Behavior of broiler chickens in four different substrates: a choice test

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the selection of bedding material by broiler chickens during the rearing period and whether the choice was determinant to their performing a specific behavior. To achieve this objective, a choice test was designed. A choice pen was constructed where birds could move freely around the four selected materials (straw, wood shavings, rice hulls and sand). Chickens were introduced in this pen in four groups of eight birds, three days a week for one hour per day and group, for four weeks. The location and the activity performed by each broiler were recorded every five minutes. Results showed a preference for sand compared with the other three substrates. However, differences between the behaviors performed in each bedding material were shown mainly for resting (preferably performed on wood shavings and straw), dust bathing (on sand), pecking and scratching (on rice hulls). Other factors, such as the time of day, were also found to have effects on fighting and drinking, and changes in behavioral patterns (resting, preening, eating, standing and pecking) were also detected as broilers grew older.

An evaluation of potential dustbathing substrates for commercial broiler chickens

“…In this trial, we found an expected decrease in foraging behaviour in older birds, however there was an increase in the percent of birds using preferred substrates for dustbathing. Current literature is inconsistent on the effect of age on dustbathing behaviour in domestic fowl, with reports of no effect of age (Weeks et al, 2000;Cornetto and Estevez, 2001;Shields et al, 2004;Bailie et al, 2013;Villagrá et al, 2014), and some trends of increased dustbathing to peaks at around week 6-7 (Weeks et al, 1994;Bokkers et al, 2003). These increases in dustbathing may be consistent with the normal development of the behaviour.…”

“…Sand also appears to be beneficial and highly attractive to broilers (Shields et al, 2004;. Other substrates that have been tested in dustbathing trials with less success include rice hulls, woodshavings, shell sand and paper (Shields et al, 2004;Toghyani et al, 2010, Guinebretière et al, 2014Villagrá et al, 2014). The quality of the dustbathing performed may also be influenced by substrate type.…”

Effect of Litter on Development and Severity of Foot-Pad Dermatitis and Behavior of Broiler Chickens

“…The drinking, feeding, dust bathing and scratching are significantly different between the different materials (sawdust, sand, rice husks and recycled paper) (Toghyani et al, 2010;Villagrá et al, 2014). If given a choice, chickens prefer to spend more time on the loosest litter -sand and dust bathe (Arnould et al, 2004;Toghyani et al, 2010;Villagrá et al, 2014).…”

Use of vegetable charcoal chaff as an alternative to the composition of broiler litter

“…Navneet et al (2011) On the other hand, the study by Mahmoud et al (2014) demonstrated that the animals raised in sand litter present higher body weight and, according to Villagrá et al (2014), this is related to the preference of expressing comfort behavior. According to the authors, the birds prefer sand to other materials (rice husks and wood shaving) since it allows them to bathe in the sand, a body expression that is directly connected to the animal's wellbeing.…”