The Changes of Feeding Behaviour of Laying Hens with Reduction in Feeding Time

Abstract

Changes of feeding and other activities of laying hens with reduction in feeding time were analyzed in order to gain an insight into the meaning of "pecking for leisure". Six hens were reared on the pelleted feed with the feeding time either restricted (4hrs. or 1hr. per day) or non-restricted in the experiment I. In the experiment II, the feeding time was further reduced up to 15min. per day and the changes in feeding behaviour were observed for twelve hens. Hens became capable of consuming the daily ration within the restricted feeding time on and after the fourth day of the restriction experiment. Daily feed intake was not appreciably affected by restricting the feeding time up to 30min. The time spent for pecking at feed decreased, but the time spent for pecking at the cage and for preening increased as the feeding time shortened. The total time spent for the activities using the beak was not changed by different feeding time. It is therefore suggested that part of the pecks at feed are "pecking for leisure", and it requires further examination to define the meaning of, and to find how to measure, the "time spent for eating". The diurnal behavioural pattern was not affected by different feeding time.