Foot pad health, plumage condition, integument and claw length of Lohmann Silver laying hens kept in small aviary housing systems, furnished cages and an aviary housing system

S Rönchen,H Hamann,O Distl,B Scholz

doi:10.5194/aab-50-388-2007

S Rönchen, H Hamann + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-50-388-2007

Copy DOI

Abstract

Abstract. In the 3rd, 6th, 9th and 12th laying month, foot pad health, plumage condition, integument and claw length were evaluated in 432 Lohmann Silver laying hens kept in three different housing systems: a small aviary housing system (Eurovent 625a-EU, EV) with different perch levels, a furnished cage system (Aviplus, AP) and an aviary (Voliere Natura, AV). Foot health was scored for hyperkeratosis and lesions on a scale from 1 (normal) to 5 or 4 (severe). Plumage condition was assessed with scores from 1 (worst) to 4 (best) for different body regions. Integument was assessed for lesions and claw length of the middle toe was measured. Mild foot pad hyperkeratosis was the most frequent finding in hens of all housing systems. Sole pad hyperkeratosis was less frequent in AP and occurred more often in EV and AV. Significantly more often hyperkeratosis in the region between toe and claw was observed in AP. Toe pad lesions and lesions between toe and claw were scored lowest in AV and highest in AP. An aggravation of plumage in the course of the laying period was observed in all hens. Hens showed a significantly better total plumage condition in AP compared to EV. Within housing system, group size had a significant influence on plumage condition. Plumage was better in smaller groups. Lesions of the integument were rarely detected. Claws were significantly shortest in AP, longer in AV and longest in EV. Perch design in EV was not significant for all traits except for comp lesions.

Highlights

Small group housing systems and small aviary housing systems should replace furnished cages after 2011 in Germany
The three different housing systems included in this study were a small aviary housing system Eurovent 625a-EU (EV), a furnished cage system Aviplus (AP) and an aviary system Voliere Natura (AV)
Within the region between toe and claw, we found the most distinct alterations in the furnished cage system; 23.6 % moderate hyperkeratosis, 6.9% severe and 4.2% very severe hyperkeratosis

Summary

Introduction

Small group housing systems and small aviary housing systems should replace furnished cages after 2011 in Germany. These systems should offer laying hens more space and enriched environmental conditions than conventional or furnished cages. Plumage condition, integument status and claw length are important indicators to evaluate housing systems for aspects of animal health and welfare. The objective of the present study was to evaluate if these welfare parameters can be improved in the newly developed small aviary housing system with different perch levels (Eurovent 625a-EU, EV). An important factor influencing the development of foot pad alterations is the housing system (TAUSON and ABRAHAMSSON, 1994; KEUTGEN et al, 1999; WEITZENBÜRGER et al, 2005). Findings in foot pad alterations range from mild hyperkeratotic alterations to inflamed ulcers of the foot, known as bumble foot (WANG et al, 1998). ABRAHAMSSON and TAUSON (1993)

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion