Recording of oviposition by weighing hens with RFID detection

Abstract

To improve the breeding of laying hens for alternative housing systems, the aim of the present study was, to record the oviposition of individual hens in group housing systems with family nest boxes by the change of body weight caused by the oviposition. Therefore, a weighing perch was developed. ¾ of the ovipositions were found, but major changes in body weight were also measured in nest visits without oviposition. It is possible to detect the oviposition of individual hens with the weighing perch in group housing systems with family nest boxes, but the recognition rates have to be improved.