Perch-based enrichment and broiler growth, welfare and behaviour

1. This study examined the impact of perch-based enrichment on the growth performance, welfare and behavioural parameters of broilers. A total of 180, one-day-old male Ross 308 broilers were used in this study. The experiment was conducted using six pens in a commercial broiler house, each with three deep litter systems and three perch-based enriched systems.2. Both rearing systems had similar effects on final body weight, final body weight gain, cumulative feed consumption, feed conversion ratio and mortality rate (p > 0.05).3. The broilers in the deep litter system had worse hock burn (p = 0.000) and gait score (p = 0.052) than the enriched system.4. Plumage cleanliness, body wounds, toe damage, foot pad and bumble foot lesions and tonic immobility reaction had similar effects on both systems (p > 0.05). The investigated behaviours were similar in both systems (p > 0.05).5. In conclusion, perch-based enrichment had no significant effects on broiler growth performance, behaviour or most welfare indicators. However, perch-based enrichment improved hock burn and tended to improve gait.