Feather Pecking of Laying Hens in Different Stocking Density and Type of Cage

Both stocking rate and housing systems are main factors influencing the occurrence of feather pecking in laying hens raised in conventional cage system. This study examines the effects of different type of cage and stock density on feather pecking behaviour in hens. Total of 216 Hisex Brown hens at 16 weeks of age were randomly selected and put into 2 types of battery cages: conventional cages and modified cages fitted with perch. Each groups comprised 3 subgroups: 2 hens per cage (943 cm2/hens), 3 hens per cage (627.7 cm2/hens), and 4 hens per cage (417.5 cm2/hens). The feather pecking behavior was observed at 25, 28, 31, 34, 37 and 40 weeks of age using time sampling scanning technique. Feather scoring of the hens was done at 42 weeks of age, neither cage type effect nor their interactions with stock densities on feather pecking behaviour and feather score were evident. The results showed that there were significant effect of stocking density on feather pecking behaviour, and feather score (P<0.05). Hens in 3 and 4 hens per cage displayed higher feather pecking bouts than those in 2 hens per cage (P<0.05). The feather condition scores in the areas of breast, wing, rump, tail, and belly of the birds in 2 hens per cage were better than those in other groups (P<0.05). The hens in 2 hens per cage also had higher body weight change than those in the other densities (P<0.05). This study demonstrated that the stock density had considering higher impact on feather pecking behavior than the type of cage. Therefore, using optimum stocking rate would be a potential choice following welfare consideration together with appropriate housing system currently applied.