Research/Laser beak-trimming and cannibalism
From Poultry Hub
Title: Minimise cannibalism using innovative beak-trimming methods
Project Leader: Phil Glatz/Geoff Hinch at SARDI/UNE funded by Poultry CRC (Project 04-20)
Duration of Project: Now completed (1 April 2005 to 31 March 2008)
Contents |
Project overview
The objective of this project is to determine the best method of beak trimming that helps minimise welfare concerns for Australian poultry. Conventional, infrared and laser beak trimming methods are being examined.
Project objectives
- Reduce cannibalism using state-of-the-art beak trimming methods;
- Improve the welfare of poultry by using innovative beak trimming technology; and
- Increase knowledge on the welfare status of poultry subject to conventional and innovative beak trimming methods.
Project progress
This project has been completed and the Final Report is available from the Poultry CRC.
The effect of the hot blade (HB) and infrared (IR) beak trimming methods on production, pain and mortality of laying hens were assessed. Beak condition (a measure of its appearance and shape) was superior for IR treated birds in the rearing period but by mid lay was similar for birds whether trimmed with the HB method or the IR method. The upper beak length of IR trimmed birds was consistently longer (4mm) than HB trimmed birds throughout the laying period. No difference in egg production was observed throughout the production period between the beak-trimming treatments. Body weight of IR treated birds was higher throughout lay while egg weight was lower.
There was a significant variation in beak condition and beak length of HB and IR trimmed birds monitored on South Australian egg farms. There is a need for further consistency in the application of both trimming methods. Mortality of birds beak trimmed with an IR machine was assessed in 46 flocks (1m birds total) housed in cage and free range systems. Mortality (corrected to 50 weeks of age) was 1.27% for caged birds and 2.37% for free-range birds. In a large layer trial, mortality after 20 weeks was lower for IR trimmed birds compared to HB trimmed birds. Control birds (not trimmed) had higher average cumulative mortality compared to re-trimmed treatments from week 26. Hen day egg production (HDEP) was significantly lower for the control birds and there were no significant differences in HDEP between HB and IR treated birds.
Pain was assessed by examining self-administration of an analgesic (carprofen) and pecking behaviour in pullets beak-trimmed by the HB or IR method compared to birds with intact beaks. Birds trimmed at 10 weeks of age pecked more gently at a disc attached to a force-displacement transducer than intact birds or birds trimmed at 1 day of age with the IR and HB when measured at 11 weeks of age. The pecking force in birds trimmed at 10 weeks of age was not increased by providing them with analgesic-treated feed.
The histopathology of upper beaks of HB and IR trimmed birds were assessed at 32, 144 and 420 days. The histopathology showed that traumatic neuromas persisted to adulthood. The IR method of trimming is suitable for use as a method to control cannibalism in layers but further development is required to reduce the incidence of neuromas. HB trimming should be done at day old according to the Australian Code of Practice to allow neuromas to resolve and reduce chronic pain.
Experiments were performed on fresh, but detached chicken beaks with a CO2 laser, a semiconductor diode laser, and an Nd: YAG laser. The lasers were set up to focus on a small point after a certain propagating distance by the use of lenses or focusing mirrors. The beaks from day-old male chickens were placed at the focal point of the setup (inside a fume box) and burnt a small distance above the nostrils. The time taken for the laser beam to pass through the beak was measured at different power densities.
All lasers investigated were successful in making a hole in the beak at the zone of ossification in the upper beak. Tests were made to determine if the beak can transmit significant power through the outer layers to damage the growth point without burning a hole in the outside of the beak. This was found to be limited by excess scatter. However the use of a laser as a cutting tool is viable and this can reduce both the blood loss and pain due to its ability to seal blood vessels and nerve endings during cutting.
See also
- Poultry CRC Project 03-22: Beak Trimming Handbook
- Poultry CRC Project 07-17: Alternatives to beak trimming
- Beak trimming
- Cannibalism (or aggressive pecking)
- Layer farm sequence
- Minimising cannibalism using innovative beak trimming methods
- Pros and cons of Hot Blade Trimming and Infra Red Beak Treatment By Dr Phil Glatz
- Alternatives to Beak trimming By Dr Phil Glatz
External links
- CSIRO Publishing - Beak Trimming handbook for Egg Producers Beak Trimming Handbook for Egg Producers - Best Practice for Minimising Cannibalism in Poultry.
- Wikipedia article on Debeaking has information dedicated to beak-trimming and animal welfare.
