Choice of nest types by hens of three lines of broiler breeders

Abstract

1. Choice of three different nest types by hens of broiler breeder lines was investigated: metal nests (26 × 29 × 33–45 cm, w × d × h) with inclined rubber mats, metal nests of the same size with litter, and larger wooden nests (30 × 40 × 38) with litter. Three lines were studied: line B (324 females + 36 males), line P (315 + 36), and line WM (306 + 32). Each line was housed in a pen 23·3 × 3·9 m (90·7 m²); half the area was concrete floor with litter, and the other half raised plastic slats, on which stood 84 nests, 28 of each type, in two-tier blocks.

2. Ninety-five per cent of eggs were laid in nests, with significant variation between types: 63% metal littered, 30% wooden littered, and 2·3% metal with inclined rubber mats. Choice between types was similar in the three lines. Hens of line B laid 66% of nest eggs in lower nests, P laid 57% and WM laid 64%.

3. The other 5·1% of eggs were laid on the floor: 1·2% on the litter and 3·9% on the slats in front of the nests. It is suggested that some subordinate hens were excluded from nests, and therefore laid on the floor.

Acknowledgement

We wish to acknowledge the help of Mike Appleby, PhD, in improving the English of the manuscript.