Solar radiation limits the use of paddocks by laying hens raised in the free-range system

Abstract

Laying hens on the free-range systems are susceptible to challenging situations in relation to the rearing environment. Therefore, this work evaluated how solar radiation influences the behavior of laying hens raised in a free-range system, in the Brazilian Savanna. The activities included data collection of meteorological variables and behavioral analysis of 300 commercial laying hens in relation to the frequency of use of indoor and outdoor areas of rearing housing. The solar radiation is the main factor that directly affects the heat gain of production animals, in this experiment had a high amplitude during all day, going from 33.42 to 756.98 W m⁻². It was observed that the highest frequency of 79% and 91% use of the barn areas by the hens was at 8 am and 4 pm, respectively. The internal area of the housing was more used by hens 87% and 68% at 12 h and 14 h, respectively. Hens were not observed in the paddocks at noon and 2 pm. Hens spend more than 6 h of the day inside the housing to provide shelter from solar radiation. Which the conclusion the solar radiation influences the behavior of laying hens, at times of the day of the higher incidence of radiation, and high air and global temperatures, it was not observed the presence of hens in the external areas of the housing, especially with the use of the paddocks; at these times the hens seek shelter inside the housing to get away from the incidence of direct solar radiation.