Two current model and demonstration projects on animal welfare focus on enriching the housing environment for broiler chickens in conventional houses. Raised platforms are a key element in both projects, designed to introduce more structure into the house and provide the birds with additional space to roam.
Whilst the ‘MaVeTi’ project run by the Foundation of the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (TiHo) and the Lower Saxony Chamber of Agriculture uses raised platforms with perforated plastic slats and an underlying manure belt, the project ‘Improving Animal Welfare in Broiler Farming’ at Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) Munich and the University of Rostock, levels with bedding fixed to the floor are in use.
Both projects are investigating the functionality of the access ramps and the levels. In this context, the design and dimensions, as well as the suitability of different materials, play an important role. Above all, however, is the question of the benefits for animal welfare: how do the chicks and growing birds respond to the platforms? Which areas are used and to what extent? And are there any weaknesses, for example regarding injuries and hygiene, that need to be taken into account and which make acceptance by farmers difficult?
In both videos, farmers involved in the project as well as scientists share their experiences with the raised platforms in their respective designs. The conclusion reached by all participants can be summarised as follows: everyone sees the raised platforms as offering significant added value for the animals and will continue to provide them even after the project has ended.
The results of a survey conducted by LMU Munich among farmers on the use of raised platforms are presented in this video.