Preliminary evaluation of a nest usage sensor to detect double nest occupations of laying hens

Abstract

Conventional cage systems will be replaced by housing systems that allow hens to move freely. These systems may improve hens' welfare, but they lead to some disadvantages: disease, bone fractures, cannibalism, piling and lower egg production. New selection criteria for existing commercial strains should be identified considering individual data about laying performance and the behavior of hens. Many recording systems have been developed to collect these data. However, the management of double nest occupations remains critical for the correct egg-to-hen assignment. To limit such events, most systems adopt specific trap devices and additional mechanical components. Others, instead, only prevent these occurrences by narrowing the nest, without any detection and management. The aim of this study was to develop and test a nest usage "sensor", based on imaging analysis, that is able to automatically detect a double nest occupation. Results showed that the developed sensor correctly identified the double nest occupation occurrences. Therefore, the imaging analysis resulted in being a useful solution that could simplify the nest construction for this type of recording system, allowing the collection of more precise and accurate data, since double nest occupations would be managed and the normal laying behavior of hens would not be discouraged by the presence of the trap devices.

Figure 1.

Application software flow diagram. The pathway in the case that a double nest occupation is detected is highlighted in red.

Figure 2.

Drawing of the building where the experimental nesting system was installed. The dimensions of the building were 4 m × 12 m, and it included two closed rooms of 2 m × 2 m and five covered cages of 2 m × 2 m, to the right of each room. A part of the building was used for the experiment, involving a total floor space of 8 m². It included a closed room and a covered cage, adjacent to the room, that provided 0.4 m² of floor space per hen and appropriate perches.

Figure 3.

Diagram of the experimental building set-up. The positioning of the nest box, the nest usage sensor and of some main components is reported. The symbol “W” represents the water dispenser.