The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance and egg quality of laying hens raised in furnished cages and controlled environment, housed in a climate chamber under three temperatures: 20, 26 and 32 ºC and relative humidity of 60%. The cages had drinkers, feeders, nests and an area with sand and sandpaper. Thirty six Dekalb White lineage hens were used with 27 weeks of age with six animals per cage. The consumption of food and water, production and egg quality were analysed. The experimental design was in completely randomized design with three treatments and six replications. In ambient conditions of 20 and 26 ºC, birds were within the ZTC (Thermal Confort Zone), with no significant difference, with positive effect on egg quality with best values in mean quality parameters. In ET (Environmental Temperature) of 32 ºC, considered out of ZTC, the birds showed evidence of heat stress, providing increased water intake, reduced feed intake, values of percentage of production and egg quality parameters. Enriched cages were adequate to laying hens, showing egg production with good shell strength.
laying hens; welfare; climate chamber
