Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
PHILIPPINE JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE, cilt.61, sa.2, ss.3-12, 2024 (Scopus)
The aim of this study was to
examine the effect of cage density and hybrid
variety on keel bone damage in laying hens.
Methods: In this study, two different hybrids
(Hy-line Brown, HB; Isa Tinted, IT) were used
and 3 different cage densities low (750 cm2
/hen),
medium (535.71 cm2
/hen) and high (375 cm2
/hen)
were applied. The research started at the age of
20 weeks and continued until the chickens were
60 weeks old. In the research, 396 chickens (198
HB, 198 IT) and 54 cages were used. Laying hens
were grouped by weight prior to cage placement.
At the end of the experiment, the body weights
of the chickens were measured. Additionally,
a total of 54 randomly selected chickens (27
HB, 27 IT) were slaughtered to determine keel
bone damage. After euthanization, the skin
over the chest area was removed, and the chest
structure was examined. The keel bone of the
chicken, whose chest area was examined, was
removed and scored. The chest area was scored
as present or absent for hematoma. A score of
“0” was given if no deviation or other damage
was present in the chest area. A score of “1” was
assigned if there was deviation or other damage
(thickened) in the chest area. The keel bone
was scored as follows: “0” for no damage, “1”
for mild deviation, “2” for moderate deviation
or thickening, and “3” for severe deviation or
fracture. Results: According to the results of
the research, hematoma in the chest area was observed more at low cage density (P<0.001).
Additionally, as a result of scoring the chest
area and keel bone; it was determined that
the most damage was in HBs (P<0.001). Cage
density did not affect body weight. Moreover,
keel bone damage was found to be more severe
in Hy-line Brown hens compared to Isa Tinted
hens (P<0.001). Conclusion: In conclusion, keel
bone damage was observed more in low cage
density and Hy-line brown hybrids