Wirken sich Auslauf- und Einstreumanagement auf den Wurmbefall von Legehennen aus?

Summary

The aim of our experiments was to investigate the transmission and infectivity of the
two main helminth parasites of poultry (Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum) under
different run and litter management regimes. In experiment (a) two stocking rates were
simulated in outdoor runs and the effect of a simple management practice (mowing)
on helminth transmission was studied during two subsequent flocks. Stocking rate
seemed not to change helminth transmission patterns and repeated mowing of runs
did not reduce helminth infections. Lower stocking rates led to a substantial improvement
of the run vegetation. In experiment (b) two litter management regimes (replace
or add litter material) were compared to unmanaged litter with regard to parasitological
parameters and water content of the litter. The regimes had no significant effect on
water content or on parasitological parameters. These results suggest that positive
effects of run and litter management regimes on helminth infections of laying hens are
often overestimated in practice.