Files and links (2)
Published (Version of record)CC BY-NC-ND V4.0, Open Access
Published (Version of record)CC BY-NC-ND V4.0, Open
Journal article
Effects of AM/PM feeding on behaviour, range use and welfare indicators of free-range laying hens
Animal production science, Vol.65(7), pp.1-17
05/2025
Metrics
13 Record Views
Abstract
Context: AM/PM feeding (also known as 'split-feeding') is designed to meet a hens' nutrient requirement via two diets, namely, high protein and energy in the morning/early afternoon (AM) and high calcium during the mid-afternoon/evening (PM), compared with a single conventional diet over 24 h.
Aims: The study aimed to investigate the effects of AM/PM feeding on free-range laying hens, focusing on welfare, behaviour and health. It was hypothesised that AM/PM feeding, aligned with the hen's diurnal physiology, would improve behaviour, welfare, and health compared with a conventional diet.
Methods: The study was conducted at a free-range research facility by using two dietary treatments, namely, conventional layer hen diet (Control) and the AM/PM diet. Diets were fed to nine replicate pens of 20 hens each, giving a total of 360 Hy-Line Brown laying hens (18 pens) when they were between 34 and 53 weeks of age (WOA). The AM diet (2980 kcal/kg apparent metabolisable energy corrected for nitrogen (AMEn), 20.1% crude protein (CP), 2.5% calcium (Ca) was provided from 08:00 hours to 16:00 hours, and the PM diet (2580 kcal/kg AMEn, 17.5% CP, 5.6% Ca) from 16:00 hours to 08:00 hours. In contrast, the conventional diet (2780 kcal/kg AMEn, 18.8% CP, 4.1% Ca) was provided continuously. Hen behaviour was recorded using overhead cameras between 49 and 50 WOA and assessed via behavioural ethogram. Individual hen ranging behaviour was monitored using radio-frequency identification (RFID) from 39 to 48 WOA. Hen fearfulness was evaluated through tonic immobility and novel object test during 51-52 WOA. At 53 WOA, hens were assessed for health, tibia bone quality, and faecal glucocorticoid metabolites.
Key results: AM/PM feeding reduced feather pecking (P = 0.01) and increased outdoor range use (2.85 vs 2.47 h/day; P < 0.001). It also showed an effect approaching statistical significance for faster exploration of novel objects (P = 0.08). AM/PM feeding improved tibia ash content (P = 0.03) and breaking strength (P = 0.04). Conclusions: AM/PM feeding demonstrated potential benefits for laying hen welfare, including reduced feather pecking, increased outdoor activity, and improved bone health, compared with the conventional diet.
Implications: AM/PM feeding may enhance the health and welfare of free-range laying hens, although further long-term studies are needed to confirm its potential.
Details
- Title
- Effects of AM/PM feeding on behaviour, range use and welfare indicators of free-range laying hens
- Creators
- Afsana A. Jahan - University of New EnglandHiep Thi Dao - University of New EnglandMd Sohel Rana - University of New EnglandPeta S. Taylor - University of MelbourneTamsyn M. Crowley - University of New EnglandAmy F. Moss - University of New England
- Publication Details
- Animal production science, Vol.65(7), pp.1-17
- Publisher
- CSIRO Publishing
- Number of pages
- 17
- Grant note
- The funding for this research was supported by Poultry Hub Australia and Australian Eggs Pty Ltd (Grant number: 21-306).
- Identifiers
- 991013328727402368
- Copyright
- © 2025 The Author(s) (or their employer(s).
- Academic Unit
- Office of Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article