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Published (Version of record)CC BY-ND V4.0, Open Access
Published (Version of record)CC BY-ND V4.0, Open
Journal article
Welfare of laying hens on farm
EFSA journal, Vol.21(2), pp.1-188
01/02/2023
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Abstract
This scientific opinion focuses on the welfare of laying hens, pullets and layer breeders on farm. The most relevant husbandry systems used in Europe are described. For each system, highly relevant welfare consequences were identified, as well as related animal‐based measures (ABMs), and hazards leading to the welfare consequences. Moreover, measures to prevent or correct the hazards and/or mitigate the welfare consequences are recommended. The highly relevant welfare consequences based on severity, duration and frequency of occurrence are bone lesions, group stress, inability to avoid unwanted sexual behaviour, inability to perform comfort behaviour, inability to perform exploratory or foraging behaviour, isolation stress, predation stress, resting problems, restriction of movement, skin disorders and soft tissue lesions and integument damage. The welfare consequences of non‐cage compared to cage systems for laying hens are described and minimum enclosure characteristics are described for laying hens, pullets and layer breeders. Beak trimming, which causes negative welfare consequences and is conducted to reduce the prevalence and severity of pecking, is described as well as the risks associated with rearing of non‐beak‐trimmed flocks. Alternatives to reduce sharpness of the beak without trimming are suggested. Finally, total mortality, plumage damage, wounds, keel bone fractures and carcass condemnations are the most promising ABMs for collection at slaughterhouses to monitor the level of laying hen welfare on farm. Main recommendations include housing all birds in non‐cage systems with easily accessible, elevated platforms and provision of dry and friable litter and access to a covered veranda. It is further recommended to implement protocols to define welfare trait information to encourage progress in genetic selection, implement measures to prevent injurious pecking, rear pullets with dark brooders and reduce male aggression in layer breeders.
Details
- Title
- Welfare of laying hens on farm
- Creators
- EFSA Panel on Animal Health and Animal Welfare (AHAW)Søren Saxmose NielsenJulio Alvarez - Huvepharma (Bulgaria)Dominique Joseph Bicout - VetAgro SupPaolo Calistri - University of Veterinary MedicineElisabetta Canali - University of MilanJulian Ashley Drewe - University of Veterinary MedicineBruno Garin-Bastuji - University of Veterinary MedicineJose Luis Gonzales RojasChristian Gortázar SchmidtMette HerskinMiguel Ángel Miranda ChuecaBarbara PadalinoPaolo Pasquali - University of Veterinary MedicineHelen Clare Roberts - European Food Safety AuthorityHans Spoolder - University of Veterinary MedicineKarl Stahl - University of Veterinary MedicineAntonio Velarde - University of Veterinary MedicineArvo ViltropChristoph Winckler - University of Veterinary MedicineInmaculada EstevezMaryse GuinebretièreBas RodenburgLars SchraderInga TiemannThea Van NiekerkMichele ArdizzoneSean AsheMichaela HempenOlaf Mosbach-SchulzCristina Rojo GimenoYves Van der Stede - European Food Safety AuthorityMarika Vitali - University of BolognaVirginie Michel - University of Veterinary Medicine
- Publication Details
- EFSA journal, Vol.21(2), pp.1-188
- Publisher
- Wiley-VCH GmbH
- Identifiers
- 991013293355602368
- Copyright
- © 2023 European Food Safety Authority.
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Science and Engineering; Veterinary Science
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article