Foraging Behavior Shows Individual-Consistency Over Time, and Predicts Range Use in Slow-Growing Free-Range Male...

Area of Science:

• Animal Behavior
• Poultry Science
• Animal Welfare

Background:

• Individual behavioral differences in free-range chickens are linked to range use.
• Previous studies assessed behaviors at single time points or outside the home environment.
• Consistency of individual behaviors and their relation to range use remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• Describe the behavioral budget of slow-growing male broiler chickens (S757N) throughout their rearing period.
• Relate observed behavioral differences to range use within their social group and home environment.
• Identify consistent behavioral predictors of range use.

Main Methods:

• Observed 60 focal chickens in two flocks over two seasons.
• Recorded behavior during three periods: before, early, and late range access.
• Assessed individual exploration and social motivation through specific tests.

Main Results:

• Foraging (pecking and scratching) was the only behavior correlated with range use across all periods and seasons.
• Foraging demonstrated within-individual consistency from an early age.
• No other behaviors showed consistent correlation with range use.

Conclusions:

• Foraging behavior is a reliable predictor of range use in free-range broiler chickens.
• Understanding consistent behaviors can improve range use and welfare.
• This research enhances knowledge of behavior development in domesticated species.