Fibres are not digested by fowls, but their impact on digestive physiology, nutrient metabolism and intestinal microflora can be substantial. Analytical shortcomings have historically contributed to different notions on the significance of fibres, but modern techniques now enable us to better discriminate between various fractions of fibre and relate them with the performance of poultry. The fo...

The assessment of plumage and integument condition in laying hens provides useful information about the occurrence of feather pecking and cannibalism. Although feather loss and skin injuries can result from mechanical abrasion or clinical diseases, they are valid animal-based indicators for behavioural disorders. This particularly applies to damage on the back and tail region of the hens. The a...

In this study, the range use and behaviour of laying hens in commercial free-range flocks was explored. Six flocks were each visited on four separate days and data collected from their outdoor area (divided into zones based on distance from shed and available resources). These were: apron (0-10 m from shed normally without cover or other enrichments); enriched belt (10-50 m from shed where reso...

The welfare of White Leghorn hens housed in conventional (CON) and modifi ed (MOD) battery cages was assessed by evaluating behaviour during the laying period. CON (30x45cm) (n=84) and MOD (60x45cm) (n=84) each provided 450cm2 of fl oor space for 3 hens. MOD included a perch (30x5cm) and a nest box (NB) (24x45cm), providing an additional 360cm2 of nest area per bird. Location of lay was assesse...

Pekin ducks are often bill-trimmed to prevent feather pecking and cannibalism, but this practice has been criticized because of the resulting potential for acute and chronic pain. The goal of this experiment was to compare 2 different bill-trimming methods, hot blade trimming with cautery (TRIM) and cautery only (tip-searing; SEAR), on the behavior, bill morphology, and weight gain of Pekin duc...