Effect of Environmental Complexity and Stocking Density on Fear and Anxiety in Broiler Chickens

Barren housing and high stocking densities may contribute to negative affective states in broiler chickens, reducing their welfare. We investigated the effects of environmental complexity density on broilers’ attention bias (measure anxiety) tonic immobility fear). In Experiment 1, individual birds were tested for (n = 60) 2, groups three 144). Tonic testing was performed days 12 26 36) day 19 72) 2. no differences observed test. from high-complexity pens began feeding faster more resumed than low-complexity following playback an alarm call, suggesting that housed complex environment less anxious. Furthermore, high-density or had shorter durations compared 1. low-density pens, which is contrary expectations. Our results suggest at 3 weeks age fearful under conditions low conditions. addition, indicated improved welfare broilers through reduced anxiety.