Other areas include evaluation of production, egg quality and health of birds relative to the severity and method of beak-trimming.
Beak-trimming has been banned in some countries and is being phased out in others. A section in the book is devoted to an examination of alternatives to beak-trimming. The contributors report genetic, environmental enrichment, nutritional and lighting strategies that could be used to replace beak-trimming, and offer practical solutions, including the use of fitted devices and beak abrasives.
The volume is an important information source on beak-trimming for scientists, students, welfare groups, policy makers, poultry industry leaders and the community. It will improve knowledge on why, when and how birds are trimmed and responses of birds to trimming. Consumers, media and policy makers will get a better understanding of beak-trimming and the alternative methods to support sound debate on the issue.
Contents
- What is beak-trimming and why are birds trimmed?
- Ethics of beak-trimming and cannibalism
- Acute and chronic pain in beak-trimmed chickens
- The anatomy and innervation of the chicken beak: effects of trimming and re-trimming
- Physiological and behavioural aspects of beak-trimming in poultry
- Production responses of beaktrimmed birds
- Bird health and handling issues associated with beak-trimming
- Alternatives to beak-trimming: Environmental enrichment can reduce feather pecking; Genetics; Interaction between nutrition and cannibalism in laying hens; Light intensity; Management of body weight; Abrasive devices to blunt the beak tip; Use of fitted devices and stock wound sprays
- References
- Index