Impact of light-emitting diode and compact fluorescent lighting type and cage tier on layers reared in an enriched cage system, part 2: some welfare traits

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of lighting type [light-emitting diode (LED) and compact fluorescent (FLO) light] and cage tier on welfare traits such as feather score, body and comb wounds, bumble foot and footpad dermatitis, beak damage, keel bone deformity, finger damage, aggressive pecking behavior, and the avoidance distance test (ADT) in laying hens reared in an enriched cage system. A total of 400 layers were used to determine these traits at 25 and 45 weeks of age. A total of 80 layers were used to determine tonic immobility (TI) duration and induction number. The dust accumulation rate (DAR I and DAR II) was recorded to determine the activity of layers under different lighting sources at 25, 35, and 45 weeks of age. The highest DAR I and DAR II were determined in the FLO group at 35 and 45 weeks of age (P < 0.05). The worst comb wound and highest ADT were found in the FLO group at 25 weeks of age (P < 0.05). In the FLO group the mean feather score, comb wound, and finger damage were worse than in the LED group (P < 0.01). In addition, aggressive pecking behavior (P < 0.01) was observed more in the FLO group at 45 weeks of age (P < 0.05). The breast and vent feather scores (P < 0.001), mean body feather score, comb wound, and footpad dermatitis of hens at 45 weeks of age (P < 0.05) were worse in lower cage tiers. In conclusion, using LED light in poultry houses helps to increase some of the welfare parameters. Cage tier significantly affects the welfare parameters, and this effect is clearer around 45 weeks of age in layers.