scholarly journals Behaviour, welfare, and tibia traits of fast- and slow-growing chickens reared in intensive and free range systems

2021 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Ghayas ◽  
J. Hussain ◽  
A. Mahmud ◽  
M.H. Jaspal ◽  
H.M. Ishaq ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Rhode Island ◽  
Production System ◽  
Tonic Immobility ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Medullary Canal ◽  
Free Range ◽  
Canal Diameter ◽  
Length Width ◽  
Slow Growing

The behaviour, welfare, and tibia characteristics of fast- and slow-growing chickens were evaluated in free-range and intensive production systems. A total of 720 birds of three strains were subjected to these systems after 21 days of rearing under the same intensive environment. Each treatment was replicated six times with 20 birds in each replicate. Data were collected for welfare aspects, including feather condition, footpad, hock joint and tonic immobility, behavioural features, especially feeding or foraging, sitting, walking, scratching, pecking and dust-bathing, and tibia characteristics, including weight, length, width, medullary canal diameter and robusticity index (4 - 8 weeks). Production system had significant effects on all welfare and behaviour aspects of the birds. However, tibia characteristics were not influenced by production system, except for medullary canal diameter. The strains differed significantly in welfare, tibia characteristics and behaviour. For example, the slow-growing strains had better feather condition,  footpad and hock joint scores. Significant interactions of strain and production system were noted for all characteristics. It was recommended that Rhode Island Red chickens could be raised under either production system without compromising their welfare or causing adverse effects on leg health.

scholarly journals Evaluation of three fast- and slow-growing chicken strains reared in two production environments

2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (3) ◽  
pp. 378-388
Author(s):  
A. Ghayas ◽  
J. Hussain ◽  
A. Mahmud ◽  
M.H. Jaspal
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Rhode Island ◽  
Body Surface ◽  
Physiological Response ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Fast Growing ◽  
Free Range ◽  
Slow Growing ◽  
Intensive System

The present study evaluated performance, physiological response and economics of commercial fast growing (CFG), commercial slow growing (CSG), and Rhode Island Red (RIR) chickens under intensive and free-range rearing environments. After 21 days of rearing under the same intensive environment 240 birds from each strain were subjected to free-range and intensive rearing until they were 56 days old. Each treatment was replicated six times with 20 birds in each replicate. Body surface and cloacal temperatures, respiration and heart rates, feed intake, bodyweight and weight gain, feed conversion efficiency, growth efficiency, and liveability were recorded. Significant differences among strains were detected in physiological response and growth performance (except liveability). Rearing environment also caused significant differences in physiological parameters (except body surface temperature) and growth performance (except liveability). Significant interactions of the strains and production systems were detected. The CFG strain grew most rapidly under the intensive system with differences between strains being reduced in the free-range system. The RSG and CSG strains had similar respiration rates under the two production systems but differed significantly from each other. However, the CFG strain had a significantly elevated respiration rate in the free-range system. Total input cost of rearing CFG under the intensive system was highest ($3.54) among the treatments, whereas CSG under a free-range environment generated the highest profit ($0.37 per bird). In conclusion, rearing CSG under free range was the most economic farming strategy in today’s scenario.Keywords: economics, fast-growing, free range, growth, intensive system, physiology, slow-growing rural chickens

scholarly journals Effects of production system and feeding regimen on carcass and meat quality traits of Naked Neck chicken

2021 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 250-261
Author(s):  
E. Bughio ◽  
J. Hussain ◽  
A. Mahmud ◽  
A. Khalique
Keyword(s):  
Meat Quality ◽  
Production System ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Liver Weight ◽  
Kitchen Waste ◽  
Naked Neck ◽  
Commercial Diet ◽  
Free Range ◽  
Commercial Feed ◽  
Feeding Regimen

To evaluate the effect of a production system and feeding regimen on meat quality attributes of Naked Neck chickens, a total of 150 cockerels at 18 weeks old (1625 ± 70 g) were collected from 10 treatment groups with five replicates of three birds. The factorial arrangement of treatments consisted of two production systems (intensive and free-range) and five nutritional regimens, namely 100% commercial feed; 75% commercial feed plus 25% kitchen waste; 50% commercial feed plus 50% kitchen waste; 25% commercial feed plus 75% kitchen waste; and 100% kitchen waste. Carcass traits, meat quality, and meat organoleptic were found to differ significantly among production systems, feeding regimens, and their interaction. Higher liver weight was observed in birds reared under an intensive system. Higher gizzard weight was noted in birds fed with 100% kitchen waste, whereas lower gizzard weight was observed in birds fed the commercial diet. The meat from cockerels fed with 75% kitchen waste was most yellow, whereas the meat from the birds fed with 100% kitchen waste was least yellow. At two hours after slaughter, pH of the meat was highest in birds fed 50% kitchen waste and lowest in birds fed 100% kitchen waste. The interaction of production system and feeding regimen was significant for overall acceptability score. In conclusion, Naked Neck chickens performed equally well under intensive and free-range systems, irrespective of the level of kitchen waste that they were fed.

scholarly journals The Effects of Production System and Sex on the Sensory Quality Characteristics of Dorper Lamb

Foods ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 725
Author(s):  
Louwrens Christiaan Hoffman ◽  
Bianca Claasen ◽  
Daniël André Van der Merwe ◽  
Schalk Willem Petrus Cloete ◽  
Jasper Johannes Erasmus Cloete
Keyword(s):  
Production System ◽  
Sensory Quality ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Quality Characteristics ◽  
Free Range ◽  
Ram Lambs ◽  
Feedlot Lambs ◽  
Pelleted Diet ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

The effect of production systems on the sensory quality characteristics of Dorper lambs was investigated. Sixty lambs (ewes, rams, castrates) were allocated into two production groups (feedlot or free-range) at weaning with equal numbers of each sex represented in each group. The lambs were fed for five (slaughter group 1) or six (slaughter group 2) weeks. Feedlot lambs were fed a commercial pelleted diet while free-range lambs utilized natural shrub pastures. Samples of the Longissimus thoracis muscle were used for sensory evaluation. Feedlot lambs produced meat that was juicier and more tender than meat from free-range lambs. Initial juiciness was also higher in the meat from the feedlot lambs. No aroma or flavour differences were observed. The meat from the free-range ram lambs (slaughter group 1) was the least tender, whereas the lamb flavour was also compromised in the free-range ram lambs. Free-range meat may not necessarily be distinguished from feedlot meat as far as aroma and flavour are concerned.

scholarly journals Dynamics of Salmonella Shedding and Welfare of Hens in Free-Range Egg Production Systems

2016 ◽  
Vol 83 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vaibhav C. Gole ◽  
Rebecca Woodhouse ◽  
Charles Caraguel ◽  
Talia Moyle ◽  
Jean-Loup Rault ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Production System ◽  
Salmonella Enterica ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Most Probable Number ◽  
Probable Number ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Free Range ◽  
Phage Types ◽  
Positive Correlations

ABSTRACT The current study investigated the effect of environmental stressors (i.e., weather changes) on Salmonella shedding in free-range production systems and the correlations with behavioral and physiological measures (i.e., fecal glucocorticoid metabolites). This involved longitudinal and point-in-time surveys of Salmonella shedding and environmental contamination on four commercial free-range layer farms. The shedding of Salmonella was variable across free-range farms and in different seasons. There was no significant effect of season on the Salmonella prevalence during this investigation. In this study, the combined Salmonella most probable number (MPN) counts in environmental (including feces, egg belt, dust, nest box, and ramp) samples were highest in samples collected during the summer season (4th sampling, performed in February). The predominant serovars isolated during this study were Salmonella enterica serovar Mbandaka and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium phage types 135 and 135a. These two phage types were involved in several egg product-related Salmonella outbreaks in humans. Multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) results indicated that MLVA types detected from human food poisoning cases exhibited MLVA patterns similar to the strains isolated during this study. All Salmonella isolates (n = 209) were tested for 15 different genes involved in adhesion, invasion, and survival of Salmonella spp. We also observed variations for sopA, ironA, and misL. There were no positive correlations between fecal corticosterone metabolite (FCM) and Salmonella prevalence and/or shedding in feces. Also, there were no positive correlations between Salmonella prevalence and Salmonella count (log MPN) and any of the other welfare parameters. IMPORTANCE In this study, the welfare of laying hens and Salmonella shedding were compared over a prolonged period of time in field conditions. This study investigated the long-term shedding of Salmonella serovars in a free-range egg production system. Given that there is increasing demand for free-range eggs, it is essential to understand the risks associated with such a production system.

scholarly journals Performance of Rhode Island Red, Black Australorp, and Naked Neck crossbreds under alternative production systems

2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 564-577
Author(s):  
M. Usman ◽  
A. Mahmud ◽  
J. Hussain ◽  
A. Javid
Keyword(s):  
Surface Area ◽  
Rhode Island ◽  
Production System ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Egg Volume ◽  
Egg Weight ◽  
Naked Neck ◽  
Better Than

The effects of the production system, breed cross, and their interaction on performance, egg quality, and hatching traits were evaluated. Rhode Island Red and Black Australorp were crossed with Naked Neck chickens (first generation RNN, and BNN, respectively). These crosses were mated among themselves and crossed to produce four crossbreds: RR (RNN x RNN), BB (BNN x BNN), RB (RNN x BNN), and BR (BNN x RNN). Thirty-six pullets and 9 cockerels from each crossbred were maintained in three production systems: the aviary system (AV), conventional cages (CC), and enriched cages (EC). Thus there were 48 pullets and 12 cockerels in each production system. Bodyweight, egg production percentage, and egg weight were highest in EC, followed by CC and AV. Higher egg weight, egg surface area, and egg volume were also observed in EC compared with CC and AV. Fertility and hatchability were higher and early embryonic mortality was lower in AV than in EC and CC. Bodyweight, egg production percentage, egg weight, egg volume, and surface area were higher for RB and BR than for BB and RR. Fertility and hatchability were similar for RB and BR. RR was similar to BR, but lower than RB. BB had the lowest fertility and hatchability. Thus, chickens in EC performed better than in the other systems, except that hatching traits were better in AV. RB and BR performed better than BB and RR.Key words: breed crosses, chicken, egg quality, hatchability

scholarly journals Effect of Production System and Age on the Growth Performance and Carcass Traits of Pheasants (Phasianus colchicus)

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 219-229
Author(s):  
Umut Sami Yamak ◽  
Musa Sarica ◽  
Mehmet Akif Boz ◽  
Ahmet Ucar
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
Production System ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Carcass Traits ◽  
Feed Consumption ◽  
Phasianus Colchicus ◽  
Average Weight ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Free Range ◽  
Slaughter Age

AbstractA total of 211 pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) were reared using two different production systems (free range and intensive) to determine the effect of production system and slaughter age on growth performance and carcass traits. Birds were slaughtered at 14, 16, and 18 weeks of age. Production system did not significantly affect body weight until 18 weeks; at this age, pheasants reared in free range exhibited a higher average weight (1149 g vs. 1012 g). Total feed consumption and feed conversion ratios did not differ among production systems. The most in-demand portions of the carcass (breast and leg) were not affected by differences in production system. The leg and breast proportions which were the most edible parts of the carcass were around 26% and 35%, respectively, in both free-range and intensive systems.

scholarly journals Environmental Enrichments in Laying Hen Production Systems with Emphasis on Welfare and Egg Quality

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 1398-1406
Author(s):  
Brian Tainika ◽  
Ahmet Şekeroğlu
Keyword(s):  
Production System ◽  
Environmental Enrichment ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Laying Hen ◽  
Quality Traits ◽  
Free Range ◽  
Behavioral Expression ◽  
Outdoor Area ◽  
Novel Objects

This paper reviews the effects of environmental enrichments in different laying hen production systems on hen welfare and egg quality. To improve hen welfare, several studies have investigated various environmental enrichments that suit different laying hen production systems. The positive results of these studies can enable such environmental enrichments to be utilized in commercial laying hen production. In this review, the most studied environmental enrichments in the free-range production system include forage, shelterbelt, and artificial shade in the outdoor area and novel objects and H-shaped perching structures in the indoor. These are associated with increased range use that positively affects hen welfare. In the aviary system, perches, and litter materials (e.g., straw, sand) as environmental enrichments are linked to improved behavioral expression, reduced stress, and enhanced immune system. Under the litter system, environmental enrichment with substrates (e.g., pecking stones, alfalfa blocks, silage, straw, barley) has been found to increase the foraging behavior of laying hens. This reduces severe feather pecking thus improving the plumage condition of hens. Although the effects of environmental enrichments on hen welfare have been assessed and scientifically proven in the reviewed studies, enough progress of their impact on egg quality traits has not been reported. The studies have shown that environmental enrichments have no significant effect on egg quality traits. On the other hand, appropriate pasture plants as environmental enrichments in the free-range production system in relation to hen welfare and egg quality have not been identified. Therefore, it is important to continue studies on environmental enrichments while emphasizing their influence on egg quality since it is a major performance trait in the egg industry. In addition, there is a need for studies to determine the ideal pasture species in the free-range production system that positively affects hen welfare and egg quality.

scholarly journals Effect of Production Systems on Quality and Chemical Composition of Table Eggs

2016 ◽  
Vol 65 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 27-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lidija Perić ◽  
Mirjana Đukić Stojčić ◽  
Siniša Bjedov
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Production System ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Breaking Strength ◽  
Fat Content ◽  
Housing System ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Free Range

SummaryProduction system is one of the most important factors which have an effect on egg quality. In recent years consumers have paid more attention to the housing system in which eggs are produced with a significant increase of their interest in organic and functional food. Some consumers perceive omega-3 enriched eggs and free range eggs as beneficial for their health. Therefore, the aim of this work was to determine the chemical composition and the internal and external quality of eggs produced in conventional cages, free range systems and of omega-3 enriched eggs. Samples of 30 eggs from three different production systems were taken from the market. For eggs from each system the internal and external egg quality traits were examined as well as the protein and fat content. The results showed lower fat content in eggs from cages (P<0.05). Free range and omega-3 eggs had higher content of protein in egg white compared to the conventional ones (P<0.05). Production system significantly influenced the shell breaking strength, Haugh units and yolk color. The shell breaking force was significantly higher in free range eggs (P<0.05). The highest value of Haugh units was found in free range eggs and the lowest in omega-3 enriched eggs. The results of this work confirmed that there are differences in quality and the chemical composition of eggs from different production systems.

Dutch free-range pig keeping

1990 ◽  
Vol 1990 ◽  
pp. 73-73
Author(s):  
H. A. M. van der Steen ◽  
A. Dyson ◽  
B. Dekker
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Production System ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Feed Additives ◽  
Pig Production ◽  
Free Range ◽  
Pollution Problem ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Harmful Effects

The importance of environment, health and welfare nowadays asks for new approaches. Lessons may be learned from experiences elsewhere. In the Netherlands some consumers dislike the intensive pig production systems with little room for movement of the pigs. The pollution problem is considered to be unacceptable. They might also be afraid of harmful effects of additives on their health. A free-range pig keeping system was set up to accommodate these customers. The name of the system is “Scharrelvarkens” and is derived from the Dutch word “Scharrelen” which refers to feed intake behaviour of poultry in free-range conditions. “Varkens” stands for pigs. The free-range production system is according to certain rules. Animals are group housed, partly outdoors and no feed additives are allowed. Details are in the appendix.

scholarly journals Performance of fast, medium and slow growing broilers in indoor and free-range production systems

2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (6) ◽  
pp. 1127-1138
Author(s):  
M Sarica ◽  
U.S. Yamak ◽  
M.A. Boz ◽  
K Erensoy ◽  
E Cilavdaroglu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Slow Growth ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Carcass Traits ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
High Growth ◽  
Breast Meat ◽  
Free Range ◽  
Inner Organs ◽  
Slow Growing

This study compared growth and carcass traits of 2 medium-growth crossbred, 4 slow-growth crossbred, 1 commercial slow-growth and 1 commercial fast-growth broiler strains raised in indoor and free-range production systems. One hundred twenty chicks of each strain were raised in each production system. Chicks were raised in indoor pens at a density of 10 chicks per m2. From day 29 until slaughter at 84 days of age, chicks in the free-range system were given outdoor access through doors that were open between 8.00 - 17.00 hours. The study found live weight, feed efficiency, and mortality were significantly affected by strain. However, no significant differences were found between the production systems. Outdoor access varied significantly among strains, with the commercial high-growth and medium-growth crossbred strains making less use of outdoor areas. In terms of performance traits, none of the strains showed any significant differences in performance between the indoor and free-range production systems. However, significant differences among the strains in carcass traits, pH, and colour values of thigh and breast meat were observed in connection with differences in growth rate. Moreover, carcass and breast yields were greater in fast and medium-growth broilers, while ratios of edible inner organs were greater in medium and slow-growth broilers. Keywords: abdominal fat, animal welfare, breast to thigh ratio, feed efficiency, outdoor access, slaughter and carcass traits

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