Effects of husbandry practices on Ross 308 and Hubbard chicken hybrids welfare: HUSBANDRY EFFECTS ON BROILER WELFARE

This study evaluated the impact of husbandry practices including enrichments, diet, stocking density, genotype, and outdoor access on welfare indicators in fast-growing Ross 308 and two genotypes of medium-growing Hubbard hybrids of chickens. The set of studies was designed with specific factors relevant to each genotype, with stocking density, perch enrichment and lucerne provision targeted for Ross 308 broilers and perch, outdoor access, as well as genotype (JA757 and JA787) for Hubbard chickens. Feather condition, footpad dermatitis (FPD), comb wounds, skin injuries, hock burn, lameness, dirtiness, toe damage, respiratory infections, and diarrhea were evaluated at the end of each production cycle. For Ross 308, just like for Hubbard hybrids, enrichment with perches significantly deteriorated feather condition (P = 0.03). Lucerne provision enhanced footpad health (P = 0.02) and reduced comb wounds (P = 0.03). For Hubbard hybrids, outdoor access led to a reduction in comb wounds (P = 0.04) and FPD severity (P = 0.02). Additionally, differences in plumage damage were observed between the Hubbard hybrid genotypes (P = 0.03), with less damage observed in Hubbard JA757, as compared to JA787. These findings enhance understanding of how targeted modifications in husbandry practices improve poultry welfare and provide practical guidance for optimizing broiler production systems.