Increased activity in broiler chickens is associated with better feed conversion

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Agricultural Engineering
• Animal Welfare Science

Background:

• Concerns exist that broiler chicken welfare improvements, such as increased activity, may negatively affect Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR).
• Existing research is often inconclusive, relying on small-scale studies rather than commercial flock conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between broiler flock activity and FCR under commercial farming conditions.
• To determine if increased bird activity negatively impacts economic efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Utilized smart camera technology to monitor the lifelong activity of 34 commercial broiler flocks.
• Analyzed flock movement patterns using statistical descriptors of optical flow (mean, variance, skew, kurtosis).
• Calculated activity scores based on deviations from median optical flow patterns.

Main Results:

• Contrary to concerns, higher flock activity was not associated with poorer FCR; more active flocks tended towards improved FCR (p = 0.060).
• Positive correlations were found between FCR and activity scores derived from the skew (r = 0.608) and kurtosis (r = 0.603) of optical flow.
• Increased activity (skew and kurtosis) correlated positively with mortality (r = 0.388, p = 0.023 and r = 0.454, p = 0.007), and FCR correlated strongly with mortality (r = 0.698, p < 0.001), suggesting activity may improve FCR partly via reduced mortality.

Conclusions:

• Increased broiler flock activity does not necessarily lead to detrimental effects on Feed Conversion Ratio.
• Higher activity may be associated with improved FCR, potentially mediated by reduced mortality.
• Welfare improvements leading to increased activity should not be feared for their economic impact on FCR.