Intensive commercial broiler fattening is based on rearing in large indoor systems with high stocking densities. Fast-growing chicken genotypes are used, reaching a body weight of about 2.6 kg in 6 weeks of fattening. Numerous studies reveal that rapid growth is one of the main factors contributing to behavioural and welfare problems in broiler production. These problems include contact dermatitis on the skin of the legs and breasts, skeletal disorders, ascites, and impaired animal mobility. However, these conditions are not only a problem from the animal welfare point of view, but also severely impair the economics of broiler fattening. Enrichment of the environment with simple devices / substrates (e.g. perches, raised platforms, bales of straw, various litter materials, panels, barriers) as well as enrichments by providing more complex environments (e.g. verandas, free range) reduce fear and aggression among animals, increase their activity and thus leg health and thus contribute to better physical and physiological well-being of broilers. There are several broiler-friendly farming systems in the world, most of them are based on the use of slow-growing broilers, lower stocking densities, somewhat longer and fixed fattening period, use of natural light and / or use of verandas, or even with vegetation covered free range. Three such systems designed in Switzerland (BTS), France (Label Rouge) and in the Netherlands (Chicken of tomorrow) are described in this thesis.
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