Animal Bioscience

  • 제37권3호
  • /
  • Pages.536-546
  • /
  • 2024
  • /
  • 2765-0189(pISSN)
  • /
  • 2765-0235(eISSN)
아세아태평양축산학회 (Asian Australasian Association of Animal Production Societies)
권호 표지
DOI QR코드

DOI QR Code

Effects of grain-based pecking blocks on productivity and welfare indicators in commercial broiler chickens

  • Byung-Yeon Kwon (Department of Animal Science and Technology, Konkuk University) ;
  • Hyun-Gwan Lee (Department of Animal Science and Technology, Konkuk University) ;
  • Yong-Sung Jeon (Department of Animal Science and Technology, Konkuk University) ;
  • Ju-Yong Song (Department of Animal Science and Technology, Konkuk University) ;
  • Jina Park (Department of Animal Science and Technology, Konkuk University) ;
  • Sang-Ho Kim (K-AniWel) ;
  • Dong-Wook Kim (Department of Livestock, Korea National University of Agriculture and Fisheries) ;
  • Kyung-Woo Lee (Department of Animal Science and Technology, Konkuk University)
  • 투고 : 2023.09.25
  • 심사 : 2023.12.12
  • 발행 : 2024.03.01
PDF 다운로드
⟨ 이전 논문 다음 논문 ⟩

초록

Objective: This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of grain-based pecking blocks on productivity and welfare status at two commercial broiler welfare-certified farms. Methods: Production and welfare indicators were assessed at two farms (designated Farm A and B). Both farms had two windowless houses with forced tunnel-type ventilation and housed broilers at stocking densities of approximately 16.7 birds/m2 (Farm A) and 16.8 birds/m2 (Farm B). Each house was divided into two or three equal sections and was provided with or without pecking blocks. Grain-based pecking blocks, measuring 25 × 25 × 25 cm, were given to broilers in both farms at 1 block per 1,000 birds. Various parameters including productivity (body weight and flock uniformity), corticosterone levels (in fecal droppings and feathers), footpad dermatitis, hock burn, feather dirtiness, gait score, litter quality, body surface temperature, and volatile fatty acids in fecal samples were assessed at 26 days of age, whereas litter quality was analyzed at 13 and 26 days of age. Results: There were no significant effects of providing pecking blocks on productivity (body weight and uniformity), fecal and feather corticosterone, welfare indicators (i.e., footpad dermatitis, hock burn, feather cleanliness, and gait score), and litter quality (i.e., moisture, nitrogen, and pH). No differences in body surface temperature between the control and enrichment treatments were noted in Farm B, but body surface temperatures of the head (p = 0.029) and legs (p = 0.011) in the enrichment vs. control group were elevated in Farm A. Butyrate concentration in the enrichment vs control group was higher in Farm B (p = 0.023), but this effect was not detected in Farm A. Conclusion: It is concluded that grain-based pecking blocks did not affect performance and welfare indicators. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the potential impact of grain-based pecking blocks on gut health indicators.

키워드

과제정보

This work was carried out with the support of "2025 Livestock Industrialization Technology Development Program (Project No. RS-2021-RD009994)" Rural Development Administration, Republic of Korea.

참고문헌

  1. Zuidhof MJ, Schneider BL, Carney VL, Korver DR, Robinson FE. Growth, efficiency, and yield of commercial broilers from 1957, 1978, and 2005. Poult Sci 2014;93:2970-82. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps.2014-04291
  2. EFSA Panel on Animal Health and Welfare. Scientific opinion on the influence of genetic parameters on the welfare and the resistance to stress of commercial broilers. EFSA J 2010;8:1666. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1666
  3. Pedersen I, Forkman B. Improving leg health in broiler chickens: a systematic review of the effect of environmental enrichment. Anim Welf 2019;28:215-30. https://doi.org/10.7120/09627286.28.2.215
  4. Kempermann G. Environmental enrichment, new neurons and the neurobiology of individuality. Nat Rev Neurosci 2019;20:235-45. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41583-019-0120-x
  5. Newberry RC. Environmental enrichment: increasing the biological relevance of captive environments. Appl Anim Behav Sci 1995;44:229-43. https://doi.org/10.1016/0168-1591(95)00616-Z
  6. Bessei W. Welfare of broilers: a review. Worlds Poult Sci J 2006; 62:455-66. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0043933906001085
  7. Riber AB, van de Weerd HA, de Jong IC, Steenfeldt S. Review of environmental enrichment for broiler chickens. Poult Sci 2018;97:378-96. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps/pex344
  8. Dawkins MS. Behaviour as a tool in the assessment of animal welfare. Zoology 2003;106:383-7. https://doi.org/10.1078/0944-2006-00122
  9. da Silva CS, de Jong IC. Literature update on effective environmental enrichment and light provision in broiler chickens [Internet]. Wageningen, The Netherlands: Wageningen Livestock Research; 2019 [cited 2023 Apr 11]. p. Report No. 1204. Available from: https://library.wur.nl/WebQuery/wurpubs/555256
  10. Bortolotti GR, Marchant TA, Blas J, German T. Corticosterone in feathers is a long-term, integrated measure of avian stress physiology. Funct Ecol 2008;22:494-500. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2435.2008.01387.x
  11. Ataallahi M, Nejad JG, Song JI, Kim JS, Park KH. Effects of feather processing methods on quantity of extracted corticosterone in broiler chickens. J Anim Sci Technol 2020;62:884-92. https://doi.org/10.5187/jast.2020.62.6.884
  12. Sundbom R, Jacobsen KR, Kalliokoski O, Hau J, Abelson KSP. Post-operative corticosterone levels in plasma and feces of mice subjected to permanent catheterization and automated blood sampling. In Vivo 2011;25:335-42.
  13. Coufal CD, Chavez C, Niemeyer PR, Carey JB. Measurement of broiler litter production rates and nutrient content using recycled litter. Poult Sci 2006;85:398-403. https://doi.org/10.1093/ps/85.3.398
  14. Kim YB, Kim DH, Jeong SB, et al. Black soldier fly larvae oil as an alternative fat source in broiler nutrition. Poult Sci 2020;99:3133-43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2020.01.018
  15. Bailie CL, Ball MEE, O'Connell NE. Influence of the provision of natural light and straw bales on activity levels and leg health in commercial broiler chickens. Animal 2013;7:618-26. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1751731112002108
  16. Bizeray D, Estevez I, Leterrier C, Faure JM. Influence of increased environmental complexity on leg condition, performance, and level of fearfulness in broilers. Poult Sci 2002;81:767-73. https://doi.org/10.1093/ps/81.6.767
  17. Jordan D, Stuhec I, Bessei W. Effect of whole wheat and feed pellets distribution in the litter on broilers' activity and performance. Eur Poult Sci 2011;75:98-103.
  18. Scanes CG. Biology of stress in poultry with emphasis on glucocorticoids and the heterophil to lymphocyte ratio. Poult Sci 2016;95:2208-15. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps/pew137
  19. Carbajal A, Tallo-Parra O, Sabes-Alsina M, Mular I, LopezBejar M. Feather corticosterone evaluated by ELISA in broilers: A potential tool to evaluate broiler welfare. Poult Sci 2014;93:2884-6. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps.2014-04092
  20. Biasato I, Bellezza Oddon S, Chemello G, et al. Welfare implications for broiler chickens reared in an insect larvae-enriched environment: Focus on bird behaviour, plumage status, leg health, and excreta corticosterone. Front Physiol 2022;13:930158. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2022.930158
  21. Meyer MM. A novel environmental enrichment laser device stimulated broiler chicken active behavior and improved performance without sacrificing welfare outcomes [master's thesis]. Ames IA, USA: Iowa State University; 2019. Available from: https://www.proquest.com/docview/2307190739/abstract/D30B63FE77DB4FA2PQ/1
  22. Taira K, Nagai T, Obi T, Takase K. Effect of litter moisture on the development of footpad dermatitis in broiler chickens. J Vet Med Sci 2014;76:583-6. https://doi.org/10.1292/jvms.13-0321
  23. Tahamtani FM, Pedersen IJ, Riber AB. Effects of environmental complexity on welfare indicators of fast-growing broiler chickens. Poult Sci 2020;99:21-9. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps/pez510
  24. Ohara A, Oyakawa C, Yoshihara Y, Ninomiya S, Sato S. Effect of environmental enrichment on the behavior and welfare of Japanese broilers at a commercial farm. J Poult Sci 2015;52:323-30. https://doi.org/10.2141/jpsa.0150034
  25. Zhao JP, Jiao HC, Jiang YB, Song ZG, Wang XJ, Lin H. Cool perches improve the growth performance and welfare status of broiler chickens reared at different stocking densities and high temperatures. Poult Sci 2013;92:1962-71. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps.2012-02933
  26. Bailie CL, O'Connell NE. The influence of providing perches and string on activity levels, fearfulness and leg health in commercial broiler chickens. Animal 2015;9:660-8. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1751731114002821
  27. de Jong IC, Gunnink H, van Harn J. Wet litter not only induces footpad dermatitis but also reduces overall welfare, technical performance, and carcass yield in broiler chickens. J Appl Poult Res 2014;23:51-8. https://doi.org/10.3382/japr.2013-00803
  28. Liu Z, Wang L, Beasley D, Oviedo E. Effect of moisture content on ammonia emissions from broiler litter: A laboratory study. J Atmos Chem 2007;58:41-53. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10874-007-9076-8
  29. de Jong IC, Gunnink H. Effects of a commercial broiler enrichment programme with or without natural light on behaviour and other welfare indicators. Animal 2019;13:384-91. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1751731118001805
  30. Spiess F, Reckels B, Abd-El Wahab A, et al. The influence of different types of environmental enrichment on the performance and welfare of broiler chickens and the possibilities of real-time monitoring via a farmer-assistant system. Sustainability 2022;14:5727. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095727
  31. Mocz F, Michel V, Janvrot M, et al. Positive effects of elevated platforms and straw bales on the welfare of fast-growing broiler chickens reared at two different stocking densities. Animals 2022;12:542. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12050542
  32. Giloh M, Shinder D, Yahav S. Skin surface temperature of broiler chickens is correlated to body core temperature and is indicative of their thermoregulatory status. Poult Sci 2012;91:175-88. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps.2011-01497
  33. Candido MGL, Tinoco IFF, Albino LFT, et al. Effects of heat stress on pullet cloacal and body temperature. Poult Sci 2020;99:2469-77. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2019.11.062
  34. Yildirim M, Taskin A. The effects of environmental enrichment on some physiological and behavioral parameters of broiler chicks. Braz J Poult Sci 2017;19:355-62. https://doi.org/10.1590/1806-9061-2016-0402
  35. Tremaroli V, Backhed F. Functional interactions between the gut microbiota and host metabolism. Nature 2012;489:242-9. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature11552
  36. Cani PD. The gut microbiota manages host metabolism. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2014;10:74-6. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrendo.2013.240
  37. Liu L, Li Q, Yang Y, Guo A. Biological function of short-chain fatty acids and its regulation on intestinal health of poultry. Front Vet Sci 2021;8:736739. https://doi.org/10.3389/ fvets.2021.736739
  38. Fernandez-Rubio C, Ordonez C, Abad-Gonzalez J, et al. Butyric acid-based feed additives help protect broiler chickens from Salmonella Enteritidis infection. Poult Sci 2009;88:943-8. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps.2008-00484
  39. Xu L, Sun X, Wan X, et al. Dietary supplementation with Clostridium butyricum improves growth performance of broilers by regulating intestinal microbiota and mucosal epithelial cells. Anim Nutr 2021;7:1105-14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aninu.2021.01.009