Welfare Of Laying Hens Research Articles

Ramps and hybrid effects on keel bone and foot pad disorders in modified aviaries for laying hens

Non-cage systems provide laying hens with considerable space allowance, perches and access to litter, thereby offering opportunities for natural species-specific behaviors. Conversely, these typical characteristics of non-cage systems also increase the risk of keel bone and foot pad disorders. The aim of this study was twofold: 1) to investigate if providing ramps between perches (housing factor) reduces keel bone and foot pad disorders and 2) to test for genetic predisposition by comparing 2 different layer hybrids. In a 2 × 2 design, 16 pens were equipped either with or without ramps between perches and nest boxes (8 pens/treatment), and housed with either 25 ISA Brown or Dekalb White birds per pen (in total 200 birds/hybrid). Keel bone injuries and foot health were repeatedly measured via palpation and visual assessment between 17 and 52 wk of age and daily egg production was recorded. The relationships between the dependent response variables (keel bone and footpad disorders, egg production) and independent factors (age, ramps, hybrid) were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models and corrected for repeated measures. Ramps reduced keel bone fractures (F1,950 = 45.80, P < 0.001), foot pad hyperkeratosis (F1,889 = 10.40, P = 0.001), foot pad dermatitis (F1,792 = 20.48, P < 0.001) and bumble foot (F1,395 = 8.52, P < 0.001) compared to pens without ramps. ISA Brown birds sustained more keel bone fractures (F1,950 = 33.26, P < 0.001), had more foot pad hyperkeratosis (F1,889 = 44.69, P < 0.001) and laid more floor eggs (F1,1883 = 438.80, P < 0.001), but had fewer keel bone deviations (F1,1473 = 6.73, P < 0.001), fewer cases of foot pad dermatitis (F1,792 = 19.84, P < 0.001) and no bumble foot as compared to Dekalb White birds. Age, housing and hybrid showed several interaction effects. Providing ramps proved to be very effective in both reducing keel bone and foot pad problems in non-cage systems. Keel bone and foot pad disorders are related to genetic predisposition. These results indicate that adaptation of the housing systems and hybrid selection may be effective measures in improving laying hen welfare.

Consumer perceptions of free-range laying hen welfare

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to understand which factors and resources free-range egg consumers believe are important for hen welfare.Design/methodology/approach– An online survey was distributed via the mailing list of a UK free-range egg brand receiving 6,378 responses. The survey was mostly five-point Likert-scale based. The same survey was also distributed to a group of animal welfare specialists receiving 34 responses.Findings– Respondents bought free-range eggs because hens are “happier” (74.2 per cent) and “healthier” (69.0 per cent) and because they believed such eggs to taste better (57.9 per cent). They rated all the suggested factors that might contribute to hen welfare as “important” or “very important” (on average) but believed outside access and fresh air to be most important. Respondents rated the suitability of resources relating to behavioural needs high (“suitable” or “very suitable”) indoors and shelter as the most suitable outdoors. Consumers differed from welfare specialists in their views on factors contributing to hen welfare, but their views on resource suitability were similar.Research limitations/implications– The sample was biased towards free-range egg consumers who had expressed an interest in a brand marketed as high welfare.Originality/value– This is the first study to ask consumers what they consider to be important for hen welfare and how they think hen welfare can be improved. Because consumers can affect on-farm welfare through their purchasing habits assessing the degree of agreement between consumers and animal welfare specialists is important.

Effects of Furnished Cage Type on Behavior and Welfare of Laying Hens.

This study was conducted to compare the effects of layout of furniture (a perch, nest, and sandbox) in cages on behavior and welfare of hens. Two hundred and sixteen Hyline Brown laying hens were divided into five groups (treatments) with four replicates per group: small furnished cages (SFC), medium furnished cages type I (MFC-I), medium furnished cages type II (MFC-II), and medium furnished cages type III (MFC-III) and conventional cages (CC). The experiment started at 18 week of age and finished at 52 week of age. Hens’ behaviors were filmed during the following periods: 8:00 to 10:00; 13:00 to 14:00; 16:00 to 17:00 on three separate days and two hens from each cage were measured for welfare parameters at 50 wk of age. The results showed that feeding and laying of all hens showed no effect by cage type (p>0.05), and the hens in the furnished cages had significantly lower standing and higher walking than CC hens (p<0.05). The birds in MFC-III had significant higher preening, scratching and feather-pecking behavior than in the other cages (p<0.05). No difference in nesting behavior was found in the hens between the furnished cages (p>0.05). The hens in MFC-I, −II, and −III showed a significant higher socializing behavior than SFC and CC (p<0.05). The lowest perching was for the hens in SFC and the highest perching found for the hens in MFC-III. Overall, the hens in CC showed poorer welfare conditions than the furnished cages, in which the feather condition score, gait score and tonic immobility duration of the hens in CC was significantly higher than SFC, MFC-I, MFC-II, and MFC-III (p<0.05). In conclusion, the furnished cage design affected both behavior and welfare states of hens. Overall, MFC-III cage design was better than SFC, MFC-I, and MFC-II cage designs.

Air Quality in Alternative Housing Systems may have an Impact on Laying Hen Welfare. Part II-Ammonia.

The EU ban on conventional barren cages for laying hens from 2012 has improved many aspects of laying hen welfare. The new housing systems allow for the expression of highly-motivated behaviors. However, the systems available for intensive large-scale egg production (e.g., aviaries, floor housing systems, furnished cages) may cause other welfare challenges. We have reviewed the literature regarding the health, behavior, production characteristics, and welfare of laying hens when exposed to ammonia in their housing environment. Concentrations of ammonia gas are commonly high in aviaries and floor housing systems in which manure is not regularly removed, whereas they are usually lower in furnished cages. High levels are found during the cold season when ventilation flow is often reduced. Ammonia is a pungent gas, and behavioral studies indicate chickens are averse to the gas. High concentrations of gaseous ammonia can have adverse health effects and, when very high, even influence production performance. The most profound effects seen are the occurrence of lesions in the respiratory tract and keratoconjunctivitis. There is also evidence that high ammonia concentrations predispose poultry to respiratory disease and secondary infections. We conclude that there are animal welfare challenges related to high ammonia levels, and that immediate actions are needed. Development of improved systems and management routines for manure removal and ventilation will be important for the reduction of ammonia levels and hence will contribute to safeguarding hen welfare.

Air Quality in Alternative Housing Systems May Have an Impact on Laying Hen Welfare. Part I-Dust.

The new legislation for laying hens in the European Union put a ban on conventional cages. Production systems must now provide the hens with access to a nest, a perch, and material for dust bathing. These requirements will improve the behavioral aspects of animal welfare. However, when hens are kept with access to litter, it is a concern that polluted air may become an increased threat to health and therefore also a welfare problem. This article reviews the literature regarding the health and welfare effects birds experience when exposed to barn dust. Dust is composed of inorganic and organic compounds, from the birds themselves as well as from feed, litter, and building materials. Dust may be a vector for microorganisms and toxins. In general, studies indicate that housing systems where laying hens have access to litter as aviaries and floor systems consistently have higher concentrations of suspended dust than caged hens with little (furnished cages) or no access to litter (conventional cages). The higher dust levels in aviaries and floor housing are also caused by increased bird activity in the non-cage systems. There are gaps in both the basic and applied knowledge of how birds react to dust and aerosol contaminants, i.e., what levels they find aversive and/or impair health. Nevertheless, high dust levels may compromise the health and welfare of both birds and their caretakers and the poor air quality often found in new poultry housing systems needs to be addressed. It is necessary to develop prophylactic measures and to refine the production systems in order to achieve the full welfare benefits of the cage ban.

Health and Welfare in Dutch Organic Laying Hens.

Simple SummaryData on animal health and welfare and farm management during rearing and laying periods were collected from 49 flocks of organic laying hens in the Netherlands to establish how farms performed in terms of animal health and welfare and which factors affected health and welfare. From 2007–2008, data on animal health and welfare and farm management during rearing and laying periods were collected from 49 flocks of organic laying hens in the Netherlands. Our aim was to investigate how organic egg farms performed in terms of animal health and welfare and which farm factors affected this performance. The flocks in our study were kept on farms with 34 to 25,000 hens (average 9,300 hens). Seventy-one percent of the flocks consisted of ‘silver hybrids’: white hens that lay brown eggs. Fifty-five percent of the flocks were kept in floor-based housing and 45% of the flocks in aviaries. No relation was found between the amount of time spent outdoors during the laying period and mortality at 60 weeks. Flocks that used their outdoor run more intensively had better feather scores. In 40% of the flocks there was mortality caused by predators. The average feed intake was 129 g/day at 30 weeks and 133 g/day at 60 weeks of age. The average percentage of mislaid eggs decreased from three at 30 weeks to two at 60 weeks. The average mortality was 7.8% at 60 weeks. Twenty-five percent of the flocks were not treated for worms in their first 50 weeks. Flubenol© was applied to the flocks that were treated. Ten percent of the flocks followed Flubenol© instructions for use and were wormed five or more times. The other 65% percent were treated irregularly between one and four times. Sixty-eight percent of the flocks showed little or no feather damage, 24% showed moderate damage and 8% showed severe damage. The feather score was better if the hens used the free-range area more intensely, the laying percentage at 60 weeks was higher, and if they were allowed to go outside sooner after arrival on the laying farm. In 69% of the flocks, hens had peck wounds in the vent area: on average this was 18% of the hens. Keel bone deformations were found in all flocks, on average in 21% of the birds. In 78% of the flocks, an average of 13% of the hens had foot-sole wounds, mostly a small crust. Combs were darker in flocks that used the range area more intensively. More fearful flocks had lighter combs. We conclude that organic farms are potentially more animal friendly than other poultry systems based on the animal welfare benefits of the free range areas. However, we also observed mortality rates, internal parasites, keel bone deformities, and foot sole lesions on organic farms that were comparable to or worse than in other husbandry systems. It is unclear whether these ‘remaining’ problems can be attributed to housing or if they are the result of keeping high productive genotypes in an artificial environment. Organic farms use the same high productive genotypes as other husbandry systems.

Effect of Housing Systems - Barn vs Cage on the First Phase Egg Production and Egg Quality Traits of Laying Pullet

With an increasing concern on laying hen welfare, barn system has appeared as one of the alternatives to replace the conventional cage. This study was conducted to compare the early laying performance and egg quality at the barn system with those at the conventional cage. A total of 288 shaver-579 brown layers were used for 9 weeks (<TEX>$21^{st}$</TEX> to <TEX>$30^{th}$</TEX> weeks of age) feeding study. Feed consumption and egg weight were significantly (P<0.01) higher at barn than at cage. However, there were no significant differences between two housing systems on hen day egg production (HDEP), egg mass, body weight, feed efficiency and livability. In case of egg quality parameters, shell thickness, albumen height and Haugh unit were significantly (P<0.05) different between two systems. Haugh unit and albumen height were significantly higher in eggs produced at cage (88.97 and 8.16 mm) compared than those produced at barn (83.11 and 6.87 mm), whereas shell thickness was thicker in eggs produced at barn than those produced at cage. Shape index, breaking strength, blood spots and yolk index data were not influenced significantly by the types of housing system. To implement welfare bestowing production, this study showed that the barn system can replace the conventional cage without serious sacrifices on starting phase egg production. In addition, this study suggested that the barn system need to be optimized in view of daily feed consumption.

Effects of maternal care and selection for low mortality on tyrosine hydroxylase concentrations and cell soma size in hippocampus and nidopallium caudolaterale in adult laying hen1

Feather pecking and cannibalism in farm-kept laying hens are damaging behaviors both in terms of animal welfare and economic loss, and a major challenge in modern poultry farming. Both rearing with a foster hen and genetic selection have been demonstrated to reduce feather pecking in laying hens. We examined the effects of rearing with a foster hen, genetic selection for low mortality from cannibalism, and interactions between both, using cellular morphology and levels of the rate-limiting enzyme in dopamine production, tyrosine hydroxylase, in the hippocampus and nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL) as a potential measure for laying hen welfare. Hens from the second generation of a sib-selection scheme line derived from a pure-bred White Leghorn line, selected for low mortality and for production characteristics, or their control line (CL) selected only for production characteristics, were housed with or without a foster Silky hen for the first 7 wk of life. Aside from the presence or absence of a foster Silky hen during the first 7 wk of life, housing conditions were identical for all hens. The hens were then sacrificed and brains were removed at 52 wk of age. Brains were sectioned and stained using a Nissl staining to reveal cell soma morphology, or using immunocytochemistry for tyrosine hydroxlase. A greater degree of lateralization in the hippocampus was observed in hens reared without a foster hen, as measured by absolute difference in cell soma size between hemispheres (P<0.05). The low mortality line showed decreased concentrations of tyrosine hydroxylase in the NCL compared with the CL (P<0.005). Our results indicate that morphological changes in brain induced in very early life can be detected in adult hens, and that genetic selection against mortality due to cannibalism impacts tyrosine hydroxylase in the NCL of laying hens. These observations strengthen the notion that brain measures may be useful as potential readouts for animal welfare.

Socio-economic implications of adopting the EU laying hen welfare regulation in Serbia

Egg producers in the EU had more than a decade to adapt to Directive 1999/74/EC which prohibits keeping laying hens in battery cages after 2012. Meanwhile, numerous studies have been conducted in order to assess the socio-economic implications of this ban and to evaluate consumers' willingness to support improvement in layer welfare by paying a higher price for eggs produced in alternative systems. The adoption of such regulations in Serbia with the implementation timeframe of less than two years, and without any assessment of consumers' willingness to pay a higher price for eggs from alternative systems, places the burden of animal welfare on producers. Considering the overall difficult financial situation of egg producers, this poses a risk that a large number of egg producers in Serbia will leave the sector after 2012.

Chronic neurophysiological and anatomical changes associated with infrared beak treatment and their implications for laying hen welfare

AbstractThe long-term effects of infra-red beak treatment (IRBT) in laying hens were investigated by examining beak-nerve function and anatomy over a range of ages. In IRBT and control (intact) birds that were ten, 30 or 50 weeks old, the responses of single sensory nerve fibres were recorded from the intramandibular nerve, which provides sensation to the lower beak. The beaks were also measured and subject to microscopic and radiographic examination. The responses of 386 nerve fibres were recorded including mechanoreceptors, thermoreceptors and nociceptors. Receptive field positions indicated that the entire lower beak was sensitive to thermal and mechanical stimuli, regardless of age or treatment. There was no evidence of a treatment effect on nociceptive thresholds at any age. Beak measurements demonstrated that application of IRBT at day-old affected, on average, 36% of beak area, and resulted in a 44% reduction in beak length by four weeks of age. Radiographs produced no evidence of adverse or pathological change in relation to IRBT. Microscopic evaluation of beak-tip anatomy revealed evidence of healing including re-epithelialisation, fibrovascular hyperplasia and bone remodelling. By four weeks of age there was limited nerve regeneration in IRBT beaks, including re-population of mechanoreceptors in some birds. In older birds, re-innervation and scarring was visible, but no neuromas or abnormal proliferations of nerve fibres were observed at any age. Collectively, the results suggest that IRBT does not result in chronic pain or other adverse consequences for sensory function.

Intensive versus extensive management systems in commercial egg production.

Abstract Despite the degree of environmental protection and economic feasibility offered by traditional poultry production systems, the practice of housing laying hens in cages has been widely criticized worldwide because of the public perception that caged housing systems provide poor welfare for laying hens. As a result of increasing public interest in laying hen welfare, alternative management systems such as free-range environments have been resurrected and new legislation such as the California Proposition Two is expediting a shift back towards extensive practices. The transition from intensive back to extensive practices coupled with the advent and increasing popularity of novel alternative layer housing management methods in recent years necessitates an examination of the influence of environmental stressors associated with different housing methods on layer egg production, immunological response and reproductive well-being. In this review, the evolution of intensive and extensive management practices is comparatively examined based on how these different management practices impact layer hen well-being and productivity. Different welfare assessment techniques are also examined in an effort to provide insight into the progression of research concerning layer hen welfare in different management systems.

The importance of pre-laying behaviour and nest boxes for laying hen welfare: a review

The housing of commercial laying hens in conventional cages is one of the most contentious animal welfare issues in animal production in Australia and other developed countries. The main issues are restriction of space and opportunity to perform ‘natural’ behaviours such as pre-laying behaviour, dust bathing and roosting. The provision of a nest box is argued by some to be essential for laying hen welfare. While the majority of hens (at least 70%) will lay in a nest box if provided, neither the lack of a nest box nor the sudden denial of access to a nest box, result in adverse welfare based on physiological stress response measured via corticosterone concentrations in either plasma or egg albumen. However, recent research suggests that hens that spent more time sitting during the 2 h before egg laying had lower plasma corticosterone concentrations, when sampled ~4–5 h post-egg laying. On the other hand, hens that displayed more bouts of sitting before egg laying, perhaps suggesting they were more frequently disturbed and thus less settled, had higher corticosterone concentrations. One function of nest boxes might be to provide those hens that choose to lay there with a location where they are less disturbed before egg laying. Further research on the effects of pre-laying behaviour and nest site selection on physiological stress in laying hens may provide important information regarding how to house commercial laying hens for good welfare.

Overall welfare assessment of laying hens: Comparing science‐based, environment‐based and animal‐based assessments

To increase the validity of evaluations and facilitate expansion and maintenance of assessment systems, we constructed a database of studies on the welfare of laying hens around the world. On the basis of this database, we devised a science-based welfare assessment model. Our model includes measurements, levels and weightings based on the scientific studies in the database, and can clarify the advantages and disadvantages of housing systems for laying hens from the viewpoint of the five freedoms. We also evaluated the usefulness of our model by comparing it with environment-based Animal Needs Index (ANI), another science-based model called FOWEL, and animal-based measurements. Our model showed that freedom from injury, pain and disease, and freedom from discomfort were more secure in the cage system, while non-cage systems scored better for natural behavior and freedom from fear and distress. A significant strong-positive correlation was found between the animal-based assessment and the total scores of ANI (rs = 0.94, P < 0.05), FOWEL (rs = 0.99, P < 0.05) or our model (rs = 0.99, P < 0.05), which indicate that these different approaches to welfare assessment may be used almost interchangeably to 'measure' a common property ('overall laying hen welfare'). However, assessments using our model and FOWEL were more sensitive than ANI and can be applied to cage systems, which suggest that our model and FOWEL may have added value.

Air Quality in Three Types of Laying Hen Houses

SUMMARY The housing system plays a critical role in welfare of laying hens, and various systems have been implemented throughout the world. Benefits vary for different housing schemes. Important considerations for welfare also include environmental conditions (air quality), but these parameters are not well documented for different laying hen housing systems. Regarding the consequences of poor air quality, it includes diminished production performance and impaired bird health. Therefore, the objective of this research was to assess the air quality in three housing system types for laying hens. One farm from each type (conventional cages, furnished cages and alternative system) was selected, based on farm access and availability. The evaluated environmental variables included: ammonia concentration, carbon dioxide concentration, air temperature, relative humidity, air flow velocity, bacteria and fungi. All parameters were determined using hygiene specific methods, in three different points, in three consecutive days in the summer. The temperature was adequate in all the hen houses, while the relative humidity was below the hygienic norms in the system with furnished cages. The air currents’ velocity was lower than is recommended by welfare standards, in all the assessed farms. The concentration of carbon dioxide was below the threshold limit in all three housing types, higher values being recorded in the alternative system (900 ppm). The ammonia concentration varied (5-25 ppm), being significantly (p<0.05) higher in the alternative system comparing with the conventional and furnished cage housing. The numbers of bacteria (4.49 x 10 6 CFU/m 3 ) and fungi (1.49 x 10 5 CFU/m 3 ) were significantly (p<0.05) higher in the alternative system, comparing with the other two systems. Significant differences (p<0.05) were also found between the conventional cages and the furnished ones for the total number of mesophilic bacteria (5.07 x 10 5 CFU/m 3 and 8.47 x 10 4 CFU/m 3 , respectively). The obtained values are conformable with the results of other studies (Matkovic et al., 2007; Nimmermark et al., 2009). The air quality problems are more frequently encountered in the systems where the birds are kept on the floors than in cage systems, especially in those hen houses where the ventilation rates are low, but these can also be significant in cage housing due to the hens’ manure. The results of the study indicate better air quality in the system with furnished cages comparing with the other two housing systems.

Hens' welfare to egg quality: a European perspective

In this study, laying hen welfare is taken into account as part of an overall ‘egg safety and quality concept'. A holistic approach is adopted that encompasses the whole food chain in which responsibility for the production of safe and high quality eggs is shared along the entire food chain. Scientific data on egg quality traits in relation to laying hen welfare in different housing systems are presented. Public concern to improve laying hen welfare and egg quality is widely discussed, partly because it is an area of potential added value for producers, retailers, processors, manufacturers, producer cooperatives. Legislation and legal requirements for the labelling of eggs are described in order to demonstrate the ability to provide sound and scientifically based information on the welfare status of laying hens used to supply particular eggs. The study concludes by highlighting achievements and future aspects on the relationship between hens' welfare and egg quality.

Deficiencies of Ventilation on the Microclimate Hall of Laying Hens

Welfare of laying hens, production are conditioned microclimate (Teusdea V., 1996). The study was conducted in a hall laying hens, growing bedding permanently, with poor ventilation and microclimate of impaired hall. Axial fans in the number 2 is located on the same wall, filled with natural through the mouths of the inlet located 30 cm from the ground on the longitudinal walls. In the paper referred to the factors temperature, temperature and pH of the litter, the concentration of ammonia. Determinations are made at the ends and center hall laying hens at breathing level (BL) and 1 m from the ground (1m). pH was determined in surface and depth and temperature the sameat litter level. Temperature recorded in the present winter season between 19.5-20.2C B.L, slightly higher values at 1m, influenced by the presence heating system located at distance of 2.2 m from the ground. In the warm season the value growing from one hour to another, which shows poor ventilation capacity, the values situating during the day between 20.2-27C far from the limit of confort 13-19C (MAN.C., 2007); litter on the surface temperature is 18-23.4C in depth 19.8-25C, pH litter surface 8.6-9 pH unit, in depth: 8.7-9.4 pH unit. Temperature and pH favors increased litter decomposition processes of organic matter which is reflected by an increased release of NH3, values obtained at 10 ppm BL-7 ppm (1m), in winter months and peak season for hot 20ppm BL, 1 m (high values compared to the normal (MARIANA dine 2003); at the end of the fans are good, ranging between 5-7 ppm. Following the comparison of the three variables is found as follows: comparison of pH (8.78 ± 0.304 unit.pH) and litter temperature (21.76 ± 5.72C) shows very significant value P < 0.0001, (t = 10.13 for 38 G.L); comparison between litter temperature (21.76 ± 5.72C) and ammonia (9.83 ± 2.37 ppm) is very significant. In conclusion: litter temperature is the decisive factor in increasing the pH level of litter and ammonia production.

Chronic Stress in Battery Hens: Measuring Corticosterone in Laying Hen Eggs

There has been growing social and scientific interest in recent years in laying hen welfare. Stress is an animal welfare parameter that has been found to alter laying hens’ physiology and social behaviour. Our study aims to test the effects of the different housing systems (laying cage, barn and free range) on the laying hens’ welfare. In this study we have taken a new approach to determine stress levels by measuring corticosterone and androgen concentrations in the eggs laid by hens housed in different farming systems. We found no relationship between commercial egg production type and androgen (testosterone and androstenedione) levels. Contrary to our expectations, we observed an almost significant positive trend between corticosterone levels and welfare quality: free range eggs contained the highest corticosterone concentrations. This would initially suggest that free range hens are more stressed than battery or barn hens. However, considering that chronic stressors can reduce an organism’s hormonal output, our results could suggest that the low levels of corticosterone in battery hens are an indication of a chronic stress situation. Our data suggest that measuring corticosterone in eggs is a novel non-invasive method to determine stress levels in laying hens. This study would however need to be combined with a number of parameters (health, production and behaviour) to get an encompassing measure of laying hen welfare.

Vocalisations and acoustic parameters of flock noise from feather pecking and non-feather pecking laying flocks

1. In this study, the calling rates of vocalisations known to indicate distress and aversive events (Alarm calls, Squawks, Total vocalisations) and acoustic parameters of flock noise were quantified from feather and non-feather pecking laying flocks. 2. One hour of flock noise (background machinery and hen vocalisations) was recorded from 21 commercial free-range laying hen flocks aged ≥35 weeks. Ten of the flocks were classified as feather pecking (based on a plumage condition score) and 11 as non-feather pecking. 3. Recordings were made using a Sony DAT recorder and Audio-Technica omni-directional microphone, placed in the centre of the house—1·5 m from the ground. Avisoft-SASlab Pro was used to create and analyse audio spectrograms. 4. There was no effect of flock size or farm on call/s or acoustic parameters of flock noise. However, strain had an effect on the number of Total vocalisation/s; the Hebden Black flock made more calls than Lohmann flocks. Feather pecking flocks gave more Squawk/s and more Total vocalisation/s than non-feather pecking flocks. Feather pecking did not explain variation in alarm call rate or, intensity (dB) and frequency (Hz) measures of flock noise. 5. The differences between Squawk and Total vocalisation call rates of feather and non-feather pecking flocks are a new finding. An increase or change in flock calling rate may be evident before other conventional measures of laying hen welfare such as a drop in egg production or increase in plumage damage, thus enabling farmers to make management or husbandry changes to prevent an outbreak of feather pecking.

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the Various Systems of Rearing Laying Hens in Particular Those Covered by Directive 1999/74/EC

Directive 1999/74/EC recognised three farming methods for rearing laying hens within the European Union (EU): unenriched cages, enriched cages and alternative systems. The Directive came into force in July 1999 with the aim of protecting laying hen welfare by setting out a core set of minimum standards. Article 10 of these regulations required the European Commission (EC) to submit to the Council a report based on scientific opinion and covering the various rearing systems for laying hens, taking into account pathological, zootechnical, physiological and ethological aspects as well as environmental and health impacts. The report was also required to incorporate the socio-economic implications of the various systems and their effects on the European Communities economic partners.

Influence of nest seclusion and nesting material on pre-laying behaviour of laying hens

Provision of nest sites is beneficial for the welfare of laying hens in intensive production systems. The design of these nest sites has a direct effect on pre-laying behaviour. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of screening off the entrances of the nest boxes with non-transparent flaps and providing nesting or flooring material on pre-laying behaviour. Eighteen individual Hisex brown laying hens and 18 groups of five hens were tested for 2 days in a test cage containing three nest boxes each with a different nesting material (peat, artificial turf and plastic-coated wire mesh). On one of the days the nest boxes were equipped with plastic flaps at the entrances. Pre-laying behaviour was analysed using focal sampling. Both degree of seclusion and nesting material had an effect on pre-laying behaviour of hens. Nest boxes with flaps were visited less frequently but for a longer duration per visit than nest boxes without flaps. Hens spent more time sitting and scratching, and less time standing and moving when flaps were present. Hens also received fewer pecks (group test) when nest boxes were equipped with flaps. Major differences were found between pre-laying behaviour on coated wire mesh compared to peat and artificial turf with shorter duration of nest visits (group test), more standing (group test) and moving (individual and group test), and less sitting (individual and group test) and object pecking (group test) on coated wire mesh. Differences in pre-laying behaviour on peat versus artificial turf were observed for the behaviours moving (less on peat), sitting (more on peat in the individual test) and object pecking (more on peat in the group test). It is concluded that hens show more settled pre-laying behaviour and more nest-building behaviour in the presence of flaps at the entrances of nest boxes. These results indicate that seclusion of nest boxes with non-transparent flaps is beneficial to laying hen welfare. Differences in pre-laying behaviour also suggest that plastic-coated wire mesh is less suitable as nesting material than peat and artificial turf.