Effects of Rooster Presence in Free-Range Systems on Egg Performance, Egg Quality and Fear Response

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of having roosters on egg production in free-range system on egg production, egg quality and fear level. In the study, 2 groups (without and with rooster) and each group consisted of 4 replications. The first group will be kept with roosters together with hens and the other group will be kept only with hens. In the research, 15 hens will be kept in each subgroup and 1 rooster will be kept in each replicate in the group with rooster. Egg production, broken-cracked egg ratio, egg weight, feed intake, feed efficiency and livability were determined as egg performance characteristics. Shell strength, Haugh unit and shell thickness were determined as egg quality. Tonic immobility was determined as fear level. The presence of roosters in the free-range flock did not significantly affect egg production, the ratio of broken-cracked eggs, egg weight, feed intake, feed efficiency, livability, eggshell strength, Haugh unit, eggshell thickness, or tonic immobility (P>0.05). Consequently, the presence or absence of roosters in a free-range system did not have a significant effect on performance, egg quality, or tonic immobility.