Welfare issues and potential solutions for laying hens in free range and organic production systems: A review based on literature and interviews

Abstract

In free-range and organic production systems, hens can make choices according to their needs and desires, which is in accordance with welfare definitions. Nonetheless, health and behavioral problems are also encountered in these systems. The aim of this article was to identify welfare challenges observed in these production systems in the EU and the most promising solutions to overcome these challenges. It is based on a review of published literature and research projects complemented by interviews with experts. We selected EU specific information for welfare problems, however, the selected literature regarding solutions is global. Free range use may increase the risk of infection by some bacteria, viruses and parasites. Preventive methods include avoiding contamination thanks to biosecurity measures and strengthening animals' natural defenses against these diseases which can be based on nutritional means with new diet components such as insect-derived products, probiotics and prebiotics. Phytotherapy and aromatherapy can be used as preventive and curative medicine and vaccines as alternatives to antibiotics and pesticides. Bone quality in pullets and hens prevents keel deviations and is favored by exercise in the outdoor range. Free range use also lead to higher exposure to variable weather conditions and predators, therefore shadow, fences and guard animals can be used to prevent heat stress and predation respectively. Granting a free range provides opportunities for the expression of many behaviors and yet many hens usually stay close to the house. Providing the birds with trees, shelters or attractive plants can increase range use. Small flock sizes, early experiences of enrichment and personality traits have also been found to enhance range use. Severe feather pecking can occur in free range production systems, although flocks using the outdoor area have better plumage than indoors. While many prevention strategies are facilitated in free range systems, the influence of genetics, prenatal and nutritional factors in free range hens still need to be investigated. This review provides information about practices that have been tested or still need to be explored and this information can be used by stakeholders and researchers to help them evaluate the applicability of these solutions for welfare improvement.

Welfare of laying hens on farm

“…Having access to an outdoor area may also reduce the risk of heat and cold stress under certain circumstances. For instance, well‐shaded areas on the range may offer a favourable climate on hot days (Bonnefous et al., 2022) and draw hens out of the house, potentially reducing indoor temperatures. Similarly, range use may improve plumage condition which makes hens less susceptible to cold stress.…”

“…As the hens can choose to go out or to stay inside, the percentage of hens that use the range will affect any benefits that can be derived from outdoor access (whether these are benefits to the hens that choose to go outside themselves, or to those that stay in and experience a lower indoor stocking density due to other birds being outside). The variations in the use of the outdoor area between farms can be explained by climatic conditions, range design or stocking density, while intra‐flock differences appear to be related to personality and experience of the hens (Bonnefous et al., 2022). Older studies using direct observation reported relatively low use of the outdoor range (9–30% of the flock outdoors simultaneously (Zeltner and Hirt, 2003; Hegelund et al., 2005)).…”

“…Some farms keep other livestock (usually alpacas, donkeys or dogs) in the range to deter predators from entering (Bonnefous et al., 2022). Systematic data on their efficacy are currently lacking.…”

“…Laying hens having access to free‐range systems are subjected to variable weather conditions but whether they are truly more likely to suffer from thermal stress still needs to be substantiated by scientific evidence (Bonnefous et al., 2022). Access to the range and/or a covered veranda can reduce control over the indoor climate of the house (as air and humidity moves through the popholes).…”

Perception of laying hen farmers, poultry veterinarians, and poultry experts regarding sensor-based continuous monitoring of laying hen health and welfare

“…A recent review identified welfare issues in free range and organic laying hen flocks in Europe based on literature and expert interviews ( Bonnefous et al, 2022 ). The study highlighted the enhanced risk of bacterial, viral and parasitic infection in layer flocks with outdoor access.…”