Interaction between nutrition and cannibalism in laying hens

Abstract

Cannibalism remains an important problem for the poultry industry around the world because its occurrence affects the welfare of birds and causes economic losses to poultry producers. With an increasing pressure of public opinion and from various regulatory authorities, some of the traditional methods of controlling cannibalism in chickens such as beak-trimming are under scrutiny. Numerous alternatives to beak-trimming have been tested , including putting goggles on the birds, using low light intensity in the layer house , or keeping birds in individual cages, but these measures are very costly. If the current production system without beak-trimming is continued, behavioural and nutritional approaches must be taken to allevi He cannibalism problems. This paper discusses the occurrence and prevention of cannibalism in chickens, focussing on dietary strategies using various types of fibre to prevent and stop cannibalism, and the possible mechanisms underlying its effects.