Commercial layer hybrids kept under organic conditions: a comparison of range use, welfare, and egg production in two layer strains.

ABSTRACT: Outdoor range areas provide laying hens with improved opportunities to perform natural behaviors and increase the available space per bird, however, birds are also exposed to potentially stressful factors including weather and predators. Ability to cope with challenging environments varies between different strains and must be considered to ensure good welfare. The aim of this study was to determine how suitable 2 hybrids, the Dekalb White (DW) and the Bovans Brown (BB), are for organic production with special emphasis on ranging behavior. A total of 1,200 hens were housed according to organic regulations across 12 flocks of 100 birds. Range and shelter use, effect of weather, vegetation cover, egg production and quality, and mortality were assessed in addition to a range of clinical welfa

SUBMITTER: Wurtz KE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9293655 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature