Dataset Information

Using Radio-Frequency Identification Technology to Measure Synchronised Ranging of Free-Range Laying Hens.

ABSTRACT: Free-range laying hen systems provide individuals a choice between indoor and outdoor areas where range use may be socially influenced. This study used radio-frequency identification technology to track the ranging of individually-tagged hens housed in six experimental free-range pens from 28 to 38 weeks of age (46?50 hens/pen). All daily visits to the range were used to study group behaviour. Results showed that 67.6% (SD = 5.0%) of all hen movements through the pop-holes outdoors or indoors were following the movement of another hen ('pop-hole-following') compared to only 50.5% of movements in simulated random data. The percentage overlap in time that all combinations of hen pairs within each pen spent simultaneously outdoors or indoors showed a median value of overlap greater than the 90th percentile of random data. Pens housing hens that had been provided variable enrichments from 4 to 21 days (n = 3 pens) showed higher 'pop-hole-following' behaviour and a higher percentage of hen-pair association compared to hens reared in non-enriched conditions (n = 3 pens). These results show that birds in each free-range pen were primarily a cohesive flock and early enrichment improved this social cohesiveness. These results have implications for understanding free-range flock-level behaviour.

SUBMITTER: Campbell DLM

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6262442 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

Using Radio-Frequency Identification Technology to Measure Synchronised Ranging of Free-Range Laying Hens.

Campbell Dana L M DLM Horton Brian J BJ Hinch Geoff N GN

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI 20181116 11

Free-range laying hen systems provide individuals a choice between indoor and outdoor areas where range use may be socially influenced. This study used radio-frequency identification technology to track the ranging of individually-tagged hens housed in six experimental free-range pens from 28 to 38 weeks of age (46⁻50 hens/pen). All daily visits to the range were used to study group behaviour. Results showed that 67.6% (SD = 5.0%) of all hen movements through the pop-holes outdoors or indoors we ...[more]

PMID: 30453521

Similar Datasets

Project description:Piling, a dense cluster of hens, is a behavior of major concern to the cage-free egg industry. It can cause large numbers of mortalities at which point it is considered smothering. The aim of this study was to quantify whether piling can also have consequences on production and non-smothering mortalities, which have not previously been described. Additionally, we aimed to describe characteristics of piling behavior relevant to for management. Video footage from 12 flocks of laying hens was analyzed for piling behavior across 3 wks. Production and mortality data were accessed using an integrated online management system. Bayesian linear mixed-effect models were used for formal statistical testing of the relationships between piling and production. Accounting for some missing data, a total of 252 d amounting to approximately 15,624 h were analyzed for the presence or absence of piling behavior, which we believe constitutes the largest analysis of piling behavior in the scientific literature to date. All flocks observed exhibited piling behavior even if they had no history of smothering. On average, flocks piled more than 4 times per day for around 44 min per event and the peak piling time occurred between 1300 and 1359. We found that the number of piling events was associated with a reduction in the number of eggs produced the next day; based on the average of 4 piles per day this amounted to 7.35 fewer eggs per 1,000 birds per day. Contrary to our hypothesis, we found total piling duration per day was positively associated with fewer Grade B eggs, with a decrease of 0.74 Grade B eggs for every hour of piling per day. No relationship was observed between piling and mortality not attributed to smothering. We discuss possible causes and explanations for these results including birds’ response to stress, crowd dynamics, and daily rhythms. Here we show the potential for piling behavior to have sublethal consequences on production even in the absence of smothering-related deaths.

Project description:In free-range and organic production systems, hens can make choices according to their needs and desires, which is in accordance with welfare definitions. Nonetheless, health and behavioral problems are also encountered in these systems. The aim of this article was to identify welfare challenges observed in these production systems in the EU and the most promising solutions to overcome these challenges. It is based on a review of published literature and research projects complemented by interviews with experts. We selected EU specific information for welfare problems, however, the selected literature regarding solutions is global. Free range use may increase the risk of infection by some bacteria, viruses and parasites. Preventive methods include avoiding contamination thanks to biosecurity measures and strengthening animals' natural defenses against these diseases which can be based on nutritional means with new diet components such as insect-derived products, probiotics and prebiotics. Phytotherapy and aromatherapy can be used as preventive and curative medicine and vaccines as alternatives to antibiotics and pesticides. Bone quality in pullets and hens prevents keel deviations and is favored by exercise in the outdoor range. Free range use also lead to higher exposure to variable weather conditions and predators, therefore shadow, fences and guard animals can be used to prevent heat stress and predation respectively. Granting a free range provides opportunities for the expression of many behaviors and yet many hens usually stay close to the house. Providing the birds with trees, shelters or attractive plants can increase range use. Small flock sizes, early experiences of enrichment and personality traits have also been found to enhance range use. Severe feather pecking can occur in free range production systems, although flocks using the outdoor area have better plumage than indoors. While many prevention strategies are facilitated in free range systems, the influence of genetics, prenatal and nutritional factors in free range hens still need to be investigated. This review provides information about practices that have been tested or still need to be explored and this information can be used by stakeholders and researchers to help them evaluate the applicability of these solutions for welfare improvement.

Dataset Information

Using Radio-Frequency Identification Technology to Measure Synchronised Ranging of Free-Range Laying Hens.

Publications

Using Radio-Frequency Identification Technology to Measure Synchronised Ranging of Free-Range Laying Hens.

Similar Datasets

OmicsDI is part of the ELIXIR infrastructure

Tweets