Project Number: WVA00396
CRIS Number: 0176728
PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE AND FERTILITY OF BROILER BREEDERS IN COLONY CAGES AND CONVENTIONAL FLOORING
Investigators: Peterson, R. A.
Performing Department: Animal & Veterinary Science -- 1877
Start Date: 10/01/1997
Termination Date: 09/30/2001
Reporting period: 10/01/1997 to 09/30/2001
Termination Report:
The experiment conducted at the Reymann Memorial Farm, Wardensville, WV compared the effects on broiler breeder hens in conventinal floor and slat systems to a colony cage system. Previous experiments have indicated a lower fertility in the cage system due to the roosters experiencing foot discomfort, thereby being reluctant to mate. A different type of flooring was used in half the cages for comparison. Fertility and mortality were measured. Egg quality was determined by taking measurements of the albumin height, total egg weight, and shell thickness. Total hen mortality in the cage systems was 7.14% on the new flooring system, 5.06% in the old flooring system. Mortality in the floor and slat pens was 5.00%. Average fertility in the cage systems were 84.46% for the new floors and 82.25% for the old floors. The average in the floor and slat pens was 90.25%. Egg weight was higher in both of the cage systems when compared to the floor and slat system. Average egg albumin height was also higher for both cage floor treatments. Shell thickness was also greater for the cage systems.
Publications: (No publications.)
Impact:
Modifications of the cage flooring systems indicated the potential for the use of colony cages using broiler breeders, but more research needs to be done. Potential impact to the industry will be an increase in stocking rates in barns when colony cages are used.