Behaviour of Gifu Native Fowl and Commercial Laying Hens under Battery Cage Condition

Abstract

This study investigated the behavioural characteristics of the Japanese native chicken, Gifu native fowl, under cage conditions. We studied both Gifu native fowl, which is one of the oldest and most famous traditional breeds in Japan and commercial hens (Dekalb XL). These birds were reared under battery cage conditions, a management system defined as a behavioural restricted environment. Ten birds each of Gifu native fowl and commercial hens were reared in individual battery cages (948 cm²/bird). Behavioural observations were performed from 06:00 to 16:00 using a 1-min-interval scan sampling method. Time ratios of feeding and sitting for commercial hens (38.1% and 9.6%, respectively) were significantly (P<0.05) higher than those for Gifu native fowl (23.1% and 3.7%, respectively), while time ratios of stereotypic pacing and preening for Gifu native fowl (6.1% and 26.2%, respectively) were significantly (P<0.05) higher than those for commercial hens (1.7% and 14.0%, respectively). There were no significant differences in other behaviours between the 2 breeds. These results indicate that Gifu native fowl may exhibit fewer instances of stereotypical behaviour under cage conditions.