Behavior as welfare indicator for the rearing of broilers in an enriched husbandry environment —A field study

In modern meat production, broiler chickens are usually barn raised in deep litter where a special structured environment is typically not intended. Natural behaviors of the domestic fowl, such as running freely, pecking, scratching, flapping wings, grooming plumage, resting and sleeping undisturbed, can be restricted by lack of opportunities. Additional welfare concerns in industrial poultry farming are high stocking densities and genetic traits. Consumer surveys show an increasing public awareness of problems in livestock farming and the willingness to make a difference by spending more money on food coming from animal-friendly production.
Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Tags: Research Source Type: research