Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Conference
Seventh International Livestock Environment Symposium
Publication Date
5-2005
City
Beijing, China
Abstract
This study quantifies the effects of cage stocking density (348, 387, 426, and 465 cm 2 per hen; 54, 60, 66, and 72 in 2 per hen) on the feeding behavior of the W-36 White Leghorn laying hen. Feeding behavior was characterized using a specialized instrumentation system and computational algorithm for each cage of six hens during four 24-hen trials. Statistics show no significant difference among the stocking densities under thermoneutral conditions for daily feed intake, hen-hours spent feeding per cage, average feeding time per hen, number of meals ingested per day per cage, meal size in g/meal-hen, average meal duration in sec/meal, ingestion rate in g/min-hen, and average number of hens feeding per meal. Other characteristics measured and reported include simultaneous feeding behaviors and diurnal feeding patterns. Quantification of specific responses such as feeding behavior to potential stressors (i.e. cage stocking density) may yield better housing design and management decisions based upon scientific data to improve animal welfare.
Copyright Owner
American Society of Agricultural Engineers
Copyright Date
2005
Language
en
Recommended Citation
Cook, Rachel N. and Xin, Hongwei, "Effects of Cage Stocking Density on Feeding Behaviors of Group-Housed Laying Hens" (2005). Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Conference Proceedings and Presentations. 158.
https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/abe_eng_conf/158
Comments
This proceeding is from Pp 629-635 in the Seventh International Livestock Environment Symposium (18-20 May 2005, Beijing, China), ed’s T. Brown-Brandl and R. Maghirang. ,18 May 2005 . ASAE Pub #701P0205.