Document type : Article published in Réussir Volailles
Authors: Estelle Guérin and Mathilde Stomp
Preview: Extensive on-farm surveys conducted by Itavi have assessed the impact of different welfare enrichments on broilers and will be used to guide the choices of farmers.
The use of welfare enrichments in broiler production is a particularly promising method to stimulate the animals and meet the behavioural needs that are essential for their welfare.
The enrichments currently available commercially meet the requirements of the four categories of needs that must be taken into account to optimise the welfare of chickens: exploring, perching, dust bathing, and the ability to protect themselves to rest. Choosing enrichments that fulfil several functions (exploration, perching, resting area) could offer an adequate way for farmers to meet welfare requirements. A multi-criteria analysis of the devices tested shows the importance of combining behavioural stimuli so that chickens are offered the opportunity to perform the entire behavioural repertoire. This is the case with straw bales. The farmers interviewed stated that this enrichment is inexpensive and makes it easier to spread the straw once the bale has been pulled apart by the animals.
Enabling perching: "Platform" perches seem to be the most suitable for meeting the chickens' perching needs [...]. Farmers are happy to see this enrichment used.
Allowing exploration: The materials that appear most effective in stimulating exploration are those that can be degraded by the chickens: pecking blocks, string and straw bales. [...] Preference should be given to objects that the chickens can modify and degrade.
Enabling dust bathing: 'Dust bathing' is a basic need that reflects a state of well-being and good plumage quality. Chickens perform these baths when they have access to a dry, friable substrate with fine particles. Providing sand or fine wood shavings in troughs is a good solution on the farm.
Adding vertical panels: The addition of solid vertical walls allows chickens to have preferential resting areas.
