Rearing enrichment affects perching behaviour and bone strength in pullets and in free-range hens varying in range...

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Poultry Science
• Animal Welfare

Background:

• High laying rates in domestic hens strain calcium metabolism and bone health.
• Housing systems impact pullet development and bone strength throughout lay.
• Free-range systems may offer benefits to bone strength, depending on ranging behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effects of rearing enrichment on pullet behavior and skeletal health.
• To measure perching, wing-flapping behavior, and bone breaking load.
• To investigate long-term impacts of rearing enrichment and range use on bone strength.

Main Methods:

• Pullets were housed in experimental floor pens with varying enrichments (perching structures, novel objects, control).
• Perching behavior was monitored throughout rearing.
• Bone breaking load (tibias and humeri) was assessed at the end of rearing and lay.

Main Results:

• Pullets with perching structures showed increased perching behavior.
• Novel object enrichment led to the lowest humeral breaking load in pullets.
• Hens from the novelty treatment exhibited the most perching and highest tibial breaking load at the end of lay.
• Range use patterns did not correlate with tibial or humeral breaking load.

Conclusions:

• Enriched rearing environments can positively influence laying hen behavior and skeletal health long-term.
• Increased time spent ranging outdoors did not demonstrate a significant impact on bone strength.
• Further research is needed on the behavioral and physical effects of enrichments in floor-based rearing systems.