Exploration about Nest Use in White and Brown Hens Using Video-Recording and Radio-Frequency Identification Systems

Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) technology can be used to monitor and analyse the real-time individual displacements of farmed animals and enables remote data storage and retrieval for further analyses. In laying hens, this technology could provide insights into their nesting behaviour and nest use, which have implications for egg production and animal welfare. This study aimed at comparing hen genotypes (white and brown) and ages (early phase of egg deposition, 22 to 24 weeks) in the number of nest visits in an aviary system, measured using a RFID technology or based on video-recorded events. The RFID system recorded a higher number of displacements (in/out of nests) in brown compared to white hens (920 vs. 585; P<0.01) and a decrease of displacements from 22 to 23 and 24 weeks (1084 vs. 650 and 520; P<0.001), whereas the analyses of video-recordings did not find significant differences. In conclusion, the RFID system was more sensitive in detecting differences according to hen genotype and age compared to the more time-consuming analyses of video recordings. However, the RFID system requires further assessment to improve reliability and accuracy in monitoring laying hen movements.