Broiler chicken behaviour in dependence on housing conditions and welfare

Abstract

The main aims of the study were to evaluate the behaviour and health of broiler chickens in the event of possible enrichment of the shed equipment (wood chip briquettes). Aim was to find out whether (and how) the behaviour and health of birds depends on the age and housing. The study was carried out using video cameras that filmed birds for 24 hours. The farm was tested weekly from chicken age day 2 totally for 4 times. The enrichment of the environment was mainly influenced in the first days of bird life, when briquettes were used as a cover for lying down, and the number of resting birds increased. Bird behaviour studies have shown an increasing frequencies of age-related lie down and grooming behaviours, as well as a decrease in feeding and drinking behaviours. The poultry farm has set the appropriate basic housing conditions for the birds. The environmental measurements revealed an increase in indoor air concentrations of ammonia and carbon dioxide in the last weeks of the study. The health and well-being of the birds were well assessed and no major health and behavioural disturbances have been identified.