scholarly journals Foot pad health, plumage condition, integument and claw length of Lohmann Silver laying hens kept in small aviary housing systems, furnished cages and an aviary housing system

2007 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 388-402
Author(s):  
S. Rönchen ◽  
B. Scholz ◽  
H. Hamann ◽  
O. Distl
Keyword(s):  
Group Size ◽  
Significant Influence ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Housing System ◽  
Foot Health ◽  
Housing Systems ◽  
Cage System ◽  
Body Regions ◽  
Frequent Finding ◽  
Foot Pad

Abstract. In the 3rd, 6th, 9th and 12th laying month, foot pad health, plumage condition, integument and claw length were evaluated in 432 Lohmann Silver laying hens kept in three different housing systems: a small aviary housing system (Eurovent 625a-EU, EV) with different perch levels, a furnished cage system (Aviplus, AP) and an aviary (Voliere Natura, AV). Foot health was scored for hyperkeratosis and lesions on a scale from 1 (normal) to 5 or 4 (severe). Plumage condition was assessed with scores from 1 (worst) to 4 (best) for different body regions. Integument was assessed for lesions and claw length of the middle toe was measured. Mild foot pad hyperkeratosis was the most frequent finding in hens of all housing systems. Sole pad hyperkeratosis was less frequent in AP and occurred more often in EV and AV. Significantly more often hyperkeratosis in the region between toe and claw was observed in AP. Toe pad lesions and lesions between toe and claw were scored lowest in AV and highest in AP. An aggravation of plumage in the course of the laying period was observed in all hens. Hens showed a significantly better total plumage condition in AP compared to EV. Within housing system, group size had a significant influence on plumage condition. Plumage was better in smaller groups. Lesions of the integument were rarely detected. Claws were significantly shortest in AP, longer in AV and longest in EV. Perch design in EV was not significant for all traits except for comp lesions.

scholarly journals Effect of time of oviposition on egg quality characteristics in cages and in a litter housing system

2011 ◽  
Vol 50 (No. 3) ◽  
pp. 129-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Tůmová ◽  
T. Ebeid
Keyword(s):  
Shell Thickness ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Early Morning ◽  
Quality Characteristics ◽  
Housing System ◽  
Egg Weight ◽  
Housing Systems ◽  
Cage System ◽  
Eggshell Quality

Two experiments were carried out to investigate the effect of the time of oviposition on egg quality characteristics in two different housing systems (cages vs. litter). ISA brown hens from 20 to 64 weeks of age were housed in battery cages (550 cm<sup>2</sup>/hen, 19 526 laying hens in the house) and on deep litter (7 hen/m<sup>2</sup>, 4 652 laying hens in the house). In both houses, eggs were collected daily at three oviposition times 06:00, 10:00 and 14:00 h. Every four weeks, 90 eggs for each house (30 eggs for each oviposition time) were used for egg quality assessment. The results indicated that in cages the highest percentages (P &le; 0.001) of normal (74.47%), non-standard (0.85%) and cracked (1.80%) eggs were laid in the early morning (06:00 h). On deep litter, however, the highest percentages (P &le; 0.05) of normal sound eggs were produced at10:00 h (35.43%) and at14:00 h (33.03%). In the cage system, the heaviest eggs (63.01 g) were laid in the early morning (06:00 h) and the highest shell percentage (10.33%) was in eggs laid in the afternoon and also at 10:00 h (10.31%). On the other hand, in the litter housing system, the time of oviposition had no significant effect on egg weight and eggshell quality characteristics except for shell thickness. Morning eggs had greater shell thickness (0.398 mm) than afternoon eggs (0.390 mm). In cages and on litter, statistically significant differences in albumen height, albumen index and Haugh Units were observed between early morning eggs and afternoon eggs and data showed a pattern of relatively higher albumen quality for eggs collected in the afternoon in both systems. &nbsp;

scholarly journals Blood Plasma Mineral Profile and Qualitative Indicators of the Eggshell in Laying Hens in Different Housing Systems

2009 ◽  
Vol 78 (3) ◽  
pp. 419-429 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleš Pavlík ◽  
Martina Lichovníková ◽  
Pavel Jelínek
Keyword(s):  
Blood Plasma ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Breaking Strength ◽  
Housing System ◽  
Shell Quality ◽  
Housing Systems ◽  
Cage System ◽  
Mineral Profile ◽  
Egg Shell ◽  
Mineral Concentrations

The aim of this study was to compare the blood plasma mineral profile (Ca, P, K, Mg, Zn, Cu and Se) and egg-shell quality (eggshell weight, eggshell breaking strength and thickness) of laying hens housed in three different housing systems (traditional cage system, enriched cage system and deep litter system). In each housing system, 12 ISA Brown laying hens were observed during the laying period from week 22 to 75 of age. The effect (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01) of age and/or phase of the laying cycle on all mineral concentrations was determined. Eggshell breaking strength decreased (p < 0.001) with the age of birds. The results of this study indicate that the housing systems compared had no significant effect on the blood plasma mineral profile of laying hens under study and the values were within the physiological range. However, a significant effect of housing system on eggshell breaking strength and eggshell weight was found. Improved eggshell quality was obtained in most periods of the laying cycle in the enriched cage systems.

scholarly journals Effects of Housing Systems on Biochemical Indicators of Blood Plasma in Laying Hens

2007 ◽  
Vol 76 (3) ◽  
pp. 339-347 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Pavlík ◽  
M. Pokludová ◽  
D. Zapletal ◽  
P. Jelínek
Keyword(s):  
Blood Plasma ◽  
Metabolic Profile ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Housing System ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Biochemical Indicators ◽  
Housing Systems ◽  
Cage System

The aim of this study was to compare biochemical indicators of blood plasma of laying hens housed in three different housing systems (conventional cage system, enriched cage system and deep litter system). In each housing system, 12 ISA Brown laying hens were observed during the laying period from week 22 to 75 of age. Blood samples for determination of biochemical indicators in plasma were collected during this period in week 22, 47 and 75. Indicators of blood plasma metabolic profile of laying hens of all monitored groups during the laying period ranged in intervals stated for healthy animals. In some cases, significant differences between housing systems were found, however, these differences do not give clear evidence of the influence of the housing system on the health of animals. The differences were apparently due to different efficiency of each group during the laying period.

scholarly journals Growth Performance of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) reared on deep litter and cages in the hot humid tropics of Southern Bénin Republic

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 191
Author(s):  
Serge Alindekon ◽  
Okhiomah Ahmed Abu ◽  
Jacob Olaniyi Babayemi ◽  
Paul Agblo ◽  
Yvonne Mehouede Adjovi-boco
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Housing System ◽  
Carcass Yield ◽  
Housing Systems ◽  
Cage System ◽  
System P ◽  
Daily Water ◽  
Factor Data ◽  
Block Factor

The performance of male and female quails reared separately in cages and on deep litter was investigated. One hundred and eighty 3-week old quails managed for five weeks. There were three replicates per treatment with stocking densities of 120cm2/bird in cage and 180cm2/bird on deep litter and sex as a block factor. Data on weekly body weight, weight change, daily feed and water intakes, feed: gain, carcass yield and costs of production were analysed. Daily water consumed by quails between the housing systems (62.76±11.21mL/d on deep litter vs. 66.96±12.18mL/d in cage system, p>0.05) were same. However, quails housed on deep litter consumed more feed from 43-56 days of age (25.34±1.77g/d vs. 22.99±1.55g/d). Quails reared on deep litter also grew faster during the first week of that period (3.33±1.70g/d vs. 0.69±0.87g/d). However, gain in body weight was noticed from day 22 to day 49 but a sudden decline thereafter for all quails regardless of sex and housing system. Carcass yield was not affected by housing system but values for thighs, empty gizzard and liver of quails kept on deep litter were higher (respectively 12.95±0.86% vs. 11.99±0.83%, 2.12±0.18% vs. 1.84±0.20%, 2.11±0.59% vs. 1.88±0.43%; p<0.05). Production costs were the same (p>0.05) whether on deep litter (3414.30±172.95CFA/kg) or in cages (3283.43±77.72CFA/kg). However, the production cost per kilogram of carcass of male quails was lower compared to females (3205.88±138.95CFA/kg vs. 3484.35±131.57CFA/kg, respectively) regardless of the housing system. Sex and age of quails affect performance and not the type of housing system. 

scholarly journals The Effect of the Type of Alternative Housing System, Genotype and Age of Laying Hens on Egg Quality

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 541-556 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zofia Sokołowicz ◽  
Józefa Krawczyk ◽  
Magdalena Dykiel
Keyword(s):  
Laying Hens ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Housing System ◽  
Color Intensity ◽  
Egg Weight ◽  
Blood Spots ◽  
Alternative Housing ◽  
Housing Systems ◽  
System Type ◽  
Eggshell Color

Abstract The present study investigated the effect of the type of alternative housing system, and genotype and age of laying hens on physical traits of egg shell and contents. It was demonstrated that alternative housing system type influenced egg weight and shape, and eggshell color and yolk color intensity. Eggs from free-range system were heavier and were characterized by more intense yolk color. No effect of alternative housing system type on albumen height, value of Haugh units (HU value) and presence of meat and blood spots was noted. Hen genotype had a significant effect on egg weight and eggshell color intensity in each of the alternative housing systems tested in this study. Hy-line Brown hens laid heavier eggs than hens of native breeds. Genotype was also observed to affect egg content traits (albumen height, HU values and presence of meat and blood spots). Independently of the type of alternative housing system, most blood and meat spots were noted in eggs of hens laying brown-shelled eggs, i.e. R-11 and Hy-line Brown layers. Laying hen age significantly impacted on egg weight, yolk percentage, eggshell traits (color intensity, weight, thickness and strength) and egg content traits (HU value, yolk weight and color intensity, presence of meat and blood spots). Older hens laid heavier eggs with a greater yolk percentage but with thinner eggshell.

scholarly journals Eggshell characteristics and cuticle deposition in three laying hen genotypes housed in enriched cages and on litter

2017 ◽  
Vol 63 (No. 1) ◽  
pp. 11-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Ketta ◽  
E. Tumova
Keyword(s):  
Laying Hens ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Laying Hen ◽  
Housing System ◽  
Eggshell Thickness ◽  
System Effect ◽  
Egg Weight ◽  
Housing Systems ◽  
Eggshell Quality ◽  
System P

The objective of the present study was to compare the eggshell characteristics and cuticle deposition of Lohmann Brown, Hy-Line Silver Brown, and Isa Brown layers kept in two different housing systems. The three laying hen genotypes were housed in enriched cages (100 hens, 750 cm<sup>2</sup>/hen, 10 hens/cage) and in littered pens (100 hens, 9 hens/m<sup>2</sup>, 10 hens/pen). The experiment was carried out in weeks 40–56 of hens age. Non-significant interactions of genotype and housing system for eggshell quality parameters and cuticle deposition were detected in this study. Egg weight was significantly affected by genotype (P ≤ 0.001) and housing system (P ≤ 0.043). The heaviest eggs were laid by Lohmann Brown, while the lightest eggs were produced by Hy-Line Silver Brown. Eggshell strength was not affected by genotype and housing system, however, genotype had a significant effect on eggshell thickness (P ≤ 0.033). Isa Brown eggs had thicker eggshells compared to Lohmann Brown and Hy-Line Silver Brown. However, a non-significant effect of housing system on eggshell thickness was observed. Eggshell percentage was significantly affected by both genotype and housing system. Genotype of laying hens had a significant effect on cuticle deposition; significantly higher cuticle deposition was observed in Lohmann Brown eggs (P ≤ 0.001). It could be concluded that genotype had a significant effect on eggshell quality parameters and cuticle deposition. However, the housing system effect was less important in these characteristics.

scholarly journals Results of egg production in different housing systems

2007 ◽  
Vol 23 (5-6-1) ◽  
pp. 497-502 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Peric ◽  
N. Milosevic ◽  
N. Tolimir ◽  
D. Zikic
Keyword(s):  
Egg Production ◽  
Housing System ◽  
Housing Density ◽  
Egg Weight ◽  
Percentage Mortality ◽  
Housing Systems ◽  
Production Parameters ◽  
Cage System ◽  
Main Production ◽  
Floor System

The aim of this work was to present the production results of laying hens kept in different housing systems - conventional cages with different stocking densities, enriched cages or in houses with a range. The used hybrid was Shaver 579 (564 birds). The main production parameters were monitored: No. of laid eggs, laying percentage, mortality rate, feed intake, egg weight and number of culled eggs. Data were analyzed by ANOVA followed by t-test. Main production parameters in production of table eggs were significantly different depending on the housing system. The best results were realized in cage system with lower housing density, and the worst results in hens housed in floor system on free range.

scholarly journals The Effect of the Type of Non-Caged Housing System, Genotype and Age on the Behaviour of Laying Hens

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 2450
Author(s):  
Zofia Sokołowicz ◽  
Magdalena Dykiel ◽  
Jadwiga Topczewska ◽  
Józefa Krawczyk ◽  
Anna Augustyńska-Prejsnar
Keyword(s):  
Laying Hens ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Housing System ◽  
Agonistic Behaviour ◽  
Organic System ◽  
Free Range ◽  
Housing Systems ◽  
Native Breed

This study investigated the welfare of laying hens in different non-caged housing systems, namely a deep-litter barn system (BS), a free-range system (FRS) and an organic system (OS). The study was conducted on 270 hens of a native breed Green-legged Partridge (Z-11) and 270 Hy-Line Brown hybrids. Visual scans were performed to record behaviour of hens. Hens were housed in groups of 30 and observed over the course of one day at 20, 36 and 56 weeks of age. Dustbathing, scratching, wing stretching, wing flapping and preening were recorded as comfort behaviours. Pecking, fighting, threatening and chasing were recorded as agonistic behaviours. The percentage of run use was higher in native hens than in commercial hens (p < 0.05). The proportion of hens exhibiting comfort behaviours housed in the FRS and OS was similar but over twice as high as in the BS (p < 0.05). In the FRS and OS, the percentage of hens displaying comfort behaviours increased with age (p < 0.05). In all the production systems, the percentage of birds displaying comfort behaviours was higher in native breed hens than in commercial breeds (p < 0.05). In the BS, the higher proportion of hens displaying an agonistic behaviour was seen more in commercial breed than in the native breed hens (p < 0.05). The percentage of birds displaying an agonistic behaviour declined with hen age, both in commercial and native breed hens.

scholarly journals Effect of housing system and age of laying hens on eggshell quality, microbial contamination, and penetration of microorganisms into eggs

2018 ◽  
Vol 63 (No. 2) ◽  
pp. 51-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Vlčková ◽  
E. Tůmová ◽  
M. Ketta ◽  
M. Englmaierová ◽  
D. Chodová
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Storage Time ◽  
Microbial Contamination ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Housing System ◽  
Free Range ◽  
Housing Systems ◽  
Eggshell Quality ◽  
Number Of Microorganisms ◽  
And Storage

Hens of the laying hybrid ISA Brown were used in the study with the objective to evaluate eggshell quality, microbial contamination of eggshells, and penetration of microorganisms into the egg content in different housing systems (enriched cage: 60 hens, 10 hens per cage, 750 cm<sup>2 </sup>per hen vs free range: 60 hens, 9 hens per m<sup>2</sup>) and at different hen ages (26 vs 51 weeks) during storage time (0, 2, 7, 14, and 21 days). A significant interaction between the housing system and age was observed in egg weight and most of eggshell quality measurements. However, microbial contamination and penetration were affected mostly by the housing system and storage time. The numbers of Escherichia coli (P &lt; 0.001, 4.51 vs 2.75 log cfu/eggshell) and Enterococcus (P &lt; 0.001, 2.56 vs 1.11 log cfu/eggshell), and the total number of microorganisms (P &lt; 0.001, 5.04 vs. 3.65 log cfu/eggshell) were higher in free range eggs compared to enriched cage eggs, respectively. The counts of Escherichia coli (P &lt; 0.001, 4.23 vs 2.91 log cfu/eggshell) and Enterococcus (P &lt; 0.001, 2.31 vs 1.27 log cfu/eggshell) decreased with storage time. A positive correlation between the total number of pores and penetration of Escherichia coli in both housing systems was observed in the albumen. It can be concluded that the housing system and age of laying hens significantly affected eggshell quality. Microbial contamination presumably affects the penetration of microorganisms. The correlation between the number of pores and penetration is assumed to be affected by the microbial species.

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