types. In this study, the partially perforated flooring system had a positive effect on animal health and behavior as indicated by welfare indicators without a reduction in production performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Adler
- Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany.
| | - I Tiemann
- Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany; Institute of Animal Science, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - S Hillemacher
- Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany; Institute of Animal Science, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | | | - U Müller
- Institute of Animal Science, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - S Heitmann
- Institute of Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behaviour, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - B Spindler
- Institute of Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behaviour, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - N Kemper
- Institute of Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behaviour, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - W Büscher
- Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
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16
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Ma H, Xu B, Li W, Wei F, Kim WK, Chen C, Sun Q, Fu C, Wang G, Li S. Effects of alpha-lipoic acid on the behavior, serum indicators, and bone quality of broilers under stocking density stress. Poult Sci 2020; 99:4653-4661. [PMID: 32988500 PMCID: PMC7598135 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2020.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of present study was to investigate the effects of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) dietary supplementation on the behavior, physiological and oxidant stress indicators, and bone quality in broilers under high stocking density (HSD) stress. A total of one thousand eight hundred 22-day-old Arbor Acres male broiler chicks were randomly allocated to 18 pens (2.97 × 2.03 m) in 3 groups: 14 birds/m2 (NSD, normal stocking density) or 18 birds/m2 (HSD) or 18 birds/m2 plus 300 mg/kg ALA dietary supplement (HSD + ALA, high stocking density + alpha-lipoic acid). Each treatment had 6 replicates, and the experiment lasted 3 wk. The HSD group was significantly lower than the NSD group (P < 0.05) in the frequency of eating, walking, and preening behavior. The alkaline phosphatase activity and serum calcium content were significantly higher, and the parathyroid hormone (PTH) level was significantly lower in the HSD group than in the NSD group (P < 0.05). When compared with the NSD group, the HSD group showed an increase (P < 0.05) in serum heterophil/lymphocyte ratio (H/L ratio), corticosterone (CORT), malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and catalase (CAT) activity, whereas a decrease (P < 0.05) in total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) concentrations. The HSD group was also significantly lower (P < 0.05) than the NSD group in the tibia and femur breaking strength, bone mineral density, and BMC. Importantly, the addition of ALA into the diets of the HSD group enabled the HSD + ALA group to recover to the levels of NSD group (P > 0.05) in the standing and preening behavior, alkaline phosphatase activity, PTH concentration, H/L ratio, CAT, T-AOC, MDA, SOD, and GSH-Px. These results indicate that the increase of stocking density lowered the bone quality, increased the physiological and oxidative stress indicators, and modified the behavior of broilers, whereas ALA dietary supplementation could counteract the reduction in the performance and physiological responses of broilers under high-density environmental stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huihui Ma
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Bin Xu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Wenjia Li
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Fengxian Wei
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Woo Kyun Kim
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Chongxiao Chen
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Quanyou Sun
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Chen Fu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Gaili Wang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Shaoyu Li
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China.
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Wu Y, Wang Y, Yin D, Wu W, Sun X, Zhang Y, Guo X, Chen J, Yuan J. Effect of supplementation of nicotinamide and sodium butyrate on the growth performance, liver mitochondrial function and gut microbiota of broilers at high stocking density. Food Funct 2019; 10:7081-7090. [PMID: 31670358 DOI: 10.1039/c9fo00904c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate the effects of stocking density and dietary nicotinamide (NAM) and butyrate sodium (BA) supplementation on the growth performance, liver mitochondrial function and gut microbiota of broilers at high stocking density. A total of 342, 26-d-old Cobb500 broilers were divided into 5 groups with 6 replicates. Treatments were as follows: (a) Low stocking density (L, 9 birds per cage); (b) High stocking density (H, 12 birds per cage); (c) H + 50 ppm NAM; (d) H + 500 ppm BA; (e) H + 50 ppm NAM + 500 ppm BA (COMB). The results showed that high stocking density significantly reduced the feed intake and body weight gain of broilers, while COMB improved the growth performance at high stocking density. High stocking density significantly reduced the liver metallothionein content, liver mitochondrial membrane potential and the activities of Na+K+-ATPase and Ca2+Mg2+-ATPase. In contrast, the liver metallothionein contents in the NAM, BA and COMB fed group were higher than those in the H group. COMB increased the activity of ATPase as well, but it failed to enhance the mitochondrial membrane potential. Stocking density also affected gut microbiota of broilers. The high-density group increased the relative abundance of Blautia. Supplementation of BA and NAM increased the abundance of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria, respectively. In conclusion, a combination of NAM and BA can improve the performance, antioxidant capacity, mitochondrial function and intestinal microbiota of broilers at high stocking density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Youli Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Dafei Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Wei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Xiaoying Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Yuqing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Xiaorui Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Jing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Jianmin Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
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BenSassi N, Averós X, Estevez I. Broiler Chickens On-Farm Welfare Assessment: Estimating the Robustness of the Transect Sampling Method. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:236. [PMID: 31448293 PMCID: PMC6691026 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Assessing commercial broiler chickens' welfare usually comes at the cost of reduced precision due to the large flock sizes and required time commitments. The transect method for on-farm welfare assessment is conducted by walking within delimited paths between feeder and drinker lines within the commercial house, referred to as transects. This non-invasive method is conducted by detecting birds with signs of impaired welfare indicators, which include leg problems, sickness, body wounds, and feather dirtiness. The transect method has been validated for commercial turkey flocks but not for broiler chickens due to the large flock sizes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the robustness of the transect method in broiler chicken flocks through a capture-recapture approach of a known subpopulation of 80 birds. Groups of 10 chickens were captured and individually marked in eight locations of the house. Two observers collected the number and position of the detected marked birds while walking along non-adjacent transects (four samplings/house/day) during the two following days. Detection and repetition rates per house, and within transects, were calculated, as well as the effects of flock density, transect number/house (six vs. eight), and sampling time (morning vs. afternoon). The number of traveled transects was calculated for birds detected more than once, and the population random distribution was tested by comparing the number of observed and expected birds/transect. Results showed more than 64% of detection rate with a repetition rate/house sampling of 24% and per transect of 1.66%. Higher repetition rates in six-transect houses and during morning samplings were detected. The number of traveled transects was higher in eight-transect houses and from birds first detected at walls, indicating longer traveled distances in wider houses. In addition, bootstrapping techniques were used to calculate the optimal sampling effort. Our findings indicate that the lowest repetition rates and optimal sampling can be achieved by assessing two transects, being one wall and one central, separated by three transects in between. Such sampling procedure would provide robust results for welfare assessment of commercial broiler chicken flocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neila BenSassi
- Department of Animal Production, Neiker-Tecnalia, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Xavier Averós
- Department of Animal Production, Neiker-Tecnalia, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Inma Estevez
- Department of Animal Production, Neiker-Tecnalia, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain.,IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
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Krause ET, Schrader L. Suggestions to Derive Maximum Stocking Densities for Layer Pullets. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9060348. [PMID: 31200454 PMCID: PMC6617375 DOI: 10.3390/ani9060348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The housing of farm animals, such as laying hens and broiler chickens, is regulated by the European Union (EU). However, for young laying hens which are not laying eggs yet, i.e., so-called pullets, no regulation for the number of birds per space is available. We exemplarily calculated maximum stocking densities for pullets based on their body size taking into account the European regulations for adult laying hens and broiler chickens. Our approach is mainly considering that a certain proportion of additional space should be provided to enable the birds to perform active behaviour. Abstract Stocking densities for domestic chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) are regulated by the Council Directives of the European Union for both laying hens and broiler chickens. For layer pullets no regulation of stocking density has been established yet. Based on the existing Council Directives for laying hens (1999/74/EC), broiler chickens (2007/43/EC) and calculations of the floor space that is required for the respective chicken’s body, we exemplarily calculated maximum stocking densities for layer pullets. Based on the calculations we obtained absolute additional spaces for birds of different live body mass classes, i.e., useable floor space that the birds have additionally available to the space covered by their body. This allowed us to calculate the relative additional space per individual. We suggest the relative additional space to be a key parameter to derive requirements for a maximum stocking density in layer pullets. We analysed several scenarios for pullets under consideration of the Council Directives for laying hens and for broiler chickens, coming to the conclusion that layer pullets at the end of their rearing period should be provided ideally with a relative additional space of about 40–60%.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Tobias Krause
- Institute of Animal Welfare and Animal Husbandry, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Dörnbergstr. 25/27, 29223 Celle, Germany.
| | - Lars Schrader
- Institute of Animal Welfare and Animal Husbandry, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Dörnbergstr. 25/27, 29223 Celle, Germany.
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BenSassi N, Vas J, Vasdal G, Averós X, Estévez I, Newberry RC. On-farm broiler chicken welfare assessment using transect sampling reflects environmental inputs and production outcomes. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0214070. [PMID: 30995219 PMCID: PMC6469842 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0214070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
To evaluate the utility of transect sampling for assessing animal welfare in large chicken flocks, we quantified relationships between environmental inputs, welfare problems detected using transect sampling, and production outcomes. We hypothesised that environmental inputs including environmental complexity (i.e. number of environmental enrichment types provided), space allowance, underfloor heating (presence or absence), and photoperiod regimen (18 h continuous vs 16 h intermittent) would correspond to variations in welfare assessment findings, which would predict production outcomes. We conducted on-farm welfare assessment of Norwegian broiler flocks at approximately 28 days of age. We sampled four transects (rows between feeder and drinker lines) per flock to determine litter quality and the proportions of chickens with compromised welfare as indicated by visual signs of walking difficulties, illness, skin wounds and small bird size. Production outcome measures included mortality, reasons for carcass rejection at slaughter, footpad dermatitis, growth rate, feed conversion and an integrated production index. Greater environmental complexity was associated with a reduction in skin wounds and total welfare problems on the farm, lower mortality, fewer rejections due to wounds and underweight birds, and fewer rejections overall. Higher space allowances within levels of environmental complexity were associated with fewer walking difficulties and welfare problems overall, a reduction in rejections due to wounds, and a higher growth rate and production index. Underfloor heating was associated with a reduction in rejections due to leg deformity, and intermittent light was associated with lower illness and skin wound rates on the farm, and lower mortality. Furthermore, fewer welfare problems and better litter quality on the farm were associated with fewer carcass rejections at slaughter. Thus, data from transect sampling varied with environmental inputs and production outcomes, supporting the validity of transect sampling for practical, animal-based on-farm welfare assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neila BenSassi
- Department of Animal Production, Neiker-Tecnalia, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Judit Vas
- Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Guro Vasdal
- Norwegian Meat and Poultry Research Centre, Oslo, Norway
| | - Xavier Averós
- Department of Animal Production, Neiker-Tecnalia, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Inma Estévez
- Department of Animal Production, Neiker-Tecnalia, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Ruth C. Newberry
- Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
- * E-mail:
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21
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Engel JM, Widowski TM, Tilbrook AJ, Butler KL, Hemsworth PH. The effects of floor space and nest box access on the physiology and behavior of caged laying hens. Poult Sci 2019; 98:533-547. [PMID: 30165652 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pey378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Confinement housing appears to be at the forefront of concern about laying hen welfare. This experiment examined the effects of floor space during rearing (315 or 945 cm2/bird) and adulthood (542 or 1648 cm2/bird) and access to a nest box on the welfare of caged laying hens. Measurements of the normality of biological functioning, such as plasma, egg albumen and yolk and fecal corticosterone concentrations, and heterophil to lymphocyte ratios, behavioral time budgets, mortality and efficiency of productivity, and measurement of hen preferences, such as choice behavior in Y maze tests, were used to assess hen welfare. There were no effects of treatment on physiological measurements. Hens given less space during adulthood spent less time mobile, inedible pecking, drinking, and preening and spent more time resting and feed pecking and sitting (P < 0.05). Hens with access to a nest box spent more time resting (P = 0.046) and less time sham dust bathing (P = 0.044) than hens without access to a nest box. There were no effects of space allowance on choice behavior for space or a nest box over food; however, hens with access to a nest box chose the nest box over food more than hens without access to a nest box (P = 0.0053). The present experiment provides no convincing evidence that either reducing space allowance in adulthood from 1648 to 542 cm2/bird or eliminating access to a nest box results in disruption of biological function. Less space and no access to a nest box did not increase the choice for more space or a nest box, respectively, over food in the preference tests. However, reduced floor space reduced behavioral freedom and denying access to a nest box eliminated the opportunity for the motivated behavior of laying their eggs in a discrete enclosed nest box, both of which presumably provide hens with the opportunity for positive affective experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Engel
- Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - T M Widowski
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - A J Tilbrook
- Centre for Animal Science, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - K L Butler
- Biometrics Group, Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport & Resources, Hamilton, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - P H Hemsworth
- Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
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BenSassi N, Averós X, Estevez I. The potential of the transect method for early detection of welfare problems in broiler chickens. Poult Sci 2019; 98:522-532. [PMID: 30203086 PMCID: PMC6376215 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pey374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The potential of the transect method was tested for early detection of welfare problems associated with bird age and genetic line, litter quality, and transect location. On-farm welfare impairment and its consequences on slaughter outcomes were evaluated to test the method's predictive ability. A total of 31 commercial Ross, Cobb, and mixed RC broiler flocks were evaluated at 3, 5, and 6 wk of age. Two observers evaluated 3 transects each, simultaneously and in the same house by detecting welfare indicators including lame, immobile, sick, small, dirty, tail wounds, other wounds (head and back wounds), featherless, terminally ill, and dead birds. Increasing lame, immobile, sick, and terminally ill birds according to bird age (P < 0.001) was detected. Higher incidences of small and sick birds were detected in C and RC (P < 0.001) as compared to R flocks, whereas more dead and tail wounded were observed in RC compared to R and C flocks at week 5 (P < 0.001). Dirty incidence increased as litter quality deteriorated (P < 0.001). A higher incidence of immobile, small, sick, dirty, and dead was registered near house walls (P < 0.001). Differences across observers were detected for lame, immobile, and terminally ill birds (P < 0.001). For the observer by bird age interaction, differences were detected for dirty, tail wounds, and other wounds (P < 0.05). Pearson correlations between welfare indicators at week 3 and those at final weeks of age (P < 0.05) ranged between r values of -0.2 and 0.654 (P < 0.05). Correlations between welfare indicators and slaughter outcomes showed a relationship between flock mortality and dead on arrival, footpad dermatitis, leg problems, and illness (P < 0.05). Litter quality positively correlated with downgrades (P < 0.001). This study showed the potential of transects to detect differences in welfare indicators according to factors that effects were previously reported. It demonstrated the transect potential for detecting and predicting the consequences of welfare impairment on slaughter outcomes. This would make the transect method a useful tool for notifying and rectifying welfare deterioration as early as at 3 wk of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- N BenSassi
- Department of Animal Production, Neiker-Tecnalia, 01008 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - X Averós
- Department of Animal Production, Neiker-Tecnalia, 01008 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - I Estevez
- Department of Animal Production, Neiker-Tecnalia, 01008 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, 48013 Bilbao, Spain
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Baxter M, O’Connell NE. Does grouping environmental enrichments together affect the way they are used by commercially housed broiler chickens? Appl Anim Behav Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2018.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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24
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Wu Y, Li J, Qin X, Sun S, Xiao Z, Dong X, Shahid MS, Yin D, Yuan J. Proteome and microbiota analysis reveals alterations of liver-gut axis under different stocking density of Peking ducks. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0198985. [PMID: 30365498 PMCID: PMC6203259 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0198985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the impact of stocking density on the liver proteome and cecal microbiota of Peking ducks. A total of 1,200 21-day-old ducks were randomly assigned to 5 stocking density groups of 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 ducks/m2, with 6 replicates for each group. At 40 days of age, duck serum and pectorals were collected for biochemical tests; liver and cecal contents of ducks were gathered for proteome and microbiota analysis, respectively. Serum MDA increased while pectorals T-AOC reduced linearly with enhancing stocking density. Duck lipid metabolism was altered under different stocking density as well. Serum LDL-C increased linearly with increasing stocking density. Proteome analysis revealed fatty acid biosynthesis proteins such as acyl-CoA synthetase family member 2 and fatty acid oxidation related proteins including acyl-CoA dehydrogenase long chain and acyl-coenzyme A oxidase were enriched in high stocking density group. Additionally, high stocking density increased oxidative response associated proteins such as DDRGK domain containing 1. Furthermore, increasing stocking density diminished proteins of anti-oxidant capacity including regucalcin and catalase. 16S rDNA analysis revealed that higher stocking density was accompanied with decreased microbial diversity, as well as depletion of anti-inflammatory bacterial taxa, including Bacteroidales, Butyricimonas and Alistipe. Besides, reduced bile acid metabolism-associated bacteria such as Ruminococcaceae, Clostridiales and Desulfovibrionaceae were found in the high-density group. Both proteome and 16S rDNA results showed inflammation and chronic liver disease trend in the high-density group, which suggests the involvement of the liver-gut axis in oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianhui Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, China
| | - Xin Qin
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, China
| | - Shiqiang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhibin Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Muhammad Suhaib Shahid
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Dafei Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianmin Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- * E-mail:
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25
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Abstract
Worldwide, farm animals are kept on litter or foraging substrate that becomes increasingly soiled throughout the production cycle. For animals like laying hens, this means that it is likely they would scratch, forage and consume portions of excreta found in the litter or foraging substrate. However, no study has investigated the relative preference of laying hens for foraging and consumption of feed mixed with different percentages of excreta. A total of 48 White Leghorn laying hens of two strains, a commercial strain (Lohmann LSL-Lite (LSL), n=24) and UCD-003 strain (susceptible to liver damage, n=24), were individually housed and given access to feed mixed with increasing percentages of hen excreta (0%, 33%, 66% and 100% excreta diets) and corn as a luxury food reward (four corn kernels per diet daily). The amount of substrate and number of corn kernels consumed from each diet was recorded for a period of 3 weeks. Both LSL and UCD-003 hens preferred to consume and forage in diets with 0% excreta, followed by 33% and finally diets containing 66% and 100% excreta. Despite the presence of excreta-free diets, birds consumed on average 61.3 g per day of the diets containing excreta. Neither physical health, measured by plasma enzyme activity levels, nor cognitive differences, assessed by recalling a visual discrimination task, was associated with relative feeding or foraging preference. In conclusion, this study demonstrated a clear preference for feeding and foraging on substrate without excreta in laying hens. However, considering the amount of excreta diets consumed, further studies are needed to understand the causes and consequences of excreta consumption on physiological and psychological functioning, and how this information can be used to allow adjustments in the management of foraging substrates in farmed birds.
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26
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Sirovnik J, Stratmann A, Gebhardt-Henrich SG, Würbel H, Toscano MJ. Feeding from perches in an aviary system reduces aggression and mortality in laying hens. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2018.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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27
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Wallenbeck A, Wilhelmsson S, Jönsson L, Gunnarsson S, Yngvesson J. Behaviour in one fast-growing and one slower-growing broiler (Gallus gallus domesticus) hybrid fed a high- or low-protein diet during a 10-week rearing period. ACTA AGR SCAND A-AN 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/09064702.2017.1303081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Wallenbeck
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Skara, Sweden
| | - S. Wilhelmsson
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - L. Jönsson
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - S. Gunnarsson
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Skara, Sweden
| | - J. Yngvesson
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Skara, Sweden
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28
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Giersberg MF, Hartung J, Kemper N, Spindler B. Floor space covered by broiler chickens kept at stocking densities according to Council Directive 2007/43/EC. Vet Rec 2016; 179:124. [PMID: 27377394 DOI: 10.1136/vr.103563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
It is controversially discussed whether the stocking densities set by the EU Directive 2007/43/EC allow a species-appropriate housing of broiler chickens. To calculate the exact area broilers occupy due to their physical size and shape, planimetric measurements using a colour-contrast method were carried out. In total, 1949 photographs of standing and 1482 of squatting chickens, taken from a top view, were analysed. A computer program counted the pixels representing the previously weighed animal in the photograph and calculated the animal area. The average area covered by chickens with 400 g live weight was 116.64±13.12 cm(2) in a standing and 138.61±12.92 cm(2) in a squatting position. These areas increased linearly as a function of live weight to 452.57±58.89 cm(2) (R(2)=0.90 standing) and 513.54±42.70 cm(2) (R(2)=0.82 squatting) at the end of the study (3200 g live weight). Squatting chickens occupied more space compared with a standing position in most of the tested weight classes (P<0.05). Depending on target weights, stocking densities and body positions, broilers occupied 48.5-77.7 per cent of 1 m(2) Thus, from a physical point of view, simultaneous resting is possible at any stocking density provided by the EU Directive and at common target weights.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Giersberg
- Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behaviour, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - J Hartung
- Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behaviour, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - N Kemper
- Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behaviour, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - B Spindler
- Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behaviour, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
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Casey-Trott TM, Widowski TM. Behavioral Differences of Laying Hens with Fractured Keel Bones within Furnished Cages. Front Vet Sci 2016; 3:42. [PMID: 27303674 PMCID: PMC4885835 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2016.00042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
High prevalence of keel bone fractures in laying hens is reported in all housing systems. Keel fractures have been associated with pain and restricted mobility in hens in loose housing. The objective was to determine whether keel fractures were associated with activity of hens in furnished cages. Thirty-six pairs of LSL-Lite hens (72 weeks) were enrolled in the study. One hen with a fractured keel and one hen without were identified by palpation in each of 36 groups of hens housed in either 30- or 60-bird cages stocked at 750 cm2/hen. Behavioral activity of each hen was recorded by four observers blind to keel status using focal animal sampling for 10 min within a 2-h period in the morning (08:00–10:00), afternoon (12:00–14:00), and evening (17:00–19:00). All hens were observed during each of the three sample periods for 3 days totaling 90 min, and individual hen data were summed for analysis. Hens were euthanized 48 h after final observations, dissected, and classified by keel status: F0 (no fracture, N = 24), F1 (single fracture, N = 17), and F2 (multiple fractures, N = 31). The percentages of time hens performed each behavior were analyzed using a mixed procedure in SAS with fracture severity, body weight, cage size, rearing environment, and tier in the model. Fracture severity affected the duration of perching (P = 0.04) and standing (P = 0.001), bout length of standing (P < 0.0001), and location (floor vs. perch) of resting behaviors (P = 0.01). F2 hens perched longer than F0 hens, 20.0 ± 2.9 and 11.6 ± 3.2%. F2 hens spent less time standing, 15.2 ± 1.5%, than F0 and F1 hens, 20.7 ± 1.6 and 21.6 ± 1.8%. F2 hens had shorter standing bouts (22.0 ± 4.2 s) than both F0 and F1 hens, 33.1 ± 4.3 and 27.4 ± 4.4 s. Non-fractured hens spent 80.0 ± 6.9% of total resting time on the floor, whereas F1 and F2 hens spent 56.9 ± 12.4 and 51.5 ± 7.7% resting on the floor. Behavioral differences reported here provide insight into possible causes of keel damage, or alternatively, indicate a coping strategy used to offset pain or restricted mobility caused by keel fractures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tina M Widowski
- Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph , Guelph, ON , Canada
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Rodriguez-Aurrekoetxea A, Leone EH, Estevez I. Effects of panels and perches on the behaviour of commercial slow-growing free-range meat chickens. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2015.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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31
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de Queiroz JPAF, de Souza JBF, de Lima HFF, de Oliveira Costa MK, de Macedo Costa LL, de Arruda AMV. Daily variations in the thermoregulatory behaviors of naked neck broilers in an equatorial semi-arid environment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2014; 58:1259-1264. [PMID: 23996545 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-013-0721-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2013] [Revised: 08/03/2013] [Accepted: 08/07/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the daily variations in the thermoregulatory behavior of 4- to 6-week-old naked neck broilers (Label Rouge) in an equatorial semi-arid environment. A total of 220 birds were monitored for 5 days starting at 0600 hours and ending at 1800 hours. The period of observation was divided into classes of hours (C H). The observed behaviors were as follows: feed and water intake, wing-spreading, sitting or lying, and beak-opening. A total of 14,300 behavioral data values were registered. In C H 2 (0900 hours to 1100 hours) and 3 (1200 hours to 1500 hours), the greatest average body surface temperature was recorded (34.67 ± 0.25 °C and 35.12 ± 0.22 °C, respectively). The C H had an effect on the exhibition of all behaviors with the exception of the water intake behavior. Feed intake was more frequent in C H 1 (0600 hours to 0800 hours) and 4 (1600 hours to 1800 hours). In C H 2 and 3, the highest frequency of sitting or lying behavior was observed. Beak-opening and wing-spreading behaviors occurred more frequently in C H 3 where the body surface temperature (35.12 ± 0.22 °C), radiant heat load (519.38 ± 2.22 W m(-2)), and enthalpy (82.74 ± 0.36 kJ kg(-1) of dry air) reached maximum recorded averages. Thus, it can be concluded that naked neck broilers adjust their behavior in response to daily variations in the thermal environment. Wing-spreading and beak-opening behaviors are important adaptive responses to the thermal challenges posed by the equatorial semi-arid environment.
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Averós X, Lorea A, Beltrán de Heredia I, Arranz J, Ruiz R, Estevez I. Space availability in confined sheep during pregnancy, effects in movement patterns and use of space. PLoS One 2014; 9:e94767. [PMID: 24733027 PMCID: PMC3986216 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2013] [Accepted: 03/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Space availability is essential to grant the welfare of animals. To determine the effect of space availability on movement and space use in pregnant ewes (Ovis aries), 54 individuals were studied during the last 11 weeks of gestation. Three treatments were tested (1, 2, and 3 m2/ewe; 6 ewes/group). Ewes' positions were collected for 15 minutes using continuous scan samplings two days/week. Total and net distance, net/total distance ratio, maximum and minimum step length, movement activity, angular dispersion, nearest, furthest and mean neighbour distance, peripheral location ratio, and corrected peripheral location ratio were calculated. Restriction in space availability resulted in smaller total travelled distance, net to total distance ratio, maximum step length, and angular dispersion but higher movement activity at 1 m2/ewe as compared to 2 and 3 m2/ewe (P<0.01). On the other hand, nearest and furthest neighbour distances increased from 1 to 3 m2/ewe (P<0.001). Largest total distance, maximum and minimum step length, and movement activity, as well as lowest net/total distance ratio and angular dispersion were observed during the first weeks (P<0.05) while inter-individual distances increased through gestation. Results indicate that movement patterns and space use in ewes were clearly restricted by limitations of space availability to 1 m2/ewe. This reflected in shorter, more sinuous trajectories composed of shorter steps, lower inter-individual distances and higher movement activity potentially linked with higher restlessness levels. On the contrary, differences between 2 and 3 m2/ewe, for most variables indicate that increasing space availability from 2 to 3 m2/ewe would appear to have limited benefits, reflected mostly in a further increment in the inter-individual distances among group members. No major variations in spatial requirements were detected through gestation, except for slight increments in inter-individual distances and an initial adaptation period, with ewes being restless and highly motivated to explore their new environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Averós
- Department of Animal Production, Neiker-Tecnalia, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Areta Lorea
- Department of Animal Production, Neiker-Tecnalia, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
- Navarra Public University (UPNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Josune Arranz
- Department of Animal Production, Neiker-Tecnalia, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Roberto Ruiz
- Department of Animal Production, Neiker-Tecnalia, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Inma Estevez
- Department of Animal Production, Neiker-Tecnalia, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
- * E-mail:
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Buijs S, Van Poucke E, Van Dongen S, Lens L, Baert J, Tuyttens FAM. The influence of stocking density on broiler chicken bone quality and fluctuating asymmetry. Poult Sci 2012; 91:1759-67. [PMID: 22802165 DOI: 10.3382/ps.2011-01859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Because broiler chickens are juvenile animals undergoing physical development, stocking density during rearing may influence this development. Some of these physical changes may cause welfare problems, for example, decreased bone quality, which may lead to fracture during catching and transport. Others do not influence welfare directly but can be used as indicators of the animal's ability to cope with its environment (e.g., fluctuating asymmetry). The present study evaluates the effect of stocking density on bone quality and fluctuating asymmetry. Birds were stocked at densities of 2.4, 5.8, 8.8, 12.1, 13.6, 15.5, 18.5, and 21.8 birds/m(2) from 1 until 39 d of age. Increased stocking density had a negative effect on some aspects of bone quality (tibia curvature and shear strength). Tibias were shorter at high density, possibly due to increased curvature. Several other bone quality aspects (tibia weight, torsion, and dyschondroplasia, and femur curvature and epiphysis shape) remained unaffected. Middle-toe length was the only character that showed a significant increase with increasing density when each character was analyzed separately. Nevertheless, a composite index of fluctuating asymmetry, which combined data on all 11 measured characters, tended to increase with stocking density. Such increased fluctuating asymmetry may indicate decreased welfare. However, one of the assumptions of fluctuating asymmetry is that the animal is subjected to the same environmental influences on both sides. This assumption may not be fulfilled when leg deformations occur, as these may lead to asymmetric changes in bone growth by altering the division of force over the 2 legs. In addition, leg deformations decrease the accuracy of bone length measurements made in a straight line. This raises some concerns on the applicability of fluctuating asymmetry measurements on broiler chicken legs, especially because stocking density did not effect the asymmetry of the head.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Buijs
- Animal Sciences Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Scheldeweg 68, B-9090 Melle, Belgium.
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Costa LS, Pereira DF, Bueno LGF, Pandorfi H. Some aspects of chicken behavior and welfare. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF POULTRY SCIENCE 2012. [DOI: 10.1590/s1516-635x2012000300001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - H Pandorfi
- Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco - UFRPE
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Guardia S, Konsak B, Combes S, Levenez F, Cauquil L, Guillot JF, Moreau-Vauzelle C, Lessire M, Juin H, Gabriel I. Effects of stocking density on the growth performance and digestive microbiota of broiler chickens. Poult Sci 2011; 90:1878-89. [PMID: 21844251 DOI: 10.3382/ps.2010-01311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased stocking densities are frequently reported to depress chicken growth performance, but the mechanisms behind this are not fully understood. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of stocking density on growth performance and digestive microbiota, known to be sensitive to environmental factors. Chickens were reared at 2 stocking densities, 12 or 17 birds/m(2). Growth performance was recorded between d 1 and 39, and litter was scored for quality on d 25, 31, and 37. Digestive microbiota was analyzed along the digestive tract (crop, ileum, ceca) of 3- and 6-wk-old chickens by using 2 molecular approaches: a qualitative method (fingerprinting by temporal temperature gradient gel electrophoresis) and a quantitative method (real-time PCR). An increase in stocking density was found to negatively affect the feed conversion ratio (+3.1%) and depress the daily BW gain of broilers (-5.5%) during the period from d 32 to 39 (P ≤ 0.05). Litter quality was reduced with the high stocking density as early as d 25. At 3 wk of age, stocking density strongly affected the fingerprint profiles of the bacterial community, with the highest modifications observed in the crop and ceca (R analysis of similarity = 0.77 and 0.69, respectively, P ≤ 0.05). At 6 wk of age, significant differences in the fingerprint profiles between the stocking densities appeared in the crop and ceca (R analysis of similarity = 0.52 and 0.27, respectively, P ≤ 0.05). The abundance of bacterial groups targeted by real-time PCR was affected by stocking density, but only to a limited extent. Because digestive microbiota may have consequences on the physiology of the digestive tract, its modification by an increase in stocking density may be involved in the reduced growth performance of the bird.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Guardia
- INRA, UR83 Recherches Avicoles, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
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Haddadi H, King AJ, Wills AP, Fay D, Lowe J, Morton AJ, Hailes S, Wilson AM. Determining association networks in social animals: choosing spatial–temporal criteria and sampling rates. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-011-1193-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Buijs S, Keeling LJ, Vangestel C, Baert J, Tuyttens FA. Neighbourhood analysis as an indicator of spatial requirements of broiler chickens. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2010.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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39
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Buijs S, Keeling LJ, Tuyttens FA. Using motivation to feed as a way to assess the importance of space for broiler chickens. Anim Behav 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2010.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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