Effect of Providing Environmental Enrichment into Aviary House on the Welfare of Laying Hens

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Behaviors such as feather pecking and cannibalism have resulted in several problems in the poultry industry. Owing to animal welfare concerns, the practice of beak trimming and use of cage systems have gradually reduced, and housing systems are currently being applied such as barn, floor, and aviary systems; however, the identification and control of feather peckers among many individuals is difficult in these systems. For this purpose, research is being conducted to observe the effect of improving the environment by providing various pecking materials. Our study investigated the environmental enhancing effects of providing pumice stone and alfalfa hay to laying hens in the aviary system. These materials were effective in improving egg production, maintaining health, and alleviating stress. The findings of this study could be useful in environmental management to improve the welfare of the poultry industry in the new rearing system. ABSTRACT: This study aimed to determine the effects of providing environmental enrichment materials—pumice stone and alfalfa hay—to laying hens in the aviary system. A total of 2196 40-week-old Hy-Line Brown laying hens were randomly allotted to three treatment groups: (1) no enrichment (control; CON), (2) enrichment with pumice stone (PS), and (3) enrichment with alfalfa hay (HAY). Each treatment comprised four replicates of 183 hens each, and four of the same materials were provided per replicate. The experiment lasted for 26 weeks. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. As a result, the PS and HAY groups demonstrated increased egg production (p < 0.001). The HAY group showed a reduced rate of mislaid eggs (p < 0.01) and produced low egg weight and pale-yellow yolk (p < 0.05). Both enrichment materials decreased blood creatinine (CRE) or lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the blood and resulted in a significantly lower corticosterone (CORT) level (p < 0.05). However, the feather condition scores for the laying hens were similar across all treatments (p > 0.05). In summary, although pumice stone and alfalfa hay are effective in alleviating stress and improving the production of laying hens, additional environmental improvement studies are needed to contribute to reducing pecking behaviors in poultry farming.