Integument, mortality, and skeletal strength in extended production cycles for laying hens - effects of genotype and dietary zinc source.

1. This study on long-life layers, covering the period 20-100 weeks of age, investigated longitudinal effects on mortality, layer integument, and skeletal properties in Bovans White (BoW) and Lohmann Selected Leghorn Classic (LSL), with or without supplementation with dietary organic zinc (Zn).2. Two experiments, using 1440 layers in furnished small group cages (FC) and 1836 layers in a traditional floor housing system (Floor), were run in parallel. Each replicate consisted of five adjacent cages containing eight hens in each FC, or a pen with 102 layers in the Floor group.3. Mortality was recorded daily. Integument and keel bone condition were scored at 35, 55, 85, and 100 weeks of age on 20% of the layers. Tibial strength was recorded from 933 layers at 100 weeks. Statistical analyses were performed on replicate means, with four to five and nine replicates per combination of hybrid and diet in Floor and FC groups, respectively.4. Cumulative mortality was 9.6% and 16.3% in FC and Floor, respectively, and increased in the latter part of the production cycle, particularly in the Floor group.5. In FC, LSL had inferior feather cover, less keel bone deviation, and shorter claws than BoW. In Floor, LSL had superior feather cover, less severe vent wounds, more bumble foot, and cleaner plumage than BoW. In both production systems, claws grew longer and keel bone deviation became more severe with age.6. In FC, layers fed organic Zn had lower body weight and less keel bone deviation at 100 weeks of age.7. In conclusion, keel bone integrity, claw length, and mortality rate are potential threats to welfare in long-life layers. Feather pecking is a problem that needs addressing at an early stage in the production period. On the whole, organic Zn did not improve welfare conditions in long-life layers.

Welfare and performance in layers following temporary exclusion from the litter area on introduction to the layer facility.

When introduced to the laying facility, pullets are sometimes temporarily excluded from the litter area in order to help them locate food and water, and to prevent floor-laid eggs. This procedure is not permitted in Sweden, because it involves denying access to both litter and space, which may have a negative effect on bird welfare. The present study investigated how the welfare and performance of layers were affected by this temporary exclusion on introduction of hens to the laying facility. The study included 600 floor-reared Dekalb White layers obtained at 16 wk age and housed in 6 groups of 100 in a conventional single-tier floor-laying system. Birds were either given full access to the litter area during the whole study or were excluded from the litter area during the first 2 wk after transfer to the laying facility. From 18 to 72 wk age, birds in both treatments had full access to the litter area. Excluding birds from the litter area for 2 wk resulted in better feather cover and reduced fearfulness, according to novel object and tonic immobility tests. Furthermore, birds initially excluded from the litter area produced eggs with a lower proportion of shell irregularities than birds with full access to the litter area throughout. No difference was found in corticosterone metabolites in droppings rate of lay, mortality, or proportion of floor-laid eggs. In conclusion, none of the parameters studied indicated that the welfare of laying hens was compromised by temporary exclusion from the litter area on introduction to the laying facility. In fact, some of the data suggested that bird welfare had improved.

Corticosterone metabolites in laying hen droppings-Effects of fiber enrichment, genotype, and daily variations.

There is growing interest and concern for animal welfare in commercial poultry production. To evaluate stress and welfare in an objective and noninvasive way, fecal corticosterone metabolites (FCM) in droppings can be analyzed. However, the influence of diet, genotype, and daily variations in FCM and production of droppings in laying hens has been poorly investigated. This study examined the effect of insoluble fiber by adding 3% ground straw pellets to the feed to Lohmann Selected Leghorn (LSL) and Lohmann Brown (LB) hens housed in furnished cages between 20 and 40 wk of age. In total, 960 hens were included in the study. Droppings were collected 4 times per day for 3 consecutive days and analyzed by corticosterone immunoassay. Biological validation confirmed the ability of the assay to detect changes in FCM levels. Inclusion of straw pellets in the feed increased FCM concentration in both hen genotypes and increased excretion rate of FCM in LB hens. The LB hens also produced greater amounts of droppings than LSL hens. Both FCM levels and production of droppings varied during the day, although no distinct diurnal rhythm was found. These findings demonstrate that when using FCM to evaluate stress and welfare in laying hens, many factors (e.g., diet, genotype used, and so on) need to be taken into account to allow accurate interpretation of the results. In addition, under certain conditions, excretion rate of FCM might be more appropriate to use compared with FCM concentration.

Effects of a xylanase and protease, individually or in combination, and an ionophore coccidiostat on performance, nutrient utilization, and intestinal morphology in broiler chickens fed a wheat-soybean meal-based diet.

The effects of 2 single exogenous and monocomponent feed enzymes, and their combination, and an ionophore coccidiostat on production performance, feed AME(n), nutrient utilization, and intestinal morphology were studied in broiler chickens. One-day-old unvaccinated and unsexed Ross 308 birds (n = 320) were kept in groups of 8 on wood shavings in pens raised from the floor and fed one of 5 experimental diets, replicated 8 times, for 36 d. Treatments were 1) a wheat-soybean meal-based feed with no added coccidiostats or exogenous enzymes (CON), 2) CON + ionophore coccidiostat (Narasin), 3) CON + xylanase (Ronozyme WX CT; XYL), 4) CON + serine protease (Ronozyme ProAct CT; PRO), or 5) CON + xylanase + serine protease (XYL+PRO). Enzymes were added on top in the feed formulation. Diets contained 0.5% TiO2 to facilitate estimations of total tract apparent nutrient utilization. Treatments had no effect on BW gain or feed intake, but feed conversion, apparent digestibility of starch and fat, and feed AME(n) were improved with all enzyme treatments. The relative length of the ileum was reduced with XYL+PRO. For all parameters measured, the effects of XYL+PRO were similar to when XYL and PRO were fed individually. Narasin had no effect on production performance or nutrient utilization but reduced the relative lengths of jejunum and ileum. Relative lengths and weights of duodenum and cecum were unaffected by treatments. In conclusion, the improved feed conversion with both a xylanase and a protease was reflected in increased nutrient utilization, but their combination was not superior to when supplied separately. Narasin did not affect performance or nutrient utilization but reduced the relative lengths of the jejunum and ileum.

High-fibre sunflower cake affects small intestinal digestion and health in broiler chickens.

1. An experiment was conducted to evaluate high-fibre sunflower cake (HF-SFC); a feed ingredient distinguished by large amounts of crude fibre and insoluble non-starch polysaccharides (i-NSP). 2. Broiler chickens (n = 160) were fed on pelleted maize-based diets free from coccidiostats and antibiotic growth promoters between 15 and 31 d of age. Diets included 0, 10, 20 or 30% HF-SFC. Performance and small intestinal health were assessed. 3. In general, HF-SFC inclusion mediated significant linear increases in ileal digestibility of fat and protein and significant linear decreases in ileal digestibility of dry matter, ash and energy. 4. Weight gain increased linearly with HF-SFC inclusion. Feed conversion was negatively affected by 30% HF-SFC but not by 20% HF-SFC. 5. In the jejunal lumen, inclusion of HF-SFC was associated with significant decreases in colony counts of Clostridium spp. 6. HF-SFC inclusion resulted in significant linear reductions of villus height, thickness of muscularis mucosa, and the circular and longitudinal layers of muscularis in the jejunum. Crypt depth and submucosal thickness were not affected. 7. The data indicate that broiler chickens may thrive on feeds with insoluble fibre contents far exceeding those used in practice, and that HF-SFC exerts some positive effects on digestion and small intestinal health.

Reducing stress during welfare inspection: validation of a non-intrusive version of the LayWel plumage scoring system for laying hens.

1. The objectives of the present study were to validate a reduced, non-intrusive version (RLS) of the LayWel plumage scoring system in domestic laying hens with reference to complete, intrusive scoring (CLS) and to investigate the effect of these two scoring methods on corticosterone metabolite concentrations. 2. A total of 312 medium-heavy laying hens from 4 commercial hybrids kept in 24 floor pens were scored by two experienced teams. Another 150 hens from two hybrids kept in 6 pens were used for estimating scoring treatment effects on corticosterone metabolites in droppings. 3. Plumage scores were in general higher using the RLS method compared to the CLS method. The agreement between teams for plumage scores (CLS) were on a high (total score) to an excellent (single body part except breast and cloaca) level. 4. Birds subjected to CLS tended to have higher concentrations of corticosterone metabolites in droppings 2 h after scoring compared with birds in the control treatment (not scored). Birds subjected to RLS had intermediate concentrations. 5. It was concluded that a reduced version of the LayWel scoring system is a valid and reliable scoring method which tends to induce less stress to the subjects than the original procedure.

The effects of a perch, dust bath, and nest box, either alone or in combination as used in furnished cages, on the welfare of laying hens.

This experiment examined the welfare-related effects of individual furniture items alone or in combination in a factorial experiment using Hy-Line Brown hens housed in 8-bird furnished cages. Welfare was assessed during two 8-wk sampling periods commencing at 29 and 59 wk of age. Measurement of stress, immunology, feather, foot and claw condition, and behavior were taken, and bone strength was measured at the end of the experiment. With the exception of the positive effects of a perch on bone strength, any effects of furniture items were relatively small, even though the furniture was extensively used. Although there were changes in behavior and small changes in feather, foot, and claw condition, it is unclear whether these changes have any meaningful implications for welfare. In this experiment there were 2 additional external control treatments for a small study that examined the effects of increasing space per bird (8 birds in single- and double-width cages) and the effects of group size (8 and 16 birds in double-width cages); using similar methodologies, these treatments showed differences in egg corticosterone concentrations and evidence of immunosuppression. Together, these data suggest that although furniture when present was well-used, any effects of furniture on hen welfare measured by physical and physiological traits, other than the benefit of a perch on bone strength, were smaller than effects of group size and space allowance.

Effects of litter substrate and genotype on layers' use of litter, exterior appearance, and heterophil:lymphocyte ratios in furnished cages.

Effects of sand versus sawdust as a litter bath substrate in furnished cages for laying hens were studied. The study used 112 Hy-Line White (HYW) and 140 Hy-Line Brown (HYB) layers housed in 18 furnished cages with 14 hens in each cage, generating 4 or 5 replicates per combination of genotype and litter substrate. Traits studied were mortality, feather cover, hygiene of hens, pecking wounds, heterophil/lymphocyte ratios, and hens' use of litter baths. Hens' litter bath use was measured by direct observations and by use of the passive integrated transponder technique. The latter technique allowed for recording of an individual hen's visits to litter baths during the 420-d study. There were no indications of differences between sand and sawdust as litter substrates in mortality rates, exterior appearance, or heterophil/lymphocyte ratios. Litter baths with sand or sawdust were occupied to the same extent but dustbathing behaviors were more frequently seen in baths with sawdust. Hens of both lines visited the litter bath to the same extent but HYB performed more dustbathing. There was large variation in the number of days that individual hens visited litter baths; in fact, 30% of the hens never entered litter baths, whereas some hens visited baths almost every day. The HYB hens had inferior feather cover compared with HYW, indicating that feather pecking occurred more frequently in cages with brown hens. The HYW hens had lower body weight, longer claws, and more comb wounds than HYB. In conclusion, sawdust seems to be an acceptable alternative to sand as a litter substrate in furnished cages.

Feeding layers of different genotypes in organic feed environments.

1. Two experiments were carried out to evaluate the suitability of an experimental laying hen genotype (SH) in organic egg production. SH had been selected over 25 generations on a low protein diet (130 g/kg) based on home grown feedstuffs. SH hens were compared with LSL (Experiment 1) and Hyline (Experiment 2) hens. The birds were kept in 12 aviary pens with access to outdoor runs. 2. Four diets, which were different in each experiment, were used. A control diet was compared with diets based on feedstuffs supposed to be able to be grown and produced according to organic standards. The diets differed in the content of sulphur amino acids. 3. There were no significant differences in mortality caused by diets or genotypes but an incidence of cannibalism occurred in one Hyline group fed on the diet with the lowest methionine content. 4. Severe feather pecking of LSL birds occurred and was worst on the low protein diet. In Experiment 2, signs of feather pecking of birds on the low protein diet occurred at the end of the experiment, but there was no difference between the genotypes. There was no significant difference in number of eggs produced between diets. Egg weight was influenced by diets in both experiments and by genotype in Experiment 2. Number of misplaced eggs was higher in SH hens in both experiments. There were few significant diet x genotype interactions. 5. The use of the outdoor area was influenced by diets and genotype in both experiments. 6. In conclusion, diets low in methionine content influenced predominantly plumage condition and egg weight, although production of eggs by number was unaffected. The SH hen adapted well to organic conditions, as did the Hyline genotype.

Welfare indicators in laying hens in relation to nest exclusion.

Consumer concerns about the welfare of laying hens are increasing, leading to increased interest in identifying reliable ways to assess welfare. The present study evaluated invasive and non-invasive welfare indicators in relation to a stressful challenge. The study included 126 Lohmann Selected Leghorn hens housed in furnished cages. Welfare indicators were measured between 61 and 70 wk of age in birds excluded from their nests for 5 consecutive d and control birds that had continuous access to nests. Baseline recordings were carried out in both groups prior to and post exclusion period. The assessed indicators were: corticosterone metabolites in droppings (FCM), corticosterone concentration in yolk, corticosterone concentration in plasma, irregularities of eggshells, heterophil to lymphocyte (H:L) ratio, tonic immobility duration, and feather cover. Behavioral observations showed that the birds had a clear preference for using the secluded nest sites, confirming that they were likely to perceive nest exclusion as an undesirable experience. Further, elevated levels of FCM in droppings, yolk corticosterone concentrations, H:L ratios and irregular eggshells were detected in both nest deprived and control birds during the exclusion. This suggests that these indicators were able to detect an increased stress response arising from nest deprivation, and it is hypothesized that the stress spread to birds in adjacent cages with access to nests. There was a positive and consistent correlation between FCM in droppings and eggshell irregularities, also supporting the use of eggshell irregularities as a potential non-invasive welfare indicator. However, the pattern of the stress response varied between indicators and correlations were generally few and inconsistent, highlighting the complexity of the relationship among welfare indicators.

Effect of permethrin impregnated plastic strips on Dermanyssus gallinae in loose-housing systems for laying hens.

The effect of permethrin impregnated plastic strips (Die No Mite Strips) was evaluated on Dermanyssus gallinae populations in aviary systems for layers in Sweden. Two application strategies of the strips were tested: (A) attached in the housing system, allowing the birds to rub against the strips and thereby get the acaricide released onto their plumage, and (B) attached out of reach of the hens, at two different sites (perches and egg-belt lids) of the inner surfaces of the system, where the mites sheltered during the day. On two farms with 2030 (A) and 3384 (B) hens, and existing mite populations, strips were mounted for 20 and 10 weeks, respectively, and mite numbers were monitored by traps. With application A an overall mite reduction of 53% was observed, while with B the mean mite numbers decreased by 39% at the perches and 92% at the egg-belt lid. The strips were originally designed for caged hens afflicted by ectoparasites that stay on the host for most of their life cycle. However, since D. gallinae spends most of its time off the host, it was not possible to control the parasite with application A. Resistance tests performed on mites from both treated and control compartments where application A was used showed no indication of resistance to permethrin, while 95% of the mites survived a 48 h exposure to the compound where application B was performed. Thus, permethrin resistant mites appeared to be the main reason for the failure to control D. gallinae with application B.

Health and production in improved cage designs.

This paper describes the effects of various cage designs on health characteristics such as skeleton strength, plumage and foot condition, mortality, and some production traits such as egg quality and feed consumption. Three major steps in improving cage design and in developing new cage designs are described. Firstly, cage design in general has been improved by comparing different conventional commercial cage designs under the same experimental conditions. Secondly, unconventional design features, such as an abrasive strip to reduce excessive growth of claws or a perch to improve the behavioral repertoire for the hens as well as to strengthen skeletal structure, are described. Thirdly, the effects of fully furnished cages that also include a nest and dustbath for smaller or larger groups of birds are discussed. These designs create an environment in which the problems of conventional cages, such as behavioral restriction, are reduced and the shortcomings of large litter aviaries, such as cannibalism, parasites, and a poor working environment, are improved. Cages with one perch level containing groups of 4 to 10 hens seem more likely alternatives to conventional cages on larger scale farms than litter systems or colony cages for more than 10 birds. This is due mainly to the higher predictability of production, the decreased risk of cannibalism, and improved hygienic conditions.

Egg quality in furnished cages for laying hens--effects of crack reduction measures and hybrid.

Egg quality, egg production, and hen use of facilities, with respect mainly to proportion of eggs laid in nests and bird locations after lights-out, were studied in furnished-cage models for six or eight birds. In these cages, most of the eggs are laid in the 25 cm wide nest, i.e., egg laying is concentrated to a much smaller area compared with conventional cages. The study (20 to 80 wk of age) used 1,296 hens of three genotypes Hy-Line White, Hy-Line Brown, and Lohmann Selected Leghorn. Conventional four-hen cages were included as a reference. We separately studied the effects on the proportion of eggs cracked by egg saver wires in front of the egg cradle, long nest curtains, and position of nest opening (rear or front) with 30 or 100% of the nest bottom being lined with AstroTurf. Egg saver wires and long nest curtains lowered the proportions of cracked eggs significantly by softly catching and reducing the speed of the eggs before entering the egg cradle. The position of the nest opening affected none of the measured parameters. Less lining in the bottom of the nest, i.e., a reduction to 30% coverage, resulted in significantly higher proportions of dirty eggs and lower proportions of eggs laid in nests. Hybrid differences were found in most of the measured traits. We concluded that devices like egg savers and long nest curtains are effective measures in reducing cracks in furnished cages, where egg laying is concentrated to a much smaller area than in conventional cages. Reduction of the bottom lining to 30% makes nests less attractive to birds laying eggs.

Effect of nest design, passages, and hybrid on use of nest and production performance of layers in furnished cages.

Production performance, including egg quality, and proportion of eggs laid in nests were studied in furnished experimental cages incorporating nests, litter baths, and perches. The study comprised a total of 972 hens of two genotypes: Lohmann Selected Leghorn (LSL) and Hy-Line White. The birds were studied from 20 to 80 wk of age, and conventional four-hen cages were included as a reference. In furnished cages for six hens, the effects of 30 or 50% vs. 100% nest bottom lining (Astro turf) were studied with LSL hens. Nest bottom lining had no significant effect on egg production or proportions of cracked or dirty eggs, but the use of nests was significantly higher in cages incorporating nests with 100% lining, compared with 50 or 30%. The two hybrids were compared when housed in large, group-furnished cages for 14 or 16 hens of two designs; with a rear partition with two pop holes or fully open, i.e., no rear partition. LSL birds produced significantly better and had a significantly lower proportion of cracked eggs. There was no difference between H- and O-cages, either in production or in egg quality. LSL birds laid a significantly lower proportion of eggs in the nests, especially in O-cages, implying a significant hybrid x cage interaction. When housed in conventional cages, the hybrids did not differ in proportion of cracked eggs but differed in production traits. It was concluded that with the present nest design, the proportion of nest bottom lining cannot be reduced without affecting birds' use of nests, but the proportion did not affect exterior egg quality. The effect of genotype should be considered in the further development of furnished cages.

Plumage condition and health of aviary-kept hens fed mash or crumbled pellets.

In the present experiment, we evaluated the effects on plumage condition and health of feeding a mash or a crumbled diet to two hybrids of laying hens in an aviary system. The two diets had the same composition and calculated nutrient content. A total of 3,204 birds was studied from 20 to 80 wk of age. Two hybrids, Lohmann Selected Leghorn and SLU-1329 (two line crosses of Leghorn and Rhode Island Red), were housed in six pens each of an aviary system with groups of 269 and 265 birds, respectively. There were three replicates per treatment (diet x hybrid). Diet generally had little effect on plumage condition, health, and tonic immobility. However, birds fed the crumbled diet had significantly fewer problems with bumble foot than those fed the mash diet. Hybrids reacted differently in most traits studied; SLU-1329 had better health scores but more problems with cannibalism and salpingitis than Lohmann Selected Leghorns, whereas the reverse was found in the proportion of cases with coccidiosis. The hybrid differences found underline the importance of genotype.

Production and egg quality as influenced by mash or crumbled diets fed to laying hens in an aviary system.

Effects of feeding a crumbled diet compared with a mash diet on laying performance and egg quality of two hybrids of laying hens, a total of 3,204 birds, kept in an aviary system from 20 to 80 wk of age, were investigated. The two diets had the same composition and calculated nutrient content. Two hybrids, Lohmann Selected Leghorn (LSL) and SLU-1329 (a two-line cross of Leghorn x Rhode Island Red), were housed in six pens each of an aviary system with groups of 269 and 265 birds, respectively. There was a total of three replicates per treatment (diet x hybrid). Birds fed the mash diet compared with those fed the crumbled diet had a significantly higher proportion of misplaced eggs, inferior feed conversion ratio (FCR), and higher energy consumption per kilogram egg mass produced (collectable misplaced eggs included). The latter birds had higher body and egg weight, suggesting a higher nutritive value for the crumbled diet. Higher egg mass production and a more intensive yolk color were also found for the birds fed the crumbled diet compared with the mash diet. Hybrid affected production and egg quality traits the most. The LSL also showed significantly higher excreta DM compared with SLU-1329. Interactions between diets and hybrids were found regarding the proportion of misplaced eggs, dirty eggs, egg weight, and FCR. Some of the interactions may indicate other genetic and nutritional factors affecting bird performance in aviary systems more than is normally seen in cages.

Health of laying hens in an aviary system over five batches of birds.

Mortality and health were studied in laying hens kept in an aviary system on a practical scale. All management inputs were done by university staff. Five batches of birds (trials) during a period of 6 years with approximately 4,700 birds per trial were included in the study. The aviary was a three-tiered "Marielund" system divided into 4 pens. Three hybrids, reared on litter with access to perches, were used; Lohmann Selected Leghorn (LSL), Lohmann Brown (LB) and an experimental cross (SLU-1329). The hens were not beak-trimmed. The stocking density was 17 hens/m2 ground floor. Mortality varied between pens and between batches, ranging from normal rates of 3.4% to 7.8%, except in LSL in Trial 2 and LB in Trial 3 where it was much higher (15.6% and 20.9%, respectively). The dominating causes of total mortality were salpingitis and cannibalism. Coccidiosis and lymphoid leucosis contributed significantly to mortality in Trial 2. An infestation with fowl mites (Dermanyssus gallinae) occurred in Trial 1. Feather loss was most severe in LB. Keel bone deviations were recorded at increasing levels by age. Foot abscesses occurred more frequently at 35 weeks than at 55 weeks. LSL was more severely affected than LB and SLU-1329.

Production and egg quality in layers fed organic diets with mussel meal.

The first limiting nutrients in typical laying hen diets are the sulphur-containing amino acids and, in particular, methionine. To fulfil the birds' recommended requirement, conventional diets are supplemented with synthetic methionine. As this is not allowed in organic production it becomes very important to have access to alternative high-quality protein feed ingredients. An experiment was performed to evaluate the possibility to compose a diet with 100% organically approved feed ingredients using mussel meal as a major source of methionine. The experiment included 678 Lohman Selected Leghorn (LSL) and 678 Hyline White, W-98, layers during 20 to 72 weeks of age. There were 12 aviary pens with 113 birds in each. The birds were fed one of the two experimental diets containing either 3.5% or 7% dried mussel meat meal or a commercial organic diet from a Swedish feed manufacturer for comparison. Production and mortality were recorded daily per group, and egg weight was recorded once weekly. At 33, 55 and 70 weeks, 10 eggs from each treatment group were collected and analysed for internal egg quality. Diets had no significant effect on laying percentage, egg mass, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, mortality, bird live weight or proportion misplaced, cracked or dirty eggs. Egg quality, that is, shell deformation, shell breaking strength, albumen height, shell percentage and proportion of blood and meat spots were also unaffected. There was a significant difference in egg yolk pigmentation, that is, the egg yolk was more coloured when feeding 7% mussel meal compared with the other diets. Hyline hens had lower feed intake and laying percentage, and higher egg weight, but lower egg mass production than LSL birds. The age of the birds influenced all egg quality traits except for meat and blood spots. The dry matter of the excreta was significantly lower for both genotypes fed the 7% mussel meal diet. These results indicate that mussels may be a high-quality protein source and may replace fishmeal in organic diets for layers.

Effects of housing conditions during the rearing and laying period on adrenal reactivity, immune response and heterophil to lymphocyte (H/L) ratios in laying hens.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of early rearing conditions on physiological, haematological and immunological responses relevant to adaptation and long-term stress in white Leghorn hens with intact beaks housed in furnished cages (FC) or conventional cages (CC) during the laying period. Pullets were cage reared (CR) or litter floor reared (FR). From 16 to 76 weeks of age, hens were housed in FC (eight hens per cage) or in CC (three hens per cage). As measures of long-term stress at the end of the laying period, adrenal reactivity was quantified by assessing corticosterone responses to adrenocorticotropin challenge, and immune response was assessed by measuring antibody responses after immunization with sheep red blood cells (SRBC) and keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH). Heterophil to lymphocyte (H/L) ratio was employed as an indicator of stress. Rearing conditions significantly affected anti-SRBC titres (P < 0.0001) and tended to affect H/L ratios (P = 0.07), with the highest values found in FR hens. Layer housing affected H/L ratio (P < 0.01); the highest ratio was found in FR birds housed in FC during the laying period. This study shows that early rearing environment affects immunological indicators that are widely used to assess stress in laying hens. However, while results on H/L ratio indicated that FR birds experienced more stress particularly when they were housed in FC during the laying period, the immune responses to SRBC in FR hens was improved, indicating the opposite. This contradiction suggests that the effects on immune response may have been associated with pathogenic load due to environmental complexity in FR and FC hens rather than stress due to rearing system or housing system per se.

Pop hole passages and welfare in furnished cages for laying hens.

1. This study included two designs of furnished cages for 16 hens; H-cages divided into two apartments by a partition with pop holes in the middle of the cage, and fully open O-cages, without a partition. The hypothesis was that in this rather large group of birds the pop hole partition would benefit the birds by allowing them to avoid or escape from potential cannibals, feather-peckers or aggressive hens. All cages had two nests, two perches and one litter box. 2. A total of 10 cages (5 H and 5 O) were stocked with Lohmann Selected Leghorn (LSL) and 8 cages (4 H and 4 O) with Hy-Line W36. No birds were beak-trimmed. 3. Heterophil/lymphocyte (H/L) ratios, duration of tonic immobility (TI) and exterior appearance (scoring of plumage condition and wounds at comb or around cloaca) were used as indicators of well-being. Total mortality and deaths due to cannibalism were also recorded. 4. Visits to nests and passages through partition pop holes were studied in samples of 35 and 21 birds, respectively, using a technique based on passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags. 5. Cage design (H- vs O-cage) had no effect on the welfare traits chosen. 6. Hy-Line birds showed higher H/L ratios, longer duration of TI and better plumage condition than LSL birds. These differences are discussed in terms of stress thresholds and copying strategies. 7. On days when a hen made visits to nests, the visiting frequency was 1.4 and the total time in the nest was 41 min on average. Hens made use of the pop hole passages between 1 and 8 times per hen and day. 8. Overall low levels of aggression, lack of injuries or deaths due to cannibalism, and plumage condition indicating moderate feather pecking, together imply a low need to escape. The pop holes were used frequently and birds distributed well between compartments showing that the system worked well. However, at this group size there was no evidence in the measured traits that H-cages provided a better housing environment.