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Biodegradable platforms for broiler enrichment

VIRIKETASO

Enrichments are designed to increase the welfare of the birds and to satisfy their natural behavioural needs. The use of the enrichments is included in the terms of welfare compensation that most of the Finnish broiler producers are committed to. Platforms have been found to be the most suitable for broilers. They increase movement, provide birds with natural sleeping places and preventing leg problems. The plastic structures must be washed and disinfected between each batch, which increases the work and reduces the willingness to use them. Biodegradable platforms could meet the needs of both the farmer and the birds. Biodegradable platforms would be easy to use on farms and would work both on exercise and as a stimulus for pecking and searching behaviour of the birds. It would be easy to dispose among peat and manure. The aim of the project is to assess the usability of biodegradable platforms, the effects on animal health and welfare, the effect of the levels to peat and manure utilisation as fertiliser and soil improvement, the energy potential and the economy