The effects of varying stocking densities on Guinea fowls (Numida meleagris) reared in a closed-barn system. I. On-farm behavioral profile and fearfulness

In this study, the potential effects of different stocking densities (low-SD: 6.6 birds/m2, medium-SD: 9.3 birds/ m(2), high-SD: 12 birds/m2) on the behavioral profile and fear status of Guinea fowls reared in a closed-barn system were investigated. A total of 252-day-old mixed-sex chicks were randomly assigned to three different SD groups, each consisting of three replicates. Weekly behaviors (aggregation, foraging, running, feather pecking, feeding and/or drinking, resting and/or standing, wing flapping and/or feather shaking and preening) of Guinea fowls from 1 to 13 weeks of age were recorded at pen level. Six birds from each pen were subjected to fear status assessments via tonic immobility (TI) at 25 and 90 days, and novel object (NOT) and stationary person (SPT) tests at 90 days. Active behavior (foraging, running, feeding and drinking) and comfort behavior (wing flapping, feather shaking and preening) were higher in low-SD pens, while feather pecking was higher in high-SD pens, and the SD x age interaction was significant for these behaviors (P < 0.05). Aggregation did not differ among SD treatments, while resting and standing behavior was higher in high-SD birds. The TI duration at 90 d was highest in high-SD birds (P < 0.05), whereas responses to SPT and NOT were similar among the varying SD groups. The TI duration at 90 d was significantly correlated with foraging (r =-0.65), feather pecking (r =-0.76), feeding and drinking (r =-0.77), wing flapping and feather shaking (r =-0.91) and preening (r =-0.81) behaviors (P < 0.05). The profile of active and comfort behaviors on the farm and fear status improved in response to low SD (6.6 birds/m(2)). Consequently, reducing the SD in Guinea fowls reared in closed-barn systems would lead to better welfare standards through the life of the birds by improving the natural behavioral repertoire and reducing fearfulness.