Considering the social behavior, it is suggested that the frequency and the intensity of aggressive interactions, as the well as the total social cohesion, and the understanding of social behavior can be used for welfare evaluation. This research proposes that the frequency of use of specific places inside the bird's housing can be used as variable to monitor thermal welfare status and/or the stress level of the lodged birds. From data registered in the summer of 2000/2001, this study identified the maximum critical temperatures (ct max) of the female broiler breeders individually, using statistical analysis of the use of previously determined places, applying the technology of electronic identification. The ct max values varied from 30 °C ± 0,2 ºC to 32,3 ºC ± 0,2 ºC and the critical temperature maximum average for the group was 30,9 ºC ± 0,8 ºC.
poultry; thermoneutral zone; electronic identification
