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Effects of post-hatch brooding temperature on broiler behavior, welfare, and growth
S Henriksen1, T Bilde1, A B Riber2
1Department of Biological Sciences, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark.
Poultry Science
|July 23, 2016
Summary
Elevated brooding temperatures for broiler chickens during the first week post-hatch can improve welfare by increasing activity and reducing lameness. This method enhances broiler well-being without negatively impacting final body weight or uniformity.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Poultry Science
- Animal Welfare
Background:
- Broiler welfare is a significant concern, with early life conditions impacting health and productivity.
- Non-starters, lameness, and contact dermatitis are common welfare issues in broiler chickens.
- Optimizing brooding temperature may mitigate these welfare challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of elevated brooding temperature during the first 7 days post-hatch on broiler behavior, welfare, and growth.
- To determine if increased early-life temperature can reduce welfare problems and improve broiler starter performance.
- To assess the impact on body weight, uniformity, gait, and contact dermatitis.
Main Methods:
- Ross 308 broilers were reared under normal (33°C) or elevated (37°C) brooding temperatures for the first 7 days.
- Groups were balanced for hatching weight, parent breeder age, and sex.
- Behavioral data, body weight, gait, and contact dermatitis were recorded at various ages.
Main Results:
- Elevated brooding temperature increased broiler body temperature initially but normalized within 24 hours.
- Broilers under elevated temperature showed earlier feeding/drinking initiation and higher activity levels.
- Reduced hock burns were observed in broilers reared at elevated temperatures, despite a temporary decrease in body weight at day 7.
Conclusions:
- An elevated brooding temperature during the first week post-hatch can enhance broiler welfare by improving early behavior and reducing contact dermatitis.
- This practice does not adversely affect final body weight or body weight uniformity in Ross 308 broilers.
- Optimizing early brooding conditions is a viable strategy for improving overall broiler welfare.
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