Providing ramps in rearing aviaries affects laying pullet distribution, behavior and bone properties

Stratmann, Ariane; Guggisberg, Dominik; Benavides-Reyes, Cristina; Siegford, Janice M.; Toscano, Michael J.

doi:10.1016/j.japr.2022.100283

Cited by 8 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 31 publications

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“…These ndings support previous suggestions of a maximum ramp incline of 40° to promote easy negotiation of complex housing systems 50 . In accordance with our results, rearing with ramps improved speed and success when using ramps 51 and even improved long-term spatial distribution of birds 23 . In the present hurdle test, almost two-thirds of those who used the novel ramp were white chicks, while numbers were close to equal between strains once the ramp was no longer new.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 92%

“…Appleby and Duncan 9 proposed an early sensitive period where the use of elevated structures must be learned. Rearing with ramps improved 22,23 and advanced the use of elevated structures in laying hen pullets 23 , suggesting more rapid development of spatial skills.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 92%

“…Hens that had been reared with ramps showed less hesitation to use elevated tiers 22 and ramps 23 during lay.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 95%

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The development of laying hen locomotion in 3D space is affected by early environmental complexity and genetic strain

Rentsch

Ross

Harlander

et al. 2023

Preprint

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Adult laying hens are increasingly housed in spatially complex systems, e.g., non-cage aviaries, where locomotion between elevated structures can be challenging for these gallinaceous birds. This study assessed the effect of early environmental complexity on spatial skills in two genetic strains. Brown (B) and white (W) feathered birds were raised in: Conventional cages with minimal complexity (Con) or rearing aviaries with low (Low), intermediate (Mid), or high complexity (High). Birds from each housing treatment were challenged at three different time points in three different, age-appropriate vertical spatial tasks. Whites performed better than brown birds in all tests regardless of rearing environment. In chicks, test performance was predominantly explained by variation between replicates and differences in motivation for test participation. Treatment effects were seen in pubertal birds (pullets), with pullets from aviaries performing better than those from Conv. White High pullets performed better than white Mid or Low, an effect that was not found in browns. Pullets preferred to use a ramp to move downwards, but only when ramps had previously been experienced and when the ramp was not too steep. Overall, early environmental complexity affected spatial skills of laying hen pullets with stronger effects in white than brown feathered birds.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 92%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 92%

See 1 more Smart Citation

The development of laying hen locomotion in 3D space is affected by early environmental complexity and genetic strain

Rentsch

Ross

Harlander

et al. 2023

Preprint

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“…This could be a valuable strategy to promote ramp use and improve animal health also later in life. As previously mentioned, very recent findings from Stratmann et al [ 21 ] also described a high voluntary use of ramps and a better distribution of chicks across the aviary tiers.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 72%

“…Keel bone fractures are often caused by collisions of animals against structures or failed landings [ 15 ], provoke chronic pain and are detrimental to egg production and nest use, thereby negatively affecting egg quality and labour requirements [ 19 ]. Foot disorders may be caused by erroneous perch design and by wet litter [ 20 ], and the installation of ramps between aviary tiers has been found to reduce both foot lesions and keel bone fractures in experimental settings [ 20 ] and lead to voluntary use of ramps and rapid use of the upper tiers of the aviary [ 21 ]. Concerning feather pecking, several studies agree on the positive effect of the provision of litter and/or environmental enrichment materials (as reviewed by Schreiter et al [ 22 ]).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Influence of Increased Freedom of Movement on Welfare and Egg Laying Pattern of Hens Kept in Aviaries

Nannoni¹,

Buonaiuto²,

Martelli³

et al. 2022

Animals

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This work investigates the effects of structural modifications on the welfare level and laying patterns of hens in a three-tier commercial aviary system. Four experimental groups were used: C (control, housed in a traditional aviary); LM (longitudinal movement, in which internal partitions were removed); VM (vertical movement, in which ramps were installed); and FM (freedom of movement, both LM and VM modifications). Hens showed worse body condition scores (p < 0.05) in all the modified aviaries, while plumage condition was improved in FM but worsened in VM (p < 0.05). No significant effect was observed on egg deposition patterns, egg quality or keel bone damage. When ramps were available (VM and FM groups), hens reduced the number of flights and increased the number of walks from 0.52 to 7.7% of the displacements on average (p < 0.05). Apart from some feather pecking concerns in VM (likely due to overcrowding in some favourite aviary areas), LM and FM seemed to facilitate animal movement and promote species–specific behaviour. It is concluded that hen welfare in aviary systems can be improved by means of tailored structural modifications. Producers may therefore adopt some of these modifications (providing ramps and/or removing vertical barriers) to enhance the welfare of hens.

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This is the way: The effect of artificial cues on early life ramp use behaviour of laying hen chicks

Johny

Guggisberg

Toscano

et al. 2023

Applied Animal Behaviour Science

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Providing ramps in rearing aviaries affects laying pullet distribution, behavior and bone properties

Cited by 8 publications

References 31 publications

The development of laying hen locomotion in 3D space is affected by early environmental complexity and genetic strain

The development of laying hen locomotion in 3D space is affected by early environmental complexity and genetic strain

Influence of Increased Freedom of Movement on Welfare and Egg Laying Pattern of Hens Kept in Aviaries

This is the way: The effect of artificial cues on early life ramp use behaviour of laying hen chicks

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