Exploratory Study on Individual Locomotor Activity in Local Dual-Purpose and Commercial Breeder Pullets

Improving animal welfare is a prerequisite for the societal acceptance of poultry production. Support for improvements requires practical tools to quantify animal welfare and identify predispositions at the individual level, where possible. In this study, the activities and behavior of dual-purpose chickens (N = 245) and commercial breeders (N = 224) were analyzed. The general locomotor activity (GLA) data were collected using an RFID system over five days with 9-to-14-week-old animals. The results show that the animals of comparable age and stocking density differed from each other in their activity (p <= 0.001) according to breed, but no sex differences were observed (p = 0.159). No correlations were found between GLA and plumage condition (p > 0.05). The individual variations within the breeds are presented and discussed on an animal-by-animal level, providing new insights into the individual behavioral variability of chickens. The RFID systems can reliably generate GLA data that help to understand the potential interplay between behavior and animal welfare. The technology is also suitable for creating individual (personality) profiles that can be used for breeding. With a better understanding of the role of activity, husbandry and management practices can be adapted to improve animal welfare.

Automated summary

Improving animal welfare is crucial for the societal acceptance of poultry production. This study analyzed the activities and behavior of dual-purpose chickens and commercial breeders using an RFID system. The results showed differences in activity between breeds, but no differences in activity based on sex or plumage condition. Individual variations within breeds were discussed, providing new insights into chicken behavioral variability. RFID systems can reliably generate data to understand the interplay between behavior and animal welfare.