The Effect of a botanical extract blend on behaviour, enrichment use, stress response, production performance and egg quality of laying hens housed in a furnished cage system

Abstract

With the phasing of conventional cages in Canada, there are concerns about how birds’ affective states may influence their motivation to explore various enrichments. Phytogenic additives have been explored for poultry production and performance due to their health, growth-promoting, antioxidant, anxiolytic, and antidepressant activities. The effect of a blend of botanical extracts (Phytozen®Liquid) on the behavior, enrichment use, stress response, production performance, and egg quality of Lohmann Lite hens (38wk old) housed in a furnished cage system was investigated for 16 weeks using a 4-period crossover design. The botanical extract blend lowered feed intake at 38-40wks, increased average daily egg weight at 42-44wks, and enhanced albumen quality throughout the trial. Furthermore, the botanical extract blend improved the use of enrichment objects (perches, scratch mats, and nest boxes) and lowered serum corticosterone levels. In conclusion, Phytozen®Liquid has the potential to improve the overall welfare of laying hens in furnished cages.