Effects of Rearing Density and Feeder and Waterer Spaces on the Productivity and Fearful Behavior of Layers

Two groups of White Leghorn pullets reared in cages were used to study the effects of rearing density and feeder and waterer spaces on their performance and fearful behavior. In Experiment 1, rearing densities of 221, 249, 277, and 304 cm2 per bird, 5.4 cm feeder space per bird, and a cup waterer to pullet ratio of 1:7 had no significant effect on 18-wk body weight, body weight uniformity, body weight gain, age at sexual maturity, feed consumption, and mortality rate during the laying period. In Experiment 2, pullets reared at a density of 193 versus 221 cm2 had lower (P<.001) 18-wk body weights but increased (P<.001) weight gain during the laying period. Pullets reared with 2.7 versus 5.4 cm of feeder space weighed less (P<.001) at 18 wk, but gained (P<.001) more weight and consumed more (P<.05) feed during the laying period. A cup waterer to pullet ratio of 1:14 versus 1:7 increased (P<.05) age at sexual maturity and body weight gain. Density had no consistent effect on egg production in either experiment. There were no carryover effects of rearing density in Experiment 1 or density, and feeder and waterer space in Experiment 2 on fearful behavior. Hens were more (P<.001) fearful at 34 wk of age (peak production) than at 54 wk of age (postpeak production). The negative effects associated with floor, feeder, and waterer spaces during the rearing period were transitory and did not persist into the production period.