The impact of alternative farming systems on the health and productivity of laying hens

Stéphane Godbout

Researcher, P.Eng., agr., Ph.D.

418 643-2380
ext 600

Contact Stéphane Godbout

Description

This project aims to measure the impact of new breeding systems that meet new animal welfare standards regarding air quality and the health and productivity of laying hens. A total of 12 conventional chicken houses and 12 alternative houses outfitted with enriched cages will be selected. Eggs, litter, and feces will be sampled weekly. Necropsies will be performed on a sampling of animals each month and air quality samples will be examined periodically.

Objective(s)

  • Quantify and qualify the presence of pathogenic bacteria in the environment (air and litter) in conventional chicken houses and in alternative houses outfitted with enriched cages.
  • Measure the concentrations of gas in both types of housing.
  • Develop a simplified method for assessing air exchange rates in both types of housing while sampling.
  • Compare animal health, productivity, and the quality of the environment in both types of housing.

From 2019 to 2021

Project duration

Livestock production

Activity areas

Air quality, Animal welfare

Services

Animal welfare practices may affect the air quality in poultry breeding facilities and lead to significant economic impacts.

Partner

Université de Montréal - Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

This may interest you

2017-2019 • Livestock production

Living environments and animal welfare in aviary systems (Phase 1: Mitigation)

This project will help to identify and evaluate practices, techniques, and technologies that can be used to improve overall environmental performance, animal welfare, and the quality of the animals’ living environment.

Read more about the project

Stéphane Godbout
Caroline Côté
2020-2023 • Livestock productionField crops

The agricultural value of whole biomethanation digestate and its various fractions: potential use in fertilization and recycled bedding

Assessment of the efficiency of biomethanation digestate as a fertilizer for field crops and as recycled bedding in dairy production.

Read more about the project

Stéphane Godbout
Christine Landry
Caroline Côté
2016-2018 • Livestock production

An innovative and economical air treatment technology for pig farms

IRDA and CRIUCPQ have been working on developing an air treatment unit to reduce pig farm emissions.

Read more about the project

F