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Ferreira VHB, Seressia J, Même N, Bernard J, Pinard-van der Laan MH, Calenge F, Lecoeur A, Hedlund L, Jensen P, Guesdon V, Calandreau L. Early and late cognitive and behavioral aspects associated with range use in free-range laying hens (Gallus gallus domesticus). Poult Sci 2024; 103:103813. [PMID: 38759569 PMCID: PMC11107457 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Individual differences in free-range chicken systems are important factors influencing how birds use the range (or not), even if individuals are reared in the same environmental conditions. Here, we investigated how various aspects of the birds' behavioral and cognitive tendencies, including their optimism/pessimism, cognitive flexibility, sociability, and exploration levels, are associated with range use and how they may change over time (before and after range access). To achieve this, 100 White Leghorn laying hen chicks underwent three distinct behavioral/cognitive tests-the cognitive bias test, the detour test, and the multivariate test-prior to gaining access to the range, between 9 and 39 days of age. After range access was allowed (from day 71), birds' range use was evaluated over 7 nonconsecutive days (from 74-91 days of age). Subsequently, a subset of birds, classified as high rangers (n = 15) and low rangers (n = 15) based on their range use, underwent retesting on the same three previous tests between 94 and 108 days of age. Our results unveiled a negative correlation trend between birds' evaluation of the ambiguous cue and their subsequent range use (rho = -0.19, p = 0.07). Furthermore, low rangers were faster to learn the detour task (χ2 = 7.34, df = 1, p = 0.006), coupled with increased sociability during the multivariate test (rho = -0.23, p = 0.02), contrasting with their high-ranging counterparts, who displayed more exploratory behaviors (F[1,27] = 3.64, p = 0.06). These behavioral patterns fluctuated over time (before and after range access); however, conclusively attributing these changes to birds' aging and development or the access to the range remains challenging. Overall, our results corroborate that behavioral and cognitive individual differences may be linked to range use and offer novel perspectives on the early behavioral and cognitive traits that may be linked to range use. These findings may serve as a foundation for adapting environments to meet individual needs and improve animal welfare in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeanne Seressia
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, UMR PRC, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | | | | | | | - Fanny Calenge
- INRAE, AgroParisTech, UMR GABI, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Alexandre Lecoeur
- INRAE, AgroParisTech, UMR GABI, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Louise Hedlund
- IFM Biology, AVIAN Behavioural Genomics and Physiology group, Linköping Universtiy, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Per Jensen
- IFM Biology, AVIAN Behavioural Genomics and Physiology group, Linköping Universtiy, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Vanessa Guesdon
- JUNIA, Comportement Animal et Systèmes d'Elevage, Lille, France
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Göransson L, Abeyesinghe S, Yngvesson J, Gunnarsson S. How are they really doing? Animal welfare on organic laying hen farms in terms of health and behaviour. Br Poult Sci 2023; 64:552-564. [PMID: 37529923 DOI: 10.1080/00071668.2023.2241829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
1. The present study describes the current welfare situation on commercial organic laying hen farms in Sweden in terms of indoor environment, bird health and behaviour.2. Organic laying hen farms (n = 11) in Sweden were visited for one day each. The farm visits were performed at the end of lay and involved farmer interviews, indoor environment assessments, behavioural observations and tests and clinical examinations in one flock per farm.3. In 95% of all human avoidance distance test trials performed, the hens distanced themselves from the observer before the test was completed. Median number of birds per flock approaching during a novel object test (n = 4 trials per flock) was 2 (0-9). These results may indicate a high level of fear of humans and general fearfulness among the hens.4. Plumage damage was especially prevalent and most severe on the breast and belly, tail and wings, with median prevalence of moderate-severe damage of 96% (84-100), 96% (72-100) and 98% (94-100), respectively. Median prevalence of keel bone deviations was 67% (32-84) with 3% fractures (0-8). Median prevalence of breast skin lesions was 57% (10-74). There was a significant positive association between breast skin lesions and keel bone deviations (P = 0.02) and foot pad hyperkeratosis (P < 0.001). Median prevalence of severe hyperkeratosis was 33% (8-96), with prevalence being significantly lower where litter depth was thicker (P = 0.003). More dust bathing events were observed in flocks where litter depth was thicker (P = 0.007).5. The present study contributes with updated knowledge of laying hen welfare on organic farms in Sweden. The results confirm the findings of previous on-farm studies, demonstrating that important issues, including keel bone damage and severe feather pecking, remain in need of attention to ensure the welfare of laying hens in future commercial egg production.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Göransson
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Skara, Sweden
| | - S Abeyesinghe
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College (RVC), Hatfield, UK
| | - J Yngvesson
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Skara, Sweden
| | - S Gunnarsson
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Skara, Sweden
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Alindekon S, Rodenburg TB, Langbein J, Puppe B, Wilmsmeier O, Louton H. Setting the stage to tag "n" track: a guideline for implementing, validating and reporting a radio frequency identification system for monitoring resource visit behavior in poultry. Poult Sci 2023; 102:102799. [PMID: 37315427 PMCID: PMC10404737 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.102799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Passive radio frequency identification (RFID) can advance poultry behavior research by enabling automated, individualized, longitudinal, in situ, and noninvasive monitoring; these features can usefully extend traditional approaches to animal behavior monitoring. Furthermore, since the technology can provide insight into the visiting patterns of tagged animals at functional resources (e.g., feeders), it can be used to investigate individuals' welfare, social position, and decision-making. However, the lack of guidelines that would facilitate implementing an RFID system for such investigations, describing it, and establishing its validity undermines this technology's potential for advancing poultry science. This paper aims to fill this gap by 1) providing a nontechnical overview of how RFID functions; 2) providing an overview of the practical applications of RFID technology in poultry sciences; 3) suggesting a roadmap for implementing an RFID system in poultry behavior research; 4) reviewing how validation studies of RFID systems have been done in farm animal behavior research, with a focus on terminologies and procedures for quantifying reliability and validity; and 5) suggesting a way to report on an RFID system deployed for animal behavior monitoring. This guideline is aimed mainly at animal scientists, RFID component manufacturers, and system integrators who wish to deploy RFID system as an automated tool for monitoring poultry behavior for research purposes. For such a particular application, it can complement indications in classic general standards (e.g., ISO/IEC 18000-63) and provide ideas for setting up, testing, and validating an RFID system and a standard for reporting on its adequacy and technical aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serge Alindekon
- Animal Health and Animal Welfare, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - T Bas Rodenburg
- Animals in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Langbein
- Institute of Behavioral Physiology, Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Birger Puppe
- Institute of Behavioral Physiology, Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany; Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | | | - Helen Louton
- Animal Health and Animal Welfare, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany.
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Garcia J, Anderson K, Guard J, Gast R, Jones D. Impact of paddock area stocking density of free-range laying hens on egg and environmental microbiology. J APPL POULTRY RES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.japr.2023.100338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
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A Comparison of the Plumage Condition of Three Egg-Laying Poultry Genotypes Housed in Non-Cage Systems. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13020185. [PMID: 36670725 PMCID: PMC9854643 DOI: 10.3390/ani13020185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The study covered a total of 810 hens in 3 groups (housing systems) of 270 hens each. The plumage condition of laying hens raised in various types of alternative housing systems, i.e., in deep litter (B), free-range (FR), and organic systems (O), was assessed at 20, 36, and 56 weeks of age. The indoor stocking density was 6 hens/m2. The study included hens of the native Green-legged Partridge breed (Z-11), Rhode Island Red (R-11) hens covered by a genetic resource protection program, and hybrids of Hy-Line Brown. The plumage of the head, neck, back, tail, and abdomen was assessed on a 5-point scale. The assessment of individual hens' plumage was calculated as the sum of the scores of the head, neck, back, tail and abdomen and could range from 0 (no cover) to 20 points (full plumage). The type of alternative housing system implemented and the age of the laying hens had an effect on the plumage status of all body parts assessed (p < 0.05), while the genotype had an effect on the condition of the neck, back, and tail plumage (p < 0.05). In both the FR and O systems, the plumage status was similar and superior to that in B (p < 0.05). As the age of the birds increased, the condition of the hens' plumage deteriorated. The better state of the plumage in FR and O than in B may indicate improved levels of welfare in housing systems with access to outside runs.
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So-In C, Sunthamala N. The effects of mulberry ( Morus alba Linn.) leaf supplementation on growth performance, blood parameter, and antioxidant status of broiler chickens under high stocking density. Vet World 2022; 15:2715-2724. [PMID: 36590133 PMCID: PMC9798068 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.2715-2724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim A stocking density system in boilers is well known for increasing productivity. However, this system increases stress and affects the growth performance of broilers. Mulberry is a valuable plant with therapeutic applications in traditional medicine; moreover, it reduces free radicals and improves growth performance in broilers. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of mulberry on the blood biochemistry parameters and the antioxidant status of broilers exposed to various raising systems. Materials and Methods Two hundred and seventy-six 3-week-old male broilers were randomly assigned to nine categories composed of three growing systems: Semi-intensive, low stocking density, and high stocking density. Each group was fed with a control diet mixed with and without 10% mulberry leaf extract; the positive control group was provided with vitamin C. During the study, phytochemical screening of mulberry leaf extract, growth performances, hematological parameters, and antioxidant profiles were measured over the 4 weeks of the treatment. Results In the high stocking density group, lipid peroxidation gradually increased while antioxidant activities decreased; however, the level of lipid peroxidation was reduced, whereas catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were significantly increased. The growth performance and blood biochemistry were improved after being fed with 10% mulberry leaf extract. Conclusion This finding indicates that mulberry leaf extract reduced oxidative stress, activated antioxidant enzyme activities, and enhanced broilers' growth performance when raised under stress conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charinya So-In
- Department of Veterinary Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Kalasin University, Kalasin 46000, Thailand
| | - Nuchsupha Sunthamala
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham 44150, Thailand,Corresponding author: Nuchsupha Sunthamala, e-mail: Co-author: CS:
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Lighting pattern and photoperiod affect the range use and feather cover of native laying hens under free range condition. Poult Sci 2022; 102:102264. [PMID: 36403371 PMCID: PMC9676390 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2022.102264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The study aimed to investigate the effects of lighting pattern and photoperiod on range use, feather cover and gait score of native laying hens. Six hundred and thirty 19-wks-old Beijing You Chicken (BYC) pullets were randomly allocated to 6 groups with 105 birds each, 3 replicates per group, reared in individually lit indoor pens with separate covered shed and outdoor areas. A 2 × 3 factorial experiment (2 lighting patterns: continuous and intermittent lighting; 3 photoperiods: 16 h, 14 h, 12 h) was arranged indoors, including 16L:8D (6:00-22:00) for group 1; 12L:2D:4L:6D (6:00-18:00,20:00-24:00) for group 2; 14L:10D (6:00-20:00) for group 3; 10L:2D:4L:8D (6:00-16:00,18:00-22:00) for group 4; 12L:12D (6:00-18:00) for group 5, and 8L:4D:4L:8D (6:00-14:00,18:00-22:00) for group 6, respectively. The number of hens in indoor pen, covered shed and outdoor area were counted at 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00 for consecutive 3 sunny days at 34 wks and 36 wks of age, feather cover and gait score of the laying hens were assessed at the end of 36 wks. The results showed that daily average hen percentage was the highest in continuous 12 h group (63.67%), and the lowest in intermittent 14 h group (58.36%) in indoor pen (P < 0.05); the daily average hen percentage was the lowest in continuous 12 h group (16.05%), and the highest in intermittent 14h group (21.22%) in outdoor area (P < 0.05). Lighting pattern significantly affected hen percentage in indoor pen and outdoor area, the hen percentage in indoor pen was higher in continuous lighting groups than in intermittent lighting groups (62.09% vs. 59.23%) (P < 0.05), the hen percentage in outdoor area was lower in continuous lighting groups than in intermittent lighting groups (16.60% vs. 19.95%) (P < 0.05). Photoperiod had no effect on the hen percentage (P > 0.05), but time of day affected the hen percentage in different areas (P < 0.05). The feather cover score was higher in intermittent lighting groups than in continuous lighting groups (17.43 vs. 15.04, P < 0.05). The average hen percentage in indoor pen is strongly negatively correlated with the feather cover score (r = -0.880, P = 0.050), and the hen percentage in outdoor area is strongly positively correlated with the feather cover score in intermittent lighting condition (r = 0.811, P < 0.05). The present study suggested that more range use is beneficial for the feather cover and physical health of laying hens under free range condition, and intermittent lighting is more conducive to range use and feather cover of native laying hens, which may be related to its affecting hens' rhythmic activities, increasing adaptation to outdoor environment, and reducing the incidence of feather pecking and parasites.
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Bonnefous C, Collin A, Guilloteau LA, Guesdon V, Filliat C, Réhault-Godbert S, Rodenburg TB, Tuyttens FAM, Warin L, Steenfeldt S, Baldinger L, Re M, Ponzio R, Zuliani A, Venezia P, Väre M, Parrott P, Walley K, Niemi JK, Leterrier C. Welfare issues and potential solutions for laying hens in free range and organic production systems: A review based on literature and interviews. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:952922. [PMID: 35990274 PMCID: PMC9390482 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.952922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In free-range and organic production systems, hens can make choices according to their needs and desires, which is in accordance with welfare definitions. Nonetheless, health and behavioral problems are also encountered in these systems. The aim of this article was to identify welfare challenges observed in these production systems in the EU and the most promising solutions to overcome these challenges. It is based on a review of published literature and research projects complemented by interviews with experts. We selected EU specific information for welfare problems, however, the selected literature regarding solutions is global. Free range use may increase the risk of infection by some bacteria, viruses and parasites. Preventive methods include avoiding contamination thanks to biosecurity measures and strengthening animals' natural defenses against these diseases which can be based on nutritional means with new diet components such as insect-derived products, probiotics and prebiotics. Phytotherapy and aromatherapy can be used as preventive and curative medicine and vaccines as alternatives to antibiotics and pesticides. Bone quality in pullets and hens prevents keel deviations and is favored by exercise in the outdoor range. Free range use also lead to higher exposure to variable weather conditions and predators, therefore shadow, fences and guard animals can be used to prevent heat stress and predation respectively. Granting a free range provides opportunities for the expression of many behaviors and yet many hens usually stay close to the house. Providing the birds with trees, shelters or attractive plants can increase range use. Small flock sizes, early experiences of enrichment and personality traits have also been found to enhance range use. Severe feather pecking can occur in free range production systems, although flocks using the outdoor area have better plumage than indoors. While many prevention strategies are facilitated in free range systems, the influence of genetics, prenatal and nutritional factors in free range hens still need to be investigated. This review provides information about practices that have been tested or still need to be explored and this information can be used by stakeholders and researchers to help them evaluate the applicability of these solutions for welfare improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anne Collin
- INRAE, Université de Tours, BOA, Nouzilly, France
| | | | - Vanessa Guesdon
- JUNIA, Comportement Animal et Systèmes d'Elevage, Lille, France
| | | | | | - T. Bas Rodenburg
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Frank A. M. Tuyttens
- ILVO, Instituut voor Landbouw-, Visserij- en Voedingsonderzoek, Melle, Belgium
- Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Sanna Steenfeldt
- Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Martina Re
- AIAB, Associazone Italiana per l'Agricultura Biologica, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Anna Zuliani
- Veterinari Senza Frontiere Italia, Sede c/o Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie viale dell'Università, Padova, Italy
| | - Pietro Venezia
- Veterinari Senza Frontiere Italia, Sede c/o Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie viale dell'Università, Padova, Italy
| | - Minna Väre
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Bioeconomy and Environment, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Keith Walley
- Harper Adams University, Newport, United Kingdom
| | - Jarkko K. Niemi
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Bioeconomy and Environment, Seinäjoki, Finland
| | - Christine Leterrier
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France
- *Correspondence: Christine Leterrier
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Effects of ground robot manipulation on hen floor egg reduction, production performance, stress response, bone quality, and behavior. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0267568. [PMID: 35452500 PMCID: PMC9032375 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Reducing floor eggs in cage-free (CF) housing systems is among primary concerns for egg producers. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of ground robot manipulation on reduction of floor eggs. In addition, the effects of ground robot manipulation on production performance, stress response, bone quality, and behavior were also investigated. Two successive flocks of 180 Hy-Line Brown hens at 34 weeks of this age were used. The treatment structure for each flock consisted of six pens with three treatments (without robot running, with one-week robot running, and with two-weeks robot running), resulting in two replicates per treatment per flock and four replicates per treatment with two flocks. Two phases were involved with each flock. Phase 1 (weeks 35–38) mimicked the normal scenario, and phase 2 (weeks 40–43) mimicked a scenario after inadvertent restriction to nest box access. Results indicate that the floor egg reduction rate in the first two weeks of phase 1 was 11.0% without the robot treatment, 18.9% with the one-week robot treatment, and 34.0% with the two-week robot treatment. The effect of robot operation on floor egg production was not significant when the two phases of data were included in the analysis. Other tested parameters were similar among the treatments, including hen-day egg production, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, live body weight, plasma corticosterone concentration, bone breaking force, ash percentage, and time spent in nest boxes. In conclusion, ground robot operation in CF settings may help to reduce floor egg production to a certain degree for a short period right after being introduced. Additionally, robot operation does not seem to negatively affect hen production performance and well-being.
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Impacts of Rearing Enrichments on Pullets and Free-Range Hens’ Positive Behaviors across the Flock Cycle. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12030280. [PMID: 35158604 PMCID: PMC8833614 DOI: 10.3390/ani12030280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Enrichment during the indoor rearing of young laying hens (pullets) destined for free-range systems may improve pullet development and increase motivated natural behaviors (termed ‘positive behaviors’) such as foraging, dust bathing and chick play. Hy-Line Brown® chicks (n = 1700) were floor-reared indoors across 16 weeks with three enrichment treatments (n = 3 pens/treatment): (1) standard control, (2) weekly novel objects—‘novelty’, (3) perching/navigation structures—‘structural’. Pullets (16 weeks old: n = 1386) were then transferred to nine identical pens within rearing treatments, with outdoor range access from 25 to 65 weeks. Video cameras recorded the pullet pens, adult indoor pens, and outside range. During rearing, observations of play behavior in chicks at 2, 4 and 6 weeks showed no overall effect of rearing treatment. At 11 and 14 weeks only the novelty hens were observed to increase their foraging across age with no differences between treatments in dust bathing. Observations of adult hens at 26, 31, 41, 50, 60 and 64 weeks showed that the structural hens exhibited more dust bathing and foraging overall than the control hens, but that both novelty and/or structural hens showed small increases relative to control hens depending on the behavior and location. Across age, adult hens differed in the degree of dust bathing performed inside or outside and foraging outside but not inside. For litter-reared pullets, additional enrichments may result in some long-term increases in positive behaviors. Abstract Enrichment during the indoor rearing of pullets destined for free-range systems may optimize pullet development including increasing motivated natural behaviors (termed ‘positive behaviors’) including foraging, dust bathing and chick play. Hy-Line Brown® chicks (n = 1700) were floor-reared indoors across 16 weeks with three enrichment treatments (n = 3 pens/treatment): (1) standard control, (2) weekly novel objects—‘novelty’, (3) perching/navigation structures—‘structural’. At 16 weeks, pullets (n = 1386) were transferred to nine identical pens within rearing treatments with outdoor range access from 25 to 65 weeks. Video cameras recorded the pullet pens, adult indoor pens, and outside range. During rearing, observations of play behavior (running, frolicking, wing-flapping, sparring) in chicks at 2, 4 and 6 weeks (total of 432 thirty-second scans: 16 observations × 3 days × 9 pens) showed no overall effect of rearing treatment (p = 0.16). At 11 and 14 weeks only the ‘novelty’ hens were observed to increase their foraging across age (p = 0.009; dust bathing: p = 0.40) (total of 612 thirty-second scans per behavior: 17 observations × 2 days × 2 age points × 9 pens). Observations of adult hens at 26, 31, 41, 50, 60 and 64 weeks showed that the structural hens exhibited overall more dust bathing and foraging than the control hens (both p < 0.04) but both novelty and/or structural hens showed small increases depending on the behavior and location (total of 4104 scans per behavior: 17 observations × 2 days × 6 age points × 9 pens × 2 locations = 3672 + an additional 432 observations following daylight saving). Across age, adult hens differed in the degree of dust bathing performed inside or outside (both p ≤ 0.001) and foraging outside (p < 0.001) but not inside (p = 0.15). For litter-reared pullets, additional enrichments may result in some long-term increases in positive behaviors.
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The Welfare Status of Hens in Different Housing Systems – A Review. ANNALS OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.2478/aoas-2021-0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The currently used poultry farming methods, which aim to maximise economic profit, are based on ever new technological solutions that improve flock management and increase bird performance. However, they do not always meet the natural needs of birds. Every housing method and technological solution currently in use is faced with some issues, such as social stress, adverse temperature/ humidity conditions, risk of zoonoses, and behavioural pathologies, which determine poultry performance and welfare. Disregard for animal welfare involves not only ethical but also practical aspects, because well-being and housing comfort translate into better weight gains, health and productivity of the birds. The studies reported here suggest that every production system, despite the many welfare-improving aspects, causes numerous behavioural, productivity and health abnormalities in laying hens. Therefore, further research is needed to identify various risk factors for the purpose of improving housing systems and increasing the welfare of hens.
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Ferreira VHB, Guesdon V, Calandreau L. How can the research on chicken cognition improve chicken welfare: a perspective review. WORLD POULTRY SCI J 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/00439339.2021.1924920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- V. H. B. Ferreira
- JUNIA, Comportement Animal et Systèmes d’Elevage, Lille Cedex, France
| | - V. Guesdon
- JUNIA, Comportement Animal et Systèmes d’Elevage, Lille Cedex, France
| | - L. Calandreau
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France
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Ferreira VHB, Simoni A, Germain K, Leterrier C, Lansade L, Collin A, Mignon-Grasteau S, Le Bihan-Duval E, Guettier E, Leruste H, Calandreau L, Guesdon V. Working for food is related to range use in free-range broiler chickens. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6253. [PMID: 33737689 PMCID: PMC7973526 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85867-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
When animals prefer to make efforts to obtain food instead of acquiring it from freely available sources, they exhibit what is called contrafreeloading. Recently, individual differences in behavior, such as exploration, were shown to be linked to how prone an individual may be to contrafreeload. In this work, our main objective was to test whether and how individual differences in range use of free-range broiler chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) were related to the individual motivation to contrafreeload. We also verified whether other behavioral variations could relate to range use. To that aim, over three different periods (before range access, first weeks of range access, and last weeks of range access), chickens with different ranging levels (low and high rangers) were submitted to a contrafreeloading test and had different behaviors recorded (such as foraging, resting, locomotion) in their home environment. During the contrafreeloading test, chickens were conditioned to one chamber presenting a foraging substrate and mealworms, while in the other chamber, mealworms were freely available on the floor. During testing trials, chickens had access to both empty chambers, and the time spent in each chamber was quantified. On average, low rangers preferred the chamber where mealworms were easily accessible (without the foraging substrate), while high rangers preferred the chamber where mealworms were accessible with difficulty, showing greater contrafreeloading. Out of ten behaviors recorded in chickens' home environment, foraging was the only one that differed significantly between our two ranging groups, with low rangers foraging, on average, significantly less than high rangers. These results corroborate previous experiences suggesting that range use is probably linked to chickens' exploratory trait and suggest that individual differences in free-range broiler chickens are present even before range access. Increasing our knowledge of individual particularities is a necessary step to improve free-range chicken welfare on the farm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitor Hugo Bessa Ferreira
- JUNIA ISA, Comportement Animal et Systèmes d'Elevage, 48 Boulevard Vauban, BP 41290, 59046, Lille Cedex, France. .,INRAE, CNRS, IFCE, Centre Val de Loire UMR Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Université de Tours, 37380, Nouzilly, France.
| | - Arthur Simoni
- JUNIA ISA, Comportement Animal et Systèmes d'Elevage, 48 Boulevard Vauban, BP 41290, 59046, Lille Cedex, France
| | - Karine Germain
- INRAE, UE EASM, Le Magneraud, CS 40052, 17700, Surgères, France
| | - Christine Leterrier
- INRAE, CNRS, IFCE, Centre Val de Loire UMR Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Université de Tours, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Léa Lansade
- INRAE, CNRS, IFCE, Centre Val de Loire UMR Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Université de Tours, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Anne Collin
- INRAE, Université de Tours, BOA, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | | | | | | | - Hélène Leruste
- JUNIA ISA, Comportement Animal et Systèmes d'Elevage, 48 Boulevard Vauban, BP 41290, 59046, Lille Cedex, France
| | - Ludovic Calandreau
- INRAE, CNRS, IFCE, Centre Val de Loire UMR Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Université de Tours, 37380, Nouzilly, France.
| | - Vanessa Guesdon
- JUNIA ISA, Comportement Animal et Systèmes d'Elevage, 48 Boulevard Vauban, BP 41290, 59046, Lille Cedex, France
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Boz MA, Sarıca M, Yamak US, Erensoy K. Behavioral traits of artificially and naturally hatched geese in intensive and free-range production systems. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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15
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Bryden WL, Li X, Ruhnke I, Zhang D, Shini S. Nutrition, feeding and laying hen welfare. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/an20396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The relationship between nutrition and welfare is usually considered to be a direct result of supplying the hen with adequate quantities of feed and water. This simple notion of freedom from hunger and thirst belies the fact that nutrients play a pivotal role in the body’s response to challenges whether they relate to ambient temperature, gastrointestinal health, pathogen exposure, metabolic disorders, or social and mental stress. In all instances, maintaining homeostasis and allowing for physiologic response is dependent on an adequate and balanced nutrient supply. It is accepted that most laying hens are fed a complete diet, formulated commercially to provide the required nutrients for optimal health, egg production and welfare. In other words, the laying hen, irrespective of her housing, does not experience hunger or thirst. However, despite adequate nutrient and water supply, certain senarios can significantly affect and alter the nutrient requirements of the hen. Furthermore, the chemical composition and also the physical form of feed can significantly contribute to prevent or treat welfare and health conditions and is, therefore, a highly relevant tool to ensure and maintain an adequate welfare status. Therefore, this review takes a broader perspective of nutritional welfare and considers the nutrition of hens managed in different production systems in relation to nutritional physiology, gut microbiota, stress, metabolic disorders and feeding management.
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16
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Campbell DLM, Bari MS, Rault JL. Free-range egg production: its implications for hen welfare. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/an19576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Free-range laying hen housing systems are prevalent in Australia and perceived by consumers to provide greater opportunities for the expression of natural behaviour resulting in higher hen welfare. However, all housing systems have both benefits and risks and scientific evidence is needed on the welfare outcomes of free-range systems. In this review, the scientific literature is summarised from the past 10 years, from research conducted within Australia or internationally with brown laying-hen strains kept in free-range systems. It compiles information on range use by laying hens, hen behaviour while on the range, factors that affect range use, and impacts of ranging on hen health and other aspects of welfare. Novel insights have come from the use of radio-frequency identification systems that allow tracking of individual hens and have shown that the majority of hens access the range with multiple visits across the day, but a small proportion of hens within most flocks choose to remain indoors. Hens also vary in which areas of the range they use, and provision of natural or man-made shelters can increase both range access and range distribution. Hens spend most of their time foraging while outdoors, but the types and frequencies of behaviours vary depending on the resources available and other factors. Range access can be linked to health benefits such as improved plumage condition and reduced footpad dermatitis but there are also health risks associated with free-range systems such as greater susceptibility to disease (e.g. spotty liver disease), heat stress, predation, and potentially parasites in comparison to loose or cage housing systems. Design of the range area, indoor shed, management practices and rearing environments can all influence how hens utilise free-range housing systems. Further research is crucially needed on the impact of ranging on hen welfare in variable Australian climatic conditions, encompassing intense heat and sunlight as well as cooler or wet environments.
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17
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Rufener C, Makagon MM. Keel bone fractures in laying hens: a systematic review of prevalence across age, housing systems, and strains. J Anim Sci 2020; 98:S36-S51. [PMID: 32810250 PMCID: PMC7433929 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Rufener
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Animal Welfare, University of California, Davis, CA
| | - Maja M Makagon
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Animal Welfare, University of California, Davis, CA
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Campbell DLM, Dyall TR, Downing JA, Cohen-Barnhouse AM, Lee C. Rearing Enrichments Affected Ranging Behavior in Free-Range Laying Hens. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:446. [PMID: 32923462 PMCID: PMC7457029 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Within Australia, free-range systems are prevalent, but pullets destined for range access are reared indoors. This mismatch between rearing and layer housing may hinder adaptation to the free-range environment. Rearing enrichments could enhance pullet development. A total of 1,386 Hy-Line Brown® chicks were reared inside an experimental facility across 16 weeks with 3 enrichment treatments including (1) a control group with standard floor-housing, (2) a novelty group providing novel objects that changed weekly (“novelty” hens), and (3) a structural group with custom-designed H-shaped structures including opaque sides (“structural” hens). At 16 weeks of age, all pullets were leg-banded with microchips and moved to an experimental free-range system with 9 identical pens (n = 3/rearing treatment). From 25 to 64 weeks, individual hen daily ranging behavior was tracked via radio-frequency identification technology and grouped into 6 age periods per rearing treatment. Video footage was used to count the number of hens at different distances on the range for the first 14 days of access, and eggs were assessed for albumen corticosterone concentrations 4 days prior to (n = 450) and 1 week after first range access (n = 450). Across most age periods, the structural hens spent the most time ranging (P ≤ 0.01), the novelty hens showed the fewest number of visits to the range (P < 0.0001), and both enriched hen groups had the longest maximum visit durations (P ≤ 0.02). Range use increased with age across all treatments with only 3% of hens never going outside. All hens were initially slow to use the range area with fewer novelty hens venturing farther onto the range (P ≤ 0.03). The structural hens had higher albumen corticosterone concentrations and variance (both P ≤ 0.004) prior to range access. All hens showed an increase in albumen corticosterone following the first week of range access resulting in no differences between rearing treatments in means (P = 0.92) and variance (P = 0.63). Different enrichments have differing impacts on ranging behavior, but further research is needed to understand the mechanisms of effects, with differences in brain lateralization a potential hypothesis to be tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana L M Campbell
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Tim R Dyall
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Jeff A Downing
- School of Life and Environmental Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew M Cohen-Barnhouse
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Armidale, NSW, Australia.,School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Caroline Lee
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Armidale, NSW, Australia
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19
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Bari MS, Downing JA, Dyall TR, Lee C, Campbell DLM. Relationships Between Rearing Enrichments, Range Use, and an Environmental Stressor for Free-Range Laying Hen Welfare. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:480. [PMID: 32923465 PMCID: PMC7457091 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Enrichments during pullet rearing may improve adaptation and welfare of hens as they move from indoor rearing to a free-range system. Individual variation in outdoor ranging may also affect welfare. This study assessed the effects of rearing enrichments and an imposed environmental stressor on hen welfare and egg quality along with the association of welfare with ranging. Hy-Line Brown® chicks (n = 1,386) were reared indoors until 16 weeks with 3 enrichment treatments including a "control" group with standard floor litter, a "novelty" group that received novel objects that were changed weekly, and a "structural" group with H-shaped perching structures. Pullets were then moved to a free-range system with three replicates of each rearing treatment. Daily ranging was individually tracked from 25 to 64 weeks via radiofrequency identification technology. Individual hen welfare assessments were performed at 25, 33, 43, 56, and 64 weeks and correlated with ranging time prior to these dates. At 44 weeks, the range area was reduced by 80% for 11 days to induce stress. Changes in ranging behavior, albumen corticosterone concentrations and egg quality were evaluated. GLMMs showed significant interactions between hen age and rearing treatment for live weight, number of comb wounds, plumage coverage, and toenail length (all P ≤ 0.003), with the enriched hens showing more consistent live weight at the later ages, fewer comb wounds at 33 weeks, and better plumage coverage at the later ages, whereas the structural hens had shorter toenails as age increased. Plumage coverage showed a positive relationship with range use across most age points (P < 0.0001). Hens reduced ranging time following the imposed stressor but increased their number of visits with the lowest increase by the structural hens (P = 0.03). Significant interactions between rearing treatment and stressor for albumen corticosterone concentrations showed the structural hens decreased concentrations immediately post-stress, but the control and novelty groups increased (P < 0.006). The stressor increased or decreased values of most egg quality parameters across all rearing groups (all P ≤ 0.02). Overall, provision of rearing enrichments and greater range use may have positive impacts on hen welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Saiful Bari
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Armidale, NSW, Australia
- Department of Dairy and Poultry Science, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Jeff A. Downing
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, School of Life and Environmental Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tim R. Dyall
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Caroline Lee
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Dana L. M. Campbell
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Armidale, NSW, Australia
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20
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Bari MS, Laurenson YCSM, Cohen-Barnhouse AM, Walkden-Brown SW, Campbell DLM. Effects of outdoor ranging on external and internal health parameters for hens from different rearing enrichments. PeerJ 2020; 8:e8720. [PMID: 32185113 PMCID: PMC7061908 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In Australia, free-range layer pullets are typically reared indoors, but adult layers go outdoors, and this mismatch might reduce adaptation in laying environments. Enrichments during rearing may optimise pullet development and subsequent welfare as adult free-range hens. In the outdoor environment, hens may have greater opportunities for exercise and natural behaviours which might contribute to improved health and welfare. However, the outdoor environment may also result in potential exposure to parasites and pathogens. Individual variation in range use may thus dictate individual health and welfare. This study was conducted to evaluate whether adult hens varied in their external and internal health due to rearing enrichments and following variation in range use. A total of 1386 Hy-Line Brown® chicks were reared indoors across 16 weeks with three enrichment treatments including a control group with standard housing conditions, a novelty group providing novel objects that changed weekly, and a structural group with custom-designed structures to increase spatial navigation and perching. At 16 weeks of age the pullets were moved to a free-range system and housed in nine identical pens within their rearing treatments. All hens were leg-banded with microchips and daily ranging was assessed from 25 to 64 weeks via radio-frequency identification technology. At 64–65 weeks of age, 307 hens were selected based on their range use patterns across 54 days up to 64 weeks: indoor (no ranging), low outdoor (1.4 h or less daily), and high outdoor (5.2–9 h daily). The external and internal health and welfare parameters were evaluated via external assessment of body weight, plumage, toenails, pecking wounds, illness, and post-mortem assessment of internal organs and keel bones including whole-body CT scanning for body composition. The control hens had the lowest feather coverage (p < 0.0001) and a higher number of comb wounds (P = 0.03) than the novelty hens. The high outdoor rangers had fewer comb wounds than the indoor hens (P = 0.04), the shortest toenails (p < 0.0001) and the most feather coverage (p < 0.0001), but lower body weight (p < 0.0001) than the indoor hens. High outdoor ranging decreased both body fat and muscle (both p < 0.0001). The novelty group had lower spleen weights than the control hens (P = 0.01) but neither group differed from the structural hens. The high outdoor hens showed the highest spleen (P = 0.01) and empty gizzard weights (P = 0.04). Both the rearing enrichments and ranging had no effect on keel bone damage (all P ≥ 0.19). There were no significant interactions between rearing treatments and ranging patterns for any of the health and welfare parameters measured in this study (P ≥ 0.07). Overall, rearing enrichments had some effects on hen health and welfare at the later stages of the production cycle but subsequent range use patterns had the greatest impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Saiful Bari
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Armidale, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yan C S M Laurenson
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew M Cohen-Barnhouse
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Armidale, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephen W Walkden-Brown
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dana L M Campbell
- Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
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21
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Bughio E, Hussain J, Mahmud A, Khalique A. Effect of Production Systems and Dietary Interventions on Growth Performance, Morphometrics, Physiological Response and Behaviour of the Naked Neck Chickens. BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF POULTRY SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1590/1806-9061-2020-1303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E Bughio
- University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pakistan
| | - J Hussain
- University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pakistan
| | - A Mahmud
- University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pakistan
| | - A Khalique
- University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pakistan
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22
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Light-based monitoring devices to assess range use by laying hens. Animal 2019; 14:814-823. [PMID: 31724523 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731119002830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Access to an outdoor range has many potential benefits for laying hens but range use can be poor due to factors only partly understood. Techniques to monitor individual range use within commercial flocks are crucial to increase our understanding of these factors. Direct observation of individual range use is difficult and time-consuming, and automatic monitoring currently relies on equipment that is difficult to use in an on-farm setting without itself influencing range use. We evaluated the performance of a novel small, light and readily portable light-based monitoring system by validating its output against direct observations. Six commercial houses (2000 hens/house) and their adjacent ranges were used, three of which were equipped with more structures on the range than the others (to determine whether cover would influence monitoring accuracy). In each house, 14 hens were equipped with light monitoring devices for 5 discrete monitoring cycles of 7 to 8 consecutive days (at 20, 26, 32, 36 and 41 weeks of age). Light levels were determined each minute: if the reading on the hen-mounted device exceeded indoor light levels, the hen was classified as outside. Focal hens were observed directly for 5 min/hen per week. Accuracy (% of samples where monitoring and direct observations were in agreement) was high both for ranges with more and with fewer structures, although slightly better for the latter (92% v. 96% ± 1 SEM, F1,19 = 5.2, P = 0.034). Furthermore, accuracy increased over time (89%, 94%, 95%, 98% ± 1 SEM for observations at 26, 32, 36 and 41 weeks, respectively, F3,19 = 3.2, P = 0.047), probably due to progressively reduced indoor light levels resulting from partial closing of ventilation openings to sustain indoor temperature. Light-based monitoring was sufficiently accurate to indicate a tendency for a greater percentage of monitored time spent outside when more range structures were provided (more: 67%, fewer: 56%, SEM: 4, $\chi_1^2 = 2.9$, P = 0.089). Furthermore, clear and relatively consistent individual differences were detected. Individuals that were caught outside at the start of the experiment ranged more throughout its duration (caught outside: 72%, caught inside 51%, SEM: 4, $\chi_1^2 = 10.0$, P = 0.002), and individual range use was correlated between monitoring cycles (for adjacent monitoring cycles: $r_s^2 = 0.5-0.7$, P < 0.0001). This emphasizes the importance of studying range use on an individual level. In conclusion, our light-based monitoring system can assess individual range use accurately (although accuracy was affected by house characteristics to some extent) and was used to show that both cover availability and individual characteristics affected range use.
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Ferreira VHB, Peuteman B, Lormant F, Valenchon M, Germain K, Brachet M, Leterrier C, Lansade L, Calandreau L, Guesdon V. Relationship between ranging behavior and spatial memory of free-range chickens. Behav Processes 2019; 166:103888. [DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2019.103888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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The Human-Animal Relationship in Australian Caged Laying Hens. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9050211. [PMID: 31052492 PMCID: PMC6562984 DOI: 10.3390/ani9050211] [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: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Stockperson behaviour can influence fear of humans and welfare of farm animals. This study observed the human-animal relationship (HAR) in 19 Australian caged laying hen flocks to determine whether stockperson behaviour was associated with behavioural indicators of fear of humans and stress in caged laying hens. The average avoidance response of each flock toward an approaching human was assessed using two behavioural tests, and stress was measured using the concentration of corticosterone in an egg sample collected immediately prior to these observations. Stockperson behaviour was observed for 2 days in each flock and compared to hen fear. Unexpectedly, no relationships were found between the observed stockperson behaviour and avoidance of humans in the hens, but flocks were more productive when they showed less avoidance of humans, and when stockpeople made less noise in the laying house. This suggests that stockperson behaviour and hen fear may influence productivity, but there was no evidence that any effect of fear on productivity was caused by stockperson behaviour. Unexpectedly, the most fearful flocks also had the lowest stress levels. These results clearly need further research to be fully understood but could not confirm the existence of the HAR on caged egg farms in Australia. Abstract Studies on farm animals have shown relationships between stockperson attitudes and behaviour and farm animal fear, stress and productivity. This study investigated how the avoidance behaviour of Australian commercial caged laying hens may be related to stockperson behaviour, albumen corticosterone, and the number of weeks producing within 5% of peak egg production. Nineteen laying houses were assessed over 3 days. Fear of humans in hens, based on their avoidance response to an unfamiliar human, was assessed using two behavioural tests. Albumen corticosterone concentrations were measured from egg samples collected immediately prior to behavioural testing. Stockperson attitudes were assessed using a questionnaire and stockperson behaviour was observed over 2 days. Productivity records for each laying house were also obtained. The duration of peak production was negatively related to both noise made by the stockperson and hen avoidance. No relationship between stockperson behaviour or attitudes and hen avoidance was found, but stockpeople with negative attitudes made more noise. In conclusion, this study could not confirm a relationship between stockperson behaviour and hen avoidance behaviour for Australian caged laying hens. However, this study did confirm a relationship between hen avoidance behaviour, albumen corticosterone concentration, and the duration of peak egg production.
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Pejman N, Kallas Z, Dalmau A, Velarde A. Should Animal Welfare Regulations Be More Restrictive? A Case Study in Eight European Union Countries. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9040195. [PMID: 31027232 PMCID: PMC6523126 DOI: 10.3390/ani9040195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Intensive animal production systems are compromising current animal welfare standards. European societies’ growing concerns regarding how animals are raised have resulted in continuous European Union (EU) policy reforms that have banned certain intensive farming methods. We investigated whether EU respondents, differentiated by their roles as citizens and consumers, believe that the current regulations on animal welfare should be more restrictive. Data were collected using a survey approach implemented in eight European countries (Spain, the United Kingdom, Poland, Greece, Lithuania, Romania, Italy, and Sweden) with a sample of 3860 respondents. The results show that women citizens are more concerned with animal welfare and are prone to accept more restrictive regulations. Respondents from northern European countries (Poland and Sweden) are willing to accept regulations that are more restrictive than the current minimum standards than respondents from southern countries (Spain and Italy). Our results suggest that increasing knowledge of animal welfare is related to effective information campaigns that use the Internet to endorse the current animal welfare legislation. Abstract Increasingly, intensive livestock production systems have increased societal concern regarding the current animal welfare standards. We investigated whether individuals in their roles as consumers and citizens believe that the current European regulations regarding animal welfare should be more restrictive. Factors affecting this decision were assessed by analyzing respondents’ understanding of animal welfare-related issues, their subjective and objective knowledge levels, the credibility they assign to different information sources, their perceptions toward the current restrictiveness of animal welfare standards, and their socioeconomic characteristics. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire distributed in eight European Union (EU) countries (Spain, the United Kingdom, Poland, Greece, Lithuania, Romania, Italy, and Sweden) with 3860 total responses. The results showed that consumers are more reluctant to adopt more restrictive regulations than respondents in the role of citizens. Respondents from northern European countries (Poland and Sweden) are more likely to support regulations that are more restrictive than the current minimum requirements than respondents from southern countries (Spain and Italy). Women were found to be more concerned with the welfare of pigs and laying hens—lending credibility to the Internet as an information source—and were more likely to support more restrictive animal welfare legislation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niloofar Pejman
- Institute for Research in Sustainability Science and Technology (IS-UPC), Polytechnic University of Catalonia, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Zein Kallas
- Centre for Agro-food Economy and Development, CREDA-UPC-IRTA, 08860 Castelldefels, Spain.
| | - Antoni Dalmau
- Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology-IRTA, Animal Welfare Subprogram, 17121 Monells, Spain.
| | - Antonio Velarde
- Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology-IRTA, Animal Welfare Subprogram, 17121 Monells, Spain.
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Campbell DLM, de Haas EN, Lee C. A review of environmental enrichment for laying hens during rearing in relation to their behavioral and physiological development. Poult Sci 2019; 98:9-28. [PMID: 30107615 PMCID: PMC6347129 DOI: 10.3382/ps/pey319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, laying hen production systems are a focus of concern for animal welfare. Recently, the impacts of rearing environments have attracted attention, particularly with the trend toward more complex production systems including aviaries, furnished cages, barn, and free-range. Enriching the rearing environments with physical, sensory, and stimulatory additions can optimize the bird's development but commercial-scale research is limited. In this review, "enrichment" is defined as anything additional added to the bird's environment including structurally complex rearing systems. The impacts of enrichments on visual development, neurobehavioral development, auditory stimulation, skeletal development, immune function, behavioral development of fear and pecking, and specifically pullets destined for free-range systems are summarized and areas for future research identified. Visual enrichment and auditory stimulation may enhance neural development but specific mechanisms of impact and suitable commercial enrichments still need elucidating. Enrichments that target left/right brain hemispheres/behavioral traits may prepare birds for specific types of adult housing environments (caged, indoor, outdoor). Similarly, structural enrichments are needed to optimize skeletal development depending on the adult layer system, but specific physiological processes resulting from different types of exercise are poorly understood. Stimulating appropriate pecking behavior from hatch is critical but producers will need to adapt to different flock preferences to provide enrichments that are utilized by each rearing group. Enrichments have potential to enhance immune function through the application of mild stressors that promote adaptability, and this same principle applies to free-range pullets destined for variable outdoor environments. Complex rearing systems may have multiple benefits, including reducing fear, that improve the transition to the layer facility. Overall, there is a need to commercially validate positive impacts of cost-effective enrichments on bird behavior and physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- D L M Campbell
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Agriculture and Food, Armidale, NSW 2350, Australia
- Adjunct to School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2350, Australia
| | - E N de Haas
- Behavioural Ecology Group and Adaptation Physiology Group, Department of Animal Science, Wageningen University and Research, 6700 AH, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - C Lee
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Agriculture and Food, Armidale, NSW 2350, Australia
- Adjunct to School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2350, Australia
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27
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Using Radio-Frequency Identification Technology to Measure Synchronised Ranging of Free-Range Laying Hens. Animals (Basel) 2018; 8:ani8110210. [PMID: 30453521 PMCID: PMC6262442 DOI: 10.3390/ani8110210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Free-range laying hens can choose to be indoors or outdoors. Individual hens vary in their ranging choice and this behaviour could also be affected by their flock mates. Radio-frequency identification tracking of individual hens in experimental free-range pens with group sizes of 46–50 hens was used to study flock ranging patterns. Across the day, hens moved through the range pop-holes in the same direction as other hens above levels expected by random chance, termed ‘pop-hole-following’. Hens were also simultaneously indoors or outdoors with other specific hens more often than expected by random chance, termed ‘hen-pair association’. Chicks that were provided variable stimulatory and structural enrichments from 4 to 21 days showed higher pop-hole-following and hen-pair association than non-enriched birds. The individual birds within these small hen groups were behaving primarily as a cohesive flock which has implications for understanding the group-level behaviour of hens. Further research would analyse if similar social movement patterns were present in larger commercial free-range flocks and how early rearing environments may affect adult social behaviour. Abstract Free-range laying hen systems provide individuals a choice between indoor and outdoor areas where range use may be socially influenced. This study used radio-frequency identification technology to track the ranging of individually-tagged hens housed in six experimental free-range pens from 28 to 38 weeks of age (46–50 hens/pen). All daily visits to the range were used to study group behaviour. Results showed that 67.6% (SD = 5.0%) of all hen movements through the pop-holes outdoors or indoors were following the movement of another hen (‘pop-hole-following’) compared to only 50.5% of movements in simulated random data. The percentage overlap in time that all combinations of hen pairs within each pen spent simultaneously outdoors or indoors showed a median value of overlap greater than the 90th percentile of random data. Pens housing hens that had been provided variable enrichments from 4 to 21 days (n = 3 pens) showed higher ‘pop-hole-following’ behaviour and a higher percentage of hen-pair association compared to hens reared in non-enriched conditions (n = 3 pens). These results show that birds in each free-range pen were primarily a cohesive flock and early enrichment improved this social cohesiveness. These results have implications for understanding free-range flock-level behaviour.
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28
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Ellison AR, Uren Webster TM, Rey O, Garcia de Leaniz C, Consuegra S, Orozco-terWengel P, Cable J. Transcriptomic response to parasite infection in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) depends on rearing density. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:723. [PMID: 30285628 PMCID: PMC6167859 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-5098-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Captive animal populations, be it for food production or conservation programmes, are often maintained at densities far beyond those in natural environments, which can have profound effects on behaviour, immune and stress levels, and ultimately welfare. How such alterations impact transcriptional responses to pathogen infection is a ‘different kettle of fish’ and remains poorly understood. Here, we assessed survival and gene expression profiles of infected fish reared at two different densities to elucidate potential functional genomic mechanisms for density-related differences in disease susceptibility. Results Utilising a whole-transcriptome sequencing (RNAseq) approach, we demonstrate that rearing density in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) significantly impacts susceptibility to the oomycete Saprolegnia parasitica, via altered transcriptional infection responses. Tilapia held at low densities have increased expression of genes related to stress, likely due to increased aggressive interactions. When challenged with Saprolegnia, low-density fish exhibit altered expression of inflammatory gene responses and enhanced levels of adaptive immune gene suppression compared to fish reared at higher density, resulting in significantly increased mortality rates. In addition, Saprolegnia infection substantially perturbs expression of circadian clock genes, with fish reared at low-density having higher levels of molecular clock dysregulation. Conclusions Our results reveal the wide-scale impact of stocking density on transcriptional responses to infection and highlight the need to incorporate circadian biology into our understanding of disease dynamics in managed animals. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-018-5098-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy R Ellison
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK.
| | | | - Olivier Rey
- Biosciences Department, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK.,Present address: Université Perpignan Via Domitia, IHPE UMR 5244, CNRS, IFREMER, University Montpellier, F-66860, Perpignan, France
| | | | - Sofia Consuegra
- Biosciences Department, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | | | - Jo Cable
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
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29
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Ruhnke I, Normant C, Campbell DLM, Iqbal Z, Lee C, Hinch GN, Roberts J. Impact of on-range choice feeding with black soldier fly larvae ( Hermetia illucens) on flock performance, egg quality, and range use of free-range laying hens. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 4:452-460. [PMID: 30564767 PMCID: PMC6284222 DOI: 10.1016/j.aninu.2018.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Semi-intensive free-range farm systems are common in Australia, and these systems frequently practise on-range feeding. The objective of this study was to investigate the benefit of on-range choice feeding on flock performance, egg quality, and range use of free-range laying hens using black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens, BSF). A total of 160 mature ISA brown laying hens, previously determined to range daily, were allocated to a control group (control) or a treatment group (BSF) with various replicates depending on the parameter investigated. All hens were fed ad libitum indoors with a wheat-soy based diet formulated according to breed requirements. Black soldier fly hens were offered dried BSF larvae ad libitum on the range. Body weight, feed intake, BSF intake, egg production, feed conversion ratio, internal and external egg quality parameters, and individual range use using radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology was evaluated. Black soldier fly hens consumed on average 15 ± 1.7 g BSF larvae/hen per day. There were no differences between BSF and control hens for any of the performance parameters obtained (P > 0.05). Egg weight, shell weight, and shell thickness of eggs from BSF hens were significantly lower (P = 0.003, P = 0.001, and P = 0.004, respectively) than those of eggs from control hens. Egg yolk colour was significantly paler in eggs from BSF hens (P < 0.001). No significant ranging differences between the BSF and control hens were observed (P > 0.05) except for BSF hens showing longer total maximum time for a single visit to the range (P = 0.011). In conclusion, the average intake of BSF larvae indicated a good level of acceptance. Feed formulation should be adjusted for the intake of the choice fed source. The impact of choice-feeding on range use was minor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Ruhnke
- Faculty of Science, Agriculture, Business and Law, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
| | - Camille Normant
- Faculty of Science, Agriculture, Business and Law, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.,Institut Polytechnique LaSalle Beauvais, 60000 Beauvais, France
| | - Dana L M Campbell
- Faculty of Science, Agriculture, Business and Law, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.,F. D. McMaster Laboratory, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Armidale, NSW 2350, Australia
| | - Zafar Iqbal
- Faculty of Science, Agriculture, Business and Law, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
| | - Caroline Lee
- Faculty of Science, Agriculture, Business and Law, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.,F. D. McMaster Laboratory, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Armidale, NSW 2350, Australia
| | - Geoff N Hinch
- Faculty of Science, Agriculture, Business and Law, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
| | - Julie Roberts
- Faculty of Science, Agriculture, Business and Law, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
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30
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Spatial Cognition and Range Use in Free-Range Laying Hens. Animals (Basel) 2018; 8:ani8020026. [PMID: 29419742 PMCID: PMC5836034 DOI: 10.3390/ani8020026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 01/27/2018] [Accepted: 02/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Individual free-range laying hens vary in their use of the outdoor range. The outdoor environment is typically more complex and variable than indoor housing and thus range use may be related to differences in spatial abilities. Individual adult hens that never went outside were slower to learn a T-maze task—which requires birds to repeatedly find a food reward in one arm of the maze, compared to outdoor-preferring hens. Pullets that were faster to learn the maze also showed more visits to the range in their first month of range access but only in one of two tested groups. Early enrichment improved learning of the maze but only when the birds were tested before onset of lay. Fear may play a role in inhibiting bird’s spatial learning and their range use. More studies of different enriched rearing treatments and their impacts on fear and learning would be needed to confirm these findings. Overall, these results contribute to our understanding of why some birds choose to never access the outdoor range area. Abstract Radio-frequency identification tracking shows individual free-range laying hens vary in range use, with some never going outdoors. The range is typically more environmentally complex, requiring navigation to return to the indoor resources. Outdoor-preferring hens may have improved spatial abilities compared to indoor-preferring hens. Experiment 1 tested 32 adult ISA Brown hens in a T-maze learning task that showed exclusively-indoor birds were slowest to reach the learning success criterion (p < 0.05). Experiment 2 tested 117 pullets from enriched or non-enriched early rearing treatments (1 pen replicate per treatment) in the same maze at 15–16 or 17–18 weeks. Enriched birds reached learning success criterion faster at 15–16 weeks (p < 0.05) but not at 17–18 weeks (p > 0.05), the age that coincided with the onset of lay. Enriched birds that were faster to learn the maze task showed more range visits in the first 4 weeks of range access. Enriched and non-enriched birds showed no differences in telencephalon or hippocampal volume (p > 0.05). Fear may reduce spatial abilities but further testing with more pen replicates per early rearing treatments would improve our understanding of the relationship between spatial cognitive abilities and range use.
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31
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Singh M, Ruhnke I, de Koning C, Drake K, Skerman AG, Hinch GN, Glatz PC. Demographics and practices of semi-intensive free-range farming systems in Australia with an outdoor stocking density of ≤1500 hens/hectare. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0187057. [PMID: 29065169 PMCID: PMC5655439 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0187057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Baseline information on demographics and practices on semi-intensive free-range egg farms with an outdoor stocking density of ≤1500 hens/hectare in Australia is presented. Free-range egg production is changing the structure of the egg industry in Australia and a broad variety and tiers of free-range systems have emerged due to lack of concrete legislative standards on outdoor stocking densities in the past. Information was extracted from a pre-existing online free-range poultry survey dataset, consisting of a total of 79 questions related to nutrition, pasture management, welfare and health, animal housing, environmental impact and economics. Forty-one free-range egg farms, with an outdoor stocking density of ≤1500 hens/hectare, were identified in the dataset from all major Australian states. Two types of semi-intensive free-range housing systems were documented: mobile (modified caravan/trailer) housing (56%), and fixed sheds (44%). Seventy-two percent of respondents reported >75% of the hens in the flock used the outdoor range. All respondents reported ingestion of range components by hens in the form of vegetation, insects, stones and grit. Up to 10% mortality was reported by 40% respondents with predation (34%), cannibalism (29%), heat stress (24%) and grass impaction (19.5%) as major causes. Biosecurity on farms was sub-optimal with 8 of the 10 actions implemented by <50% respondents. Customer demand, consumer sentiment and welfare were the major factors for farmers moving into free-range egg production. This study resulted in identification of current practices and key challenges on semi-intensive free-range egg farms. Applied research and communication of results to farmers is highly recommended to ensure optimum health and welfare of free-range laying hens and sustained egg production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mini Singh
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Isabelle Ruhnke
- Animal Science, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Carolyn de Koning
- South Australian Research and Development Institute, Roseworthy, South Australia, Australia
| | - Kelly Drake
- South Australian Research and Development Institute, Roseworthy, South Australia, Australia
| | - Alan G. Skerman
- Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Geoff N. Hinch
- Animal Science, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Philip C. Glatz
- South Australian Research and Development Institute, Roseworthy, South Australia, Australia
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32
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Ranging Behaviour of Commercial Free-Range Broiler Chickens 1: Factors Related to Flock Variability. Animals (Basel) 2017; 7:ani7070054. [PMID: 28726734 PMCID: PMC5532569 DOI: 10.3390/ani7070054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2017] [Revised: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Free-range chicken meat consumption has increased. However, little is known about how meat chickens use the outdoor range. Understanding ranging behaviour could help improve management and shed and range design to ensure optimal ranging opportunities. We tracked 1200 individual broiler chickens in four mixed sex flocks on one commercial farm across two seasons. More chickens accessed the range in summer than winter. Chickens that accessed the range in winter did so less frequently and for a shorter period of time daily than chickens ranging in summer. The number of chickens ranging and the frequency and duration of range visits increased over the first two weeks of range access and stabilised thereafter. More chickens entered and exited the range through particular doors in the shed. More chickens ranged in the morning and evening compared to the middle of the day. Ranging behaviour decreased with increased rainfall and shed dew point. This study provides knowledge regarding ranging behaviour in commercial conditions that may guide improvements on farm to provide chickens with optimal ranging opportunities. Abstract Little is known about the ranging behaviour of chickens. Understanding ranging behaviour is required to improve management and shed and range design to ensure optimal ranging opportunities. Using Radio Frequency Identification technology, we tracked 300 individual broiler chickens in each of four mixed sex ROSS 308 flocks on one commercial farm across two seasons. Ranging behaviour was tracked from the first day of range access (21 days of age) until 35 days of age in winter and 44 days of age in summer. Range use was higher than previously reported from scan sampling studies. More chickens accessed the range in summer (81%) than winter (32%; p < 0.05). On average, daily frequency and duration of range use was greater in summer flocks (4.4 ± 0.1 visits for a total of 26.3 ± 0.8 min/day) than winter flocks (3.2 ± 0.2 visits for a total of 7.9 ± 1.0 min/day). Seasonal differences were only marginally explained by weather conditions and may reflect the reduction in range exposure between seasons (number of days, hours per day, and time of day). Specific times of the day (p < 0.01) and pop-holes were favoured (p < 0.05). We provide evidence of relationships between ranging and external factors that may explain ranging preferences.
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