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Diurnal patterns of feeding and activity in laying hens in relation to dietary restriction and cage shape |
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| Authors: | B O Hughes A J Black |
| Institution: | Agricultural Research Council's Poultry Research Centre , King's Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JS, Scotland |
| Abstract: | 1. The diurnal feeding pattern and motor activity of medium‐weight hybrid hens housed in groups of four were observed. Cages of two shapes were compared: conventional deep cages (406 × 457 mm) and shallow cages (610 × 305 mm). 2. Birds in conventional deep cages were more active than those in shallow cages in each of four different periods of day. Activity reached a peak between 11.00 and 13.00 h irrespective of cage shape. 3. Mean feeding activity was greater in the shallow (45.6%) than in the conventional deep cages (39.9%). 4. Mean feeding activity was greater in birds fed ad libitum (43.3%) than in those fed on a restricted diet (40.4%). 5. Although restricted birds in shallow cages showed more feeding activity than those in conventional deep cages they consumed less food (56% against 67%) in the 7 h between supply of their daily ration and the onset of the dark period. 6. Feather damage was greater in the conventional deep cages than in the shallow cages. 7. The more efficient utilisation of food by hens in shallow cages is probably due largely to three factors: reduced levels of motor activity and general disturbance, a more leisurely eating pattern and better feather cover. |
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