Integrating environmental enrichment in Turkey production: Molecular, biochemical, welfare and economic perspectives

Turkeys are a rapidly expanding poultry sector, yet welfare challenges, particularly injurious pecking, could compromises performance and profitability. Environmental enrichment (EE) has been applied to encourage natural behaviours, reduce aggression, and enhance immune and physiological responses. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of two EE strategies- perches with hanging colored balls (P) and elevated platforms "turkey tree" (TT)- on the growth, behaviour, immune status, and economic efficiency of turkey poults. A total of 4500 one-day unsexed turkey poults were raised for 7 weeks and randomly allocated into three groups: Gp1 (control, C), Gp2 (P), and Gp3 (TT), with 1500 poults/group each housed in a separate pen. Behaviour and performance were monitored twice weekly. At the end of the experiment, blood and tissue samples were obtained for biochemical and molecular analyses along with histopathological examination. Results showed that EE improved final body weight (BW) (8% increase in TT; P < 0.001), reduced aggression, and differentially modulated maintenance behaviours (P < 0.001). Perch enrichment, significantly increased foraging activity (P < 0.001) and antibody titers against influenza by 39% in relation to control (P < 0.05). Both enriched groups improved lipid profile (P < 0.01). TT enrichment uniquely enhanced IGF-1 expression in thigh muscle (1.6-fold, P < 0.05), providing the first insight into the effect of EE on gene expression. No histopathological alterations were detected. Despite higher costs, EE- particularly TT- enhanced production efficiency and increased net profit also by 17.2%. These findings underscored the value of early EE integration in turkey housing to improve both productivity and welfare outcomes.