Free-range laying hens: using technology to show the dynamics and impact of hen movement
I. Ruhnke A D , J. Boshoff B , I. V. Cristiani B , D. Schneider C , M. Welch C , T. Z. Sibanda A and M. Kolakshyapati A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A School of Environmental and Rural Science, Faculty of Science, Agriculture, Business and Law, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.
B CASI Data Transformation Hub, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.
C School of Science and Technology, Precision Agriculture Research Group, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.
D Corresponding author. Email: iruhnke@une.edu.au
Animal Production Science 59(11) 2046-2056 https://doi.org/10.1071/AN19256
Submitted: 29 April 2019 Accepted: 30 June 2019 Published: 16 September 2019
Abstract
Free-range laying hens are provided with the opportunity to access various structural areas, including open floor space, feed areas, water lines, next boxes, perches, aviary tiers, winter gardens and ranges. Different individual location preferences can lead to the development of hen subpopulations that are characterised by various health, welfare and performance parameters. Understanding the complexity of hen movement and hen interactions within their environment provides an opportunity to limit the disadvantages that are associated with housing in loose husbandry systems and aids in decision-making. Monitoring hen movement using modern technologies such as radio-frequency identification (RFID), optical flow patterns, image analysis and three-dimensional (3D) cameras allows the accumulation of big data for data mining, clustering and machine learning. Integrating individual-based management systems into modern flock management will not only help improve the care of under-performing hens, but also ensure that elite hens are able to use their full genetic potential, allowing an ethical, sustainable and welfare friendly egg production. This review highlights the dynamics and impact of hen movement in free-range systems, reviews existing knowledge relevant for feeding hens in non-cage systems, and outlines recent technological advances and strategies to improve the management of free-range laying hens.
Additional keywords: egg, health, husbandry, nutrition, poultry, welfare.
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