Perception of laying hen farmers, poultry veterinarians, and poultry experts regarding sensor-based continuous monitoring of laying hen health and welfare

Daily farm management practices play an essential role in determining and steering health, wel-fare and productivity of laying hen flocks. Optimal man-agement requires expertise of farmers and coworkers, especially when hens are kept in complex, large-scale avi-ary systems. Relatively little sensor-based support is available to farmers, even though numerous research groups are working on developing technologies to con-tinuously detect deviations in layer health and welfare. A survey with laying hen farmers, poultry veterinarians and poultry experts from Western Europe and Canada was conducted to identify and prioritize indicators of optimal and suboptimal laying hen health and welfare in commercial farms. The status-quo of sensor technology and the advantages, wishes, and concerns regarding sen-sors were additionally assessed to contribute to the future development of a predictive monitoring tool that continuously monitors laying hen health and welfare. A total of 45 stakeholders were interviewed, of which 41 filled in an online questionnaire. Although the prioritiza-tion of indicators differed between stakeholders, the majority identified the use of feed and water intake, egg production and quality, sound, activity, and movement of hens as important indicators to assess health and wel-fare. Currently collected (sensor) data were not used to their full potential, and stakeholders missed the integra-tion and storage of data into one monitoring system with easy visualization tools. Most interest was observed in the use of cameras and microphones to detect devia-tions in health and welfare at an early stage, to reduce subjectivity of the assessment and to gain more knowl-edge on layer behavior. It can be concluded that these results could steer research efforts towards the develop-ment of continuous monitoring techniques, and enhance their adaptability and acceptability by stakeholders.

Automated summary

Daily farm management is crucial for laying hen health, welfare, and productivity. However, there is a lack of sensor-based support for farmers. A survey was conducted to identify important indicators for assessing laying hen health and welfare, and stakeholders expressed interest in using cameras and microphones. The integration and visualization of collected data into a monitoring system were also highlighted.