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Promoting good health and welfare in European organic laying hens

{Project} HealthyHens: Promoting good health and welfare in European organic laying hens. Runs 2011 - 2014. Project Leader(s): Brenninkmeyer, Christine and Knierim, Ute, University of Kassel .

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Document available online at: http://www.coreorganic2.org/


Summary

Egg production in line with organic principles includes outdoor access, preferential use of preventative measures and alternative treatment methods, a 100% organic diet from 2012 onwards and consistent use of non beak-trimmed birds. This proposal focuses on the main challenges for organic laying hen farms regarding disease management, adverse animal welfare and negative impacts on the environment. Parasite infestation levels as well as prevalence of major health and welfare problems such as feather pecking, cannibalism, keel bone and foot lesions are affected by a combination of housing and management factors, e.g. with respect to feeding or hygiene, genotype or therapeutic treatments. The design and management of the range influence how well and evenly it is used by the hens and the extent to which nutrients accumulate in the surrounding environment. By adopting an epidemiological approach, major risk factors for diseases, and negative welfare and environmental impacts will be identified. 107 flocks distributed over 8 countries will be included in the observational study with a cross sectional design. Flocks will be visited twice at specified age periods during two seasons. Housing, management and animal based data will be recorded during interviews, direct measurements or from farm documentation. Recommendations will be formulated based on analyses carried out in four specific work packages. These recommendations will help organic egg producers to further develop bird health and welfare according to the organic principles, and to enhance economic competitiveness through improved bird health and performance.


EPrint Type:Project description
Keywords:HealthyHens, healthyhens, healthy hens, healthy hen, laying hen, poultry, health, welfare, core organic, epidemiology, beak trimming, feather pecking, keel bone, housing, free range
Subjects: Animal husbandry > Health and welfare
Animal husbandry > Production systems > Poultry
Research affiliation: European Union > CORE Organic II > HealthyHens
Germany > University of Kassel > Department of Farm Animal Behaviour and Husbandry
Acronym:HealthyHens
Start Date:2011
End Date:2014
Deposited By: Brenninkmeyer, Christine
ID Code:20715
Deposited On:19 Apr 2012 09:30
Last Modified:26 Oct 2022 11:13

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