The effect of space allowance in the cage and floor systems on feather condition and egg production

Abstract

The egg production sector is in a transitional period with regard to the permitted housing systems, i.e. rearing in conventional cages under certain conditions to the complete ban of any form of cage system. The changes were caused by concern for the layer wellfare but with the expected effects on productivity as well. The aim of the research was to determine the effects of the floor space allowance in cage and non-cage housing systems on the feather score and egg production of laying hens of three ages, from the aspect of the regulated minimum and optimal space in the cage system (C) and the space provided in the extensive rearing system with hens in smaller groups in the facility (extensive indoor -EI). In order to determine the feather score, the body weight of the laying hens and the weight of the eggs, three groups of laying hens were formed: C4 (564 cm2 per hen, cage system), C3 (751 cm2 per hen, cage system) and EI ( 3000 cm2 per hen, extensive indoor). The feather score and body weight of laying hens were determined in three ages of hens (30, 40, 50 weeks), by individual assessment and measurement of all hens in the experiment. The hen-day egg production and egg weight were determined in the same weeks of laying age. In addition to the expected decrease in feather score with the age of hens, results indicated a significant interaction between age and space allowance per hen. Observed by individual body parts, as well as based on the overall feather score, the space allowance per hen exhibited a full, cumulative effect at 50 weeks of age. Based on the space allowance, it was possible to rank the overall feather score, with the laying hens with the most space having the best feather score. The effect of the space allowance on the body weight of the laying hens was manifested through the space available on the feeder, which resulted in the lowest (p<0.01) body weight values recorded in laying hens of the C4 group. Egg production was not significantly influenced by the space allowance per hen (p=0.069), but a connection between egg production and the housing system can be concluded. The average egg weight, in addition to the known effect of layer age, was the lowest (p<0.01) in the group with the least space allowance per hen.