Abstract
Abstract The currently used poultry farming methods, which aim to maximise economic profit, are based on ever new technological solutions that improve flock management and increase bird performance. However, they do not always meet the natural needs of birds. Every housing method and technological solution currently in use is faced with some issues, such as social stress, adverse temperature/ humidity conditions, risk of zoonoses, and behavioural pathologies, which determine poultry performance and welfare. Disregard for animal welfare involves not only ethical but also practical aspects, because well-being and housing comfort translate into better weight gains, health and productivity of the birds. The studies reported here suggest that every production system, despite the many welfare-improving aspects, causes numerous behavioural, productivity and health abnormalities in laying hens. Therefore, further research is needed to identify various risk factors for the purpose of improving housing systems and increasing the welfare of hens.
Highlights
The welfare of hens has attracted the interest of scientists, breeders and consumers for many years
Many research studies focus on alternative housing systems to improve layer health and welfare while optimising production management and performance, with high quality eggs being of overriding importance (Schwaiger et al, 2008; Jones et al, 2016)
Every layer housing method and technological solution is faced with problems such as social stress, adverse temperature/humidity conditions, inability to express the full range of natural patterns of behaviour, risk of zoonoses or behavioural pathologies, which determine poultry performance and welfare
Summary
The welfare of hens has attracted the interest of scientists, breeders and consumers for many years. Large commercial layer farms are characterised by high stocking density, often with cage housing systems, lack of free range, and restriction of movement and considerable mechanisation of bird handling. This may cause stress, behavioural and physiological abnormalities, which has a negative impact on the production and health results (Bessei, 2005; Barnett et al, 2009). Many research studies focus on alternative housing systems to improve layer health and welfare while optimising production management and performance, with high quality eggs being of overriding importance (Schwaiger et al, 2008; Jones et al, 2016). Anderson et al (2007) observe that long-term selection of layer flocks for increased performance has no effect on their behavioural profile in the subsequent production cycles
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