Chapter 6 - Human Factors

Research studying the relationship between human behavior, broiler fear levels and productivity indicate potential that exists to improve productivity by reducing fear levels in broiler chickens. In this study, the behavioral response of broilers to humans was used in the study as a measure of broilers’ fear of humans. A significant positive correction was observed between speed of movement and first week mortality, which would appear to be mediated by broiler fear levels. This would indicate that very young broilers may be susceptible to stressors such as the stockperson’s speed of movement. However, this susceptibility may be reduced as the broilers grow and become habituated to stockperson behavior.