Passageway preference testing for laying hen

A. P.A. Maia, G. T. Sales, A. R. Green, P. K. Paulausky, Richard S Gates, D. J. Moura

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Animal preference and motivation are tools to better assess how an animal perceives its surroundings, potentially contributing to improvements in animal welfare. Several preference and motivational assessment techniques rely on animal choices, and require a test apparatus with choices separated by doors that the animal must navigate. Variations of door types appear in previous studies. The doors could potentially interfere with the animals' choices depending on the ease of door use, the work required to navigate the door, or other considerations by the animals. To further understand potential impacts of door selection on choice testing with laying hens, a preference study was carried out with three door types. Overall, hens' daily behavior profile and activity was not affected by the presence of doors. When offered a choice, hens preferred vertical chains and vinyl strips compared with an acrylic panel. These findings suggest that the type of doors applied in preference or motivation studies should be a consideration in the study planning.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationASABE - 9th International Livestock Environment Symposium 2012, ILES 2012
Pages619-625
Number of pages7
StatePublished - 2012
Event9th International Livestock Environment Symposium 2012, ILES 2012 - Valencia, Spain
Duration: Jul 8 2012Jul 12 2012

Publication series

NameASABE - 9th International Livestock Environment Symposium 2012, ILES 2012

Other

Other9th International Livestock Environment Symposium 2012, ILES 2012
Country/TerritorySpain
CityValencia
Period7/8/127/12/12

Keywords

  • Animal behavior
  • Animal welfare
  • Choice testing
  • Poultry

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Animal Science and Zoology

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