Alternative Solutions to Beak trimming in Layer Hens to Reduce Feather pecking and Improve Welfare
نویسنده
چکیده
Feather pecking (FP) is one of the most significant welfare and economic problems in the egg production industry (Wysocki et al., 2010). For many years the solution to this problem has been beak trimming, which typically involves removing approximately 30% of the upper and lower mandibles with an electrically heated blade (Dennis & Cheng, 2010). However, this practice is now under scrutiny due to growing concerns for animal welfare. The procedure causes acute pain and distress in the bird and there is also evidence to suggest chronic pain due to the formation of neuromas (Cheng, 2006). Furthermore, removing part of the beak mechanically impairs the birds’ ability to express natural behaviours such as foraging. Therefore, it is reasonable to suggest that the practice of beak trimming is simply substituting one welfare issue with another. This essay endeavours to explore the reasons behind FP in layer hens and how these may underpin the potential of alternative solutions to this problem.
منابع مشابه
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