Behavioral and health problems of poultry related to rearing systems

Abstract

This review paper aims to give an overview of the literature data on common behavioral and health problems in broiler chickens and laying hens and to explain their interrelation and relation to the rearing system. In the initial part, the mechanism of arising of the most common forms of abnormal behavior and the way they affect the poultry are briefly described. Furthermore, the possibility of poultry to fulfill behavioral needs in different rearing systems and some of the consequences to the birds in the case of their inability to meet their needs are displayed. The influence of the main microclimate and space factors is also discussed, as well as the occurrence of some infectious, parasitic and production diseases in poultry rearing systems. The welfare problems of poultry are complexes and most often caused by the system design and its improper use. Continuous work on improving rearing systems is as important as better informing the producers and the public on poultry welfare problems.