Description
Book SynopsisThe feathers and skin in birds are the first line of defence, but are also important in helping the bird to maintain a stable internal temperature, facilitate integral mobility and ensure successful mating in some species. For poultry, the physical conditions of feathers and skin are important barometers to assess the impact of management and ensure health and welfare. Based on the proceedings of a recent symposium, this book documents the significant developments that have been made in our understanding of the importance of the integument to poultry species. The book: . Traces the development of the integument over time and discusses our current understanding of its embryonic development. . Includes a broad range of studies covering genetics, welfare, health, nutrition, and management. . Promotes research opportunities in an under-studied field. Providing a comprehensive yet concise summary of the available research, this book is an invaluable resource for both the poultry industry and for researchers in animal science and welfare at undergraduate and graduate levels.
Table of ContentsPart I: About the Feather and Its Development 1: The Feather, a Triumph of Natural Engineering and Multifunctionality 2: Embryonic Development of the Avian Integument Part II: Health and Welfare 3: Feather Pecking in Laying Hens: Why They Do It, and Welfare Implications 4: Genetic Solutions to Reduce Injurious Pecking in Laying Hens 5: Evidence-based Management of Injurious Pecking 6: Contact Dermatitis in Domestic Poultry 7: The Poultry Integument in Health and Disease Part III: Genetics 8: Genetics of Feather Pigmentation and Chicken Plumage Colouration 9: Genetics and Breeding Aspects of Feather Coverage and Their Effects on Performance in Broilers 10: The Genetics of Contact Dermatitis in Poultry Part IV: Nutrition and Management 11: Effects of Nutritional Interventions on Feathering of Poultry – a Review 12: Strengthening the Inside: Effect of Nutrition on Gut Health and Maintenance and Its Impact on the Integument Integrity 13: Management Practices to Prevent Abnormal Feather Loss in Broiler Breeders 14: Business Opportunities with the Integument
