Behaviour and welfare of broiler chicken

The welfare problems in broilers are caused by fast growth rate, feeding- and lighting programs. Fast growing broilers decrease their locomotor activity and increase the sitting duration. Low locomotor activity level in combination with high growth rate leads to leg weakness and gait anomalies. The effect of locomotor activity was analysed by training of locomotion on treadmills. The increase of activity stimulated bone building processes and reduced leg disorders. The effect of body growth was analysed with special suspension devices. The alleviation of weight of fast growing broilers increased locomotor activity and bone density. Stocking density influenced mainly the welfare criteria through litter quality and air temperature. The temperature between and under the animals increased with higher density. Therefore, it is recommended to monitor the physical and behavioural conditions of broilers rather than fixing data on maximum stocking density and other environmental factors. Environmental enrichment affected locomotor activity only for short. An enhanced distance between feeder and drinker motivated broilers to higher activity level. The leg problems were reduced with distances of 12 meter. Light programs can also be use to stimulate the activity, but light programs with long dark periods affected the rhythm of behaviour.