Hostname: page-component-7c8c6479df-nwzlb Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-03-29T11:51:51.171Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Welfare of broilers: a review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 September 2006

W. BESSEI
Affiliation:
University of Hohenheim, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Breeding (470), D-70593Stuttgart, Germany E-mail: bessei@uni-hohenheim.de
Get access

Abstract

Selection for fast early growth rate and feeding and management procedures which support growth have lead to various welfare problems in modern broiler strains. Problems which are directly linked to growth rate are metabolic disorders causing mortality by the Sudden Death Syndrome and ascites. Fast growth rate is generally accompanied by decreased locomotor activity and extended time spent sitting or lying. The lack of exercise is considered a main cause of leg weakness, and extreme durations of sitting on poor quality litter produces skin lesions at the breast and the legs. Management factors which slow down early growth alleviate many welfare problems. Alternatively it may be considered to use slow growing strains which do not have the above mentioned welfare problems. Since growth is a main economical factor, there are problems of acceptability of these measures in the commercial broiler production. Stocking density is a central issue of broiler welfare. It is evident, that the influence of stocking density on growth rate and leg problems acts through its influence on litter and air quality. High moisture content of the litter enhances microbial activity, which in turn leads to increase of temperature and ammonia in broiler houses, and thus, high incidence of contact dermatitis. High stocking density impedes heat transfer from the litter surface to the ventilated room. This restricts the efficacy of conventional ventilation systems in alleviating heat stress. Lighting programmes with reduced photoperiods are considered essential for the stimulation of locomotor activity and the development of a circadian rhythm in the birds. Extended dark periods, however, reduce growth when applied in the first weeks of age. Compensation occurs when the time of the production cycle is substantially increased. Various methods to enrich the environment have shown only moderate effects on the behaviour and physical conditions of broilers.

Type
Review Article
Copyright
Copyright © World's Poultry Science Association 2006

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

ALBERS, G.A.A. (1998) Future trends in poultry breeding. Proceedings 10th European Poultry Conference WPSA, Jerusalem, 21–26 June: 1620.Google Scholar
ALGERS, B. and SVEDBERG, J. (1989) Effects of atmospheric ammonia and litter status on broiler health. Proceedings 3rd European Symposium Poultry Welfare, Tours, France, 11–14 June: 237241.Google Scholar
ANDREWS, L.D. (1972) Cage rearing of broilers. Poultry Science 51: 11941197.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
ARKENAU, E.F., MACKE, H. and VAN DEN WEGHE, H. (1997) Einfluss der Bodenbelüftung in Broilermastställen auf Tierleistung und Tierverluste. Züchtungskunde 69: 307313.Google Scholar
ARNOULD, C., BIZERAY, D. and LETERRIER, C. (2001) Influence of environmental enrichment on the use of pen space and activity of chickens. Proceedings 6th European Symposium Poultry Welfare, Zollikofen, Switzerland, 1–4 September: 335337.Google Scholar
A.V.E.C. (1997). Chicken welfare and welfare-related quality in current production systems. Report of the Association of Poultry Processors and Poultry Import and Export Trade in the European Union (July 1997).Google Scholar
BALOG, J.M., BAYYARI, G.R., RATH, N.C., HUFF, W.F. and ANTHONY, N.B. (1997) Effect of intermittent activity on broiler production parameters. Poultry Science 76: 612.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
BAUER, M., HEISSENHUBER, K., DAMME, K. and KÖBLER, M. (1996) Welche Broilerherkunft eignet sich? DGS Magazin 44: 2226.Google Scholar
BERG, C.C. (1998) Foot-pad dermatitis in broilers and turkeys prevalence, risk factors and prevention. Ph.D. Thesis, Swedish University of Agricultural Science, Uppsala. ISBN 91-576-5442-5.Google Scholar
BERK, J. (1995) Light choice by broilers. Proceedings. 29th International. Congress. ISAE, Exeter, U.K., 3–5 August: 2526.Google Scholar
BESSEI, W. (1992a) Das Verhalten von Broilern unter intensiven Haltungsbedingungen. Archiv für Geflügelkunde 56: 17.Google Scholar
BESSEI, W. (1992b) The effect of different floor systems on the behaviour of broilers. Proceedings 19th World's Poultry Congress, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 20–24 September 2: 743746.Google Scholar
BESSEI, W. and REITER, K. (1993) Der Einfluss der Besatzdichte auf das Verhalten von Broilern. Internationale Tagung zur artgemässen Nutztierhaltung, DVG, Freiburg. In: KTBL-Schriften, Darmstadt 356: 203212.Google Scholar
BIZERAY, D., LETERRIER, C., CONSTANTIN, P. and FAURE, J.M. (2001) Sequential feeding with low lysine diet induces higher level of activity in meat-type chickens. Proceedings 6th European Symposium Poultry Welfare, Zollikofen, Switzerland, 1–4 September: 173176.Google Scholar
BLOKHUIS, H.J. and VAN DER HAAR, J.W. (1990) The effect of the stocking density on the behaviour of broilers. Archiv für Geflügelkunde 54 (2): 7477.Google Scholar
BOKKERS, E.A.M. and KOENE, P. (2003) Behaviour of fast- and slow-growing broilers to 12 weeks of age and the physical consequences. Applied Animal Behavioural Science 81: 5972.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
BOSHOWERS, F.M.G. and NICAISE, E. (1993) Artificial light sources and their influence on physical activity and energy expenditure of laying hens. British Poultry Science 34: 1119.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
BUCKLAND, R.B., HILL, A.T. and BERNON, D.E. (1973) Effects of four lighting regimes on the performance of broilers and roasters. Canadian Journal of Animal Science 53: 2124.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
BUYSE, J., ZOONS, J. and DECUYPERE, E. (1996) The application of intermittent lighting schedules for broiler rearing: a review. Proceedings XX World's Poultry Congress, New Dehli, India, 2–5 September II: 747753.Google Scholar
CISAR, C.R., BALOG, J.M., ANTHONY, N.B. and DONOGHUE, A.M. (2005) Differential expression of cardiac muscle mitochondrial matrix proteins in broilers from ascites-resistant and susceptible lines. Poultry Science 84: 704708.Google Scholar
CRAVENER, T.L., ROUSH, W.B. and MASHALY, M.M. (1992) Broiler production under varying population density. Poultry Science 71: 427433.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
DANBURY, T.C., WEEKS, C.A., CHAMBERS, J.P., WATERMAN-PEARSON, A.E. and KESTIN, S.C. (2000) Self-selection of the analgesic drug carprofen by lame broiler chickens. Veterinary Record 146: 307311.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
DAVIES, H.C. and WEEKS, C.A. (1995) Effects of age and leg weakness on perching behaviour of broilers. British Poultry Science 36: 838.Google Scholar
DAVIS, G.S., SIOPES, T.D., PFEIFFER, R.L. and COOK, C. (1986) Morphologic changes induced by photoperiod in eyes of turkey poults. American Journal Veterinary Research 47: 953955.Google Scholar
DAWKINS, M.S., DONELLY, S. and JONES, T.A. (2004) Chicken welfare is influenced more by housing conditions than by stocking density. Nature 427: 342344.Google Scholar
DE JONG, I.C., FILLERUP, M., RIEDSTRA, B.J., BOERJAN, M. and HOPSTER, H. (2004) The relationship between characteristics, broiler welfare and growth. Proceedings 38th International Congress ISAE, Helsinki, Finland, 3–7 August: 222.Google Scholar
DEEB, N., SHLOSBERG, A. and CAHANER, A. (2002) Genotype-by-environment interaction with broiler genotypes differing in growth rate. 4. Association between responses to heat stress and to cold-induced ascites. Poultry Science 81: 14541462.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
DJUKIC, M., HARLANDER, A. and BESSEI, W. (2005) Locomotion improves bone health more than a reduction of body weight in broiler chickens. Poster 7th Symposium Poultry Welfare, Lublin, Poland, 15–19 June, Animal Science Papers and Reports23: 305306.Google Scholar
EKSTRAND, C., ALGERS, B. and SVEDBERG, J. (1997) Rearing conditions and foot-pad dermatitis in Swedish broiler chickens. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 31: 167174.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
EUROPEAN COUNCIL. (1995). Recommendations concerning Domestic Fowl (Gallus gallus). Standing Committee of the Council of Europe, Strasbourg.Google Scholar
ELWINGER, K. (1995) Broiler production under varying population densities–A field study. Archiv für Geflügelkunde 59: 209215.Google Scholar
EU (2000) The welfare of chickens kept for meat production. European Commission, Health and Consumer Protection Directorate-General. Report of the Scientific Committee on Animal Health and Animal Welfare, adopted 21 March 2000.Google Scholar
FACW (1992). Report on the welfare of broiler chickens. Farm Animal Welfare Council, Tolworth Tower, Surbiton, Surrey KT6 7Dx, Großbritannien, 9.Google Scholar
GARDINER, E.E., HUNT, J.R. and NEWBERRY, R.C. (1988) Relationship between age, body weight and season of the year and the incidence of sudden death syndrome in male broiler chickens. Poultry Science 67: 12431249.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
GORDON, S.H. (1992) The effect of broiler stocking density on bird welfare and performance. British Poultry Science 33: 11201121.Google Scholar
GORDON, S.H. and THORP, B.H. (1994) Effect of light intensity on broiler liveweight and tibial plateau angle. Proceedings 9th European Poultry Conference, Glasgow, U.K., 7–12 August 1: 286287.Google Scholar
GRASHORN, M. (1993) Untersuchungen zur Ätiologie und Pathogenese des plötzlichen Herztods bei Masthühnern. Hohenheimer Arbeiten, Verlag Eugen Ulmer, Stuttgart.Google Scholar
GRASHORN, M., BESSEI, W., THIELE, H.A. and SEEMANN, G. (1998) Inheritance of Troponin T levels in meat-type chicken. Archiv für Geflügelkunde 62: 283286.Google Scholar
GRASHORN, M. and KUTRITZ, B. (1991) Der Einfluss der Besatzdichte auf die Leistung moderner Broilerherkünfte. Archiv für Geflügelkunde 55: 8490.Google Scholar
HARMS, R.H., DAMRON, B.L. and SIMPSON, C.F. (1977) Effect of wet litter and supplemental biotin and/or whey on the production of foot pad dermatitis in broilers. Poultry Science 56: 291296.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
HARTUNG, J. (1994) Environment and Animal Health. In: Wathes, C.M., Charles, D.R.(eds.): Pollution in Livestock Production Systems. CAB International, Wallingford, U.K.: 5569.Google Scholar
JULIAN, R.J. (2000) Physiological, management and environmental triggers of the ascites syndrome: Areview. Avian Pathology 22: 519527.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
KESTIN, S.C., KNOWLES, T.G., TINCH, A.E. and GREGORY, N.G. (1992) Prevalence of leg weakness in broiler chickens and its relationship with genotype. Veterinary Record 131: 190194.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
KONDO, K., ISHIMOTO, Y. and YAMASHITA, C. (1986) The influence of intermittent lighting on broiler performance. Japanese Poultry Science 23: 2832.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
LAUBER, J.K. and KINNEAR, A. (1979) Eye enlargement in birds induced by dim light. Canadian Journal Ophthalmology 14: 265269.Google Scholar
LEWIS, N.J. and HURNIK, J.F. (1990) Locomotion of broiler chickens in floor pens. Poultry Science 69: 10871093.Google Scholar
LI, T., HOWLAND, H.C. and TROILO, D. (2000) Diurnal illumination patterns affect the development of the chick eye. Vision Research 40: 23872393.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
LI, T., TROILO, D., GLASSER, A. and HOWLAND, H.C. (1995) Constant light produces severe corneal flattening and hyperopia in chickens. Vision Research 35: 12031209.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
MARTRENCHAR, A., HUONNIC, D., COTTE, J.P., BOILLETOT, E. and MORISSE, J.P. (1999) Densité d'elevage, régime lumineux et utilisation de perchoir chez le poulet de chair. 3ème Journées de la Recherche Avicole, St. Malo: 3740.Google Scholar
MAXWELL, M.H. and ROBERTSON, G.W. (1997) World Broiler Ascites Survey 1996. Poultry International 36: 1630.Google Scholar
MCDANIEL, G.R. (1972) The effects of continuous light versus intermittent light on the growth rate of broilers. Proceedings 61st Poultry Science Association Inc. Meeting Ohio, USA, 7–11 August: 5758.Google Scholar
MCGEOWN, D., DANBURY, T.C., WATERMAN-PEARSON, A.E. and KESTIN, S.C. (1999) Effect of carprofen on lameness in broiler chickens. Veterinary Record 144: 668671.Google Scholar
MCLEAN, J., SAVORY, J. and SPARKS, N. (2001) Welfare of male and female broiler chickens in relation to stocking density. Proceedings 6th European Symposium Poultry Welfare, Zollikofen, Switzerland, 1–4 September: 132135.Google Scholar
MENCH, J.A., GARNER, J.P. and FALCONE, C. (2001) Behavioural activity and its effects on leg problems in broiler chickens. Proceedings 6th European Symposium Poultry Welfare, Zollikofen, Switzerland, 1–4 September: 152156.Google Scholar
MITCHELL, M.A. (1997) Ascites syndrome: a physiological and biochemical perspective. World's Poultry Science Journal 53: 6164.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
MORRIS, T.R. (1967) Light requirement of the fowl. In: Carter, T.C.: Environmental control in poultry production, Edinburgh and London: Oliver & Boyd Ltd.: 1539.Google Scholar
NEWBERRY, R.C., HUNT, J.R. and GARDINER, E.E. (1988) The Influence of light intensity on behavior and performance of broiler chickens. Poultry Science 67: 10201025.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
NEWBERRY, R.G., GARDINER, E.E. and HUNT, J.R. (1987) Behaviour of chickens prior to death from sudden death syndrome. Poultry Science 66: 14461450.Google Scholar
PETERMANN, S. and ROMING, L. (1993) Untersuchungen zur Masthähnchenhaltung im Regierungsbezirk Weser-Ems. Teil I: Tierschutzrelevante Aspekte. Unpublished Report, Hannover, Germany pp 94.Google Scholar
PRAYITINO, D.S., PHILLIPS, C.J.D. and STOKES, D.K. (1997) The effects of color and intensity of light on behaviour and leg problems in broiler chickens. Poultry Science 76: 16741681.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
PROUDFOOT, F.G. and SEFTON, A.E. (1978) Feed texture and light treatment effects on the performance of chicken broilers. Poultry Science 57: 408416.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
PROUDFOOT, F.G., HULAN, H.W. and RAMEY, D.M. (1979) The effect of four stocking densities on broiler carcass grade, the incidence of breast blisters, and other performance traits. Poultry Science 58: 791793.Google Scholar
REITER, K. and BESSEI, W. (1994) Der Einfluss eines Lauftrainings auf die Lauffähigkeit bei Broilern. In: 26. Intern. Tagung für angewandte Ethologie, Freiburg, KTBL-Schrift 370, Darmstadt: 206217.Google Scholar
REITER, K. and BESSEI, W. (1995) Influence of running on leg weakness of slow and fast growing broilers. Proceedings 29th International Congress ISAE, Exeter, U.K., 3–5 August: 211213.Google Scholar
REITER, K. and BESSEI, W. (1997) Gait analysis of laying hens and broilers with and without leg disorders. Equine Veterinary Journal Supplement 23: 110122.Google Scholar
REITER, K. and W. BESSEI, W. (2000) Einfluss der Besatzdichte bei Broilern auf die Temperatur in der Einstreu und zwischen den Tieren. Archiv für Geflügelkunde 64: 13.Google Scholar
REITER, K. and BESSEI, W. (2002) Biological rhythms of behaviour. Proceedings 11th European Poultry Conference, Bremen, Germany: 40.Google Scholar
RIDDEL, C. (1991) Ascites and right ventricular failure in broiler chickens and ducks. In: Diseases of Poultry, 9th Edition Iowa State University Press: 839.Google Scholar
RUTTEN, M., LETERRIER, C., CONSTANTIN, P., REITER, K. and BESSEI, W. (2002) Bone development and activity in chickens: response to reduced weight-load on legs. Animal Research 51: 327336.Google Scholar
SANOTRA, G.S., LUND, J.D., ERSBOLL, A.K., PETERSEN, J.S. and VESTERGAARD, K.S. (2001) Monitoring leg problems in broilers: a survey of commercial broiler production in Denmark. World's Poultry Science Journal 57: 5569.Google Scholar
SAVORY, C.J. and DUNCAN, I.J.H. (1982) Voluntary regulation of lighting by domestic fowls in Skinner boxes. Applied Animal Ethology 9: 7381.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
SCHERER, P.J. (1989) Einfluß unterschiedlicher Haltungsbedingungen auf das Verhalten von Broilern unter Berücksichtigung von Leistungsdaten. Dissertation, ETH Zürich Nr. 8805.Google Scholar
SCHOLTYSSEK, S. (1973) Zur Frage der Besatzdichte in Broilerherden. Archiv für Geflügelkunde 35: 235239.Google Scholar
SCHOLTYSSEK, S. (1974) Die Bedeutung des Futterplatzes in unterschiedlich besetzten Mastabteilen. Archiv für Geflügelkunde 38: 4145.Google Scholar
SCHOLTYSSEK, S. and GSCHWINDT, B. (1980) Untersuchungen zur Besatzdichte und Futterplatz in der Bodenmast. Archiv für Geflügelkunde 44: 220224.Google Scholar
SCHOLTYSSEK, S. and GSCHWINDT-ENSINGER, B. (1983) Leistungsvermögen einschließlich Befiederung und Belastbarkeit von Broilern bei unterschiedlicher Besatzdichte in Bodenhaltung. Archiv für Geflügelkunde 47: 38.Google Scholar
SCHUTZE, J.V., JENSEN, L.S., CARVER, J.S. and MATSON, W.E. (1960) Influence of various lighting regimes on the performance of growing chickens. Washington Agric. Exp. Stn. Techn. Bull 36.Google Scholar
SHANAWANY, M.M. (1988) Broiler performance under high stocking densities. British Poultry Science 29: 4352.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
SIMONS, P.C.M. and HAYE, U. (1978) Effect of lighting regimes on twisted legs in broilers. Proceedings XVI World's Poultry Congress, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, 18–21 September I: 2427.Google Scholar
SØRENSEN, P. (1989) Broiler selection and welfare. Proceedings 3rd European Symposium Poultry Welfare, Tours, France: 4558.Google Scholar
SØRENSEN, P., SU, G. and KESTIN, S.C. (1999) The effect of photoperiod:scotoperiod on leg weakness. Poultry Science 78: 336342.Google Scholar
SU, G., SØRENSEN, P. and KESTIN, S.C. (2000) A note on the effects of perches and litter substrate on leg weakness in broiler chickens. Poultry Science 79: 12591263.Google Scholar
THOMSEN, M.G. (1989) Lysprogrammets og foderstructurens indflydelse pa slagtekyllingers adfaerdsmonster. Statens Hydyrbrugsforsog Meddelelse, Nr. 736, Copenhagen.Google Scholar
THORP, B.H. and DUFF, S.R.I. (1988) Effect of exercise on the vascular pattern in the bone extremities of broiler fowl. Research Veterinary Science 45: 7277.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
TROILO, D., LI, T., GLASSER, A. and HOWLAND, H.C. (1995) Differences in eye growth and the response to visual deprivation in different strains of chickens. Vision Research 35: 12111216.Google Scholar
VALENTIN, A. and WILLSCH, K. (1987) Untersuchungen zur Ätiologie und Pathogenese der tiefen Dermatitis. Monatshefte für Veterinärmedizin 72: 575578.Google Scholar
VESTERGAARD, K.S. and SANOTRA, G.S. (1999) Relationships between leg disorders and changes in behaviour of broiler chickens. Veterinary Record 144: 205209.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
VOLUNTARY AGREEMENT. (1999). Bundeseinheitliche Eckwerte für eine freiwillige Vereinbarung zur Haltung von Jungmasthühnern (Broiler, Masthähnchen) und Mastputen. Federal Ministry of Agriculture, BML 321-3545/2, Bonn.Google Scholar
WALDROUP, A.L., SKINNER, J.T., HIERHOLZER, J.M., KOPEK, M. and WALDROUP, W.P. (1992) Effects of bird density on Salmonella contamination of prechill carcasses. Poultry Science 71: 844849.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
WEAVER, W.D., BEANE, W.L. and SIEGEL, P.B. (1973) Methods of rearing sexes and stocking densities on broiler performance: An experiment conducted by a poultry science curriculum club. Poultry Science 52: 21002101.Google Scholar
WEAVER, W.D. and MEIJERHOF, R. (1991) The effect of different levels of relative humidity and air movement on litter conditions, ammonia levels, growth and carcass quality for broiler chickens. Poultry Science 70: 746755.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
WHITLEY, R.D., ALBERT, R.A., MCDANIEL, G.R., MORA, E.C. and HENDERSON, R.A. (1984) Photoinduced buphthalmic avian eyes: 1. Continuous fluorescent light. Poultry Science 63: 15371542.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
WIEDMER, H. and HADORN, R. (1998) Revision Tierschutzverordnung: Kurzmast-Besatzdichten lassen. Schweizerische Geflügelzeitung 2/98: 1015.Google Scholar
ZUBAIR, A.K. and LEESON, S. (1996) Compensatory growth in the broiler chicken: a review. World's Poultry Science Journal 52: 189201.Google Scholar