Animal- and management-based welfare indicators for a conventional broiler strain in 2 barn types (Louisiana barn and closed barn)

Poultry Science
Helen LoutonElke Rauch

Abstract

The aim of this observational study was to describe health- and management-related welfare indicators for a conventional broiler strain housed in 2 barn types (Louisiana barn and closed barn) on the same farm and to assess the impact of age and housing conditions on these indicators. Broilers were examined 4 times in each of 7 fattening periods. Their weight gain, gait score, and further animal-based indicators did not differ between the barn types. On average 46% showed no sign, 51% a minor but visible, and 3% a profound lameness at the end of the fattening period (fattening day 39). Soiling of the plumage, skin scratches, foot pad dermatitis, and hock burns worsened with increasing age. Soiling of the plumage was correlated negatively with litter depth (Pearson, r = -0.549, P = 0.042) and positively with litter quality (Pearson, r = 0.641, P = 0.013). Skin scratches occurred in 89% of the broilers (32% deep with penetration of dermis) on fattening day 39 and were correlated positively with cumulative mortality (Pearson, r = 0.615, P = 0.019), indicating a severe animal welfare impact. Foot pad dermatitis did not correlate with health- or management-related indicators, whereas hock burn correlated positively with the broilers'...Continue Reading

Citations

Jan 24, 2020·Avian Pathology : Journal of the W.V.P.A·H LoutonA Schwarzer
Mar 19, 2020·Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI·Qichang ChenWeidong Jin
Sep 15, 2020·Preventive Veterinary Medicine·K Schulze BerndC Kehrenberg
May 20, 2021·The Veterinary Record·Anja B RiberFernanda M Tahamtani

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