Semi-heavy laying hens reared on different types of litter

Well-being is a much-discussed topic among consumers and producers, and is now one of the requirements for quality production. Floor rearing is a good alternative for treating animals well, as it allows for environmental enrichment, such as perches and nests, and provides more space per animal. As it allows birds to express their natural behaviour, it is well regarded by society and has shown good zootechnical results. In the floor rearing system, chickens are raised in direct contact with the floor, which can be covered with different types of materials that encourage scratching and dust bathing. This system also includes nests, which are calm and slightly dark environments for the chickens to lay their eggs, and perches, due to their habit of perching to rest.