Effects of post-hatch brooding temperature on broiler behavior, welfare, and growth

Abstract

An elevated brooding temperature during the first wk post hatch of broilers may potentially increase activity levels and reduce welfare problems in terms of non- and slow-starters, lameness, and contact dermatitis. The effects of an elevated brooding temperature the first 7 d post hatch on behavior, welfare, and growth of Ross 308 broilers were investigated. Groups of 28 broilers (14 males and 14 females) were distributed in a balanced way according to their hatching weight (below or above mean), the age of parent breeders (28 or 50 wk of age), and initial brooding temperature (normal 33°C; warm: 37°C) resulting in 8 different treatment groups. Behavioral data were collected on d zero to 6 of age, data on body weight on d zero, 7, 21, and 34 of age, and data on gait and contact dermatitis on d 21 and 34 of age. An elevated brooding temperature resulted in increased body temperature of broilers 5 h after placement (39.9 ± 0.04°C vs. 39.1 ± 0.04°C; P < 0.0001) whereas no difference was found 24 h after placement (P = 0.35). Broilers reared with elevated brooding temperature initiated feeding and drinking earlier, apart from broilers with low hatching weight from old parent breeders (P < 0.0001). They also showed higher activity levels from d one to 6 of age (P < 0.0001) and a higher inter-individual distance at d zero and one of age (P < 0.0001). Broilers with a high hatching weight reared at normal brooding temperature had a higher prevalence of hock burns at d 34 of age (P = 0.001). Broilers reared at elevated brooding temperature had lower body weight at d 7 of age (P < 0.0001); however, no difference appeared from d 21 of age (P = 0.58). No effect of brooding temperature was found on body weight uniformity (P = 0.81). In conclusion, the welfare of broilers may be improved from an elevated brooding temperature the first 7 d post hatch without affecting body weight uniformity and final body weight.

Effects of hatching on-farm on performance and welfare of organic broilers

“…For the first seven days, it was also noted whether the chick was found dead (and the presumed cause of death) or had been culled (and reason for culling, e.g., non-starter, deformities, etc.). To determine whether the chick had accessed feed and/or water, the crop content was assessed by external palpation using a 4-point scale ( Henriksen et al., 2016 ).…”

The behaviour of commercial broilers in response to a mobile robot

“…Birds are expected to reach slaughter weight in 5-6 weeks and in order to maximise growth they must not waste energy keeping warm or cool. Inappropriate environmental conditions may also increase the risk of disease ((Pan et al 2005), with the first week being particularly important for bird growth and welfare in this regard (Henriksen et al 2016). Environmental sensors placed in the house to record factors such as temperature, humidity, air speed and ammonia levels can only record in set locations and there is often a discrepancy in environmental conditions between human and chicken head height (Miles et al 2008, Wheeler et al 2000.…”

Comparison of Chinese Broiler Production Systems in Economic Performance and Animal Welfare

“…This research only considered the assessment information on the farm, but it should also cover the production period on the farm and the period at the end of life, including transport and slaughter [17]. Many studies have suggested that animal welfare can be improved in terms of post-hatch brooding temperature at hatcheries, stunning broilers in the slaughterhouse, and supplying organic acid during transportation [38], and measures for slaughter [39]. These are also areas of future research with the hope of systematically improving animal Welfare Quality index scores.…”