A walk through the broiler breeder life: how do footpad dermatitis and gait scores develop from rearing to slaughter?

The two most common animal-based indicators used to evaluate leg health in broiler chickens are footpad dermatitis (FPD) and gait scoring, but these indicators are less explored in broiler breeders. This study is the first to investigate FPD and gait scoring in broiler breeders during their lifespan from rearing to end of life. In total, eight flocks were monitored (four Ross and four Hubbard) at five different timepoints, in rearing (5 and 15 weeks of age), during the production period (25 and 45 weeks of age) and at the end of the production period (approximately 60 weeks of age). At each visit, 50 hens and 25 roosters were gait scored (six-point scale) and footpads from another 50 hens and 25 roosters were evaluated (five-point scale) (total n = 3000 breeders, 2000 hens and 1000 roosters). Litter quality and air quality were measured at each visit. The results showed that the overall prevalence of FPD in rearing was low and that it increased towards the end of the production, with a mean FPD score of 2 out of a maximum 4 in the hens, indicating moderate lesions and 1.5 in the roosters. In all houses, the litter was dry and loose. FPD was not related to the litter quality, but to air quality, especially the ammonia concentration (P < 0.001). Overall, the gait score were good, and increased with age in both hens (P < 0.001) and roosters of both hybrids (P < 0.001).

Health effects of feed dilution and roughage in Ross 308 broiler breeder cockerels

To ensure reproductivity and prevent obesity, broiler breeder's growth rate is controlled by quantitative feed restriction. However, feed restriction is associated with chronic hunger, frustration, and abnormal behaviors, thus representing a welfare problem. Feed diluted with insoluble fiber is an alternative, allowing larger amounts of feed and more gut filling, increasing satiety without increasing the caloric intake. Previous research on feed dilution has focused on pullets not cockerels. In addition, the health effects of diluted feed are less explored. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of feed dilution and roughage on health indicators in broiler breeder cockerels, 5 to 10 wk of age (WOA), a very feed restricted period. In total, 200 Ross 308 broiler breeder cockerels were housed in 12 pens (6 pens/treatment), 16 to 17 birds per pen. The treatments were standard feed (Control) and feed diluted with (20%) insoluble oat hulls and 150 g of roughage (lucerne/alfalfa) daily per pen (D + R). The D + R birds received 20% more feed per day. Body weight, pecking injuries, footpad dermatitis (FPD), and litter quality were recorded weekly between 5 and 9 WOA. At 10 WOA all birds were euthanized and subjected to postmortem assessment. D + R birds tended to weigh more than controls (P = 0.055), but diet did not affect flock uniformity (P = 0.57). The weekly assessment showed no effect of treatment on foot pad lesion scores (P = 0.31). However, an effect on FPD was observed postmortem (P = 0.04), where Control had slightly better footpad condition compared to the D + R group. Litter had to be completely changed in 2 control pens during the trial, due to quality deterioration. There was no effect of treatment on the weight of specific organs, the length of the gut, the intestinal mucosa, nor on the incidence of wounds on the head (P = 0.15). Overall, these results indicate that feed dilution and roughage have neither adverse nor beneficial health effects on Ross 308 broiler breeder cockerels.

Effect of light sources with and without UVA on selected behavior and health indicators in commercial broiler breeder flocks

As new light sources are being developed for poultry houses, systematic investigations on how these influence behavior and health in commercial broiler breeders are needed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 2 light sources (Evolys with UVA (LED) and Biolux 965 (CFL)) on the behavior and health of 2 broiler breeder hybrids during the production period. Eight commercial breeder flocks (Ross 308 n = 4, Hubbard JA757 n = 4) with Evolys (Ross n = 2, Hubbard n = 2) or Biolux (Ross n = 2, Hubbard n = 2) were visited at 25 and 50 wk of age to record behavior and health. Behaviors included resting, locomotion, exploration, comfort, feather pecking, aggression, and mating, while health was recorded by a transect walk, scoring the number of birds observed with: feather loss (FL) on head, back/wings, breast, and tail, wounds on head, back/wings, and tail, dirty plumage, lameness, sickness, and dead birds. The most common behaviors were resting, locomotion, comfort, and exploration, and these were influenced by a 3-way interaction between light source, hybrid, and age. Light source did not affect behavior in Hubbard birds at any age. In contrast, Ross birds housed in Evolys rested less at 50 wk compared to Biolux (P = 0.04) and showed more locomotion at 25 wk in Biolux compared to Evolys (P < 0.0001). Ross birds at 25 wk explored more in Biolux compared to Evolys (P = 0.0007). More comfort behavior was performed in Evolys in 25-wk-old Ross (P = 0.002), but not at 50 wk. These inconsistencies might be due to low sample size, which is a limitation in the study. The most common health indicators were FL on back/wings (mean 3.9%), wounds on back/wings (mean 0.22%), and FL head (mean 0.18%), with no effect of light source, hybrid, or age on FL back/wings, breast, or tail, but with increased FL on the head with increased age (P = 0.0008). In conclusion, the behavior of Ross birds seemed to be affected by light source, while the Hubbard birds were not. Light source had minor effects on the selected health indicators in the 2 hybrids.

The Aviary Transect - A practical welfare assessment tool to improve the management of cage-free laying hens

The Aviary Transect (AT) is a method for assessing welfare in cage-free laying hen flocks, and comprises standardized walks along each aisle screening the flock for selected welfare indicators: feather loss (FL) on head, back, breast, and tail, wounds on head, back, tail, and feet, dirty plumage, enlarged crop, sickness, and birds found dead. The method is quick (20 min for a flock of 7,500 hens), has good interobserver agreement and shows positive correlations with individual bird sampling methods. However, it is less clear whether AT can be used to detect differences in flock health and welfare related to housing and management. The aim of this study was to evaluate how AT findings varied in relation to 23 selected housing, management, environmental, and production factors. The study was conducted on 33 commercial nonbeak-trimmed, white-feathered layer flocks of similar age (70-76 wk) kept in multitiered aviaries in Norway. The most prevalent findings across flocks were feather loss on the back (mean 0.97% of flock) and breast (0.94%) followed by feather loss on the head (0.45%) and tail (0.36%) with differences in feather pecking damage according to the hybrid used (P < 0.05). Better litter quality was associated with a lower prevalence of feather loss on the head and breast (P < 0.05), and addition of fresh litter during the production cycle resulted in fewer birds with feather loss on the head (P < 0.05) and tail (P < 0.001). Lower dust levels were linked to a lower prevalence of feather loss on the head, back, and breast (P < 0.05), and when access to the floor area underneath the aviary was provided at an earlier stage of production, fewer birds had wounds (P < 0.001), but more birds were observed with an enlarged crop (P < 0.05) and found dead (P < 0.05). In conclusion, findings from AT showed that results of the assessment varied according to housing conditions. These results support the validity of AT as a relevant welfare assessment tool for evaluating cage-free management practices.

Keel bone fractures in broiler breeders: is palpation a reliable diagnostic method?

The aim of this study was to estimate the sensitivity and specificity of palpation relative to necropsy for detection of keel bone fractures (KBF) in broiler breeders. In addition, the study investigated observer reliability of palpation. Four commercial breeder flocks (Ross 308 n = 2, Ranger Gold n = 1, Hubbard JA 757, n = 1) were included in the study. A total of 400 hens and 60 roosters were examined after culling or slaughter, at end of lay (63 weeks). Keel bones were first palpated independently by two raters with a varying degree of experience in palpation of keel bones in laying hens. After palpation, a necropsy with investigation of the keel bone was conducted. The prevalence of KBF at end of lay for hens, as diagnosed by necropsy, varied from 14-58%, while only one in 60 assessed roosters had KBF. Palpation had poor sensitivity, with differences between raters ranging from 56% to 36% when hybrid is not considered. The specificity of palpation for all hybrids together was 85% and 88%, for the two raters, respectively. The two raters had moderate agreement, Gwet's agreement coefficient (95% confidence interval): 0.60 (0.52-0.69). In conclusion, palpation has poor diagnostic accuracy for detection of KBF in broiler breeders, and other methods, like necropsy, must be applied for reliable assessments. KBF appears to be a prevalent condition in different hybrids of broiler breeder hens, but not in roosters.RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS This is the first study to investigate palpation as a diagnostic method for detection of KBF in broiler breeders.Palpation has poor diagnostic accuracy for detection of KBF in broiler breeder hens with differences between raters.KBF can be a prevalent problem in broiler breeder hens of several hybrids, but not in roosters.

Flock Factors Correlated with Elevated Mortality in Non-Beak Trimmed Aviary-Housed Layers

The use of non-cage housing systems for layers is increasing in Europe and elsewhere. Knowledge of factors that may affect mortality in these systems is important to be able to improve animal welfare, reduce mortality and enhance sustainability. The aim of this study was to investigate factors that may contribute to increased mortality in non-beak trimmed aviary-housed laying hens in Norway. A total of 39 non-beak trimmed commercial flocks (Lohmann LSL (n = 25) and Dekalb White (n = 14)) were visited between week 70 to 76 of life, and factors related to health, behaviour and management were recorded. Mean mortality in the flocks was 3% (range: 0.5−9%) and increased flock mortality was correlated with total feather loss (p < 0.05); feather loss on the breast (p < 0.02) and feather loss on the head (p < 0.003). There was an association between layer hybrid line and mortality (p = 0.055). Furthermore, a low positive correlation between mortality and dust level inside the barn was found (p < 0.04), showing that mortality was higher when dust level was also high. No correlation between mortality and the provision of environmental enrichment was found. In conclusion, this study found an association between flocks with elevated mortality (>3.0%) and increased feather loss which may indicate feather pecking. The results underline the importance of regularly assessment of plumage condition in commercial layer farms, as a tool to detect early signs of feather pecking in commercial aviary-housed layer flocks. This may help to target feather pecking before cannibalism breaks out.

End of lay postmortem findings in aviary housed laying hens

Good health and low mortality are constitutive elements of good animal welfare. In laying hens, mortality and pathological findings are usually reported as cumulative proportions from onset of lay to culling. However, knowledge of pathological lesions and causes of death specifically toward the end of the production period are scarce. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of postmortem lesions and tentative causes of death in non-beak trimmed, end of lay hens, housed in multitiered aviary systems. A convenience sample of 48 flocks was recruited. In each flock, layers dead between wk 65 and 70 were necropsied in the field. In total, 482 layers were subjected to postmortem examination. The 4 most common pathological lesions were keel bone fracture (KBF) (92%), fatty liver (42%), emaciation (23%), and salpingitis (22%). Apart from keel bone fracture, the relative frequency of the pathological lesions variated between flocks, indicating that flock is an important factor. Common tentative causes of death were salpingitis (18%) and fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS) (13%). This study sheds light on health challenges aviary housed layers are facing end of lay, which is crucial knowledge in the development of preventive measures to secure good health and welfare.

Effect of perch access on perching, health and production outcomes in commercial broiler breeder flocks

There is a need for more knowledge about perch use in broiler breeders and the potential effects of perches on health and production outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of perches by commercial broiler breeders, effect of perch access on keel bone fractures (KBF), footpad dermatitis (FPD) and number of floor eggs. Two commercial breeder flocks (Ross 308) reared at the same facility were observed during the production period. Half of each flock was provided with 15 cm perch/bird and the other half had no perches. The perch group had two types of perches; a steel plate mounted on the hen feeder lines “feeder perch” (15 cm high) and elevated plastic perches (5 cm high). Perching by hens and roosters was recorded during the dark period by counting birds on each of the two perch types in 10 sections and in the corresponding patches on the control side at 25, 35, and 45 wk of age (WOA). FPD was scored in 100 random hens in each group at 30 WOA and end of lay, KBF was scored by postmortem in 100 random hens in each group at end of lay, and number of floor eggs (n) in each treatment was scored daily. More hens perched on the feeder perch with the steel plate mounted, compared to the feeder line without the steel plate, but this difference decreased with age (P < 0.0001). Within the perch treatment, more hens perched on the feeder lines compared to the plastic perches at all ages (P < 0.0001). When combining number of hens on the plastic and feeder perches, on average 6.7 birds perched per meter perch, which is full capacity given an average shoulder width of 15 cm/bird. Perch use among the roosters was low overall, but more roosters perched in the perch group compared to the control group at 35 WOA (P = 0.007). Between 47 and 53% of the hens had KBF at the end of the lay. At 30 WOA, birds housed with perches were more likely to have lower FPD. Perch treatment did not affect number of floor eggs. In conclusion, broiler breeder hens perch when the perches are sufficiently high and allow all birds to perch simultaneously, and access to perches may have positive effects on FPD.

Environmental enrichment in commercial flocks of aviary housed laying hens: relationship with plumage condition and fearfulness

Management strategies can have positive effects on laying hen welfare, including prevention of damaging behavior, aggression, and fear, particularly by using environmental enrichment (EE). However, few studies have investigated the effects of the provision of EE in commercial aviary flocks. This knowledge gap is particularly significant considering the increasing numbers of non-beak trimmed hens worldwide kept in aviaries. The aim of this study was to survey and investigate the relationship between commercially applied EE and plumage condition and fearfulness in Norwegian flocks of loose-housed laying hens. Forty-five indoor multi-tiered aviary-system flocks of laying hens from across Norway were visited at the end of lay (range: 70–76 wk of age). The flocks consisted of either Lohmann LSL (n = 30) or Dekalb White (n = 15) non–beak-trimmed hens. During the visit, the researchers collected data on the farmers’ use of the following five types of enrichment: pecking stones, gravel, oyster shells, grains scattered in the litter, and “toys”. Feather loss was assessed individually in approximately 50 hens per flock and scores were awarded using a 3-point scale (0–2) for each of the following body parts: head, back/wings, breast, and tail. Finally, a novel object test was performed in 4 different locations in each house. The results showed that damage to the tail feathers was correlated positively to the first age of provision of toys (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.41; P = 0.051) and negatively to the amounts of gravel stones provided (Pearson correlation coefficient = −0.43, P = 0.02). No other associations between the welfare indicators and the provision of EE objects were found, likely because of the low variation of enrichment provision. The present study showed that the provision of EE objects such as toys and gravel stones can have significant benefits to the condition of laying hen plumage. This study also adds to the body of literature supporting the importance of early life experiences on the behavioral development of laying hens and on their welfare at older ages.

Developing a novel welfare assessment tool for loose-housed laying hens - the Aviary Transect method

This study compared welfare assessment results in aviary flocks using 3 approaches: 1) A novel Aviary Transect method, 2) AssureWel, and 3) the Norwegian farm advisors' NorWel method. The Aviary Transect time requirement, interobserver reliability, and within- and across-house sensitivity to detect welfare indicators were also evaluated. The study was conducted on 6 randomly chosen commercial white-strain layer flocks of similar age and flock size, kept in multitiered aviaries. The Aviary Transect method comprised standardized walks along each aisle while screening the whole flock for 12 welfare indicators: feather loss (FL) on head, back, breast, and tail, wounds on head, back, tail, and feet, dirty birds, enlarged crop, sick birds, and dead birds. AssureWel involved scoring FL on head and back, and dirtiness of 50 random birds, and flock-level evaluation of beak trimming, antagonistic behavior, flightiness, birds needing further care, and mortality. NorWel involved scoring 8 welfare indicators on 50 random birds: FL on head, back, breast, and tail, dirtiness, and wounds on head, back, and tail. The AssureWel detected flock differences in both minor and major FL on the back (P < 0.01) as well as somewhat dirty birds (P < 0.01). The NorWel method detected flock differences in both minor and major FL on the head (P < 0.01), back (P < 0.001), breast (P < 0.001), and tail (P < 0.001) and somewhat (score 1) dirty birds (P < 0.05). The Aviary Transect method detected flock differences in FL on head, back, breast, and tail (all P < 0.001), dirty birds (P < 0.05) and enlarged crop (P < 0.001). More birds with FL on breast, and more dirty birds, were found in wall vs. central transects (P < 0.05). There was good interobserver agreement, except for dirty birds (P < 0.01), and positive correlations (P < 0.05) were identified between the Aviary Transect method and the other sampling methods for FL on head and back, and dirtiness. The three methods took similar time to complete (about 20 min/flock). In conclusion, all 3 methods detected significant differences in welfare indicator prevalence between flocks. The new Aviary Transect method provides egg producers with an efficient and sensitive whole-flock assessment of hen welfare status in multitiered aviaries.

A Descriptive Study of Keel Bone Fractures in Hens and Roosters from Four Non-Commercial Laying Breeds Housed in Furnished Cages

The presence of keel bone fractures (KBF) in laying hens has been documented and discussed by several authors, nevertheless the causative factors behind KBF remain uncertain. High prevalence of KBF have been reported in all commercial egg production systems, in different genetic lines and at different ages. Several of the proposed causal mechanisms behind KBF are linked to selection for efficient production. It is, therefore, of interest to explore whether less selected breeds have a lower occurrence of keel bone fractures compared to reports from highly selected, modern laying hen breeds. Thus, the aim of the current study was to investigate keel bones of hens from four non-commercial layer breeds. Birds were housed in furnished cages and keel bones examined at 30 and 63 weeks of age, using a portable X-ray equipment. The results from this descriptive study indicate a low prevalence of KBF at both ages in all four breeds, with only five KBF detected in 213 X-ray pictures taken from 126 birds. Of these, four of the KBF were observed in the most genetically selected breed, with an early onset of lay. None of the roosters examined exhibited KBF. The overall low numbers of KBF found indicate that genetic factors may be involved in KBF and, thus that selective breeding may help to reduce the susceptibility to KBF. Finally, this study highlights the importance of poultry conservation to secure genetic diversity, which may be an important resource in future selection schemes.

Associations between animal-based measures at 11 wk and slaughter data at 20 wk in turkey toms (Meleagris gallopavo)

To monitor animal welfare on a commercial scale, systematic collection and evaluation of slaughterhouse data is the most feasible method. However, we need to know whether slaughterhouse data retrospectively and reliably reflect information about the birds' welfare on-farm. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate associations between animal-based welfare measures in flocks of turkey toms at 11 wk of age recorded with the transect walk and slaughter data at 20 wk of age. A total of 20 commercial flocks of turkey toms were visited, where an observer walked the transects in a random order and recorded the total number of birds per transect that were immobile, lame, with visible head, tail, or wing wounds, small, featherless, dirty, sick, terminal, or dead. Slaughterhouse data were provided for each flock. Univariate and multivariate linear regression models were used to investigate the associations between on-farm and slaughterhouse measures. Increased prevalence of immobile toms at week 11 resulted in more birds rejected at slaughter owing to leg issues (P = 0.02) and airsacculitis (P < 0.001). More lame birds on-farm were associated with an overall higher rejection rate at slaughter (P < 0.001). Flocks with more featherless birds had significantly more birds being rejected at slaughter owing to skin issues (P = 0.02). More dirty birds at week 11 resulted in more birds being rejected owing to airsacculitis at slaughter (P < 0.001). A higher mortality on-farm was associated with more birds rejected for being too small (P = 0.04). In conclusion, significant associations between animal-based measures of turkey toms as assessed by the transect walk method on-farm at 11 wk and slaughter data at 20 wk were identified.

Associations between carcass weight uniformity and production measures on farm and at slaughter in commercial broiler flocks

In poultry flocks, flock weight uniformity is often defined as the percent individuals within 10% of the mean body weight (BW) and the variability of this uniformity can be expressed as the CV of BW. Flock weight uniformity is a standardized and objective measured, and could potentially be used as a welfare indicator; however, little is known about the relationship between flock uniformity and other production measures on-farm or at slaughter. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between carcass weight uniformity (CV of BW) and production measures on-farm and at slaughter in Norwegian commercial broiler flocks. A total of 45 randomly selected mixed-sex Ross 308 broiler flocks were visited prior to slaughter at 28 to 30 D of age (average slaughter age 30.6 D). All flocks were raised under similar farm management systems. The Welfare Quality protocol for broilers was used to assess different animal welfare indicators in each flock. All production data from the slaughterhouse were collected for each flock, including carcass weight uniformity (%), mortality (%), growth rate (g), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and rejected birds (%) in different rejection categories. Univariable and multivariable linear regression models were used to investigate the associations between flock weight uniformity and production and welfare measures. The results showed that flock uniformity varied from 11% to 18% between flocks within the same hybrid, similar management standards, and similar slaughter age (day 29 to 32). Poorer uniformity (i.e., high CV) was associated with increased first week mortality (P < 0.004, r = 1.48, increased total mortality (P < 0.013, r = 0.01), increased FCR (i.e., less efficient growth) (P < 0.024, r = 0.06), reduced growth rate (P < 0.0012, r = −0.01), and a reduced rejection rate at slaughter (P < 0.006, r = −0.01). The results show that flock uniformity varies across broiler flocks, and is associated with several production measures.

Identifying welfare issues in turkey hen and tom flocks applying the transect walk method

In commercial conditions turkey tom and hen flocks are reared under similar housing and management conditions. However, the 2 sexes differ with regard to behavioral and physiological characteristics, and are slaughtered at different ages, resulting in different growth patterns. The rearing environment and management likely have similar effects on the welfare of both sexes reared in 1 barn, as usual in commercial flocks, but this has not previously been studied. The main aim of current study was to identify on-farm health and welfare issues of commercially reared hen and tom turkeys at 11 wk of age using the transect walk method. The study was conducted between November 2017 and March 2018 in 20 commercial turkey flocks on 16 different farms in the eastern part of Norway. On each farm, 1 barn, divided into tom and hen area, was evaluated using transect walk method. An observer walked the transects in random order and recorded the total number of birds per transect that were immobile; lame, with visible head, tail, or wing wounds; small; featherless; dirty; sick; terminal or dead. To analyze the data, we applied ANOVA and Spearman correlations in SAS software (v 9.3). The most commonly observed welfare indicators across sexes were dirty and featherless birds, and birds with tail and wing wounds. Across sexes, poor litter quality resulted in more head wounds (P < 0.05). Toms had significantly more tail wounds (P < 0.001), there were more sick birds (P < 0.01) and more terminal birds (P < 0.01) compared to hens at the same age. Several of the welfare indicators were positively correlated between the sexes, including lame, head, wing- and tail-wounded, dirty, and dead birds, suggesting similar underlying environmental causes affecting animal welfare.

On-farm broiler chicken welfare assessment using transect sampling reflects environmental inputs and production outcomes

To evaluate the utility of transect sampling for assessing animal welfare in large chicken flocks, we quantified relationships between environmental inputs, welfare problems detected using transect sampling, and production outcomes. We hypothesised that environmental inputs including environmental complexity (i.e. number of environmental enrichment types provided), space allowance, underfloor heating (presence or absence), and photoperiod regimen (18 h continuous vs 16 h intermittent) would correspond to variations in welfare assessment findings, which would predict production outcomes. We conducted on-farm welfare assessment of Norwegian broiler flocks at approximately 28 days of age. We sampled four transects (rows between feeder and drinker lines) per flock to determine litter quality and the proportions of chickens with compromised welfare as indicated by visual signs of walking difficulties, illness, skin wounds and small bird size. Production outcome measures included mortality, reasons for carcass rejection at slaughter, footpad dermatitis, growth rate, feed conversion and an integrated production index. Greater environmental complexity was associated with a reduction in skin wounds and total welfare problems on the farm, lower mortality, fewer rejections due to wounds and underweight birds, and fewer rejections overall. Higher space allowances within levels of environmental complexity were associated with fewer walking difficulties and welfare problems overall, a reduction in rejections due to wounds, and a higher growth rate and production index. Underfloor heating was associated with a reduction in rejections due to leg deformity, and intermittent light was associated with lower illness and skin wound rates on the farm, and lower mortality. Furthermore, fewer welfare problems and better litter quality on the farm were associated with fewer carcass rejections at slaughter. Thus, data from transect sampling varied with environmental inputs and production outcomes, supporting the validity of transect sampling for practical, animal-based on-farm welfare assessment.

Effects of environmental enrichment on activity and lameness in commercial broiler production

The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the effects of commercially applied environmental enrichments on behavior and lameness in broilers. Two consecutive flocks of broilers were observed at 16 days and 30 days of age to investigate differences between enriched (peat, bales of lucerne hay, and elevated platforms) and control birds with regards to behavioral activities and lameness. More running (p < .001), worm running (p = .006), play fighting (p = .015), dust bathing (p = .009), and ground pecking while standing (p < .001) were observed at 16 days than at 30 days. Across both ages, enriched birds showed more wing flapping (p = .016), wing stretching (p = .002), body shaking (p = .002), ground scratching (p < .001), and ground pecking while standing (p < .001) and lying (p = .003) compared with control birds. Even when no enrichments were close, enriched birds showed more body shaking (p = .008) and ground pecking while standing (p < 0.001) and lying (p = .010) than birds in comparable locations in control pens. There was a tendency for a lower gait score (i.e., reduced lameness) with the enriched treatment (p = .077). In conclusion, enriched birds showed higher levels of several activities compared with control birds, and demonstrated higher levels in areas where no enrichments were present.