This study was performed with pullets to evaluate the effects of dietary yeast extract on bird performances and feather pecking. A total of 2400, 10-weeks-old pullets were divided into 8 groups: C, R,L and LR are control, feed restriction (from 09h00 to 15h00), litter removal (from 12 to 17 weeks of age) and both feed …
Environment, Well – Being and Behaviour
Four genetic stocks of Leghorn pullets were used to evaluate the effects of genetic selection on growth and fearfulness behavior. Three of the stocks were the Ottawa random bred control stocks from 1950 (CS5), 1959 (CS7), and 1972 (CS10). The fourth stockwas a 1993 commercial laying stock (CCS) whose ancestors were involved in the formation …
In the commercial poultry industry, feather pecking leads to damage to the chickens and anincreased mortality rate. The effects of two (possible) feather pecking prevention methods,infrared trimming and maternal care, on production parameters, fear, sociality, learning,feeding behavior, and feeding motivation were examined in young Silver Nick hens. Thirty-nine Silver Nick hens were tested from the …
This paper assesses US resident support for mandatory labeling of animal welfare information on pork and egg products and outlines policy considerations for assessment prior to implementing any mandatory labeling policies regarding animal welfare practices. Results suggest consumers support mandatory labeling indicating use of gestation crates (stalls) and laying hen cages. Estimates suggest consumers would …
This study was carried out to evaluate the performance and egg quality of laying hens in their second laying cycle submitted to different forced-moulting methods and three environmental temparatures. Six hundred layers were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design with 15 treatments with five replicates of eight birds each, according to 5×3 factorial arrangement …
The purpose of this study was to evaluate alternative molting protocols assessing hen welfare and performance during and after molt. Hyline W-36 pullets were housed at 15 wk of age, and their egg production was obtained during this first cycle. When birds were 80 wk, the following molting treatments were applied: a conventional molt consisting …
Behaviour in poultry is predominately visually mediated and vision is important to the welfare of poultry. The relationship between vision, behaviour and welfare has primarily been investigated in relation to artificial lighting. Genetically blind chickens provide an alternative experimental paradigm for further investigating the importance of sight. The primary aim of the study was to …
Laying hens usually select an elevated position for resting at night-time. A previous study showed that the position a hen …
Group nests in alternative housing systems for laying hens primarily fulfil the hen’s needs for seclusion and protection. Commercial nests used in Switzerland are built according to the provisions of the Swiss Animal Welfare Legislation. However, nest types can differ in aspects, such as floor slope, that could have an impact on egg-laying behaviour. Floor …
Nest sharing under semi-natural conditions in laying hens
Low rates of nest acceptance by laying hens are a major problem in commercial poultry farming operations with aviary systems, …
Pretesting farm animal housing systems that are intended for mass production is a practical way to increase and ensure product …
Within the European Union, the provision of dustbathing material in layer housing systems will be compulsory beginning in 2012. In cage systems, food particles are mainly used as litter material and are provided on scratching mats by an automatic transporting system. However, because dustbathing is a means for hens to remove stale lipids from their …
An experiment was performed to investigate the effect of animal versus vegetable protein sources in the diet on the development of behavior in laying hens. A diet containing protein sources of only vegetable origin was compared with four diets, each containing one of four processed animal proteins (PAPs). Two PAPs (Daka-58 and Sonac-60) were classified …
Harmful social behaviours are prevalent in commercial farming environments and their reduction through economically feasible husbandry changes is challenging. Selective breeding may offer a complementary approach to reduce the expression of these traits. This article explores the progress made in estimating the genetic contribution to harmful social behaviours, the likely consequences of selection on these …
Recent studies have shown that spraying a distasteful substance (quinine) on a bird’s feather cover reduced short-term feather pecking. The present experiment evaluated if other substances offer similar or better protection against feather pecking. One hundred and twenty birds were divided into 12 groups of 10 birds each. Over a period of 10 days the …
Both the process of carbon footprinting and carbon labelling of food products are currently voluntary in the UK. Both processes derive from the UK’s policy for sustainable development and in particular, the UK’s Framework for Environmental Behaviours that strongly advocates a social marketing approach towards behavioural change. This paper examines whether carbon footprinting and labelling …