Effects of Perch on Productivity, Welfare, and Physiological Indicators of Broiler Chickens Reared in Animal Welfare-Certificated Farms.
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| Titel: | Effects of Perch on Productivity, Welfare, and Physiological Indicators of Broiler Chickens Reared in Animal Welfare-Certificated Farms. |
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| Autoren: | Kwon, Byung-Yeon, Kim, Seong-Taek, Kim, Da-Hye, Park, Jina, Lee, Hyun-Gwan, Jeon, Yong-Sung, Song, Ju-Young, Kim, Sang-Ho, Kim, Dong-Wook, Kim, Chan-Ho, Lee, Kyung-Woo |
| Quelle: | Veterinary Sciences; Dec2024, Vol. 11 Issue 12, p614, 13p |
| Schlagwörter: | ENVIRONMENTAL enrichment, ANIMAL welfare, CORTICOSTERONE, FARMS, FARMHOUSES, PERCH, BROILER chickens |
| Abstract: | Simple Summary: This study investigated the effects of perch provision on the productivity and welfare of broilers in two commercial farms. Broiler houses from each farm were provided with or without perches. The results showed that perches did not consistently affect productivity measures such as weight or uniformity. However, corticosterone levels, as the stress indicator, were lower in the group with perches. While there were no significant differences in some animal welfare indicators, gait scores were affected by perches in one of the farms employed. In conclusion, perches did not significantly improve broiler productivity or welfare, but they did have a positive effect on reducing stress. These findings provide important insights for improving broiler farming environments. This study explored the impact of perches on the productivity and welfare of broilers raised on two animal welfare-certified farms (designated as Farm A and B) in South Korea. Broiler houses in each farm were provided with or without wooden square-shaped perches (2 × 2 cm) at a rate of 2 m per 1000 birds. The study aimed to assess whether perches could influence productivity measures, such as weight and uniformity, and animal welfare indicators, including corticosterone levels and physical health markers. The findings showed that the effects on productivity were inconsistent, varying by farm and period. Corticosterone levels, as an indicator of stress, were significantly lower in the perch group on farm B, but not on farm A. There were no significant differences in welfare indicators such as footpad dermatitis or feather cleanliness, although gait scores improved in farm B with perch provision. Litter moisture was higher in the perch group of farm A, but showed no difference in farm B. The study concluded that while perches did not consistently improve productivity or welfare, they did help reduce stress in broilers, as indicated by lower corticosterone levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Datenbank: | Complementary Index |
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| Abstract: | Simple Summary: This study investigated the effects of perch provision on the productivity and welfare of broilers in two commercial farms. Broiler houses from each farm were provided with or without perches. The results showed that perches did not consistently affect productivity measures such as weight or uniformity. However, corticosterone levels, as the stress indicator, were lower in the group with perches. While there were no significant differences in some animal welfare indicators, gait scores were affected by perches in one of the farms employed. In conclusion, perches did not significantly improve broiler productivity or welfare, but they did have a positive effect on reducing stress. These findings provide important insights for improving broiler farming environments. This study explored the impact of perches on the productivity and welfare of broilers raised on two animal welfare-certified farms (designated as Farm A and B) in South Korea. Broiler houses in each farm were provided with or without wooden square-shaped perches (2 × 2 cm) at a rate of 2 m per 1000 birds. The study aimed to assess whether perches could influence productivity measures, such as weight and uniformity, and animal welfare indicators, including corticosterone levels and physical health markers. The findings showed that the effects on productivity were inconsistent, varying by farm and period. Corticosterone levels, as an indicator of stress, were significantly lower in the perch group on farm B, but not on farm A. There were no significant differences in welfare indicators such as footpad dermatitis or feather cleanliness, although gait scores improved in farm B with perch provision. Litter moisture was higher in the perch group of farm A, but showed no difference in farm B. The study concluded that while perches did not consistently improve productivity or welfare, they did help reduce stress in broilers, as indicated by lower corticosterone levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 23067381 |
| DOI: | 10.3390/vetsci11120614 |