Simulated transport of well- and poor-feathered brown-strain end-of-cycle hens and the impact on stress physiology, behavior, and meat quality

Transportation of poultry is stressful, especially for end-of-cycle hens (EOCH) experiencing metabolic stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of simulated transport on well- and poor-feathered brown-strain EOCH. The study (5 × 3 × 2 factorial arrangement) consisted of 5 temperature and relative humidity (RH) combinations applied directly at crate level (−10°C uncontrolled RH [−10], +21°C 30%RH [21/30], +21°C 80%RH [21/80], +30°C 30%RH [30/30], or +30°C 80%RH [30/80]), 3 durations (4, 8, or 12 h), and 2 feather covers (well [WF] or poor [PF]). Hens (n = 540) from 3 commercial farms were housed for a 3- to 5-d adaptation period, then feed was withdrawn before treatment exposure (crate density 54.5 kg/m(2)). Data collected included chamber conditions, feather condition score, behavior, blood physiology, core body temperature, mortality, and meat quality. Data were analyzed (randomized complete block design) using ANOVA; significance declared at P ≤ 0.05. Time spent performing thermoregulatory behaviors increased for hot (30/30 and 30/80) and cold (−10) treatments. Mortality only occurred in hens exposed to −10 and increased with longer duration. Cold exposure impacted meat quality, resulting in higher thigh pH and lower L∗ (lightness) and b∗ (yellowness). Prolonged exposure duration resulted in dehydration, indicated by blood physiology (hematocrit and hemoglobin) and live shrink. PF hens struggled with thermoregulation in −10, while WF hens struggled in 30/30 and 30/80. These results demonstrate that EOCH exposed at crate level to hot (+30) conditions experience thermal stress, while hens exposed to cold (−10) are unable to cope, compromising welfare and meat quality.