Optimising liveability of free-range layers
From Poultry Hub
Optimising liveability of free-range layers is becomming an important welfare and production issue. A recent epidemiological study found the most common causes of death for free-range layers are reproductive tract lesions and cannibalism. Other causes of death, including infestation with parasites, attack by predators, mechanical rupture of blood vessels (heart and liver) and chronic disease caused by stress and malnutrition, together account for a very small percentage of deaths. For free-range farmers, the following suggestions will help combat these causes of death.
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Rearing viable free range pullets
Rearing of healthy free range pullets requires quality chicks, strict biosecurity measures and a thorough vaccination regime. Vaccine titres should be monitored throughout the rearing phase and through production to avoid incorrect vaccination methods and/or degradation of vaccine efficacy from impacting on the effectiveness of the vaccination regime. Ensuring bird weight is equal to or greater than breed standard is also essential to successful rearing.
Management approaches to reduce free-range layer deaths
A vaccinated layer with bodyweight equal to the breed standard provides the basis for a healthy flock. Ensuring biosecurity is strictly adhered to and providing appropriate nutrition, protection from predators, early intervention and treatment of sick birds, adequate nests/perches and floor egg management should minimise deaths.
Prevention of bacterial infections in free range layers
Bacterial infections affect birds on the ground more than those in cages, which impacts on bird welfare and adds to production costs. Ways to combat bacterial infections include strict biosecurity (including all in all out flocks), medication, separating birds that are infected, reduced stress (malnutrition, overcrowding and dirty conditions), vermin control and clean waterers and feeders.
Importance of correct disease diagnosis
If the symptoms of diseases are similar (for example, fowl cholera and spotty liver) there is an increased chance of farmer misdiagnosis, particularly if the farmer is more familiar with one of the diseases. Increased farmer education and improved use and availability of poultry veterinarians may result in an early and correct diagnosis decreasing the impact on bird welfare and production.
Further information
For more information, contact the Poultry CRC or QDPI&F's Tanya Nagle.
The information above is based on the Final Report from the Poultry CRC Project Mortality in free range flocks. Read the Executive Summary.
- Nagle, T and Shini, S 2008 Pilot trial – Mortality in free range flocks ISBN 1 921010 26 6 Final Report, Australian Poultry CRC Pty Ltd
See also
- Research project: Mortality in free range flocks
- Mortality in free range flocks – final report executive summary
- Alternative poultry production systems
- General tips for small scale poultry production
- Beak trimming
- Minimising cannibalism using innovative beak trimming methods
- The egg
- Chicken
External links
- Free Range Egg & Poultry Association of Australia Inc. is a national representation of state based associations practicing and promoting free range egg and broiler farming.
- Free Range Egg & Poultry Australia is a members' organisation for free range producers. The FREPA website provides information on FREPA standards, membership, accreditation and FAQs.
- Free Range Poultry Association of Queensland Inc. is a not-for-profit association of free range egg and poultry meat farmers.
- Free-range chickens more prone to disease - article at Feedstuffs.com on chickens kept in litter-based housing systems
