Researchers investigate how layers visually perceive resources in cage-free housing

Dr. Darrin Karcher and colleagues at Purdue University recently completed a research project that investigated how lighting systems can impact hens’ visual perception of their housing environment or of their conspecifics.

Researchers were able to show that there were significant differences in the visual systems of brown and white chickens at all ages.

Modeling also revealed that the visual environment is often homogeneous and undistinctive, except when highly coloured objects are present, potentially increasing the risk of injury to the hens as they move through the aviary.

The research summary can be found on the USPOULTRY website.