Measuring behaviour in hens using an ethogram to assess analgesia during further refinement of a high welfare, on-hen, poultry red mite feeding device

Background: To refine an on-hen mite feeding device, ethogram was employed to measure the reactions of hens during a routine experimental procedure (feather plucking) and assess effects analgesic cream on those reactions. Methods: Three groups were used; one treated with EMLA 5% before plucking (“EMLA group”); aqueous (“placebo group”) “no treatment” group. Behaviours measured compared three days: ‘dummy handling day’ i.e. no plucking; ‘plucking day’, left thigh; ‘treatment i.e right thighs plucked post-treatment. Poultry red assays performed examine effect creams rates, mortality fecundity. All data analysed using generalised linear (mixed) modelling approaches. Results: Use demonstrated significant difference in hen behaviours group between dummy day treatment (p = 0.949) alongside reduction same 0.028). There statistically increase from both placebo 0.011) < 0.001). Effect sizes directions similar days ‘placebo’ ‘no treatment’ groups, though not (placebo, p 0.064; 0.069). Mite significantly lower than assay 1 0.029) only. fertility unaffected. Conclusions: The successfully changes observed session procedures. No adverse at 3mg/kg hens. Use analgesia for this improves hens’ experiences trials.