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- Egg production systems are subject to increasingly intensified scrutiny of environmentally conscious consumers across the globe.
- Producers need to keep a number of aspects in mind when setting up a health programme for their layers.
- There is mounting pressure from consumers to transition to free-range systems for layers. This shift away from battery systems makes managing poultry health on layer farms more challenging, says Charné Josling, a nutritionist at the Department of Animal Science at the University of the Free State.
- A spacious environment facilitates a higher degree of behavioural freedom, although some harmful behaviours such as cannibalism and birds massing together (which can lead to suffocation) can occur in large groups.
- Hens in conventional cages (battery cages) and furnished cages have healthier feet when it comes to footpad dermatitis. However, the claw health of these birds is more problematic.
Egg production systems are subject to increasingly intensified scrutiny of environmentally conscious consumers across the globe. Concerns such as disease, skeletal and foot health, pest and parasite loads, stress, nutrition and genetics affect layer hen welfare. Producers need to keep a number of aspects in mind when setting up a health programme for their layers.
Read more about commercial layer diets here.
Free-standing vs battery systems
There is mounting pressure from consumers to transition to free-range systems for layers. This shift away from battery systems makes managing poultry health on layer farms more challenging, says Charné Josling, a nutritionist at the Department of Animal Science at the University of the Free State.
“Because animals have a higher chance of contracting disease, producers need to have an excellent health programme in place that can accommodate the farming operation’s requirements.”
The main issues that need controlling in larger poultry flocks are parasitic disorders, the outbreak of cannibalistic pecking, increased feed intake, misplaced eggs and air quality (dust and ammonia levels).
Read more about the poultry breeder book.
Different types of housing
According to Charné, good health starts with suitable housing, and there are numerous options to choose from. These include conventional cages (battery cages), free-range systems (roofed housing), furnished cages and outdoor systems.
Each system has specific advantages and disadvantages when it comes to layer welfare; hence, producers need to be well versed in the differences before choosing a system or changing to a new system.
“If, for example, a layer hen is exposed to chicken manure and soil – as in the case of free-range and open-air systems – there is a greater chance of birds getting sick and picking up parasites. The more complex the environment, the more difficult it is to keep the cages clean.”
Similarly, diseases and parasites spread more easily in bigger flocks. “Conventional cage systems, in turn, restrict movement, which can lead to, among others, osteoporosis in birds,” she says. Not that the legs of free-range chickens are spared – hens within this system tend to experience more incidents of bone fractures.
Egg production systems are subject to increasingly intensified scrutiny of environmentally conscious consumers across the globe.
Bird behaviour
“A spacious environment facilitates a higher degree of behavioural freedom, although some harmful behaviours such as cannibalism and birds massing together (which can lead to suffocation) can occur in large groups,” she explains, adding that the economic implications of making more room available requires due consideration. “The larger the space for hens to move in, the more nutrients they need to stay healthy.”
Increased mortality is therefore not the only aspect that adds to the farming expenses – more feed is needed, which consequently erodes the producer’s profit margins.
Selecting for birds that are less likely to pluck their feathers is also an option.
Cage selection and productivity
Furnished cages are becoming more popular worldwide, says Charné. “These cages combine all the advantages of conventional and free-range systems while eliminating the disadvantages of these systems.”
The most advanced furnished cages offer similar results than conventional cages, but some differences remain a challenge – this includes the quality traits of eggs.
“From an animal welfare perspective, it should be noted that no single housing system can be ruled the ‘best’. It is for this exact reason that producers cannot make light of changing to a different system. They need to consider the pros and cons of each system very carefully before making a decision.”
Another aspect that should be looked at is the fact that different layer breeds yield different results. In this regard, the correct combination of cage design, breed, rearing conditions and management is vital for optimising chicken welfare and productivity.
Cannibalism and feather pecking
“According to an article published in the World Poultry Science Association Journal in 2005, cannibalism and feather pecking are the main causes of mortality in commercial layers in a free-range system. Mortality in well-managed, healthy poultry flocks in conventional cages are less than 0,1% per week.”
This problem among free-range chickens was identified in the eighties. Although much research still needs to be done on the subject, it does show that a more complex system makes it more difficult to keep chickens healthy.
“The degree of environmental complexity definitely has an influence. More complex environments (free-range systems) make it easier for parasites and disease to persist, whereas less complex environments are easier to clean and maintain; therefore, problems are quickly eliminated.”
Hens in conventional cages (battery cages) and furnished cages have healthier feet when it comes to footpad dermatitis. However, the claw health of these birds is more problematic.
Likewise, a more complex free-range environment gives birds a wider range of choices and this (an animal’s ability to make its own choices and have control) has a positive effect on animal welfare. – Susan Marais, Stockfarm
For more information, phone Charné Josling on 082 955 0672.
