48 / 2025-04-09 11:54:10

Sequential Analysis of Broiler Chicken Behavior in Enriched Environments under Thermal Variability Using the Generalized Sequential Pattern Algorithm.

Sequential analysis broiler chicken behavior

3. 智慧牧场与动物福利 > （1）智慧养殖的利惠：提高动物福利与健康、环境、经济效益与劳动力

Behavioral analysis is a widely adopted, non-invasive tool in animal production, as animals function as biosensors, reflecting their adaptation or discomfort in response to environmental challenges. Traditional statistical approaches often rely on behavioral occurrence data, overlooking the temporal sequence of events. The Generalized Sequential Pattern (GSP) algorithm—a data mining technique that identifies frequently occurring event sequences based on a defined support threshold—has yet to be explored for broiler chickens in enriched environments. Environmental enrichment increases complexity and encourages the expression of natural behaviors, potentially mitigating the effects of heat stress and improving welfare. This study aimed to validate using the GSP algorithm to detect temporal correlations between heat stress and broiler behavior in enriched environments through a proof-of-concept approach. Video data were collected continuously over 48 hours, analyzing behavior from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM across two consecutive days. Birds were housed in enriched and non-enriched environments under both thermal comfort and heat stress conditions. At comfort temperatures, chickens displayed strong motivation for behaviors such as preening (P), foraging (F), lying down (Ld), eating (E), and walking (W), with sequences like <{Ld,P}>, <{Ld,F}>, and <{E,W,F}> consistently observed. In contrast, behavioral sequences under stress differed markedly. Notably, lying laterally (Ll), an indicator of heat stress, was frequent only in non-enriched environments. Environmental enrichment not only altered behavioral patterns but also preserved a greater number of sequences under stress, suggesting its potential to enhance broiler adaptability to thermal challenges.