The Effect of Bedding Type on the Welfare Quality of Broiler Chickens

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the bedding type on the welfare quality of broiler chicken kept in intensive breeding systems. The study was performed in two commercial farms (A and B) with different bedding (chopped straw in farm A, sunflower seed hulls in farm B). Except this, the birds were kept in the same conditions in both of the farms. The indicators included in the welfare assessment protocol evaluated relevant aspects of the farm management, housing conditions and the birds’ health (plumage cleanliness, locomotion, and lesions of the feet, hocks, and breast). All the indicators within the protocol were assessed by specific methods. The data were processed statistically with the SPSS software. The prevalence of footpad dermatitis and hock burns, and also the number of chicken with locomotion problems and dirty and wet plumage was higher in farm A than in farm B. Although the results of the study indicated major welfare problems in both investigated farms, yet in farm B the welfare of broiler chicken was better than in farm A, probably due to the type of bedding used.

Keywords

• welfare assessment
• broiler chicken
• bedding materials