Effect of Feed Withdrawal on Behaviour and Egg production in White Leghorns on Litter and Wire

Abstract

The effect of 48-h feed withdrawal on behaviour and egg production was investigated in White Leghorns housed on deep litter and sloped wire floor respectively. After the withdrawal period the wire animals crowded in the food trough area. During the withdrawal period both groups of hens showed a significant increase in floor pecking activity. The agonistic behaviour expressed as the number of aggressive pecks and the number of threats per 30 min was significantly more pronounced in the hens on wire before feed withdrawal whereas no difference between groups was encountered during and subsequent to feed withdrawal. Both groups showed a decrease in aggression during the withdrawal period. Egg production decreased significantly in both groups of hens subsequent to feed withdrawal with the lowest production by those on wire.