Comparison of Two Nesting Materials for Broiler Breeders ,

The performance of broiler breeders, when exposed to either shavings or artificial nest pads and factors affecting nest preference, were studied in four trials. When given a choice, hens preferred shavings to nest pads but eggs laid on nest pads exhibited reduced contamination. When exposed to either material exclusively, hens laid fewer floor eggs and exhibited increased hatch of fertile eggs (percent) in the presence of nest pads. Painting galvanized nests flat black reduced preference regardless of nest material. Placing the artificial nest pad over a concave rather than flat bottom in the nest increased preference.