Performance of Dwarf White Leghorn Layers as Affected by Cage Size, Bird Density and Perches

Abstract

Dwarf White Leghorn layers were housed 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14 and 16 per 61×61 cm. cage, with perches (P) and without perches (NP). Other dwarf W.L. layers were housed in 30.5×45.7 cm. cages with treatments of 1 NP, 4 NP, 5 NP, 5 P and 6 P. Hen-day and hen-housed egg production were significantly lower with more than ten birds per 61×61 cm. cage (372 sq. cm. per bird) or with more than four birds per 30.5×45.7 cm. cage (348 sq. cm. per bird). There was a trend for mortality and feed per egg to increase, and feed consumption and body weight gain to decrease as bird density increased in both studies. Egg specific gravity was not affected by any treatment. Total performance was such that the maximum bird densities to be considered should be ten per 61×61 cm. cage (372 sq. cm. per bird) and four or five per 30.5×45.7 cm. cage (348 or 279 sq. cm. per bird). Performance was better in the smaller than in the larger cages when similar space was provided per bird. The presence of perches in cages did not significantly affect any parameter in either study. However, the incidence of cracked eggs was higher when perches were present in 30.5×45.7 cm. cages, perhaps as a result of some individuals habitually laying while sitting on the perches. Livability and hen-housed production were better in the 5 P than in the 5 NP groups in 30.5×45.7 cm. cages, but the differences were not statistically significant.