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Kwon BY, Park J, Kim DH, Lee KW. Assessment of Welfare Problems in Broilers: Focus on Musculoskeletal Problems Associated with Their Rapid Growth. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1116. [PMID: 38612355 PMCID: PMC11011155 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071116] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The growth of the broiler industry has been accompanied with concerns over the environmental and social impacts on intensive production systems, as well as the welfare of the animals themselves. As a result, since the 2000s, there has been growing interest in alternative production systems that improve animal welfare and sustainability. In this context, it is important to prioritize the welfare of broilers in commercial production systems and to use reliable welfare indicators to provide consumers with information about the welfare of the animals they consume. Resource-based measures (RBM) are based on assessing the resources available to the birds in terms of their housing, environment, and management practices, such as stocking density, litter quality, lighting and air quality, etc. Outcome-based measures (OBM), also known as animal-based measures, focus on assessing the actual welfare outcomes for the birds, such as footpad dermatitis, hock burn, contamination or damage to feathers, gait score, mortality, etc. These OBM-based measures are one of the more direct indicators of welfare and can help identify any welfare issues. The present review highlighted the factors that affect animal welfare indicators focused on OBMs which can be used in the commercial broiler farms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kyung-Woo Lee
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea; (B.-Y.K.); (J.P.); (D.-H.K.)
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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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Jacobs L, Blatchford RA, de Jong IC, Erasmus MA, Levengood M, Newberry RC, Regmi P, Riber AB, Weimer SL. Enhancing their quality of life: environmental enrichment for poultry. Poult Sci 2022; 102:102233. [PMID: 36351344 PMCID: PMC9647224 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2022.102233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Providing environmental enrichments that increase environmental complexity can benefit poultry welfare. This Poultry Science Association symposium paper is structured around four themes on 1) poultry preferences and affective states 2) species-specific behavior, including play behavior and the relationship between behavior, activity level and walking ability, 3) environmental enrichment and its relationship with indicators of welfare, and 4) a case study focusing on the application of enrichments in commercial broiler chicken production. For effective enrichment strategies, the birds' perspective matters most, and we need to consider individual variation, social dynamics, and previous experience when assessing these strategies. Play behavior can be a valuable indicator of positive affect, and while we do not yet know how much play would be optimal, absence of play suggests a welfare deficit. Activity levels and behavior can be improved by environmental modifications and prior research has shown that the activity level of broilers can be increased, at least temporarily, by increasing the environmental complexity. However, more research on impacts of enrichments on birds' resilience, on birds in commercial conditions, and on slow(er)-growing strains is needed. Finally, incorporating farmers' expertise can greatly benefit enrichment design and implementation on commercial farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Jacobs
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
| | - R A Blatchford
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Animal Welfare, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - I C de Jong
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - M A Erasmus
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IA, USA
| | | | - R C Newberry
- Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - P Regmi
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - A B Riber
- Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - S L Weimer
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
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4
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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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Lopez R, Weimer SL, Balderama ES, Tarrant KJ. Evaluation of platform enrichments in a commercial broiler house. J APPL POULTRY RES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.japr.2022.100294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Productive performance, perching behavior, keel bone and other health aspects in dual-purpose compared to conventional laying hens. Poult Sci 2022; 101:102095. [PMID: 36095865 PMCID: PMC9472069 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2022.102095] [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: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Several alternatives to avoid killing male day-old chicks are available. One of these alternatives is to keep dual-purpose chicken strains. The aim of this study was to compare dual-purpose hens (Lohmann Dual, LD) with conventional laying hens (Lohmann Tradition, LT) in terms of performance, animal welfare parameters such as keel bone state and foot pad dermatitis, and perching behavior. We expected a generally equal or even better performance of the dual-purpose hens except for laying performance. Four hundred female day-old chicks were housed in 6 pens (3 pens per strain) and reared until 54 wk of age. Each pen offered a littered area, elevated slatted manure pit, elevated wooden frame with perches or grids and nest boxes on the manure pit. The wooden frame was alternately equipped with perches or grids. The elevated manure pit as well as the elevated structure was accessible via ramp. Productive performance parameters like mortality, total number of eggs and body weight were assessed periodically. In week 49, 132 hens (66 hens per strain) were randomly selected for radiography of the keel bone and assessment of plumage and foot pad state. Perching behavior was analyzed via scan sampling during rearing and laying period, respectively. Statistical analyzes were done with Linear Mixed Effect Model and General Linear Mixed Model. LD had a higher radiographic density than LT hens (P = 0.0016), other keel bone parameters (fracture score, P = 0.36; deformation, P = 0.83) showed no differences. The vast majority of fractures occurring in both strains were located in the caudal part of the keel bone. During the laying period, usage of elevated structures was higher with grids compared to perches (P < 0.001) and in LD compared to LT (P = 0.01). Some animal welfare problems were less frequent in LD compared to LT hens while other problems did not differ between the 2 strains or were even more frequent in LD hens. Grids may be more suitable as resting area than perches and may possibly help to decrease the prevalence of keel bone damage.
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The Influence of Different Types of Environmental Enrichment on the Performance and Welfare of Broiler Chickens and the Possibilities of Real-Time Monitoring via a Farmer-Assistant System. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14095727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of environmental enrichment on the growth performance, litter and/or air quality as well as animal welfare indicators of broilers. Control groups (CG) and trial groups (TG) were housed under identical conditions during six fattening runs, with the TG having three types of environmental enrichment and a Farmer-Assistant System (FAS). A representative number of 50 birds were weighed and litter samples were taken at d 14, 21 and 28. Additionally, the same broilers were examined for foot pad dermatitis (FPD) on those days. The average bodyweight of the birds in the CG was significantly lower (1671 g) only at d 28 compared to TG (1704 g); at d 14, d 21 and d 33 at the slaughterhouse, no significant differences were observed. The dry matter content in the litter did not significantly differ between CG and TG. Birds housed in CG had significantly higher FPD scores at d 14 (1.24) and d 21 (2.19) compared to those housed in TG (0.73 and 1.52, respectively). No effects on air quality parameters, such as CO2 and NH3, were seen between the groups. Overall, our study shows no negative influences of environmental enrichment on growth performance, litter and air quality.
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van der Eijk JA, Bakker J, Güz BC, van Krimpen MM, Molenaar R, van den Brand H, de Jong IC. Providing organic macro minerals and an elevated platform improved tibia characteristics, and increased locomotion and performance of fast- and slower-growing broilers. Poult Sci 2022; 101:101973. [PMID: 35759997 PMCID: PMC9241037 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2022.101973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Improving leg health will support broiler health and welfare. Known factors to improve leg health are: replacing inorganic by organic macro minerals in the diet, providing environmental enrichments and using slower-growing broilers. However, it remains unknown how fast- and slower-growing broilers respond to a combination of providing organic macro minerals and an elevated platform as enrichment with regard to leg health. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify whether a combined treatment of organic macro minerals and a platform affected leg health, tibia characteristics, behavior and performance of fast- and slower-growing broilers in a semicommercial setting. The experiment had a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with 12.800 fast-growing (Ross 308) and 12.800 slower-growing (Hubbard JA757) broilers that were randomly allocated to a control (i.e., inorganic macro minerals without enrichment) or adapted treatment (i.e., organic macro minerals and a platform). Broilers were housed in groups of 800 per pen (47.5 m2), with 8 replicates per treatment (total of 32 pens). Performance was measured weekly and over the total rearing period. Behavior was observed via scan sampling at a target weight of 0.6 and 1.9 kg for both breeds. Walking ability (gait score), footpad dermatitis, and hock burn were assessed in 10 broilers per pen just prior to slaughter weight. Leg disorders and tibia characteristics were assessed in the same broilers at slaughter weight (2.3 kg). Hardly any interaction effects between breed and treatment were found on leg health, tibia characteristics, behavior or performance, suggesting fast- and slower-growing broilers responded to the treatment similarly. The adapted treatment improved tibia characteristics, and increased locomotion and performance, but did not affect leg disorders, walking ability or contact dermatitis in both fast- and slower-growing broilers. The positive effects of the adapted treatment on tibia characteristics in both fast- and slower-growing broilers may improve leg health, although the current study did not confirm this for leg disorders, walking ability or contact dermatitis.
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Lourenço da Silva MI, Almeida Paz ICDL, Chaves GHC, Almeida ICDL, dos Ouros CC, de Souza SRL, Milbradt EL, Caldara FR, Satin AJG, da Costa GA, Glavina ASG. Behaviour and animal welfare indicators of broiler chickens housed in an enriched environment. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256963. [PMID: 34570782 PMCID: PMC8476007 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to assess the influence of adding straw bales, step platforms, and laser projectors as environmental enrichment resources on the behaviour and welfare indicators of broiler chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus). A sample of 4,000 day-old male Cobb® 500 birds was used. The experimental treatments consisted of No Environmental Enrichment (NEE)-similar to a conventional environment; and Environmental Enrichment (EE)-environment enriched with straw bales, step platforms, and laser projectors, with four replicates per treatment of 500 animals. Behavioural characteristics (ethological observation through cameras, grab test, and modified touch test) and animal welfare indicators (pododermatitis and dorsal cranial myopathy) were assessed. The birds submitted to the EE treatment exhibited greater exploratory activity and expression of behaviours associated with comfort and welfare, whereas those in the NEE group were less active. Locomotion and play fighting behaviour decreased and behaviours associated with comfort increased as age advanced. The frequencies of interaction with laser spots and birds lying around straw bales were the highest in the 1st week (P<0.01). The behaviours of pecking at straw bales (P<0.0004), using the step platforms (P = 0.0001) and being on top of straw bales (P<0.0002) gradually increased. The chickens accessed the feeding troughs the most in the period of 0800 hours (P<0.0001) and expressed the highest frequencies of behaviours associated with comfort in the 1400 hours and 1700 hours periods. The birds in the EE group were calmer in face of human presence and touch and scored higher in animal welfare indicators. Adding straw bales, step platforms, and laser projectors increased locomotion, reduced expression of fear, and improved animal welfare indicators of broiler chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marconi Italo Lourenço da Silva
- Department of Animal Production and Preventive Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), São Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ibiara Correia de Lima Almeida Paz
- Department of Animal Production and Preventive Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), São Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Henrique Coelho Chaves
- Department of Animal Production and Preventive Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), São Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ianê Correia de Lima Almeida
- Department of Animal Production and Preventive Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), São Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Caio Cesar dos Ouros
- Department of Animal Production and Preventive Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), São Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silvia Regina Lucas de Souza
- Department of Rural Engineering, School of Agronomic Science (FCA), São Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elisane Lenita Milbradt
- Department of Animal Production and Preventive Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), São Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Ribeiro Caldara
- Department of Animal Production, College of Agrarian Sciences, Federal University of Grande Dourados, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Ana Júlia Garcia Satin
- Department of Animal Production and Preventive Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), São Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Augusto da Costa
- Department of Animal Production and Preventive Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ), São Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andreia Soares Gonçalves Glavina
- Department of Rural Engineering, School of Agronomic Science (FCA), São Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
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