Commercial layer hybrids kept under organic conditions: a comparison of range use, welfare, and egg production in two layer strains

Outdoor range areas provide laying hens with improved opportunities to perform natural behaviors and increase the available space per bird, however, birds are also exposed to potentially stress-ful factors including weather and predators. Ability to cope with challenging environments varies between different strains and must be considered to ensure good welfare. The aim of this study was to determine how suitable 2 hybrids, the Dekalb White (DW) and the Bovans Brown (BB), are for organic production with special emphasis on ranging behavior. A total of 1,200 hens were housed according to organic regula-tions across 12 flocks of 100 birds. Range and shelter use, effect of weather, vegetation cover, egg produc-tion and quality, and mortality were assessed in addi-tion to a range of clinical welfare indicators. Initially a greater proportion of DW hens accessed the range. However, after approximately 2 mo, a greater propor-tion of BB were using the range and venturing fur-ther from the house. DW hens were more likely to use the shelters than BB hens (P < 0.001). Vegeta-tion was also worn away to a greater extent in the BB ranges. Weather affected the proportion of hens that went outside, the distance ranged from the pop -holes, and shelter use. BB hens were found to have better plumage condition (P < 0.001), fewer footpad lesions (P < 0.001), fewer comb wounds (P < 0.001), and lower mortality rates (P = 0.013). Both hybrids experienced keel bone fractures, though DW hens had more at the cranial portion (P < 0.001) and BB at the caudal portion (P < 0.001). DW hens had an ear-lier onset of lay and higher egg production than BB hens (P < 0.001), though BB hens laid heavier eggs (P < 0.001) with thicker shells (P = 0.001). Overall, BB hens seemed to perform superiorly or equivalently to the DW hens for all variables apart from egg pro-duction. These results demonstrate the importance of considering the strain of bird selected for organic pro-duction systems in order for the birds to reap the potential benefits that are offered by outdoor access.