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Different soil media for free-range laying hens.

E N Sossidou1, S P Rose, S S P Silva

  • 1National Agricultural Research Foundation (NAGREF), Animal Research Institute, Giannitsa, Greece. sossidou.arig@nagref.gr

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Summary

Free-range laying hens showed no preference for soil types after prolonged access. Compost-based media supported fewer nematodes but experienced greater grass loss due to higher porosity.

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Area of Science:

  • Animal Science
  • Soil Science
  • Agronomy

Background:

  • Free-range systems for laying hens are increasingly common.
  • Soil health and sward quality are critical for animal welfare and pasture longevity.
  • Understanding the impact of different soil media on bird behavior and soil parameters is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare bird usage, soil structure, grass wear, and nematode populations in four distinct soil media for free-range laying hens.
  • To evaluate the influence of compost-based versus topsoil-based media on sward utilization by hens.
  • To assess the relationship between soil properties, nematode populations, and grass degradation.

Main Methods:

  • A replicated experiment utilized four soil media: recycled vegetable compost, compost-sand mix, re-used topsoil, and sterilized topsoil, each with established grass swards.
  • Bird usage patterns were monitored initially and after prolonged flock access to unfenced areas.
  • Soil structure, grass wear, and free-living nematode populations were quantified for each soil medium.

Main Results:

  • Initially, hens favored topsoil swards, but prolonged access eliminated significant differences in sward preference among the four media.
  • Compost-based media exhibited 33% fewer nematodes per gram of dry soil compared to topsoil media.
  • Greater grass loss was observed in compost-based media, likely attributed to their higher soil porosity.

Conclusions:

  • Soil media type does not significantly influence sward preference in free-range laying hens with extended access.
  • Compost-based soils may support lower nematode populations but are more susceptible to grass wear due to increased porosity.
  • Further research is needed to optimize compost-based soil formulations for enhanced durability in free-range poultry systems.