Behaviour in Slower-Growing Broilers and Free-Range Access on Organic Farms in Sweden

Abstract

Two slower-growing hybrids (Rowan Ranger and Hubbard) are currently reared in organic broiler production in Sweden, but knowledge of bird welfare on commercial farms is limited. This study examined chicken behaviour, including free-range use and features of this, in order to enhance knowledge, describe the current situation and identify practical solutions on Swedish organic broiler farms. Eight of 12 available farms were visited once each, when average flock age was 55 ± 6 days. Farmer interviews were followed by avoidance distance tests, group behavioural observations, and assessment of use of environmental enrichment and free-range by the chickens. On average, almost half of all birds observed indoors were in a sitting posture. However, even when approaching slaughter age, the chickens were agile enough to perch and used some of the variety of items provided for perching, but the quantity of environmental enrichment equipment appeared to be insufficient. Free-range areas generally lacked sufficient vegetation cover or artificial shelters, and chickens were predominantly observed ranging near the house. Further research should explore feasible ways for farmers to make key improvements to the indoor and outdoor environment, in order to improve broiler welfare.

Welfare of broilers on farm

“…Especially underdimensioned resources will cause group stress as specific resources might be preferred and birds that are more dominant might prevent access to subordinate birds. This also includes popholes to the covered veranda which have been found to be occupied by birds limiting the access of others (Göransson et al., 2021 ). Although, agonistic behaviours were not increased among the birds crowding the popholes.…”

“…In a review, Pedersen and Forkman ( 2019 ) recommended that elevated structures should not be higher than 10 cm (Norring et al., 2016 ) or otherwise, it should be equipped with a ramp. In slower‐growing broilers and broiler breeders, however, perches will be useful to prevent inability to perform resting behavior (Gebhardt‐Henrich et al., 2017b ; Gebhardt‐Henrich et al., 2018 ; Göransson et al., 2021 ), see Section 3.5.2.1 .…”

Validation of a behavior observation form for geese reared in agroforestry systems

“…Chicken genotypes characterized by low exploratory aptitude exhibited low kinetic behaviors but a high frequency of roost and rest behaviors 23 . Göransson et al 24 showed that 50% of the observed birds exhibited sitting behavior, whereas less than 10% performed foraging activity.…”