Leonie Jacobs

IntroductionLocomotory activity is strongly associated with broiler chicken welfare; many behavioral patterns that depend on locomotion, such as exploration, seeking food, water, shelter, and escaping predators, are negatively affected by the poor walking ability in fast-growing broiler chickens [1]. Rapid muscle growth and exacerbated development of the Pectoralis major muscle in fast-growing bro ...

Light and dark cycles within a 24-hour period play a crucial role in maintaining physiological and behavioral rhythms in animals.In birds, daily rhythms associated with feed intake, physical activity, sleep-wake cycles, and physiological rhythms are influenced by photoperiod. The ancestors of domestic chickens, the Red Junglefowl, are diurnal animals with activity during the light period and inact ...

IntroductionThe United States (US) has three main broiler chicken production systems which mandate that birds have outdoor access. The first is certified organic production overseen by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), which requires that birds have access to the outdoors, with shade, shelter, exercise areas, fresh air, direct sunlight, and protection from predators year-round [1 ...

Bio-security is the cheapest, most effective means of disease prevention and control available.  Proper bio-security will help to ensure the overall health and welfare of your flock.What is “Bio-security”?Simply put it is protecting your birds from disease by minimizing their exposure to vectors or fomites.What is a vector or a fomite?A vector is something living and a fomite is s ...

Spondylolisthesis, often called ‘kinky back’, is a deformity that affects broiler chickens’ spines. The deformity occurs in the fifth and/or sixth vertebrae (T6) and leads to spinal cord compression making it hard for birds to walk, and in severe cases it can cause paralysis. Chickens are lame and will sit with extended feet, show an imbalance, and fall on their side when attempt ...

    In the United States, consumers have a lot of choice when it comes to food products. Various claims and labels on the products provide consumers with information about how the animals were raised and treated during production. However, the information on animal products can sometimes be confusing. This article explains some of the common labels and claims found on animal product ...