scholarly journals Effects of different floor materials on the welfare and behaviour of slow- and fast-growing broilers

2019 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 335-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enver Çavuşoğlu ◽  
Metin Petek
Keyword(s):  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Litter Quality ◽  
Tonic Immobility ◽  
Fast Growing ◽  
Genotype 2 ◽  
Slow Growing ◽  
Positive Effect ◽  
Fast Growth Rate ◽  
Floor Material ◽  
Behaviour Data

Abstract. Litter quality and fast growth rate are the two main issues in broiler welfare. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of genotype and floor material on broiler welfare and behaviour. In the study, slow-growing (Hubbard JA57) and fast-growing (Ross 308) broilers on a slatted floor and deep litter were used; there were four main groups (2 genotype × 2 housing) and each treatment group consisted of 5 replicates. Each replicate group consisted of 10 male chicks, and 200 birds were used in total. The experiment lasted for 8 weeks. The welfare parameters were recorded in weeks 6, 7, and 8, whereas behaviour data were collected in week 8 only. Results showed that welfare parameters of broiler chickens were affected by genotype and floor type. Slow-growing broilers had better welfare parameters than fast-growing broilers. The slatted floor had a positive effect on main welfare parameters of the birds. Slower-growing broilers had a longer distance in the avoidance distance test. Tonic immobility reaction was longer in slow-growing broilers compared to fast-growing broiler. On the other hand, floor type did not affect behaviour parameters. As a conclusion, slow-growing broilers had better welfare parameters than fast-growing broilers and slat flooring could be beneficial to improve broiler welfare, but further behavioural investigations are needed such as dust bathing and walking behaviour.

scholarly journals Carcass traits and meat quality of different slow growing and fast growing broiler chickens

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 351-357
Author(s):  
M. Oblakova ◽  
N. Mincheva ◽  
P. Hristakieva ◽  
I. Ivanova ◽  
M. Lalev ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Meat Quality ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Carcass Traits ◽  
Fast Growing ◽  
Slow Growing

Partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the venous blood of young birds as a predictor of ascites susceptibility in broiler chickens

2010 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 221-230 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Hassanzadeh ◽  
Mohammad Maddadi ◽  
Sarra Mirzaie ◽  
Keramat Assasie ◽  
Hamid Moayyedian
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Broiler Breeder ◽  
Fast Growing ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Pressure ◽  
Blood Gas Parameters ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Slow Growing

In order to investigate the relationship between carbon dioxide tensions in the venous blood of young chickens and ascites susceptibility, one hundred dayold chickens from two pure broiler breeder lines differing in susceptibility to ascites syndrome were obtained and reared at low environmental temperature. Weekly, blood samples were taken for the determination of blood gas parameters and plasma thyroid hormone levels. Dead birds were examined for lesions of ascites daily and all survived birds were autopsied at the end of the trials. In cold conditioning, the cumulative incidence of right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) and ascites was 78% (39/50) in fast-growing (line A) and 50% (25/50) in slow-growing (line B) chickens, confirming that line A chickens had higher susceptibility to ascites than line B chickens. At 12 days of age, the mean pCO2tension was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in the venous blood of line A than line B chickens. During the experiment, the majority of line A and line B chickens showing RVH and ascites exhibited pCO2tensions equal to, or exceeding 50 mmHg at 12 days of age. Additionally, fast-growing chickens showed significantly lower plasma T3 and T4 concentrations than slow-growing chickens. In conclusion, our data indicate that carbon dioxide pressure in the venous blood of early postnatal broiler chickens could be used as a valuable predictor in the selection of birds susceptible to pulmonary hypertension and ascites. The function of thyroid hormones should also be taken into consideration in further selection procedures for meat-type chickens.

scholarly journals The dynamic of antibiotic resistance in commensal Escherichia coli throughout the growing period in broiler chickens: fast-growing vs. slow-growing breeds

2020 ◽  
Vol 99 (3) ◽  
pp. 1591-1597 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Montoro-Dasi ◽  
A. Villagra ◽  
S. Sevilla-Navarro ◽  
M.T. Pérez-Gracia ◽  
S. Vega ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Fast Growing ◽  
Growing Period ◽  
Slow Growing

scholarly journals Effects of an Elevated Platform on Welfare Aspects in Male Conventional Broilers and Dual-Purpose Chickens

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Malchow ◽  
Lars Schrader
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Meat Production ◽  
Walking Ability ◽  
Dual Purpose ◽  
Foot Health ◽  
Fast Growing ◽  
Moderate Growth ◽  
Slow Growing

To avoid killing day-old male chicks, one possibility is to keep dual-purpose chicken strains. Here, the hens were kept for egg production, and the roosters were kept for meat production. Both sexes had moderate performances compared to the respective hybrid chicken strains. However, until now, little has been known about whether male dual-purpose chickens may profit from enrichment in the environment in which broiler chickens are raised under conventional conditions. This study aims to further investigate the suitability of elevated structures for dual-purpose chickens (Lohmann Dual) with moderate growth and for fast-growing male broiler chickens (Ross 308). In two consecutive trials, we kept 686 Ross and 672 Dual chickens in 24 compartments (2 trials × 2 strains × 6 compartments). Half of the compartments were equipped with elevated grid platforms at a height of 50 cm (enriched group). In the other half of the compartments, no platforms were installed (control group). We analyzed the usage of the elevated platforms by scan sampling and assessed animal-based (walking ability, plumage cleanliness, and foot health) and management-based (litter quality) indicators. Both strains showed increasing use of the elevated platforms from the first week of life onwards. However, the fast-growing chickens used the elevated platform less than the slow-growing chickens. At the end of the fattening period, the birds used the elevated grids more at night than during the daytime. Slow-growing chickens kept in enriched compartments showed a better walking ability. In general, slow-growing chickens had better plumage conditions and foot health compared to fast-growing chickens. Our results show that natural behaviors such as perching can be supported by offering elevated platforms and that animal-based indicators such as walking ability can be improved, at least in slow-growing chickens. Moreover, the use of an alternative chicken strain avoids killing day-old male chicks, and in addition, these chickens show fewer animal welfare problems than a conventional fattening strain. Thus, the use of male chickens of a dual-purpose strain can substantially contribute to improving animal welfare in broiler meat production.

scholarly journals Economic efficiency of fattening on different genotypes of slow-growing and fast-growing broiler chickens

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 48-53
Author(s):  
M. Oblakova ◽  
Y. Popova ◽  
P. Hristakieva ◽  
N. Mincheva ◽  
M. Lalev
Keyword(s):  
Economic Efficiency ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Fast Growing ◽  
Slow Growing

scholarly journals Slow-growing broilers are healthier and express more behavioural indicators of positive welfare

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann C. Rayner ◽  
Ruth C. Newberry ◽  
Judit Vas ◽  
Siobhan Mullan
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Broiler Chicken ◽  
Litter Quality ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
Walking Ability ◽  
Post Mortem ◽  
Fast Growing ◽  
Welfare Benefits ◽  
Slow Growing

Abstract Broiler chicken welfare is under increasing scrutiny due to welfare concerns regarding growth rate and stocking density. This farm-based study explored broiler welfare in four conditions representing commercial systems varying in breed and planned maximum stocking density: (1) Breed A, 30 kg/m2; (2) Breed B, 30 kg/m2; (3) Breed B, 34 kg/m2; (4) Breed C, 34 kg/m2. Breeds A and B were ‘slow-growing’ breeds (< 50 g/day), and Breed C was a widely used ‘fast-growing’ breed. Indicators of negative welfare, behavioural indicators of positive welfare and environmental outcomes were assessed. Clear differences between conditions were detected. Birds in Condition 4 experienced the poorest health (highest mortality and post-mortem inspection rejections, poorest walking ability, most hock burn and pododermatitis) and litter quality. These birds also displayed lower levels of behaviours indicative of positive welfare (enrichment bale occupation, qualitative ‘happy/active’ scores, play, ground-scratching) than birds in Conditions 1–3. These findings provide farm-based evidence that significant welfare improvement can be achieved by utilising slow-growing breeds. There are suggested welfare benefits of a slightly lower planned maximum stocking density for Breed B and further health benefits of the slowest-growing breed, although these interventions do not offer the same magnitude of welfare improvement as moving away from fast-growing broilers.

scholarly journals The effect of protease on productive and slaughter traits in broiler chickens

2012 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 817-826
Author(s):  
V. Doskovic ◽  
S. Bogosavljevic-Boskovic ◽  
Z. Pavlovski ◽  
B. Milosevic ◽  
Z. Skrbic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Abdominal Fat ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Production Traits ◽  
Fast Growing ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Carcass Conformation ◽  
Slow Growing ◽  
Protein Diets

Carcass conformation is a very important parameter in assessing the overall appearance and meatiness of broilers. This study evaluates the effect of protease supplemented to reduced protein diets on production traits, dressed carcass weight and conformation measures in fast-growing Cobb 500 and slow-growing Master Gris broilers over a fattening period of 49 days. At slaughter, the following measurements were taken: pre-slaughter body weight (BW), conventionally dressed carcass weight and abdominal fat weight. Following carcass dissection into primal cuts, absolute conformation values, including metatarsus length (ML), keel length (KL), breast depth (BD), breast angle (BA) and thigh girth (TG), were determined. For carcass conformation evaluation purposes, index values of carcass conformation measures BW/ML, BW/KL, BW/BD and BW/TG were identified. Genotype and sex had a significant effect on dressed carcass weight and all conformation measures, whereas the effect of different protein levels in protease-supplemented diets was significant only in Master Gris, for metatarsus length and the following indices: BW/ML, BW/KL and BW/TG.

scholarly journals Impact of On-Farm Interventions against CTX-Resistant Escherichia coli on the Contamination of Carcasses before and during an Experimental Slaughter

Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 228
Author(s):  
Michaela Projahn ◽  
Jana Sachsenroeder ◽  
Guido Correia-Carreira ◽  
Evelyne Becker ◽  
Annett Martin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Broiler Chickens ◽  
Stocking Density ◽  
Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cross Contamination ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
On Farm ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Slow Growing

Cefotaxime (CTX)-resistant Enterobacteriaceae are still an ongoing challenge in human and veterinary health. High prevalence of these resistant bacteria is detected in broiler chickens and the prevention of their dissemination along the production pyramid is of major concern. The impact of certain on-farm interventions on the external bacterial contamination of broiler chickens, as well as their influence on single processing steps and (cross-) contamination, have not yet been evaluated. Therefore, we investigated breast skin swab samples of broiler chickens before and during slaughter at an experimental slaughter facility. Broiler chickens were previously challenged with CTX-resistant Escherichia coli strains in a seeder-bird model and subjected to none (control group (CG)) or four different on-farm interventions: drinking water supplementation based on organic acids (DW), slow growing breed Rowan × Ranger (RR), reduced stocking density (25 kg/sqm) and competitive exclusion with Enterobacteriales strain IHIT36098(CE). Chickens of RR, 25 kg/sqm, and CE showed significant reductions of the external contamination compared to CG. The evaluation of a visual scoring system indicated that wet and dirty broiler chickens are more likely a vehicle for the dissemination of CTX-resistant and total Enterobacteriaceae into the slaughterhouses and contribute to higher rates of (cross-) contamination during processing.

scholarly journals Genotypic traits and tradeoffs of fast growth in silver birch, a pioneer tree

Oecologia ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juha Mikola ◽  
Katariina Koikkalainen ◽  
Mira Rasehorn ◽  
Tarja Silfver ◽  
Ulla Paaso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Resource Competition ◽  
Leaf Growth ◽  
N Uptake ◽  
Insect Herbivory ◽  
Fast Growth ◽  
Grass Cover ◽  
Soil N ◽  
Fast Growing ◽  
Slow Growing ◽  
Leaf N

AbstractFast-growing and slow-growing plant species are suggested to show integrated economics spectrums and the tradeoffs of fast growth are predicted to emerge as susceptibility to herbivory and resource competition. We tested if these predictions also hold for fast-growing and slow-growing genotypes within a silver birch, Betula pendula population. We exposed cloned saplings of 17 genotypes with slow, medium or fast height growth to reduced insect herbivory, using an insecticide, and to increasing resource competition, using naturally varying field plot grass cover. We measured shoot and root growth, ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungal production using ergosterol analysis and soil N transfer to leaves using 15N-labelled pulse of NH4+. We found that fast-growing genotypes grew on average 78% faster, produced 56% and 16% more leaf mass and ergosterol, and showed 78% higher leaf N uptake than slow-growing genotypes. The insecticide decreased leaf damage by 83% and increased shoot growth, leaf growth and leaf N uptake by 38%, 52% and 76%, without differences between the responses of fast-growing and slow-growing genotypes, whereas root mass decreased with increasing grass cover. Shoot and leaf growth of fast-growing genotypes decreased and EM fungal production of slow-growing genotypes increased with increasing grass cover. Our results suggest that fast growth is genotypically associated with higher allocation to EM fungi, better soil N capture and greater leaf production, and that the tradeoff of fast growth is sensitivity to competition, but not to insect herbivory. EM fungi may have a dual role: to support growth of fast-growing genotypes under low grass competition and to maintain growth of slow-growing genotypes under intensifying competition.

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