The present study aimed to assess the influence of adding straw bales, step platforms, and laser projectors as environmental enrichment resources on the behaviour and welfare indicators of broiler chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus). A sample of 4,000 day-old male Cobb® 500 birds was used. The experimental treatments consisted of No Environmental Enrichment (NEE)—similar to a conventional environment; and Environmental Enrichment (EE)—environment enriched with straw bales, step platforms, and laser projectors, with four replicates per treatment of 500 animals. Behavioural characteristics (ethological observation through cameras, grab test, and modified touch test) and animal welfare indicators (pododermatitis and dorsal cranial myopathy) were assessed. The birds submitted to the EE treatment exhibited greater exploratory activity and expression of behaviours associated with comfort and welfare, whereas those in the NEE group were less active. Locomotion and play fighting behaviour decreased and behaviours associated with comfort increased as age advanced. The frequencies of interaction with laser spots and birds lying around straw bales were the highest in the 1st week (P<0.01). The behaviours of pecking at straw bales (P<0.0004), using the step platforms (P = 0.0001) and being on top of straw bales (P<0.0002) gradually increased. The chickens accessed the feeding troughs the most in the period of 0800 hours (P<0.0001) and expressed the highest frequencies of behaviours associated with comfort in the 1400 hours and 1700 hours periods. The birds in the EE group were calmer in face of human presence and touch and scored higher in animal welfare indicators. Adding straw bales, step platforms, and laser projectors increased locomotion, reduced expression of fear, and improved animal welfare indicators of broiler chickens.

Locomotion deficiencies in broiler production cause poor welfare and lead to change in drinking and feeding behavior with consequent loss in weight gain. This research aimed to assess locomotion deficiencies in broiler chicken by analyzing the vertical peak force on both feet during walk. A chamber was built with an inlet ramp, a horizontal walkway in the middle and an outlet ramp. In the walkway a thin mat with piezoelectric crystal sensors was placed to record the step vertical peak force of the feet while walking on the force platform. The measurement system consisted of a mat with electronic sensors and software that allowed real time recording of the forces and the processing and analysis of data. Footage was taken from two digital video cameras and used for gait scoring. Forty male broilers were chosen at random, grown under similar rearing conditions and farms, with age varying from 49 to 28 days (ten birds of same age) to be used in the trial. Measurement consisted of inducing the bird to walk on the force platform which automatically registered the peak vertical force of the steps. Results showed that the gait score increased with the weight and age of the birds. Peak force asymmetry was found for each foot, independent of age or gait score. Although not identified visually in the broilers, the peak vertical force values differed in both right and left feet leading to slow and uneven walking. Walking deficiency was more severe in older birds. Key words: poultry production, gait scoring, feet force measurement, welfare Medida de deficiência locomotora em frango de corte RESUMO: Deficiência em locomoção é hoje um dos problemas mais importantes na produção de frangos de corte. É causa de baixo bem-estar e leva a alteração no comportamento de bebida e alimentação, com conseqüente perda de ganho de peso. Mediram-se deficiências locomotoras em frango de corte por meio da análise do pico de força plantar vertical em ambas as patas, durante a caminhada. Foi construída uma câmara com uma rampa de entrada, uma área horizontal de passagem e uma rampa de saída. Na parte horizontal da área de passagem foi colocado um tapete fino, com elementos sensores de cristal piezoelétrico, para registrar o pico de força vertical das patas do frango quando este caminhava sobre a plataforma. O sistema de mensuração consistiu de um tapete com sensores eletrônicos e um programa computacional que permitiu o registro de forças em tempo real e o processamento e a análise de dados. Imagens de vídeo foram tomadas a partir de duas câmeras digitais para atribuir o gait score. Quarenta frangos machos foram aleatoriamente selecionados em condições similares de alojamento e da mesma granja, com idade variando de 49 a 28 dias (dez de cada idade) e usados no experimento. A medida consistiu em induzir a ave a caminhar sobre a plataforma de força que automaticamente registrava o pico de força da passada. O gait score aumentou com o peso e a idade das aves. Foi encontrada assimetria nos picos de força da cada pata, independente da idade...

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Problems with broilers bone quality are becoming more frequent and alternatives have been sought to reduce them without altering poultry performance. The experiment was conducted to assess the productivity and bone quality of broilers supplemented with 25-OHD 3. A total of 2400 broilers were distributed in randomized block design with 2x2x2 factorial arrangement (gender, Cobb and Ross strains, supplemented or not with 25-OHD 3), totaling eight treatments with six repetitions of 50 birds each. Birds' performance, gait score and bone quality (Seedor index, bone resistance, bone ash, minerals levels (Ca, P and Mg) and black bone syndrome) were evaluated. There was interaction between gender and strains for feed intake and weight gain; the feed conversion ratio was better for males; there was an interaction between strain and supplementation for viability. There was a difference in gait score for gender and strain. Males femur had a higher Seedor index, bone resistance and lower ashes level. Ross strain showed higher Seedor index. Regarding tibia ash levels in and femur Mg content, there was strain and supplementation interaction. Black bone syndrome was not influenced by the studied variables. Some of the assessed characteristics had positive responses and others characteristics discreetly responded to the treatments.

DEDICO À minha mãe, Marlene, que em todos os momentos esteve ao meu lado, apoiando-me e dando-me forças, enfrentando dificuldades, mas permitindo que eu conseguisse concluir mais esta etapa em minha vida. Obrigada pela ajuda, carinho, amizade e pelo grande exemplo de MÃE! Ao meu companheiro Michel e às minhas filhas Anita e Helena, por fazerem parte de minha vida e me amarem. OFEREÇO Ao meu pai Luiz Carlos de Almeida (in memoriam) e à minha avó Pedrina Bellucci Correia (in memoriam) pelo exemplo de vida e pelo carinho. Sei que se eles pudessem me abraçar neste momento o fariam. 4 5 AGRADECIMENTOS