A Study on Differences in Production Egg Quality, and Welfare Indicators of Hens in Welfare Rearing Facilities during the Early Laying Period

This study was conducted to compare the differences in productivity, egg quality, serum biochemistry, and animal welfare levels of laying hens in different housing systems [Density enhanced conventional battery cage (DCC) and furnished cage (FC)] during the early laying period (25—34 weeks). A total of 300 Hy-Line Brown laying hens at 25 weeks of age (average body weight 1,774±20.59 g) were used. Two housing environments were set up with 2 treatments and 5 replicates each, and 150 hens were randomly assigned to each environment, with a total feeding trial period of 10 weeks. At 34 weeks of age, body weight was significantly lower in the DCC group (<i>P</i>&lt;0.05), but the laying rate and egg production were significantly higher in the DCC group (<i>P</i>&lt;0.05). In terms of egg quality, there were no significant differences between the groups in eggshell strength, Haugh unit, eggshell thickness, and yolk color. Serum biochemical results showed that the FC group had higher levels of ALT, TP, ALB, Ca, IP, and lower GLU levels. Serum CORT levels were higher in the FC group (<i>P</i>&lt;0.05). Feather damage results showed higher damage in the neck and head in the DCC group (<i>P</i>&lt;0.05), but higher damage in the back, chest, tail, and overall average in the FC group (<i>P</i>&lt;0.05). Therefore, it is concluded that productivity and animal welfare indicators decreased in the FC group. Further research on furnished cages is needed to improve animal welfare.