Search Results (17)

Foraging behavior in hens is an important indicator of animal welfare. It involves both the search for food and exploration of the environment, which provides necessary enrichment. In addition, it has been inversely linked to damaging behaviors such as severe feather pecking. Conventional studies rely on manual observation to investigate foraging location, duration, timing, and frequency. However, this approach is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and subject to human bias. Our study developed computer vision-based methods to automatically detect foraging hens in a cage-free research environment and compared their performance. A cage-free room was divided into four pens, two larger pens measuring 2.9 m × 2.3 m with 30 hens each and two smaller pens measuring 2.3 m × 1.8 m with 18 hens each. Cameras were positioned vertically, 2.75 m above the floor, recording the videos at 15 frames per second. Out of 4886 images, 70% were used for model training, 20% for validation, and 10% for testing. We trained multiple You Only Look Once (YOLO) object detection models from YOLOv9, YOLOv10, and YOLO11 series for 100 epochs each. All the models achieved precision, recall, and mean average precision at 0.5 intersection over union (mAP@0.5) above 75%. YOLOv9c achieved the highest precision (83.9%), YOLO11x achieved the highest recall (86.7%), and YOLO11m achieved the highest mAP@0.5 (89.5%). These results demonstrate the use of computer vision to automatically detect complex poultry behavior, such as foraging, making it more efficient. Full article

FP is a detrimental behavior for chickens, ducks, and geese associated with numerous physiological and neurobiological characteristics, which have been identified in many species as regulated by the gut microbiota. However, it is unknown whether and how gut microbiota influences FP by regulating neurotransmitter systems in geese. This study aimed to investigate the phenotypic correlation between feather pecking and changes in physiological, neurobiological, and gut microbiota profiles in gosling. Three behavioral phenotypes were observed in goslings, including severe feather peckers (SFPs), victims of SFPs, and non-peckers (NFPs). The significantly lower feather scores and body weights were observed in victims compared to both SFPs and NFPs (p < 0.05). Regarding the physiological phenotype, victims had higher dopamine (DA) levels than NFPs, and SFPs had lower 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the serum than NFPs (p < 0.001), with intermediate 5-HT levels in victims. Victims had lower glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) compared to SFPs and NFPs (p < 0.05). Moreover, higher mRNA expression levels of HTR1A, SLC6A4, and TPH2 in the 5-HT metabolic pathway were detected in NFPs than those in SFPs and victims (p < 0.05). In addition, regarding gut microbiota measured by 16S rRNA sequencing, SFPs had lower diversity and comparable cecal microbiota compared to victims and NFPs. Proteobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Ruminococcus spp., and Bilophila spp. were enriched in SFPs, while Bacteroides and Parabacteroides were enriched in NFPs. From the predicted bacterial functional genes, the cAMP signaling pathway, cGMP–PKG signaling pathway, and pyruvate metabolism were activated in SFPs. The correlation analysis revealed that the genera Bacteroides spp. were associated with differences in 5-HT metabolism between the SFPs and NFPs. In summary, differences in the cecal microbiota profile and 5-HT metabolism drive FP phenotypes, which could be associated with the reduced gut abundance of the genera Bacteroides spp. Full article

Environmentally modified housing [EMH; windowless, insulated sidewalls and ceiling, thermostatically controlled ventilation fans) versus conventional housing [CVH; cross-ventilated, insulated ceiling, ceiling fans) improved broiler performance in the summer. The objective of this investigation was to determine whether social behaviors differed between two population densities (0.06 m²/chick [HD] or 0.07 m²/chick [LD]) in these houses. We used a randomized block statistical design, involving houses, population densities, observation times, and bird age. Behaviors were observed weekly, during the morning and the afternoon. Individual observers focused on the group of broilers in one of three defined 26.76 m² areas in each of the four pens in each house. Aggressive encounters, tail and back pecking, feather eating, thermoregulatory, preening, and flock mobility were recorded. Feather pecking, eating and aggressive encounters were expressed at greater rates in HD birds in CVH. A salt-deficient diet caused increased feather pecking and aggressive encounters, which decreased after correction of the mistake. Increased heat indices (HIs), HD, and greater light intensity in CVH influenced behaviors and mortality more severely than in EMH. In CVH and EMH, burrowing/thermoregulatory/resting activity increased with increasing HIs. Afternoon preening was elevated significantly in EMH. It was concluded that broilers reared in EMH were more comfortable and experienced improved welfare compared to those reared in CVH. Full article

Feather pecking (FP) is a significant welfare and economic problem in laying hen husbandry. While there is growing evidence that the glutamatergic system plays a crucial role in regulating FP behavior, the biological mechanisms remain unclear, largely due to the limited uptake of peripheral glutamate across the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Here, we applied a multi-omics approach combined with physiology assays to answer this question from the perspective of the gut–brain axis. A total of 108 hens were randomly assigned to two groups (treatment and control) with six replicates each, and the treatment group was subjected to chronic environmental stressors including re-housing, noise, and transport. We found that chronic exposure to environmental stressors induced severe FP, accompanied by reduced production performance and increased anxiety- and depression-related behaviors, compared to controls. In addition, the immune system was potentially disrupted in FP chickens. Notably, gut microbiota diversity and composition were significantly altered, leading to decreased microbial community stability. Non-targeted metabolomic analysis identified a variety of differential metabolites, primarily associated with arginine and histidine biosynthesis. A significant increase in glutamate levels was also observed in the hippocampus of FP chickens. Transcriptome analysis revealed the upregulated expressions of glutamate-related receptors GRIN2A and SLC17A6 in the hippocampus. Correlation analysis indicated that GRIN2A and SLC17A6 are positively associated with arginine levels in the duodenum, while Romboutsia in the duodenum is negatively correlated with arginine. These findings suggest that intestinal bacteria, including Romboutsia, may influence FP behavior by altering plasma arginine and histidine levels. These changes, in turn, affect glutamate levels and receptor gene expression in the hippocampus, thereby regulating the glutamatergic system. Our research offers insights into novel strategies for mitigating harmful behaviors in poultry farming, with potential benefits for animal performance and welfare. Full article

Feather pecking can influence the welfare and health concerns of all farmed poultry and affect production and economic aspects. Although some information is available about feather pecking behavior in chickens and ducks, the risk factors of feather pecking in goslings have not been fully demonstrated. In this study, 3-day-old Yangzhou goslings were chosen, and risk factors of feather pecking injurious behavior were investigated, including stocking density, rearing method, flock uniformity, and environmental enrichment. The gosling performed three different pecking behaviors in starter barns from 3d of age to 10d, including gentle feather pecking (GFP), severe feather pecking (SFP), and aggressive pecking (AGP), and the corresponding proportions were 82.16%, 17.02%, and 0.82%, respectively, with peak aggressive feather pecking at 4–5 days of age. The pecked gosling also led to further pecking by conspecifics. Goslings preferred to peck the back (77.32%) and head (11.14%), which caused skin damage to the epidermal and dermal layers, accompanied by a decrease in feather follicle number and diameter. In addition, the effect of the stocking density and population uniformity on the occurrence of feather pecking was determined. The higher feather pecking frequencies and poorer feather quality of goslings were observed under high-density conditions than those of lower-density environments. Importantly, the lower population uniformity resulted in more aggressive pecking, potentially linked to the establishment of a social hierarchy. Finally, environment-related changes in pecking behavior were investigated. The results showed that damp and dirty housing conditions deteriorated plumage conditions and the occurrence of feather pecking, and environment enrichment (the grass section) could significantly reduce the incidence of pecking. Taken together, lower stocking density, higher population uniformity, and the provision of enrichment can reduce the prevalence of feather pecking. Meanwhile, feather pecking in goslings, with the back being the most commonly targeted area, can lead to the loss of back feathers and even skin damage. These results help to develop effective management and prevention strategies to reduce the negative effects of pecking behavior on goose health and performance. Full article

Pecking is one of the most concerning poultry welfare issues in the layer houses, especially in the cage-free (CF) housing system. Pecking behavior may lead to severe feather pecking (SFP) and cannibalism when birds feel frustrated, stressed, and dominant over other birds. Since pecking is caused by multi-factorial problems (e.g., hormonal influence, environment, dietary composition, and genetic differences), it is very important to find optimal strategies for reducing pecking damage. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of pullet age and management practices on pecking behavior and to identify the optimal pecking mitigation strategy. Four climate-controlled rooms were used, each housing 200 Hy-Line W36 pullets, for a total of 800 pullets from 0 to 16 weeks of age (WOA). Pecking mitigation strategies were tested at different ages, including an isolated chamber (IC) at 14 WOA, an IC with lotion (water, aloe vera gel, tea tree oil, calendula, and methyl anthranilate), and a pecking block from 15 to 16 WOA. Data on severe feather pecking (SFP) and mortality were collected daily from 13 to 16 WOA during the pecking block, IC, and IC with lotion treatments and from 0 to 16 WOA for the entire pullet cycle of age treatment. Results show that the SFP significantly increased with the bird’s age (p < 0.01). The SFP started with 5 WOA. About 16% of birds were found with severe peck damages by 16 WOA. In this study, pecking blocks did not show a reduction in pecking order, possibly due to pecking at alarming rates. Isolating birds with SFP damages into the IC and applying lotion resulted in a significant decrease in SFP (p < 0.05) and cannibalism (p < 0.05). This study provides a reference for commercial CF egg producers to develop on-farm management strategies for mitigating pecking damage and cannibalism. Full article

Biosecurity problems, including the continual risk of avian influenza spread by wild birds, have severely affected traditional free-range waterfowl production systems. Regulations and techniques for indoor goose production require more considerations for animal welfare. This study investigated the effects of swimming pool conditions and different floor types on the physical condition scores and behaviors of indoor-reared White Roman geese. A total of 48 male and 48 female White Roman geese reared from the age of 15 to 84 days were randomly allocated to pens with or without a swimming pool and with either mud or perforated plastic floors. Providing a swimming pool improved geese’s eye and feather cleanliness and breast blister scores at the age of 84 days. Compared with geese reared on a mud floor, those reared on a perforated plastic floor had better feather cleanliness and higher breast blister scores at the age of 56 and 84 days. Providing a swimming pool to indoor-reared geese may reduce the proportion of abnormal behaviors, such as injurious feather pecking, by increasing water-related behaviors. This study suggests a more appropriate environment design for better balancing commercial goose production with animal welfare in an indoor rearing system. Full article

The objective of this study was to describe the ontogeny of the severe feather pecking (SFP), gentle feather pecking (GFP), aggressive pecking (AP), and enrichment pecking (EP) of non-beak-trimmed Lohmann Brown (LB)-pullets during the first 4 weeks of life (observation on 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th days of life) while they were kept within the compartments of a commercial rearing aviary (without access to a litter area). All chicks were placed into compartments of the middle tier of the aviary on the 1st day of life. On the 10th day of life, half of the chicks of each compartment were moved into the compartments of the lower tier. The aviary floor was covered with chick paper before the placement of the chicks and fully or partially removed from the 15th day of life onwards. The pecking behavior patterns were observed in three experimental groups (EG): NE (not enriched): group size until/after 10th day of life: 230/115; 120.8/60.4 birds/m², no enrichment; EL (enriched, low stocking rate): group size until/after 10th day of life: 203/101, 106.6/53.6 birds/m²; and EH (enriched, high stocking rate): group size until/after 10th day of life: 230/115;120.8/60.4 birds/m², both pecking stones and blocks as enrichment) in two rearing periods. For each pecking behavior pattern, an independent regression model with the parameters EG, chick paper, observation day, and functional area was estimated. GFP, SFP, and EP increased with age during the observation. The AP rate was highest in all EGs on the first day of life and decreased during the observation period. A pairwise comparison of NE (high stocking rate without enrichment) with EH (high stocking rate with enrichment and with EL (low stocking rate with enrichment) showed a significant effect of the EG on pecking behavior, with more SFP, AP, and GFP in NE. There were no differences between EL and EH, indicating that the provision of pecking materials had more influence than the stocking rate. However, we presumed that the difference between the stocking rates were too small to observe an effect. AP, SFP, and GFP were significantly higher on wired slats, as compared to the perches and the vicinity of the enrichment materials. The enrichment materials were suitable and intensely used by the pullets. The provision of pecking blocks and pecking stones was recommended as a preventive measure from the first day of life onwards for pullets housed in commercial rearing aviaries. There was no effect of reduced stocking rate, most likely due to the low variation in stocking rates. Full article

Currently, cage housing is regarded as a global mainstream production system for laying hens. However, limited living space and confinement of birds in cages cause welfare and health problems, such as feather pecking, osteoporosis, obesity, and premature aging. Many studies have been conducted to alleviate layer welfare problems by providing farm environmental enrichments such as litter, sand, alfalfa bales, chick papers, pecking stones, pecking strings, perches, slopes, elevated platforms, aviaries and outdoor access with a trend towards complex enrichments. The provision of appropriate enrichments continuously attracts layers towards pecking, foraging, dust bathing, and locomotion, thereby giving lifelong benefits to laying hens. Hence, raising chicks and pullets under such conditions may reduce feather and skin damage, as well as accumulation of abdominal fat, and improve several biological features such as health, productivity, quality products, and docility of laying hens. Therefore, providing enrichment during the first few days of the layer’s life without any interruption is crucial. In addition, due to different farm conditions, environmental enrichment should be managed by well-trained farm staff. For example, in preventing feather pecking among the birds, litter materials for foraging are superior to dust bath materials or new items. However, a limited supply of litter creates competition and challenges among birds. Therefore, providing farm environmental enrichment for layers requires proper handling, especially in commercial layer farms. Hence, improving the welfare of chicks and pullets through optimizing on-farm environmental enrichments is essential for production systems practicing cage housing. Full article

Severe feather pecking (SFP) is a behavioral disorder, for which there are multifactorial reasons. Various aspects of pullet and laying-hen husbandry—including housing conditions, management, feeding, and genetics—must be considered, to prevent negative outcomes, such as severe plumage damage, skin injuries, and high mortality rates due to SFP. The aim of this study was to identify housing and management factors in the occurrence of feather pecking, so as to reduce the risk of this behavioral disorder in non-beak-trimmed laying hens on commercial farms with aviaries. Beak trimming may reduce the extent of plumage damage, but it does not prevent feather pecking and cannibalism. Thirty non-beak-trimmed flocks (16 in the first, and 14 in the second laying period) were investigated on 16 commercial farms in Germany. Each flock was visited twice during rearing, and three times during the laying period. During each visit, individual plumage and integument scoring were performed, and data were collected, regarding the housing and management conditions of the flocks. To analyze the influence of management and housing on the plumage condition of the rearing and laying flocks, models were calculated, using univariate multifactorial analysis. In the rearing period, high stocking density and poor litter quality were significant risk factors in plumage damage due to SFP. In the laying period, a lack of free range, poor litter quality, insufficient enrichment, and plumage damage during rearing were significant risk factors for the development of SFP. An individual risk analysis of pullet and layer farms is therefore strongly recommended, to prevent outbreaks of SFP and cannibalism, especially in non-beak-trimmed birds. Full article

Intestinal microbiota functions such as an endocrine organ to regulate host physiological homeostasis and behavioral exhibition in stress responses via regulating the gut–brain axis in humans and other mammals. In humans, stress-induced dysbiosis of the gut microbiota leads to intestinal permeability, subsequently affecting the clinical course of neuropsychiatric disorders, increasing the frequency of aggression and related violent behaviors. Probiotics, as direct-fed microorganism, have been used as dietary supplements or functional foods to target gut microbiota (microbiome) for the prevention or therapeutic treatment of mental diseases including social stress-induced psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, impulsivity, and schizophrenia. Similar function of the probiotics may present in laying hens due to the intestinal microbiota having a similar function between avian and mammals. In laying hens, some management practices such as hens reared in conventional cages or at a high stocking density may cause stress, leading to injurious behaviors such as aggressive pecking, severe feather pecking, and cannibalism, which is a critical issue facing the poultry industry due to negative effects on hen health and welfare with devastating economic consequences. We discuss the current development of using probiotic Bacillus subtilis to prevent or reduce injurious behavior in laying hens. Full article

Severe feather pecking (SFP) is a major animal welfare problem in layers. It results in pain and injuries in the affected animal. It was the aim of this study to gain insight into the actual pecking behavior of laying hens kept on commercial farms with flock sizes common in practice. We observed aggressive pecking and SFP in non-beak-trimmed and beak-trimmed flocks of laying hens and investigated possible influencing factors. The study took place on eight conventional farms in Germany with aviaries, including three farms with a free range and a winter garden, one with a free range and one with a winter garden. Pecking behavior was observed during three observational periods (OPs): OP 1, at the peak of the laying period between the 28th and 33rd week of life; OP 2, in the middle of the laying period between the 42nd and 48th week of life; and OP 3, at the end of the laying period between the 63rd and 68th week of life in one laying period. Videos were analyzed using behavior sampling and continuous recording. We found that SFP occurred in all flocks, but the pecking rate differed significantly between the flocks. SFP correlated positively with the number of hens per square meter of usable area, with statistical significance in the litter area (r = 0.564; p = 0.045). The multivariate analysis revealed that access to a winter garden or free range significantly reduced the SFP rate on perches (p = 0.001). The stocking density (number of birds per usable square meter) had a significant influence on the SPF rate in the nest-box area (p = 0.001). The hybrid line had a significant effect on the SFP rate on perches and in the nest-box area (p = 0.001 each). Lohmann Brown hens in mixed flocks had a higher SFP rate (significant in OP 2) than those in homogeneous flocks, indicating that mixed flocks may be a risk factor for SFP. Lohmann Brown hens pecked significantly less than Dekalb White hens in the litter area (p = 0.010) and in the nest-box area (p = 0.025) and less than Lohmann Selected Leghorn hens in the litter area (p = 0.010). Lohmann Brown and Lohmann Selected Leghorn hens showed increasing SFP rates during the laying period. All hybrid lines had significantly higher SFP rates in the litter area, followed by the nest-box area and perches. These findings emphasize the importance of providing enough litter, litter areas and environmental enrichment. We found a significant positive correlation between aggressive pecking and SFP—in OP 1: rho (Spearman) = 0.580, p < 0.001; OP 2: rho = 0.486, p = 0.002; and OP 3: rho = 0.482, p = 0.002 (n = 39) —indicating that SFP may lead to a higher stress level in the flock. Beak trimming reduced pecking rates but did not entirely prevent SFP. Instead of subjecting chicks to this potentially painful procedure, reasons for SFP should be addressed. In conclusion, our data suggest a positive influence of a lower stocking density and the provision of a winter garden or free range for additional space. The hybrid line had a significant influence on the feather-pecking rate on perches and the nest-box area. Aggressive pecking and severe feather pecking correlated positively. We assume that vigorous and painful AP were an additional stress factor, especially in non-beak-trimmed flocks, leading to more SFP in due course. Beak trimming had a reducing effect on SFP. However, our results showed that non-beak-trimmed flocks could be kept without major outbreaks of SFP. Full article

In this cross-sectional study, 103 complete feed samples from laying hen herds affected by plumage damage as an indirect measure for severe feather pecking (affected herds; AH, n = 37) and control herds without plumage damage (control herd; CH, n = 66) of commercial German farms were examined by dry sieve and nutrient analysis. AH showed higher percentages of particles >2.50 mm (mean ± SD, CH: 11.0 ± 8.5%, AH: 24.9 ± 14.3%) and 2.00–2.50 mm (CH: 11.2 ± 5.3%, AH: 15.7 ± 5.7%), but lower proportions of fractions 1.01–1.60 mm (CH: 22.9 ± 4.9%, AH: 17.8 ± 5.7%), 0.51–1.00 mm (CH: 25.5 ± 8.2%, AH: 16.0 ± 6.8%) and ≤0.50 mm (CH: 15.4 ± 5.0%, AH: 11.0 ± 4.8%) (p < 0.001). Diets of AH had a higher geometric mean diameter (GMD) compared to CH (AH: 1470.8 ± 343.9 μm; CH: 1113.3 ± 225.7 μm) (p < 0.001). Contents of crude ash (CH: 130.3 ± 18.8 g/kg, AH: 115.9 ± 24.3 g/kg), lysine (CH: 8.2 ± 1.0 g/kg, AH: 7.7 ± 1.2 g/kg), methionine (CH: 3.4 ± 0.5 g/kg, AH: 3.2 ± 0.6 g/kg) and sodium (CH: 1.7 ± 0.4 g/kg, AH: 1.3 ± 0.4 g/kg) were lower in AH (p ≤ 0.041). In a logistic regression model, animal age (p = 0.041) and GMD (p < 0.001) were significant factors on the occurrence of plumage damage. Full article

Dual-purpose strains, with hens housed for egg laying and roosters kept for meat production are one alternative to the killing of male day-old chickens. However, dual-purpose hens seem to have additional advantages compared to conventional layers, for instance, a lower tendency to develop behavioral disorders, such as feather pecking and cannibalism. In the present study, three batches of about 1850 conventional layers (Lohmann Brown plus, LB+) and 1850 dual-purpose hens (Lohmann Dual, LD) each, all of them with untrimmed beaks, were observed during production (20–71 (56) weeks of life) in a semi-commercial aviary system. The aim was to investigate whether the hybrid and batch affected the occurrence of injurious pecking, and to identify a detailed time course of the damage caused by this behavior. Therefore, the hens’ plumage and skin condition were assessed as an indicator by means of a visual scoring method. The LB+ hens had higher production performances and higher mortality rates compared to the LD hens. Plumage loss in the LB+ flocks started at 23 to 25 weeks of age, and deteriorated continuously. The LD hens showed only moderate feather loss on the head/neck region, which started at 34 to 41 weeks and remained almost constant until the end of the observations. Compared to feather loss, injuries occurred in the LB+ hens with a delay of several weeks, with a maximum of 8% to 12% of hens affected. In contrast, skin injuries were observed only sporadically in single LD hens. In all batches, hybrid had an effect on the occurrence of feather loss (p < 0.05). Within the LB+ strain, the proportions of hens affected by plumage loss and injuries differed among batches (p < 0.05), whereas this was not the case in the LD flocks. Thus, severe feather pecking and cannibalism seemed to occur in the conventional layer hybrids but not in the dual-purpose hens, though both genetic strains were raised and managed under the same semi-commercial conditions. Therefore, keeping dual-purpose hens should also be considered as an alternative approach to avoid injurious pecking in laying hen husbandry. Full article

Natural mating colony cages for layer breeders have become commonplace for layer breeders in China. However, feather pecking (FP) and cannibalism are prominent in this system. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of four light-emitting diode (LED) light colors (white: WL, red: RL, yellow-orange: YO, blue-green: BG) with two light intensities for each color, on FP, plumage condition, cannibalism, fear, and stress. A total of 32 identical cages were used for the eight treatments (four replicates for each treatment). For both light intensities, hens in RL had a lowest frequency of severe FP, whereas hens in WL had the highest frequency of severe FP. Hens in RL and BG had better plumage conditions than in WL and YO. Compared with RL and BG treatments, hens treated with WL and YO had a significantly longer tonic immobility (TI) duration. Hens treated with RL had a higher concentration of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), a lower concentration of corticosterone (CORT), and a lower heterophil to lymphocyte ratio than WL and YO. Furthermore, RL could significantly reduce mortality from cannibalism. Overall, hens treated with RL and low light intensity showed a lower frequency of severe FP, less damaged plumage, were less fearful, had lower physiological indicators of stress, and had reduced mortality from cannibalism. Transforming the light color to red or dimming the light could be regarded as an effective method to reduce the risk of FP and alleviate the fear responses of layer breeders. Full article