6483: Legehennenhaltung: Auslaufnutzung – optimale Strukturierung auf Praxisbetrieben [Poultry husbandry: Hen runs: Optimising structures on commercial farms ]

{PROJECT} Legehennenhaltung: Auslaufnutzung – optimale Strukturierung auf Praxisbetrieben [Poultry husbandry: Hen runs: Optimising structures on commercial farms ]. Runs 01 January 2004 - 31 March 2005. Project leader(s): Hirt, Helen and Zeltner, Esther, Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), CH-5070 Frick. More information online at <http://www.fibl.org/english/research/animal-husbandry/poultry.php>.

Summary

One of the main problems in free range husbandry of laying hens is the uneven use of the hen run. Several former experiments showed that a good and manifold structuring is necessary to achieve a better use of the hen run and better dispersion of the animals.
Methodology:
The results of these experiments were implemented on eight farms and the effect was successfully tested with control groups on the same farms.
Results, conclusion, state of the art:
Especially the middle part of the hen run was used more often. However the nearest part to the hen house will always be frequently used as the hens have to pass it to reach the distant parts of the hen run. Alternating use of the hen run near the hen house and good and manifold structuring in the distant parts are appropriate measurements to enhance the use of the hen run and to conserve a good turf quality.

Additional Summary

Literature:
• Zeltner E., Hirt H. 2005: Applied research as interplay between farm and group level: What attracts laying hens to the hen run? 3rd International Workshop on the Assessment of Animal Welfare at Farm and Group Level, September 22nd-24th, 2005; Vienna / Austria.
• Zeltner E., Hirt H., Hauser J. (2005): Optimising the use of hen run by structures and management. 7th European Symposium on Poultry Welfare, 15-19 June 2005, Lublin, Poland.
• Zeltner E., Hirt H. (2005): Optimising the use of hen runs by structures. European workshop for scientists, farmers, environmental specialists, policymakers and consumer organisations, 18-20 April 2005, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.

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