Body weight is associated with welfare, health and egg production status in commercial free-range laying hens

Abstract

Free-range housing systems are known for their increased biosecurity risk due to the increased hen exposure to various pathogens. However, use of indoor structures such as aviary systems may also be a potential risk for keel bone damage and may impact feather cover due to the increased exposure to other hens. Hen body weight is known to influence hen health, the immune system, and hen ovulation rate, but also the behaviour of an individual hen and may subsequently increase or decrease the likelihood of pathogen infection (Kilpinen et al., 2004). The aim of this study was to assess the welfare, health and egg production status of hens with different body weight in commercial free-range laying hens