scholarly journals An Investigation of Associations Between Management and Feather Damage in Canadian Laying Hens Housed in Furnished Cages

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caitlin Decina ◽  
Olaf Berke ◽  
Nienke van Staaveren ◽  
Christine Baes ◽  
Tina Widowski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Linear Regression ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Feather Pecking ◽  
Alternative Housing ◽  
Housing Systems ◽  
Alternative Systems ◽  
Linear Regression Modeling

Feather pecking is a continuous welfare challenge in the housing of egg-laying hens. Canada is currently making the transition from conventional cages to alternative housing systems. However, feather damage (FD) among laying hens due to feather pecking remains a welfare concern. An explorative approach was taken to assess bird, housing, and management associations with FD in Canadian laying hens housed in alternative systems. A questionnaire focused on housing and management practices was administered to 122 laying farms across Canada in autumn of 2017 (response rate of 52.5%), yielding information on a subset of 26 flocks housed in furnished cages. Additionally, a three-point feather cover scoring system was developed to estimate the prevalence of FD. Farmers assessed FD by sampling 50 birds per flock. Linear regression modeling was applied to explain FD as a function of 6 variables (out of an available 54). Of the 6 modeled variables, “increased age”, “brown feather colour”, “midnight feeding”, and “no scratch area” were associated with higher levels of FD at farm level (R2 = 0.77). The results indicated that FD resulting from feather pecking is a multifactorial problem, and supported existing evidence that FD increases as birds age. These results also suggested that “feather colour”, “midnight feeding”, and “access to (or lack of) a scratch area or additional substrate” play a role in FD prevalence in furnished cages.

scholarly journals A cross-sectional study on feather cover damage in Canadian laying hens in non-cage housing systems

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Caitlin Decina ◽  
Olaf Berke ◽  
Nienke van Staaveren ◽  
Christine F. Baes ◽  
Tina M. Widowski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Egg Production ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Control Measure ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Housing Systems ◽  
Linear Regression Modeling

Abstract Background Feather damage (FD) resulting from feather pecking remains a concern in non-cage housing systems for laying hens worldwide. This study aimed to identify bird-, housing-, and management-related factors associated with FD in non-cage housing systems as the egg production sector phases out the conventional cage system in Canada. A survey on housing and management practices was developed and distributed to 122 laying hen farms where 39 respondents provided information on non-cage flocks. Farmers visually assessed 50 birds throughout the barn for FD using a 0–2 scoring scale according to severity. Prevalence of FD was calculated as the percentage of birds with any form of FD (score > 0). Multivariable linear regression modeling was used to identify factors associated with FD prevalence. Results Six variables were included in the final model and accounted for 64% of the variation in FD between farms. FD prevalence was higher with increasing flock age (0.9% ± 0.29) and when birds were housed in all wire/slatted barns compared with all litter barns (37.6% ± 13.1). Additionally, FD prevalence tended to be higher in barns with manure removal only after depopulation (20.1% ± 10.70). Enrichment also tended to be associated with higher FD (19.1% ± 8.04), possibly indicating that it was provided after FD was observed as a control measure, or, was not efficient in reducing the development of FD. Conclusions These findings emphasize the role of litter provision and management (e.g., manure removal effects on air quality), and its potential impact on FD among laying hens in non-cage housing systems in Canada. Further longitudinal and/or intervention studies are needed to assess the potential of the identified factors to function as a management strategy to prevent or reduce FD in non-cage housed laying hens.

Welfare aspects of the perchery systea of housing for laying hens

1993 ◽  
Vol 1993 ◽  
pp. 68-68
Author(s):  
D M Alvey ◽  
S A Tucker
Keyword(s):  
Feed Intake ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Public Concern ◽  
Feather Pecking ◽  
Nest Boxes ◽  
Alternative Systems ◽  
Current Alternative ◽  
High Feed ◽  
Battery Cages

There is continuing public concern about the welfare of poultry kept in battery cages. However, current alternative systems would be unsuitable to fill the gap if cages were to be banned. Many welfare problems have been encountered with alternative systems. These include feather pecking, cannibalism, poor foot condition, bone breakage, poor production, high feed intake and floor egg laying. In 4 studies, between 1988 and 1992, the effect of the Gleadthorpe design of perchery on the performance, behaviour and welfare of laying hens was evaluated.The perchery consisted of 2 perch units constructed on wooden slatted platforms over a droppings pit. A block of 5 tier high nestboxes was provided along each side of the perchery. The nestboxes were of a rear roll-away type and contained “Astroturf” nest pads. Litter areas were available between the 2 perch units and between the perch units and the blocks of nest boxes.

scholarly journals The Effect of the Type of Alternative Housing System, Genotype and Age of Laying Hens on Egg Quality

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 541-556 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zofia Sokołowicz ◽  
Józefa Krawczyk ◽  
Magdalena Dykiel
Keyword(s):  
Laying Hens ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Housing System ◽  
Color Intensity ◽  
Egg Weight ◽  
Blood Spots ◽  
Alternative Housing ◽  
Housing Systems ◽  
System Type ◽  
Eggshell Color

Abstract The present study investigated the effect of the type of alternative housing system, and genotype and age of laying hens on physical traits of egg shell and contents. It was demonstrated that alternative housing system type influenced egg weight and shape, and eggshell color and yolk color intensity. Eggs from free-range system were heavier and were characterized by more intense yolk color. No effect of alternative housing system type on albumen height, value of Haugh units (HU value) and presence of meat and blood spots was noted. Hen genotype had a significant effect on egg weight and eggshell color intensity in each of the alternative housing systems tested in this study. Hy-line Brown hens laid heavier eggs than hens of native breeds. Genotype was also observed to affect egg content traits (albumen height, HU values and presence of meat and blood spots). Independently of the type of alternative housing system, most blood and meat spots were noted in eggs of hens laying brown-shelled eggs, i.e. R-11 and Hy-line Brown layers. Laying hen age significantly impacted on egg weight, yolk percentage, eggshell traits (color intensity, weight, thickness and strength) and egg content traits (HU value, yolk weight and color intensity, presence of meat and blood spots). Older hens laid heavier eggs with a greater yolk percentage but with thinner eggshell.

Welfare, Health, and Hygiene of Laying Hens Housed in Furnished Cages and in Alternative Housing Systems

2005 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 211-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Bas Rodenburg ◽  
Frank A.M. Tuyttens ◽  
Bart Sonck ◽  
Koen De Reu ◽  
Lieve Herman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Laying Hens ◽  
Alternative Housing ◽  
Housing Systems

scholarly journals A survey on Italian compost dairy barns

2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (2s) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenzo Leso ◽  
Maurizio Uberti ◽  
Wasseem Morshed ◽  
Matteo Barbari
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Inverse Correlation ◽  
Housing System ◽  
P Value ◽  
Alternative Housing ◽  
Housing Systems ◽  
The Usa ◽  
One Year ◽  
Bedding Materials

Compost-bedded pack barns, generally known as compost dairy barns, are alternative housing systems for dairy cows. In these barns, the whole surface of the resting area is covered with a deep-bedded pack that is frequently stirred in order to incorporate fresh manure into the pack and to enhance the evaporation of water. Experiences with compost bedded pack barns for dairy cows are reported in literature from the USA, Israel, the Netherlands and Austria. The main advantages of these housing systems regard animal welfare and manure management. Since 2006, this housing system has been applied consistently in Italy. However, scientific knowledge about Italian compost barns is still lacking. This study aims at describing housing system, assessing producers’ satisfaction and measuring performance of dairy cows housed in compost bedded pack barns. Ten commercial dairy farms in northern Italy was involved in the study. All pens in each farm were surveyed to determine the surface of total available area, bedded area and pack depth. In order to investigate management practices, labor requirement, consumption of bedding materials and producers satisfaction, a questionnaire was submitted to each farm manager. The temperature of the bedded pack was measured in each farm during summer and winter. Moreover, data from Italian Breeder Association were collected for each herd over a period of one year (from September 2011 to September 2012). For the ten compost barns involved in the study the average total available area was 10.9 m2 per cow and the average pack area was 6.7 m2 per cow. The bedded pack was aerated 1.4 times per day. The most commonly used bedding material in these farms was dry sawdust. The consumption of bedding materials was 8.1 m3 per cow per year. A clear tendency to inverse correlation was found between the space per cow and the amount of bedding needed per cow (R2= 0.395; p-value=0.051). Operations related to pack management require 4.1 hours of labor per cow per year. Direct relationship was found between the bedded area space per cow and the annual labor required for pack management per cow (R2=0.505; p-value=0.048). Performance of cows housed in compost barns included in this study was encouraging and although some concerns about the cost of bedding, overall producers were satisfied with this housing system.

scholarly journals Survey of egg producers on the introduction of alternative housing systems for laying hens in Flanders, Belgium

2011 ◽  
Vol 90 (4) ◽  
pp. 941-950 ◽  
Author(s):  
F.A.M. Tuyttens ◽  
B. Sonck ◽  
M. Staes ◽  
S. Van Gansbeke ◽  
T. Van den Bogaert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Laying Hens ◽  
Alternative Housing ◽  
Housing Systems

scholarly journals Gradual Provision of Live Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae to Older Laying Hens: Effect on Production Performance, Egg Quality, Feather Condition and Behavior

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Star ◽  
Tarique Arsiwalla ◽  
Francesc Molist ◽  
Raymond Leushuis ◽  
Monika Dalim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Laying Hens ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Body Weight Gain ◽  
Video Recording ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Hermetia Illucens ◽  
Feather Pecking ◽  
Hermetia Illucens Larvae

Feather pecking is a key welfare challenge in laying hen husbandry. Feeding of live Hermetia illucens larvae could provide a possible solution to reduce feather pecking in hens. This research investigates effects of dispensing live H. illucens larvae to non-beak trimmed older laying hens on production performance, behavior and welfare. Control treatment hens were provided a commercial diet, while larvae treatment hens were provided live H. illucens larvae (using special dispenser) on top of a soy-free diet. Feather condition, production performance and egg quality were measured during the initiation (67 weeks age) and termination (78 weeks age) of the trial. Behavior of birds was monitored using video recording. Feed conversion ratio, body weight gain and egg laying parameters were similar for both treatments. At termination of the trial, larvae-fed hens exhibited better feather condition in comparison to control hens (p = 0.004). Behavioral observations indicated that larvae provision influenced the number of birds on floor during morning and afternoon hours. In conclusion, live H. illucens larvae could successfully replace soy in diets of older laying hens (in combination with local plant proteins). Provisioning of these insects also had a positive effect on the feather condition of laying hens with intact beaks.

scholarly journals Housing and Management Practices on 33 Pullet Farms in Canada

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nienke van van Staaveren ◽  
Caitlin Decina ◽  
Christine F. Baes ◽  
Tina M. Widowski ◽  
Olaf Berke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Litter Quality ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Transitional Period ◽  
Housing System ◽  
Housing Systems ◽  
Code Of Practice ◽  
New Methods ◽  
System Transition ◽  
Management Recommendations

Although Canada is one of the first to provide guidelines on pullet rearing in a new Code of Practice which came into effect in March 2017, little information is available about the housing and management of pullets on Canadian farms. We surveyed 99 pullet farmers and received useable responses from 33 pullet farmers (33.3% response rate) who took part in the Start Clean-Stay Clean™ program through their provincial egg boards across Canada during October–December 2017 as part of a larger study. Most flocks were housed in conventional cage systems (42.4%), followed by single-tier (33.3%) and multi-tier systems (24.2%). Flocks ranged from 1–19 weeks of age (average: 10.5 weeks of age) and were white- (58.1%) or brown-feathered (41.9%). In general, non-cage farmers met the new requirements set out in the Code of Practice for space, perches and litter provision during pullet rearing during this transitional period. Conventional caged flocks did not have opportunities for perching and foraging, but developing new methods to provide pullets with opportunities to perch and forage will become more important as the laying hen housing system transition from conventional cages to furnished cage and non-cage housing systems in Canada progresses. Additionally, clear litter management recommendations for farmers to ensure good litter quality are needed for non-cage housing systems.

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