[The effect of the husbandry system on comb size and comb color in hens]

The comb size and comb colour of 84 hens (white and brown Hisex), living in battery cages or at free range were investigated. The main question was: does the comb size and colour correlate with the keeping systems i.e. with the quality and intensity of light and the ambient temperature? The results confirm these hypotheses and also show the genetic influence. The crest size of Hisex white hens is larger and paler compared with those of Hisex brown hens. This tendency is more distinct under the conditions of artificial light, less light and higher temperature of the environment in battery cage systems. Comb size and colour are used as a criterium for health and egg production of the hens. The combs are very important for the hen's health for the regulation of the body temperature and for absorbing light and also for the social structure of the flock; the comb form is an essential characteristic to identify the individual animal.