Scientific study in experimental facilities to evaluate the impacts of covered veranda on the welfare of broiler chickens on farm

This study aimed to evaluate the welfare and health of broilers with access to a covered veranda. Redbro broilers were randomly assigned to six identical rooms, each containing 2,478 birds. Half of the rooms had covered veranda access from 22 days of age, while the other half had no such access (control). Several animal-based indicators were assessed, including leg health and gait, activity levels, use of the covered veranda, mortality, and body weight. Litter quality, as well as feed and water consumption, were also monitored. Providing access to a covered veranda improved bird welfare without negatively impacting zootechnical indicators.