Preliminary evaluation of a nest usage sensor to detect double nest occupations of laying hens.

Mauro Zaninelli,Giovanni Savoini,Francesco Maria Tangorra,Luciana Rossi,Annamaria Costa,Alessandro Agazzi

doi:10.3390/s150202680

Mauro Zaninelli, Giovanni Savoini + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/s150202680

Copy DOI

Abstract

Conventional cage systems will be replaced by housing systems that allow hens to move freely. These systems may improve hens' welfare, but they lead to some disadvantages: disease, bone fractures, cannibalism, piling and lower egg production. New selection criteria for existing commercial strains should be identified considering individual data about laying performance and the behavior of hens. Many recording systems have been developed to collect these data. However, the management of double nest occupations remains critical for the correct egg-to-hen assignment. To limit such events, most systems adopt specific trap devices and additional mechanical components. Others, instead, only prevent these occurrences by narrowing the nest, without any detection and management. The aim of this study was to develop and test a nest usage “sensor”, based on imaging analysis, that is able to automatically detect a double nest occupation. Results showed that the developed sensor correctly identified the double nest occupation occurrences. Therefore, the imaging analysis resulted in being a useful solution that could simplify the nest construction for this type of recording system, allowing the collection of more precise and accurate data, since double nest occupations would be managed and the normal laying behavior of hens would not be discouraged by the presence of the trap devices.

Highlights

Council Directive 1999/74/EC reports that the welfare conditions of hens kept in current battery cages and in other breeding systems are inadequate
The nest construction for the recording systems, such as the funnel nest box (FNB), could be simplified, while the recording systems that are not equipped with trap devices [12] and for which double nest occupations are not managed could be improved by the use of this sensor
The developed sensor could be added to other recording systems that are not equipped with trap devices [12]

Summary

Introduction

Council Directive 1999/74/EC reports that the welfare conditions of hens kept in current battery cages and in other breeding systems are inadequate It bans conventional cages and demands the use of enriched cages in order to improve the hens’ welfare [1]. The adoption of this law by the states within the European Union and the change of consumer preferences suggest that conventional cage systems in many commercial egg farms should be replaced by alternative housing systems in which hens are allowed to move freely in groups [2]. Even though hens consume a similar amount of feed, a reduction in nutrient partitioning devoted to egg production may occur [6]

Objectives

Discussion

Conclusion