In free-range and organic production systems, hens can make choices according to their
needs and desires, which is in accordance with welfare definitions. Nonetheless, health and …

Free-range laying hen housing systems are prevalent in Australia and perceived by
consumers to provide greater opportunities for the expression of natural behaviour resulting …

This scientific opinion focuses on the welfare of laying hens, pullets and layer breeders on
farm. The most relevant husbandry systems used in Europe are described. For each system …

Simple Summary Layer industries that are still using cage housing systems should
encourage the provision of appropriate farm enrichments, especially at an early stage. Farm …

Assessment of negative affective states is a key component of animal welfare research. In
laying hens, excessive fearfulness results in reduced production and increased sensitivity to …

Dual-purpose chicken where both sexes are reared together, before males are separated for
final fattening, while females are kept for an entire laying period, may provide an economic …

Simple summary Intensive farming systems are confronted with a number of animal welfare
issues such as injuries from horns in cattle and feather pecking in poultry. To solve these …

Accelerometers are increasingly being investigated to detect animal behavior as a method
for monitoring individual welfare that overcomes manual challenges associated with time …

Simple Summary Social bonds are well-known to affect individual decisions or responses in
specific situations, however, the impact of sociality on the individual activity behaviour of …

Within Australia, free-range systems are prevalent, but pullets destined for range access are
reared indoors. This mismatch between rearing and layer housing may hinder adaptation to …