Study and economic evaluation of welfare indices of laying hens kept in non-modified cages
2007
Nudiens, J., Latvia Univ. of Agriculture, Jelgava (Latvia) | Spruzs, J., Latvia Univ. of Agriculture, Jelgava (Latvia) | Butka, M., Balticovo S/c, Iecava, Iecava parish, Bauska reg. (Latvia) | Bojare, L., Balticovo S/c, Iecava, Iecava parish, Bauska reg. (Latvia) | Dreimane, I., Balticovo S/c, Iecava, Iecava parish, Bauska reg. (Latvia)
According to the EU directive 1999/74/EC there is a transition to modified cages in laying hen housing, though housing in non-modified cages remains an actual kind of production. When studying laying hen housing density of 450 square cm (controls), 667 cm square cm - (the 1st study group), 500 square cm (the 2nd study group) and 400 square cm (the 3rd study group) on cage floor area per laying hen in large groups of Lohmann Brown laying hens it was determined that hens of the 1st study group showed the best productivity results. Their laying intensity was by 1.1-6.4% better, hen survivability by 0-3% higher, average egg weight by 2.25 g higher, live weight of hens did not increase (2.03 kg), egg quality indices did not decrease and these laying hens were the most profitable in terms of economics.
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