Spatial requirements of poultry assessed by using a colour-contrast method (KobaPlan)

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Ethology
• Agricultural Engineering

Background:

• Sufficient floor space is essential for poultry welfare and normal behavioral patterns.
• Accurate stocking density calculations require understanding the minimum surface area (body space) each animal needs.
• Behavioral space and social interaction needs must also be considered alongside body space.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the minimum body space required by various poultry species and genotypes.
• To establish a basis for calculating appropriate stocking densities in commercial poultry farming.
• To assess the applicability of the "KobaPlan" color contrast method for measuring animal surface area.

Main Methods:

• Planimetric measurements using the "KobaPlan" color contrast method were employed.
• Measurements were taken on multiple poultry species including laying hens, broiler breeders, broiler chickens, turkeys, and ducks.
• Data were collected for animals in standing and sitting positions across different ages and live weights.

Main Results:

• Minimum body space varied significantly by species, genotype, age, and weight.
• Specific area ranges were determined for Lohmann Brown hens (401–542 cm²), Lohmann Selected Leghorn hens (353–445 cm²), broiler breeder females (440–537 cm²), broiler breeder males (623–945 cm²), broiler chickens (up to 434 cm²), male turkeys (up to 1808 cm²), Muscovy drakes (up to 873 cm²), and Peking ducks (up to 627 cm²).
• These values represent the necessary minimum spatial requirements for the studied poultry.

Conclusions:

• The study provides crucial data on minimum spatial requirements for diverse poultry species.
• The "KobaPlan" method is effective for measuring occupied area and can be used for species-specific behavioral pattern analysis.
• Findings support evidence-based adjustments to stocking densities for improved animal welfare and management.