Differences between behavioral time budget and welfare indicators in two different slow-growing broiler genotypes kept in the free-range system

TL;DR

This study compares the behavior and welfare of two slow-growing broiler chicken breeds in a free-range system.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into behavioral and welfare differences between two slow-growing broiler genotypes in free-range systems.

Findings

Hubbard birds showed higher explorative pecking and lower fear levels compared to Sasso birds.

Sasso birds had longer tonic immobility durations and more injuries, indicating higher fear and poorer welfare.

Both genotypes showed age-related changes in behavior and welfare indicators.

Abstract

The consumer interest for meat from slow growing broilers in free-range system has increased recently. Therefore, the need for knowledge about behaviour and welfare of birds in these systems has increased. The aim of this study was to compare the differences between behavioral time budget, tonic immobility and clinical welfare indicators in two slow growing broiler genotypes (Hubbard ISA Red JA-57 and Sasso XL44 × SA51A) kept in a free-range system. In total, 480 one-day old chicks were reared, and the birds were regularly scored for behavioral time budget and multiple welfare indicators. The eating and drinking tended to decrease in Sasso birds, whereas they showed an increment in Hubbard birds with increasing of age (P < 0.01). Hubbard birds had the highest percentage of explorative pecking (7.65%) of the total time budget compared to the Sasso birds (4.33% at day 63, P < 0.01). Comb pecking wounds, skin injuries and gait scores were affected by both genotype and age (P < 0.01). The duration of tonic immobility was found to be longer, as well as the number of tonic immobility inductions was higher in Sasso birds compared to the Hubbard (26.49 vs. 19.68 s; 1.54 and 1.24, respectively P < 0.01). These findings indicate that birds of the Hubbard genotype may be more prone to comb pecking and skin injuries, but they showed less fearful and higher walking ability, compared to Sasso birds.