Journal Article

The prevention and control of feather pecking: application to commercial systems

DE HAAS, E.N., GILANI, A-M., WAGENAAR, J.P., WEEKS, C.A., BESTMAN, M., RODENBURG, T.B., NICOL, C.J., DE JONG, I.C., LAMBTON, S.

2013

Overview

Studies on the prevalence of feather pecking in different commercial laying hen systems and its welfare and economic impacts are reviewed in the following paper. Current methods for controlling feather pecking include beak-trimming and alterations to light regimes, but these methods have significant disadvantages from the perspective of bird welfare. A substantial body of research has now identified risk factors for feather pecking during both the rearing and laying periods. It is argued that these findings can be translated into optimised management practices that can prevent and control feather pecking whilst simultaneously conferring welfare benefits. The genetic basis of feather pecking is considered, and studies that suggest group selection techniques could produce birds with a reduced tendency to feather peck in commercial flocks are highlighted.

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press on behalf of World's Poultry Science Association,Taylor & Francis,Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subject: alternative systems / beak trimming / Birds / Economic impact / feather pecking / flock size / flocks / furnished cages / gallus-gallus-domesticus / genetic selection / housed laying hens / housing systems / laying hen / laying hens / light / light-intensity / pecking / rearing / rearing factors / risk factor / Risk factors / stocking density