Volume: 4, 2025
4th International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: A025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL4.A025
Published online: 9 April 2025
ICDSUPL, 4, A025 (2025)
Feeding behavior of laying hens
Anastasiya Ramankevich1*, Kornel Kasperek1, Grzegorz Zięba1
1 Institute of Biological Basis of Animal Production, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: anastasiya.ramankevich@up.lublin.pl
Abstract
Feed costs in poultry production account for more than 60% of the cost of the final product. Therefore, optimizing nutrition in poultry industry remains one of the most topical issues. Feed utilization is affected by many factors one of which is behavior. The feeding behavior of laying hens can have a significant impact on the efficiency of feed utilization and the level of feed loss. The aim of the study was to analyze the time spent on feed intake and to classify birds into scatterers and non- scatterers in terms of their impact on residual feed intake. As part of the experiment, 15-minute recordings of hen behavior were analyzed for total and average time spent on feed intake. Evaluation of individual feed intake time was carried out using Behavioural Observation Research Interactive Software (BORIS). Based on the observations, hens were classified as scatterers or non- scatterers, with the key criterion being the analysis of the vertical position of the head during feed intake. Differences were observed in the feeding behavior of birds with different feed consumption. In addition, the evaluation of feeding behavior provides a preliminary assessment of birds in terms of feed consumption. Preliminary results of behavioral assessment of hens provide a promising alternative for individual assessment of feed consumption in breeding flocks. In conclusion, the analyses of feeding behavior indicate the possibility of practical use of these methods in assessing the feed consumption of birds in breeding flocks.
Keywords: poultry, feed efficiency, feed intake
How to cite
A. Ramankevich, K. Kasperek, G. Zięba, 2025. Feeding behavior of laying hens. In: 4th International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL4.A025