Egg production of laying hens housed in alternative systems under field conditions

Abstract

The shift toward alternative housing systems is driven by consumer concerns about health, sustainability, and animal welfare. In Brazil, few studies have evaluated the performance of laying hens in alternative systems under real commercial conditions. This study assessed the impact of housing systems on the productivity of laying hens using data from a commercial farm in southern Brazil that produces free-range and organic eggs. The objectives were: (I) to compare the productivity of hens from the same genetic strain (Novogen Brown) raised in free-range and organic systems, and (II) to compare the productivity of hens from different strains (Novogen Brown vs. Dekalb Brown) within the same free-range system. A descriptive analysis was conducted on egg production, feed intake, mortality, and the incidence of dirty, cracked, and Jumbo eggs at three hen ages (30,60, and 90 weeks). Egg production was also compared to the expected performance for each genetic strain. Results showed that the housing system significantly affected hen productivity. Hens in alternative systems began laying later (20-26 weeks vs. 19-21 weeks). They showed higher mortality (up to 25% at 90 weeks), increased feed intake (up to 11.8% higher than the genetic guide), and greater body weight (up to + 142g compared to expected values). These findings highlight the need for more research under commercial conditions to support genetic and management strategies suited to alternative housing systems.