Nest preference and laying duration traits to select against floor eggs in laying hens.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Floor eggs, which are defined as eggs that hens lay off-nest, are a major issue in cage-free layer poultry systems. They create additional work for farmers because they must be collected by hand. They are also usually soiled or broken, which results in economic losses. Nonetheless, knowledge about the genetics of nesting behavior is limited. The aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for traits related to nest preference for laying and to time spent in the nests used for laying (laying duration).

Methods

Two pure lines of laying hens were studied: 927 Rhode Island Red and 980 White Leghorn. Electronic nests were used to record the nesting behavior of these hens in floor pens from 24 to 64 weeks of age. Nest preference was studied based on the mean di

SUBMITTER: Becot L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9878755 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature