Activity and energy expenditure in laying hens

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Abstract
Summary The energy cost of nesting activity and oviposition of hens in different environments has been determined. The oxygen consumption of hens on a wire floor reached a peak during the last 15 min before oviposition. However, the oxygen uptake of hens accustomed to a litter floor had fallen to a minimum at this time. The energy cost of expelling the egg is minimal. There is a good correlation between the locomotor activity and the heat production. The variations in heat production and body temperature on different types of floors are explicable by the differences in nesting activity.