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Beak trimming methods: development and production performance of laying hens

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Author(s):
Javer Alves Vieira Filho
Total Authors: 1
Document type: Doctoral Thesis
Press: Botucatu. 2016-06-06.
Institution: Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp). Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia. Botucatu
Defense date:
Advisor: Edivaldo Antônio Garcia; Andrea de Britto Molino
Abstract

This aim this study was to compare the effects of beak trimming by hot blade beak to treatment by infrared radiation on production indicators and plasma levels of corticosterone for laying hens. During breeding phase 720 birds were distributed in a completely randomized design in a factorial 2 x 3 (two methods of beak trimming x three strains), a total of six treatments with six replicates of 20 birds. The treatment was performed by infrared radiation at the first day at the hatchery 2 mm from the nostril, the beak trimming with hot blade was performed at seven days with the cut 4 mm from the nostril. For the grearing phase were selected 672 birds, and, previous treatments were deployed in 12, with eight replications of seven birds. The treatments were distributed in a factorial 2 x 3 x 2 (two methods of beak trimming in breeding x three strains x with or without beaking trimming at ten weeks of age, with the cut made to 7mm nostril). In the period from 18 to 63 weeks of age, 672 birds were distributed in a completely randomized design with factorial 2 x 3 x 2 (first beak trimming by infrared radiation or hot blade x strains Lohmann LSL, Hy line W- 36 and Lohmann Brown x with or without beaking trimming at ten weeks of age with cutting and cauterizing to 7 mm nostril), totaling 12 treatments with six replications each. During breeding phase was observed that the birds were treated by infrared radiation had lowest accumulated consumption and longer length of the nozzle. In the rearing phase the realization of beak trimming to ten weeks resulted in less accumulated consumption and lower body weight, but better feed conversion when compared to untreated the birds at weeks. Beak trimming at ten weeks of age did not change the plasma levels of corticosterone in the three weeks after the procedure. The infrared radiation provided the same productive and quality results when compared to the conventional method by hot blade. For the three strains tested a beak trimming has not compromised the production performance and egg quality, it resulted in no incidence of cannibalism, but resulted in worsening 8% viability at 63 weeks of age. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 13/07312-8 - Methods of beak trimming: development and performance production of light and semi heavy layers
Grantee:Javer Alves Vieira Filho
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate