Influence of aviary design on measures of production, egg quality, mortality, floor eggs, feed delivery, and body weight

As the laying hen industry transitions to cage-free housing such as aviaries, balancing egg production and profitability with bird welfare will ensure long-term industry sustainability. Commercially available multi-tiered aviaries come in various configurations intended to meet hens’ needs and maximize efficiency for the producer. To evaluate whether aviary configuration impacted egg production, egg quality, mortality, mislaid eggs, feed delivery, and body weight, this study evaluated a flock housed in two aviary styles, NATURA60 (N60) and NATURA Step (STEP). Mortality, production, and feed delivery data were collected daily across the flock cycle (17 to 60 weeks of age), and egg quality and body weight data were collected at specific timepoints within this period. STEP hens tended to produce at a higher rate than N60 hens across time as well as laying a significantly lower number of eggs on the floor of the aviary. From 43-60 WOA, cumulative mortality was higher in the N60 than the STEP. Egg quality parameters followed expected age-related changes, with no effect of aviary type averaged over time. Feed delivery was higher in STEP than N60, but body weights were similar. Genetics, nutrition, and management were consistent between the two aviaries, suggesting that differences in production measures could be due to differing configuration and accessibility to resources like nest space for laying eggs; future research can help illuminate these underlying factors.