What does this research mean for the field?

Perch-based enrichment has no significant effects on broiler growth performance, behaviour, or most welfare indicators, but it improves hock burn and tends to improve gait. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.CONFIRMATORY. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

The research aims to evaluate how perch-based enrichment influences the growth performance, welfare, and behavior of broilers.

February 23, 2026

Perch-based enrichment and broiler growth, welfare and behaviour

Key Points

The research aims to evaluate how perch-based enrichment influences the growth performance, welfare, and behavior of broilers.
Conducted an experiment with 180 one-day-old male Ross 308 broilers.
Used six pens with two systems: deep litter and perch-based enriched systems.
Measured parameters included final body weight, feed consumption, and welfare indicators.
Final body weight and feed conversion ratio showed no significant differences (<i>p</i> > 0.05) between systems.
Broilers in the deep litter system exhibited worse hock burn and gait scores compared to the enriched system.
No significant differences were found in plumage cleanliness, body wounds, toe damage, and behaviour (<i>p</i> > 0.05).

Abstract

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.

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