Perch use in 11-wk-old turkey hens: impact on performance, health, and behavior

Abstract

SUMMARY: Commercial turkeys are traditionally reared in floor barns, however, like most poultry species, turkeys display a natural desire to perch when given the opportunity. Perch use has typically been evaluated in laying hens, however due to size, weight, and postural differences, turkeys may have different preferences in perch design. The objectives were to examine perching preferences of turkey hens reared to 11 wk, as well as to examine the impact of perch use on hen health and performance. Nicholas Select (n = 620) 11-d old turkey hens were randomly allocated to 20 pens (4 pen replicates/treatment) and assigned 1 of 5 perch design treatments (no perch [NP], 5 cm round dowel [5Rnd], 5 × 5 cm [5Sq], 10 × 5 cm [10Rec], or 15 × 5 cm [15Rec]). Data were analyzed via ANOVA as a complete randomized design, with significance declared when P ≤ 0.05. Perch design did not affect hen performance or keel bone deviations and no fractures were found. Perching treatment had no effect on gait or footpad score at wk 7. At wk 11 gait scores were poorer in NP hens compared with 5Rnd (P = 0.04) and footpad scores were poorer in NP hens compared with 15Rec (P = 0.02). There were more turkey hens on the perch, as perch width increased at both 9 and 11 wk of age, demonstrating a preference for wider and flat perches. The results of this study demonstrate that turkeys will utilize perches when given the opportunity, with no detrimental effects seen on performance or bird health.

Keywords

• perching
• environmental enrichment
• mobility
• footpad score
• welfare