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Sächsisches Staatsministerium für Energie, Klimaschutz, Umwelt und Landwirtschaft
Saxony
Postfach 10 05 101
01076 Dresden
Website: External link to the authority
Effect of litter quality and parasite load on physiological behaviour of laying hens in Saxon poultry farms
This project aims to answer the following questions:
Is infrared thermography (IRT) - as a non-invasive method of individual animal assessment - a suitable tool for supplementing and extending classical plumage scoring systems with regard to early detection and improved objectivity in practice?
Are the litter quality and its change over time during the laying period useful indicators for assessing the risk of feather pecking and cannibalism in herds of laying hens?
Does the parasite load (endo- and ectoparasites) play a role as a risk factor for feather pecking and cannibalism?
To evaluate these questions under practical conditions, data on integument condition (plumage score, pecking injuries, etc.) and biological performance of the laying hens as well as faecal, litter, feed, and water samples will be collected on Saxon farms. The results will provide the basis for a consulting and management concept that takes into account the regional characteristics of Saxon laying hen farms and transfers the findings to the practice.
2022-06-09 14:53:49
IRT is well suited for objective quantification of plumage loss, but is not sufficiently accurate for early detection. There is a demonstrable effect on the prevalence of plumage loss for several litter characteristics. Statistically, there is no significant effect of endoparasite load on plumage loss in hens. However, infestation with the red bird mite as the most significant ectoparasite correlates significantly with the prevalence of plumage damage. As secondary results, influences of pullet quality and feed condition on the occurrence of behavioral disorders were found.
Animal husbandry
Rural development 2014-2020 for Operational Groups (in the sense of Art 56 of Reg.1305/2013)
Zentrum für angewandte Forschung und Technologie e.V.
Friedrich-Liszt-Platz 1
01069 Dresden
Phone: 0351-462 3036
Email: markus.freick@htw-dresden.de
2019
ongoing
321,625