Effect of different production systems and laying hen genotypes on behavior, welfare, performance, and egg quality characteristics

This study investigated the effect of different production systems and laying hen genotypes on welfare, behavior, performance, and egg quality characteristics. Lohmann LSL Classic (W) and Lohmann Sandy (S) genotypes were evaluated in the deep litter system (DL), and free access to outdoor Mentha piperita (MP), Petroselinum crispum (PC), and Medicago sativa (MS). Range use varied between genotypes and among plant species (P<0.01). Both the production system and genotype influenced the total feather score and the proportion of hens expressing some behaviors, age at first egg and 50% egg production, hen-day egg production, overall egg weight, and egg size distribution (P<0.01; P<0.05). It was determined that the production system significantly influenced the fluctuating asymmetry of face length, feed intake during the egg-laying period, feed conversion ratio, egg surface area, and shell quality traits (P<0.01; P<0.05). Hen genotype significantly impacted comb and rectal temperatures, feed intake, shape index, shell thickness, and albumen and yolk traits (P<0.01; P<0.05). In conclusion, the plant species, production system, and hen genotype modulate some welfare traits, behaviors, performance, and egg quality characteristics in hens.