Commercial layer hybrids kept under organic conditions: a comparison of range use, welfare, and egg production in two layer strains

Kaitlin Elizabeth Wurtz*, Karen Thodberg, Atefeh Berenjian, Leslie Foldager, Faye Machado Tahamtani, Anja Brinch Riber

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal/Conference contribution in journal/Contribution to newspaperJournal articleResearchpeer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Outdoor range areas provide laying hens with improved opportunities to perform natural behaviors and increase the available space per bird, however, birds are also exposed to potentially stressful factors including weather and predators. Ability to cope with challenging environments varies between different strains and must be considered to ensure good welfare. The aim of this study was to determine how suitable two hybrids, the Dekalb White (DW) and the Bovans Brown (BB), are for organic production with special emphasis on ranging behavior. A total of 1200 hens were housed according to organic regulations across 12 flocks of 100 birds. Range and shelter use, effect of weather, vegetation cover, egg production and quality, and mortality were assessed in addition to a range of clinical welfare indicators. Initially a greater proportion of DW hens accessed the range. However, after approximately two months, a greater proportion of BB were using the range and venturing further from the house. DW hens were more likely to use the shelters than BB hens (P
Original languageEnglish
Article number102005
JournalPoultry Science
Volume101
Issue9
Number of pages14
ISSN0032-5791
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2022

Keywords

  • Genotype
  • Laying hen
  • Outdoor access
  • Range use
  • Welfare

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Commercial layer hybrids kept under organic conditions: a comparison of range use, welfare, and egg production in two layer strains'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this