Effects of Enrichment Platform Types on Performance, Blood Parameters, Welfare Indices, Meat Quality and Bone Properties in Broilers

This study investigated the effects of different environmental enrichment platforms on the productivity, blood profiles, meat quality, welfare indicators, and tibial traits of broilers. A total of 500 one-day-old male Ross 308 broilers were randomly assigned to four treatments: control (wooden perch) and three platform types (elevated, EP; stepped, SP; and ramp, RP), with five replicates of 25 birds each. The test was conducted for a total of 35 days. Environmental enrichments did not significantly affect productivity (<i>P</i>&gt;0.05). In serum biochemistry, the RP group showed higher levels of total protein and albumin (<i>P</i>&lt;0.05), while corticosterone did not differ among treatments. Footpad dermatitis scores were highest in the control and decreased in the order of RP, SP, and EP (<i>P</i>&lt;0.05). For meat quality, breast meat pH and water-holding capacity were highest in the RP group (<i>P</i>&lt;0.05). Tibia mineral content, density, and length showed no differences among treatments, but leg muscle mass was higher in the RP group (<i>P</i>&lt;0.05). In conclusion, providing environmental enrichment did not negatively affect the productivity of broilers. Elevated and stepped platforms improved welfare by providing horizontal resting areas that increased space utilization and alleviated footpad dermatitis. The ramp platform enhanced accessibility and stimulated activity, leading to greater leg muscle development, although the increased pressure from slope usage may have negatively influenced footpad health. However, further research is needed to determine appropriate enrichment designs that maintain production while considering the physical characteristics and usability of broilers.