Assessment of behaviour and egg production of laying hens kept in cages and floor systems on a commercial farm in South Africa

Abstract

There is considerable pressure to eliminate the use of conventional cages in commercial layer production systems. Nonetheless, the assessment of alternative methods that can ensure the hen's ability to perform different behaviours while simultaneously enhancing productivity and economic efficiency on the farm remains incomplete. The current study was conducted on a South African commercial farm at the following GPS coordinates: 26o23’27” S28o52’07” E, over an 8-week period using Lohmann Brown laying hens at different ages and in different housing systems with different stocking densities. The study assessed the behaviour and production parameters of laying hens kept in cages and floor systems during daytime hours (7:00 AM to 3:00 PM), focusing on dustbathing, nesting, feather pecking, and perching behaviours, as well as body condition scores. Body weights, egg production, and feed intake were recorded on weekly intervals. Eggs were collected daily between the hours of 8:00 am and 10:00 am in all housing systems to determine egg production and egg quality. Behavioural observations were done using a video camera and trained observers. On average, 79.2 percent of hens were observed dust bathing for a duration of 22.63 minutes. The least prevalent behaviour observed was feather pecking, with an average percentage of 35.4 hens were being pecked. After a period of six weeks, it was also observed that 41.67% of the hens in the floor system had developed mud balls on their toes that exceeded 3 cm in length. Hens kept on low stocking density (6-tier with 6 birds per cage and enriched cages) had a higher body weight and laid bigger eggs, compared to hens on low stocking density. Egg output ranged between 56.25% and 97.77% across housing systems and stocking densities. The results of this study provide evidence of the relationship of poultry behaviour, poultry welfare and production parameters. The present study also demonstrated the effects of stocking density on different production (body weight, egg production and body condition) parameters need consistent monitoring to optimise welfare in the layer house. The findings from this study may be used to inform different stakeholders on new advances in the management of commercial layers to encourage on-time detection and management of certain welfare-related behavioural concerns.