Evaluation of plumage condition and foot pad health in laying hens kept in a small group housing system

Abstract

Summary Laying hen husbandry, especially conventional cages, have been a target of public criticism for a long time. The search for alternative housing systems, that are more animal-friendly, without losing high egg production standards, led to the development of small group housing systems. Equipment of these housing systems with perches, dust baths and nest boxes offers laying hens the possibility to perform a wider repertoire of their natural behaviour. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the welfare status of hens kept in the small group housing system Eurovent German. Therefore, plumage condition and foot pad health were recorded during four consecutive trials. The analysis of variance showed a highly significant effect of the laying month, the layer line and the trial on almost all examined parameters. The effect of group size was solely significant for the plumage of tail. Feathering of head, neck and wings was significantly worse and sole pad lesions were more common in hens from the third tier of the housing system compared to layers of the lower tiers. Although the furnished elements of the small group housing system may improve the welfare of hens, these elements further may force feather pecking behaviour by giving the hens an incentive to peck. Apart from a number of causative factors influencing feather damage and foot pad alterations, the interaction between the individual laying hen and its environment plays a decisive role.