Association with Different Housing and Welfare Parameters on Results of a Novel Object Test in Laying Hen Flocks on Farm

SIMPLE SUMMARY: In this on-farm study, 16 flocks in Germany were monitored for plumage and skin conditions as indicators of feather pecking and cannibalism. Furthermore, their behavior was monitored in a novel object test. During the laying period, the monitored flocks were visited four times. The novel object test can be used to assess the fearfulness of a flock. The average number of hens gathered around the novel object gives an indication of the fearfulness of a flock. The study indicates that an increase in fearfulness of the flock is associated with an increase in feather damage and cannibalism. Fearfulness also increased with hen age and flock size. White hens showed greater fearful behavior in contrast to brown hens. Hens on barn farms showed a higher fear response than hens in free-range farms. ABSTRACT: The objective of this on-farm study was to determine if flocks showing feather damage and/or cannibalism would have a higher fear response to the novel object (NOT) and the association between different housing and welfare parameters on results of the NOT. Therefore, 16 flocks were observed during the laying period in Germany. In total, there were six barns, seven free-range, and three organic flocks. The plumage and integument condition of 50 birds of each flock were evaluated at 4 different times during the laying period (V1: 18th to 23rd week of life, V2: 26th to 35th week of life, V3: 49th to 57th week of life, V4: 61st to 73rd week of life). At the same observation times, the NOT was performed in the flocks (at four different locations per visit time). Based on the average number of hens gathered around the novel object (NO) within the period of two minutes, conclusions can be made about the fearfulness of the flock. The present study shows that the more fearful a flock was, the more frequent feather damage (p < 0.001) and cannibalism (p < 0.01) occurred. Age and flock size were associated with fearfulness. Fearfulness of hens increased with the increasing age of hens (p < 0.001) and with an increasing flock size (p < 0.001). Hens of white feather color appeared to be more fearful than brown hens (p < 0.001). Hens kept on barn farms showed significantly lower numbers of hens around the novel object (p < 0.001) than on free-range farms, which possibly indicates that having permanent access to outdoor space generally appears to be associated with the fearfulness of a flock.