ABOVE: Free-range chickens showed a preference for range areas in which the shade structures were evenly distributed. Photo: Inghams
A recent study in Australia has revealed that free-range chickens prefer outdoor areas where shade is evenly distributed.
This important research is part of a collaborative project aimed at enhancing the welfare of chickens in free-range environments.
The study, which involved researchers from Australia and Austria, focused on how chickens moved and behaved in different outdoor shade arrangements.
Conducted at Inghams Group Ltd farms in Queensland and South Australia, the trial assessed 14 flocks of commercial broiler chickens.
The range areas were divided into four distinct sections, each with varying arrangements of shade structures.
One section had no shade at all, while another featured six shade structures arranged in a single line, positioned 4m from the poultry house.
The third arrangement included two vertical lines of three structures each, spaced 2m apart and starting 1.5m from the shed.
The final section consisted of two horizontal lines of three structures, also starting 1.5m from the shed.
Inghams reported that the chickens showed a strong preference for the range areas where the shade structures were evenly distributed, whether arranged vertically or horizontally.
This finding highlights the importance of thoughtful design in free-range environments to promote better animal welfare.
Leading the research were Dr Peta Taylor from the University of Melbourne, along with Dr Carolyn de Koning and Jessica Jolley from the South Australian Research and Development Institute.
Monitoring the birds’ behaviour was Jean-Loup Rault from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna.
The project received funding from the AgriFutures Australia Chicken Meat Program, which aims to support the national chicken meat industry through research that enhances productivity and sustainability.
Inghams Group’s commitment to animal welfare
Inghams Group is committed to advancing animal welfare through its 2030 Sustainability Leadership Roadmap.
The company aims to lead the industry in ensuring optimal health and welfare for the animals in its care, with a focus on innovation and research.
The company already employs evenly spaced shade structures across its free-range farms, adhering to RSPCA Approved standards in Australia and SPCA Certified standards in New Zealand.
When new shade structures are needed, Inghams plans to consider the findings from this latest study to improve the welfare of its birds.
Recent developments in Australian chicken welfare
In July 2023, agriculture ministers from all Australian states and territories endorsed new Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for poultry.
These standards, backed by animal welfare science, were finalised by an independent panel after consulting with stakeholders and the public.
They aim to create a consistent framework for animal welfare regulations across the nation, providing clarity for the industry, animal welfare organisations and the community.
Following this, in July 2024 the Australian Alliance for Animals launched the next phase of its ‘Better Chicken Australia’ campaign.
This initiative aims to promote higher welfare standards for meat chickens and is part of the internationally recognised Better Chicken Commitment.
The campaign is supported by World Animal Protection and Animals Aotearoa in New Zealand, reinforcing the push for improved welfare across the region.
More on Inghams Group
Inghams is Australia’s largest poultry meat company and a significant player in the Oceania region.
In 2023, it produced 229 million chickens and turkeys.
Founded in 1918 in NSW as a family business, Inghams has expanded to become the largest integrated poultry producer in Australia and New Zealand.
Employing approximately 8200 staff, the company supplies a variety of chicken products to retailers, quick-service restaurant operators, food service businesses, distributors and wholesalers.
Additionally, Inghams holds a strong position in the Australian turkey and animal feed markets, as well as the New Zealand dairy feed sector.
For the latest fiscal year, Inghams reported its highest output and earnings since its public listing in 2016.
During the 2024 financial year, the company made two acquisitions in New Zealand and one in Australia, alongside significant investment projects at its Australian processing facilities.
Inghams’ commitment to animal welfare, sustainability and research positions it as a leader in the poultry industry, continuously striving to enhance the health and wellbeing of its birds, while meeting the evolving expectations of consumers and stakeholders.