Fast- and slower-growing broilers respond similarly to a reduction in stocking density with regard to gait, hock burn, skin lesions, cleanliness, and performance

Eijk, Jerine A.J. van der; Harn, J. van; Gunnink, H.; Melis, Stephanie; Riel, J.W. van; Jong, I.C. de

doi:10.1016/j.psj.2023.102603

Cited by 10 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 47 publications

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“…Higher activity levels and the use of environmental enrichment (Ventura et al, 2012;de Jong and Goërtz, 2017) have also been observed, as well as a reduced frequency of disturbances amongst chickens (Ventura et al, 2012) and an enhanced immune system status (Gomes et al, 2014). Although strain-environment interactions might hamper the direct extrapolation of these results to more slower-growing hybrids (Rayner et al, 2020), similar welfare improvements in terms of health and behaviour have also been associated with lower stocking densities in the latter (van der Eijk et al, 2022(van der Eijk et al, , 2023. Notwithstanding the above, studies in which even lower as well as a wider range of, stocking densities have been evaluated in terms of broiler welfare, show that more pronounced welfare benefits may come from a further decrease in stocking density (Buijs et al, 2009(Buijs et al, , 2010.…”

Section: Lower Stocking Densitymentioning

confidence: 98%

The perks of being an organic chicken – animal welfare science on the key features of organic poultry production

Göransson,

Lundmark Hedman

2024

Front. Anim. Sci.

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Modern poultry production entails a number of important animal welfare issues. However, welfare is often considered to be better in organic than in non-organic production, largely due to the focus on naturalness within the former which has been embedded within the EU regulations on organic production. The aim of this paper was to review the relevant scientific literature to assess (i) how animal welfare science relates to the key features of organic poultry production which originally stem from organic visions and ideological reasons, and (ii) whether there is scientific evidence to show that these key features, as stipulated in current EU regulations, contribute to higher welfare in organic poultry production. We identified seven key features that are intended to improve poultry welfare in organic production: appropriate breeds, no mutilations, outdoor access, natural light, perch space and raised sitting levels, provision of roughage, and lower stocking densities. In general, the animal welfare science available supports the potential for higher animal welfare in organic poultry production, based on the requirements as laid down in the current EU regulations. However, there is still room for improvement, and some aspects that may further improve animal welfare in organic poultry production include the use of alternative laying hen hybrids with the potential for better welfare, even more slow-growing broilers, appropriate management of the free-range areas in practice to ensure that they are used by the birds, additional raised sitting level space allowance for broilers, and the use of “dark brooders” for chicks.

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Section: Lower Stocking Densitymentioning

confidence: 98%

The perks of being an organic chicken – animal welfare science on the key features of organic poultry production

Göransson,

Lundmark Hedman

2024

Front. Anim. Sci.

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“…Moreover, high stocking densities can lead to increased competition for resources such as food and water, allowing birds to spend more time perching or lying down, which can increase the chance of hock burn from prolonged contact with litter [63]. Indeed, van der Eijk et al [64] reported that there was a significant difference in hock burn between stocking densities of 30 kg/m 2 and 36 kg/m 2 . The low-stocking-density-raised broilers (30 kg/m 2 ) had lower hock burn scores compared with those raised over 36 kg/m 2 .…”

Section: Stocking Densitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessment of Welfare Problems in Broilers: Focus on Musculoskeletal Problems Associated with Their Rapid Growth

Kwon,

Park,

Kim

et al. 2024

Animals

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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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“…The daytime lighting program was so dim that the author could not see the feed and water lines after being in the house for twenty minutes. A recent study showed that reducing stocking density provided the greatest benefit for fast growing broiler chickens [40]. Foot pad lesions were reduced and gait (walking) scores were improved [40].…”

Section: Enrichment For Broiler Chickensmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A recent study showed that reducing stocking density provided the greatest benefit for fast growing broiler chickens [40]. Foot pad lesions were reduced and gait (walking) scores were improved [40]. An easy way to determine if a house is overstocked is to walk through the birds on the day of catch.…”

Section: Enrichment For Broiler Chickensmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Practical Approach to Providing Environmental Enrichment to Pigs and Broiler Chickens Housed in Intensive Systems

Grandin

2023

Animals

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In Europe, regulations contain guidance to maintain high standards of animal welfare. In many parts of the world, large buyers for supermarkets or restaurants are the main enforcers of basic animal welfare standards. They can have considerable influence on improving standards on large commercial farms. Research clearly shows that straw is one of the most effective environmental enrichment for pigs. On some large farms, there are concerns that straw will either clog waste management systems or bring in disease. This paper contains a review of both scientific research and practical experience with enrichment devices that are easy to implement. Pigs prefer enrichment objects that they can chew up and deform. Broiler chickens prefer to climb up on objects, hide under them or peck them. It is always essential to uphold basic welfare standards such as animal cleanliness and low levels of lameness (difficulty walking). It is also important to reduce lesions, and maintain body conditions of breeding animals. An environment enrichment device is never a substitute for poorly managed facilities. It should enhance animal welfare on well-managed farms.

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Fast- and slower-growing broilers respond similarly to a reduction in stocking density with regard to gait, hock burn, skin lesions, cleanliness, and performance

Cited by 10 publications

References 47 publications

The perks of being an organic chicken – animal welfare science on the key features of organic poultry production

The perks of being an organic chicken – animal welfare science on the key features of organic poultry production

Assessment of Welfare Problems in Broilers: Focus on Musculoskeletal Problems Associated with Their Rapid Growth

A Practical Approach to Providing Environmental Enrichment to Pigs and Broiler Chickens Housed in Intensive Systems

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