scholarly journals The potential for probiotics to prevent reproductive tract lesions in free-range laying hens

2013 ◽  
Vol 53 (12) ◽  
pp. 1298 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Shini ◽  
A. Shini ◽  
P. J. Blackall
Keyword(s):  
Egg Production ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Performance Status ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Bacterial Colonisation ◽  
Free Range ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Commercial Probiotics

A study was undertaken to investigate the ability of two commercial probiotics applied in free-range laying hens (from 18 to 22 weeks of age) in reducing the occurrence of reproductive tract pathologies, and improving hen health and performance. In all, 630 17-week-old brown layers were transferred to a freshly cleaned free-range laying facility, and randomly divided into three groups, with three replicates of 70 birds each. Both probiotics were administered in the drinking water (Groups 1 and 2) on a daily basis for 4 weeks, while Group 3 was left untreated. At 38 weeks of age, the results demonstrated that treatment with either probiotic significantly reduced the occurrence of reproductive tract pathologies (control vs probiotics, 33% vs 22% and 11%; P < 0.01), mortalities (control vs probiotics; 3.8% vs 1.5 and 1.9%; P < 0.01), and increased the performance of hens, for another 20 weeks post-treatments (hen day production for control vs probiotics 75% vs 90% and 94%; P < 0.01). Birds treated with probiotics maintained their bodyweight and egg weights at standard ranges, while untreated birds did not perform at this level. Although we were unable to show any effect on cloacal bacterial colonisation, the results of the present study provided some initial evidence that reproductive pathologies that often cause drops in egg production and sudden deaths of birds, can be reduced if free range hens are treated with a commercial probiotic before or during the onset of lay. The use of a probiotic benefits the health and performance status of hens, resulting in better hen welfare and significant economic gains to egg producers.

Free-range laying hens: using technology to show the dynamics and impact of hen movement

2019 ◽  
Vol 59 (11) ◽  
pp. 2046
Author(s):  
I. Ruhnke ◽  
J. Boshoff ◽  
I. V. Cristiani ◽  
D. Schneider ◽  
M. Welch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Radio Frequency Identification ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Free Range ◽  
Technological Advances ◽  
Frequency Identification ◽  
Under Performing ◽  
Open Floor ◽  
And Performance

Free-range laying hens are provided with the opportunity to access various structural areas, including open floor space, feed areas, water lines, next boxes, perches, aviary tiers, winter gardens and ranges. Different individual location preferences can lead to the development of hen subpopulations that are characterised by various health, welfare and performance parameters. Understanding the complexity of hen movement and hen interactions within their environment provides an opportunity to limit the disadvantages that are associated with housing in loose husbandry systems and aids in decision-making. Monitoring hen movement using modern technologies such as radio-frequency identification (RFID), optical flow patterns, image analysis and three-dimensional (3D) cameras allows the accumulation of big data for data mining, clustering and machine learning. Integrating individual-based management systems into modern flock management will not only help improve the care of under-performing hens, but also ensure that elite hens are able to use their full genetic potential, allowing an ethical, sustainable and welfare friendly egg production. This review highlights the dynamics and impact of hen movement in free-range systems, reviews existing knowledge relevant for feeding hens in non-cage systems, and outlines recent technological advances and strategies to improve the management of free-range laying hens.

scholarly journals Bayesian inference of genetic parameters for reproductive and performance traits in White Leghorn hens

2018 ◽  
Vol 63 (No. 6) ◽  
pp. 230-236 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.O. Rosa ◽  
G.C. Venturini ◽  
T.C.S. Chud ◽  
B.C. Pires ◽  
M.E. Buzanskas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bayesian Inference ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
A Posteriori ◽  
White Leghorn ◽  
Performance Traits ◽  
And Performance

This study estimated the genetic parameters for reproductive and performance traits and determined which ones can be used as selection criteria for egg production in laying hens using the Bayesian inference. The data of 1894 animals from three generations of White Leghorn laying hens were analyzed for fertility (FERT), hatchability (HATC), and birth rate measurements at 60 weeks of age (BIRTH), body weight at 16 and 60 weeks of age (BW16 and BW60), age at sexual maturity (ASM), egg height/width ratio, weight, and density at 28, 36, and 40 weeks of age (RHW28, RHW36, RHW40, WEGG28, WEGG36, WEGG40, DENS28, DENS36, and DENS40, respectively) traits. The genetic parameters were estimated by the Bayesian inference method of multi-trait animal model. The model included the additive and residual genetic random effects and the fixed effects of generation. The a posteriori mean distributions of the heritability estimates for reproductive traits ranged from 0.14 ± 0.003 (HATC) to 0.22 ± 0.005 (FERT) and performance from 0.07 ± 0.001 (RHW28) to 0.42 ± 0.001 (WEGG40). The a posteriori mean distributions of the genetic correlation between reproductive traits ranged from 0.18 ± 0.026 (FERT and HACT) to 0.79 ± 0.007 (FERT and BIRTH) and those related to performance ranged from –0.49 ± 0.001 (WEGG36 and DENS36) to 0.75 ± 0.003 (DENS28 and DENS36). Reproductive and performance traits showed enough additive genetic variability to respond to selection, except for RHW28. This trait alone would have little impact on the genetic gain because environmental factors would have a higher impact compared to those from the additive genetic factors. Based on the results of this study, the selection applied on the BIRTH trait can be indicated to improve FERT and HATC of eggs. Furthermore, the use of the WEGG40 could improve egg quality in this population.

Influence of the digestive/reproductive tract microbiota on chicken egg production beyond host genetics

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diyan Li ◽  
Shilin Tian ◽  
Wei Zhu ◽  
Yuan Su ◽  
Tao Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Digestive Tract ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Design Strategies ◽  
Host Genetics ◽  
Microbiome Composition ◽  
Chicken Egg ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Major Factors

Abstract Background: The microbiota of the digestive and reproductive systems has a prominent role in animal health and performance, but the extent of its contribution is difficult to determine. In chickens, the effect of host genetics on the reproductive and digestive tract microbiota is unclear, and the means by which digestive/reproductive microbiomes help improve egg production in chicken are unknown.Results: To gain insight into this, we examined genomes from 128 chickens reared under identical conditions and described their digestive (crop, gizzard and small intestine) and reproductive tract (vagina, uterus and isthmus) microbiota. Although the diversity, composition and predicted function of the digestive and reproductive tract microbiota exhibited notable microbiota variation substantially between different parts, host genetics had limited effects on the reproductive and digestive tract microbial community. The digestive and reproductive tract microbiota had a significant effect on egg production (accounting for 52.31% - 98.86% of the variance), after correcting for host genetic effects; in particular, the uterus and isthmus microbiota accounted for an average of 93.59% and 98.86%, respectively, of variance in egg production. We further identified four reproductive tract microbial species which were related to immune system, Bacteroides fragilis, Bacteroides salanitronis, Bacteroides barnesiae and Clostridium leptum, that were significantly positively correlated with egg production. Chickens with a lower abundance of these species had produced significantly fewer eggs at 300 days of age (37.13 vs. 113.75) than those with a higher abundance of these microorganisms. These taxa indicate potential roles play in promoting reproductive performance. Especially uterus and isthmus tract microbiota were major factors in regulating the chicken egg production.Conclusions: Host genetics has limited effect on digestive/reproductive microbiome composition. The distinct site-associated chicken microbiome may be determined by the differences of their physical function. These findings may help design strategies for controlling and altering the digestive/reproductive tract microbiota in chickens to improve egg production.

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.

Providing laying hens in group-housed enriched cages with access to barley silage reduces aggressive and feather-pecking behaviour

2016 ◽  
Vol 96 (2) ◽  
pp. 161-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.G. Johannson ◽  
C. Raginski ◽  
K. Schwean-Lardner ◽  
H.L. Classen
Keyword(s):  
Egg Production ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Free Access ◽  
Feather Pecking ◽  
Nest Boxes ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Barley Silage ◽  
Effect Of Feeding ◽  
Bird Weight

Two trials were conducted to study the effect of feeding barley silage on the behaviour and performance of beak-trimmed laying hens. In each trial, 20 hens and 2 roosters were housed in each of eight group-housed enriched cages, with four cages provided a laying hen diet and four cages additionally given free access to barley silage. Egg production and quality, and hen behaviour were assessed throughout the trials (Trial One 20–30 weeks; Trial Two 19–28 weeks). Data were analysed using Proc Mixed of SAS 9.4 and differences were significant when P ≤ 0.05. Silage-fed hens consumed 41 (13.9 g DM) and 50 (13.5 g DM) grams of silage per hen per day in Trials One and Two, respectively, while consuming less layer diet. Birds fed silage spent less time expressing aggressive and feather-pecking behaviours and in nest boxes, and more time feeding than control birds. Egg production, egg quality, and bird weight were not affected by treatment; yolk colour was darker for the silage treatment. Feathering quality was improved in silage-fed birds compared to control birds. It was concluded that providing hens with access to barley silage can improve welfare indicators without negatively affecting the egg production and egg quality.

FEEDING VALUE OF RAPESEED FOR LAYING HENS

1972 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 563-566 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. J. LESLIE ◽  
J. D. SUMMERS
Keyword(s):  
Egg Production ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Feed Consumption ◽  
Feeding Value ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Feeding Diets ◽  
Haugh Unit

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of feeding diets containing 0, 5, 10, and 15% ground raw rapeseed to three replicates of 14 laying hens each. Isocaloric isonitrogenous diets were fed for a 28-day experimental period and performance and egg quality parameters were measured. Egg production was depressed at the two higher levels of rapeseed inclusion but was not affected at the 5% level of inclusion. Haugh unit, albumen height, and shell deformation were not affected significantly (P > 0.05) but egg weight decreased progressively as rapeseed inclusion increased. Feed consumption was significantly depressed (P < 0.05) at the 15% level of rapeseed and slightly reduced at the other levels.

scholarly journals Egg production and welfare of laying hens kept in different housing systems (conventional, enriched cage, and free range)

2016 ◽  
Vol 95 (7) ◽  
pp. 1564-1572 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Yilmaz Dikmen ◽  
A. İpek ◽  
Ü. Şahan ◽  
M. Petek ◽  
A. Sözcü
Keyword(s):  
Egg Production ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Free Range ◽  
Housing Systems

scholarly journals The Influence of Housing for Laying Hens on the Economics of Egg Production

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Ondrašovičová ◽  
Katarína Veszelits Laktičová ◽  
Mária Vargová ◽  
František Zigo
Keyword(s):  
Food Safety ◽  
Organic Farming ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Animal Production ◽  
Healthy Food ◽  
Free Range ◽  
Environmental Consequences ◽  
Stable Production ◽  
Industry Sustainability

The poultry sector plays an important role in animal production in terms of maintaining a stable production of healthy food for the population. With regard to the egg industry, sustainability refers to the treatment of laying hens and especially the systems used for hen housing. The conditions of welfare and housing of laying hens in the production of table eggs are currently of interest to most egg sellers as well as consumers as they directly affect the economy of their production and their price. At present, consumers have a choice of four types of eggs on the shelves. They can come from the cage, litter, free-range or organic farming. Each farm has well-defined rules that it must follow. Customers are increasingly interested in where and under what circumstances are produced the eggs which they bring home from the store. In addition to price, customers look for a story behind the package and make their decisions accordingly. Although recognizing that issues such as environmental consequences, food safety, and humane treatment of hens are also important, this article focuses on the relationships between hen housing and economy and market eggs production.

scholarly journals Egg production and egg quality in free-range laying hens housed at different outdoor stocking densities

2017 ◽  
Vol 96 (9) ◽  
pp. 3128-3137 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.L.M. Campbell ◽  
C. Lee ◽  
G.N. Hinch ◽  
J.R. Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Egg Production ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Free Range

scholarly journals Effects of Light Intensity During Rearing and Beak Trimming and Dietary Fiber Sources on Mortality, Egg Production, and Performance of ISA Brown Laying Hens

2002 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 104-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Hartini ◽  
M. Choct ◽  
G. Hinch ◽  
A. Kocher ◽  
J.V. Nolan
Keyword(s):  
Light Intensity ◽  
Dietary Fiber ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Beak Trimming
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