Influence of a raised slatted area in front of the nest on leg health, mating behaviour and floor eggs in broiler breeders

European farms for broiler breeders often have raised slatted areas in front of the nests, but other regions world no are provided. This study aimed to investigate effects a area on leg health, mating behaviour and floor laying behaviour. Ten groups 33 breeder hens three males were housed two pen types: with or without nests. Each had one plastic wooden nest. Between 25 31 weeks age, ten marked per weighed assessed weekly foot pad dermatitis, hock burn wounds. At end week 31, animals euthanized bone strength tibia humerus these individuals was assessed. 24, 27 30 observed an hour pen, noting both numbers successful unsuccessful copulations. The number eggs laid nests recorded daily between 20 age. Foot dermatitis scores affected by not type. Generally, there only minor issues (scores < 11 0–100 scale), probably due young age hens. Body weight type, while prevalence burns too low analyse difference found humerus. Overall, less frequent pens slats than (29 ± 2 vs 35 3 times/h) more at 24 (38 1 4 times/h). lower percentage (11.2 0.4 19.3 0.5%). nest preferred over as average 63% shows that providing decreases eggs, although its health remain inconclusive.