WP 4: Behaviour
The overall objective of WP4 was to generate data concerning the needs, preferences, distribution, behaviour and use of facilities and enrichment components by birds housed in various experimental and commercial enriched cages and other egg production systems across Europe.
The system categories as described in WP2 were used. Various hybrids kept at different group sizes and stocking densities were the subjects of the investigations. WP4 hasl put special emphasis on:
- Bird preferences in relation to enrichment components: The objective was to provide an overview of the main literature findings, and caveats concerning interpretation of the literature on bird preference, motivational strength and 'demand', and of direct relevance to the experimental work.
- Prevalence of feather pecking in furnished cages and other production systems.
- Substrate needs and preferences.
- Behavioural indicators for evaluating substrate quality.
- Evaluation of litter quality in furnished cages and other production systems.
WP4 has lead to a report with an overview of bird needs and preferences for various enrichment components. As regarding components most of the discussion is about litter, special emphasis has been put on this aspect. Also regarding behaviour in furnished cages and other production systems feather pecking is a major issue and is therefore has been discussed in detail. In the first year, prior to the research on litter preference, a review of relevant literature was made. In the second year the review and the new research findings were combined and the report was finalised.
| Description | download |
| 4.1 Literature review on bird preferences |
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| 4.2 Report on prevalence of feather pecking in various production systems |
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| 4.3a Report on substrate needs and preferences |
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| 4.3b Substrate preferences in chickens selected for and against feather pecking behaviour |
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| 4.4 Definitions of behavioural indicators for evaluating substrate quality |
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| 4.5 Evaluation of litter quality in various housing systems |
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| 4.6 Behavioural function of production systems for laying hens |
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| 4.7 Final chapter on behaviour |
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