The behaviour of laying hens housed in the perchery system

1994 ◽  
Vol 1994 ◽  
pp. 172-172
Author(s):  
A Gebreyes ◽  
W Michie ◽  
A M Petchey
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
Capital Costs ◽  
Freedom Of Movement ◽  
Nest Boxes ◽  
System A ◽  
Use Of Resources ◽  
Battery Cages ◽  
Environmental Temperatures

The perchery (barn) design for laying hens utilises the vertical space within a building which is occupied by the perches, slatted sections with feeders and drinkers all at several levels. There are also dust bathing areas and roll-away nest boxes. This arrangement allows the stocking density to be increased to 17 birds/m2. Consequently, capital costs are reduced and optimum environmental temperatures can be achieved. These two considerations give this system a marked advantage when compared with a deep litter system. The perchery system also gives the hens freedom of movement and allows them to exhibit their natural behaviours, such as wing stretching, dust bathing and nesting. Thereby, overcoming the objections made to housing hens in battery cages. This study was done to determine the use of resources within the perchery by laying hens and to compare their body condition at the end of the laying period.

scholarly journals The effects of space allowance on egg yield, egg quality and plumage condition of laying hens in battery cages

2008 ◽  
Vol 53 (No. 8) ◽  
pp. 345-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Sarica ◽  
S. Boga ◽  
U.S. Yamak
Keyword(s):  
Egg Production ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Egg Mass ◽  
Quality Traits ◽  
Body Parts ◽  
Battery Cages ◽  
And Performance

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of cage stocking density on egg yield, some egg quality traits and plumage condition in laying hens. Eighteen weeks-old 264 ISA-Brown pullets were divided into four cage density groups. The densities were 2 000, 1 000, 667 and 500 cm<sup>2</sup> per hen (by allocating 1, 2, 3 and 4 hens per cage; floor area 40 × 50 cm) with 48, 30, 24 and 21 replicate cages, totally 123 three-tier battery cages. During the experimental period from 18 to 53 weeks of age, all birds were provided illumination for 16 hours a day. The hens were fed a diet containing 11.7 MJ ME/kg and 180 g CP during the period of 18 to 40 weeks of age and 11.3 MJ ME/kg and 170 g CP during the period of 41 to 54 weeks of age. Feed and water were available for <I>ad libitum</I>. Egg yield, mortality, live weights at 50% egg production age and at the end of experiment, pecking related mortalities, some egg quality traits and plumage condition were recorded weekly. Hen-housed egg production, egg mass, viability, and live weights were significantly decreased by higher densities. Most of the egg quality traits were not affected by cage densities. Pecking related mortalities increased in cage densities of 667 cm<sup>2</sup> and 500 cm<sup>2</sup> per hen compared to the other densities (<I>P</I> < 0.05) while plumage scores were higher in all body parts of hens kept in cages of 2 000 cm<sup>2</sup> and 1 000 cm<sup>2</sup> densities compared to the higher densities. The results showed that brown laying hens should be kept in cages having 1 000–2 000 cm<sup>2</sup> densities in order to improve their welfare and performance.

Welfare aspects of the perchery systea of housing for laying hens

1993 ◽  
Vol 1993 ◽  
pp. 68-68
Author(s):  
D M Alvey ◽  
S A Tucker
Keyword(s):  
Feed Intake ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Public Concern ◽  
Feather Pecking ◽  
Nest Boxes ◽  
Alternative Systems ◽  
Current Alternative ◽  
High Feed ◽  
Battery Cages

There is continuing public concern about the welfare of poultry kept in battery cages. However, current alternative systems would be unsuitable to fill the gap if cages were to be banned. Many welfare problems have been encountered with alternative systems. These include feather pecking, cannibalism, poor foot condition, bone breakage, poor production, high feed intake and floor egg laying. In 4 studies, between 1988 and 1992, the effect of the Gleadthorpe design of perchery on the performance, behaviour and welfare of laying hens was evaluated.The perchery consisted of 2 perch units constructed on wooden slatted platforms over a droppings pit. A block of 5 tier high nestboxes was provided along each side of the perchery. The nestboxes were of a rear roll-away type and contained “Astroturf” nest pads. Litter areas were available between the 2 perch units and between the perch units and the blocks of nest boxes.

The Litter and Wire System of Housing for Laying Hens

1993 ◽  
Vol 1993 ◽  
pp. 228-228
Author(s):  
D M Alvey ◽  
S A Tucker
Keyword(s):  
Laying Hens ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
Wire Mesh ◽  
Floor Area ◽  
Nest Boxes ◽  
Wood Shavings ◽  
Laying Performance ◽  
The Wire ◽  
Wire System ◽  
Feeder Space

The litter and wire system of housing for laying hens is a compromise between an all litter system (maximum stocking density 7 birds/m2) and the perchery system (maximum stocking density 25 birds/m2).The wire areas are usually constructed over a droppings pit.The current EC Egg Marketing Regulations allow a proportion of the wire area to be Included as perching area and this permits the stocking density to be increased to 11.7 birds/m2, as long as a minimum of 53% of the floor area is wire.In 2 studies at Gleadthorpe between 1990-92 the laying performance, behaviour and welfare of laying hens in a litter and wire system were evaluated. The pen, with a floor area of 10.0m x 7.67m contained 3 areas of wood shavings litter. The litter areas were separated longitudinally by two, 250 mm high, raised platforms of wire mesh built over a droppings pit. The wire mesh covered 57% of the floor area. Chain feeder and nipple drinker lines were positioned over the wire area. Each bird had 95 mm of feeder space and nipple drinkers were provided at a ratio of 1 per 6 birds.Two tiers of “Astroturf” lined, rear roll-away nestboxes were provided, one per 5.9 birds along each of the longest sides of the unit. During the first month of lay, nest boxes were “managed” to discourage overnight roosting.

scholarly journals The Role of Regulators in Promoting the Procurement of Flexibility Services within the Electricity Distribution System: A Survey of Seven Leading Countries

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (14) ◽  
pp. 4073 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karim L. Anaya ◽  
Michael G. Pollitt
Keyword(s):  
Distribution System ◽  
Energy Resources ◽  
Distributed Energy Resources ◽  
Distributed Energy ◽  
Collective Interest ◽  
Regulatory Changes ◽  
System A ◽  
Use Of Resources ◽  
Generating Capacity ◽  
Tariff Structure

This paper identifies and explores regulatory issues that may have an impact on the use of flexibility services by distribution utilities to solve grid constraints. This can be done by flexible distributed energy resources which can be instructed, for instance, to reduce export generating capacity or increasing consumption. We want to identify how regulation can better support the development of the future distribution utility in its role as neutral market facilitator, enabling more competition in local flexibility markets and optimal use of resources. A set of questionnaires were designed to capture the insights around important aspects of the regulation of flexibility markets (utilities’ network incentives, network tariff structure, market design for flexibility markets, etc.). These were sent to distribution utilities, energy regulators, energy marketplaces, energy associations and relevant experts from seven jurisdictions. The responses suggest a collective interest in the procurement of flexibility services by distribution utilities from distributed energy resources. New regulations, the adaptation of current rules and recent consultations reflect this. However, the amount of progress with and preferences for key regulatory changes differ across jurisdictions.

Eimeriainfections in litter-based, high stocking density systems for loose-housed laying hens in Sweden

2000 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 440-447 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Lunden ◽  
P. Thebo ◽  
S. Gunnarsson ◽  
P. Hooshmand-Rad ◽  
R. Tauson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Laying Hens ◽  
Stocking Density

scholarly journals Dietary Germinated Paddy Rice and Stocking Density Affect Egg Performance, Serum Biochemical Properties, and Proteomic and Transcriptomic Response of Laying Hens Exposed to Chronic Heat Stress

Proteomes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 48
Author(s):  
Tossaporn Incharoen ◽  
Sittiruk Roytrakul ◽  
Wirot Likittrakulwong
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Protein Profile ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
Biochemical Properties ◽  
Paddy Rice ◽  
Egg Mass ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Transcriptomic Response

Germinated paddy rice (GPR) could be a good alternative feed source for poultry with stocking density and heat stress problems. A total of 72 Hy-line Brown laying hens raised under low (LSD, 0.12 m2/bird) and high stocking densities (HSD, 0.06 m2/bird) were investigated. Three dietary GPR levels (0, 74 and 148 g/kg) were used. It was found that average daily feed intake, hen-day egg production, and egg mass significantly decreased in the HSD group. The levels of serum glucose (GLU), phosphorous (P), corticosterone (CORT), total Ig, lysozyme (LZY), and superoxide dismutase activities (SOD) in the HSD group were higher than those in the LSD group. Dietary GPR significantly affected GLU, P, alternative complement haemolytic 50 (ACH50), total Ig, and LZY. Moreover, CORT level significantly decreased in 74 and 148 g/kg dietary GPR groups, whereas SOD significantly increased only in the 148 g/kg dietary GPR group. Serum samples were analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and 8607 proteins were identified. Proteome analysis revealed 19 proteins which were enriched in different stocking densities and dietary GPR levels. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR technique was successfully used to verify the differentiated abundant protein profile changes. The proteins identified in this study could serve as appropriate biomarkers.

scholarly journals A COMPARISON OF THE PERFORMANCE AND SOME PHYSIOLOGICAL STRESS OF LAYING HENS KEPT IN BATTERY CAGES AND ON FLOOR PENS SYSTEM

2016 ◽  
Vol 94 (3) ◽  
pp. 769-782
Author(s):  
ALAA K. ALM EL DEIN ◽  
ABDEL RAFEE A. EL-SHAFEI ◽  
YASER A. ABD EL AZIZ ◽  
MOHAMED A. AL-GAMAL
Keyword(s):  
Laying Hens ◽  
Physiological Stress ◽  
Battery Cages

Dairy cow welfare: the role of research and development in addressing increasing scrutiny

2013 ◽  
Vol 53 (9) ◽  
pp. 924 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. D. Fisher ◽  
J. R. Webster
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
Grazed Pasture ◽  
Dairy Management ◽  
Animal Management ◽  
Cow Welfare

Pasture-based dairying in New Zealand and Australia has come under increasing animal welfare scrutiny as a result of changing public expectations for farm animal management. Concurrently, efficiency-driven changes in dairy management practices and a broadening of the feedbase beyond traditionally grazed pasture have resulted in increased intensification and stocking density within the dairy industries. This intensification has included a higher proportion of grain concentrates in the diet (particularly in Australia), and the greater management of cows off pasture and even in housing (particularly in New Zealand). Research to assess the animal welfare implications of these changes and to recommend good practice management has concentrated on issues of cow environments and cow feeding, including body condition. Research has shown that cows may be managed for a few hours per day on concrete surfaces without compromising their lying behaviour and other indicators of welfare, but that longer periods off pasture require the provision of a well drained and comfortable lying surface. Other research has defined the extremes of hot and cold/wet conditions beyond which cows benefit from provision of adequate shade and shelter. Research on cow body condition has indicated that welfare responses are aligned with measures of health and productivity in supporting the need to maintain a minimum body condition before calving and during the subsequent weight loss period of early lactation. Continued research, extension and industry adoption will enable dairy producers to address community expectations as they continue to change their farming practices.

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