Description
Book SynopsisThis collection features three peer-reviewed literature reviews on feather-pecking in poultry.The first chapter describes the three main forms of injurious pecking (IP) in poultry: tissue pecking (TP), aggressive pecking (AP) and feather-pecking (FP). It discusses the origin of severe FP, the most severe form of IP. The chapter concludes with a discussion on the risk factors and current management strategies used to reduce IP in poultry production.
The second chapter assesses the use of beak trimming of laying hens as an effective preventative strategy for injurious pecking (IP). It considers the welfare costs and benefits of the two different methods: hot blade (HB) and infrared (IR). The chapter concludes with a section on alternative strategies that could reduce the need for beak trimming.
The final chapter reviews the different types of featherpecking and considers the origins of this behaviour. The chapter offers a detailed discussion on the management techniques available for the prevention of feather-pecking, during both rearing and the laying period.
Table of ContentsChapter 1 - Cause and prevention of injurious pecking in chickens:
Nienke van Staaveren and Alexandra Harlander, University of Guelph, Canada; 1 Introduction2 Identifying the underlying causes of injurious pecking3 Practical attempts and management strategies to reduce injurious pecking4 Conclusion5 Future trends in research6 Where to look for further information7 References
Chapter 2 - Beak trimming of laying hens: welfare costs and benefits:
Dorothy McKeegan, University of Glasgow, UK; 1 Introduction2 Feather pecking and cannibalism3 The welfare impact of beak trimming4 Effects of beak trimming on injurious pecking and production5 Alternative strategies to reduce the need for beak trimming6 Conclusions and future directions for research7 Where to look for further information8 References
Chapter 3 - Managing laying hen flocks with intact beaks:
Thea van Niekerk, Wageningen Livestock Research, The Netherlands; 1 Introduction2 Types of feather pecking3 The origin of feather pecking behaviour4 Prevention of feather pecking: rearing conditions5 Prevention of feather pecking: laying period6 Summary7 Future trends in research8 Where to look for further information9 References
