Effects of Housing Systems on Production Performance, Egg Quality, Tonic Immobility and Feather Score in Laying Hens

ABSTRACT Background This study was designed to investigate the effects of different housing systems on production performance, egg quality and welfare in laying hens. Methods One hundred and twenty 42‐week‐old “Atak S” laying hens, purchased from a manufacturing company, were randomly assigned to 4 housing systems: conventional cages, furnished cages, deep‐litter system and free‐range. Each system housed 30 hens, which were kept in these systems for 6 weeks. Parameters regarding production performance, egg quality, plumage condition scores and tonic immobility were assessed at the end of the housing period. Results Egg production and egg mass were lower in cage‐free rearing systems than in caged systems. Mean egg weight in free‐range hens, and albumen height and Haugh unit in deep‐litter hens, were lower than in other housing systems. Eggshell weight in hens housed in furnished cages was greater than in free‐range hens, while eggshell strength was better compared to that of hens in conventional cages. The housing system did not impact fearfulness; however, the deep‐litter housing increased the sensitivity to touch or capture. Whole body and regional plumage condition scores of free‐range hens elicited more favourable results than those kept in conventional cages. Because the plumage condition indicates welfare, the results proved the superiority of free‐range over conventional rearing regarding welfare. Conclusions Concerning the parameters, such as egg production, animal welfare and fear level, overall data revealed the pros and cons of all housing systems investigated. We consider that this study's findings might contribute to the researchers and breeders seeking alternative housing for laying hens. In cage‐free systems, egg production and egg mass were lower compared to caged systems. Mean egg weight in free‐range hens, and albumen height and Haugh unit in deep‐litter hens, were lower than in other housing systems. Eggshell weight in hens housed in furnished cages was higher than that in free‐range hens, and eggshell strength was superior to that of hens in conventional cages. Housing system did not affect fearfulness, but deep‐litter housing increased sensitivity to capture. Free‐range hens showed superior plumage condition scores, indicating better welfare compared to conventional cages.