Behavioural assessment of three chicken genotypes under free-range, semi-intensive, and intensive housing systems

Abstract

The present study evaluated the effects of housing systems (free-range, semi-intensive, and intensive) on the behaviour of chickens over 10 weeks period (7-16 weeks of age. A total of 360 birds were selected and subjected to different housing systems. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) considered the following: 3 genotypes (RNN, BNN, and NN) × 2 sexes (30 cockerels and 30 pullets = 60 / genotype) × 3 housing systems (free-range, semi-intensive, and intensive) = 18 experimental units with 20 birds per unit = 360 birds. Regarding behavioural response, male birds under the intensive system were more aggressive and showed more sitting and standing behaviour followed by semi-intensive and free-range systems. Jumping, running, walking and wing flapping behaviours were higher in semi-intensive birds followed by free-range and intensive systems. Regarding females, RNN and BNN chicken revealed higher running behaviour than NN. In terms of housing systems, birds reared in the intensive system were more aggressive and showed an increased frequency of sitting and standing behaviours followed by semi-intensive and free-range systems. Birds under the free-range system spent most of their time in feeding and wing flapping followed by semi-intensive and intensive housing systems. Jumping, running, and walking was more pronounced in the semi-intensive system followed by a free-range and intensive system. It was concluded that RNN and BNN chickens expressed more natural behaviours under semi-intensive and free-range systems than NN chickens; hence, crossbred chickens could be reared under such types of environments to achieve their maximum genetic potential.