Evaluation of animal welfare in new housing systems for laying hens within the scope of the animal protection regulation
Oester, H.; Frohlich, E.
Schweizer Archiv für Tierheilkunde 128(10): 521-534
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0036-7281 PMID: 3787241 Document Number: 284446
Under Swiss animal welfare legislation, intensive husbandry systems have to be officially approved, and in June 1986 approval was being sought for 36 such systems for laying hens. Attention was paid to the provision of rest areas, suitable microclimate, behaviour of the birds and faults in construction. The five systems approved so far have been of the open type (aviary systems, floor husbandry, multi-stage houses). Systems to avoid are those having a density of 12.5 laying hens per msuperscript 2 on a single floor, litterless systems, and absence of resting areas.