Effects of Management Strategies on Non-Beak-Trimmed Laying Hens in Furnished Cages that Were Reared in a Non-Cage System

摘要

The practice of beak trimming in laying hens limits the negative consequences of injurious pecking, but could be prohibited by future regulations. We addressed in this study the question of how to prevent or minimize injurious pecking and its consequences, especially when beak trimming is not carried out. We found that a combination of different management strategies applied from rearing to laying stages improved to some extent the welfare of non-beak trimmed birds (lower mortality and fear of a novel object, better feather cover up to 61 weeks of age). Fiber supplementation in the feed did not provide any benefit on pecking-related problems. We suggest practical solutions to limit the consequences of injurious pecking where non-beak-trimmed animals are reared in barn system and transferred to furnished cages, while preserving good welfare, health and productivity.