Comparison of cage versus floor rearing systems on broiler performance, welfare and behavioral parameters

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the effects of the floor type (litter rearing and sledge cage system) on the performance, welfare, and behavior parameters of broilers. A total of 240 one-day-old Ross 308 male broilers were reared in two different rearing systems; sledge cage system (CS) and litter floor system (FS) until 42 days of age. The final body weight and body weight gain between 1-42 days of age tended to be higher in FS than in the CS system (P=0.060). The cumulative feed consumption was similar between the rearing systems at 1-21, 1-28, 1-35, and 1-42 days of age periods (P>0.05). The feed conversion ratio was lower in FS than in the CS system (P<0.01). The productivity index was higher in FS than CS system at 1-42 days of age period (P<0.01). The plumage cleanliness score was higher and foot pad dermatitis was lower in FS than in CS (P<0.05 and P<0.001). The gait score was found similar in both rearing systems but a numerically lower gait problem was found in FS than CS system (P>0.05). The tonic immobility duration and induction number were found similar in both rearing systems (P>0.05). The higher eating, scratching, wing clap-body shaking, spot pecking; and lesser sleeping behavior were observed in FS than in CS (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.05, P<0.01 and P<0.01; respectively). The drinking, walking, standing, and sitting behavior of broilers were found similar in both rearing systems (P>0.05). The wing-leg stretching, feather maintenance, and pecking each other behavior of broilers were found similar in both rearing systems (P>0.05). The aggressive pecking behavior tended to be observed more in FS than in the CS system (P=0.062). It has been determined that broilers had better performance, welfare, and behavior parameters in the floor-rearing system when the litter condition is good.