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Stocking density effects on broiler welfare: identifying sensitive ranges for different indicators.

S Buijs1, L Keeling, S Rettenbacher

  • 1Animal Sciences, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research, Scheldeweg 68, B-9090 Melle, Belgium. stephanie.buijs@ilvo.vlaanderen

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|July 11, 2009
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Summary

Broiler welfare is impacted differently by stocking density, with leg health and dermatitis issues arising at various levels. No single threshold density guarantees good welfare; instead, different indicators respond to different densities.

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Area of Science:

  • Animal Science
  • Animal Welfare
  • Poultry Science

Background:

  • Stocking density is a critical factor in broiler chicken welfare, but consensus on optimal levels is lacking.
  • Previous research indicates potential negative impacts of high stocking densities on animal health and behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of varying broiler chicken stocking densities on multiple welfare indicators.
  • To identify potential threshold stocking densities that significantly impact broiler welfare.

Main Methods:

  • Evaluated six welfare indicators across eight stocking densities (6–56 kg/m² BW/m²).
  • Measured bursa weight, mortality, corticosterone metabolites, leg health, footpad dermatitis, hock dermatitis, and fearfulness.
  • Utilized four replicates for each stocking density treatment.

Main Results:

  • Stocking density significantly affected leg health, footpad and hock dermatitis, and tended to influence fearfulness.
  • Bursa weight, mortality, and corticosterone metabolite levels were not significantly affected by stocking density.
  • Different welfare indicators were affected at different densities, with no single threshold identified; leg health declined steeply from 6 to 23 kg/m², hock dermatitis increased from 35 kg/m², and footpad dermatitis and fearfulness were highest at 56 kg/m².
  • An integrated welfare score indicated a general decrease in welfare with increasing density, with the highest density (56 kg/m²) performing worst.

Conclusions:

  • Broiler welfare is influenced by stocking density, but different indicators respond uniquely to varying densities.
  • Establishing a single threshold stocking density for optimal welfare is not feasible; instead, a nuanced approach considering individual indicators is necessary.
  • High stocking densities, particularly 56 kg/m², negatively impact broiler welfare, necessitating careful management to mitigate adverse effects.