Legehennenhaltung mit intaktem Schnabel - Übersichtsbericht zum aktuellen Stand aus praktisch-wissenschaftlicher Sicht

Although beak trimming in laying hens can prevent severe injuries caused by feather pecking and cannibalism, the procedure is nonetheless traumatic and has already been banned in a few European countries. Other EU member states, like Germany, are planning an abolition of beak trimming in the near future. However, optimal housing and management of pullets and laying hens are necessary if untrimmed flocks should be kept without causing increased damages due to feather pecking and cannibalism. Furthermore, it has to be ensured that laying hens with intact beaks are kept at sufficient lightning conditions to avoid new welfare issues. On the strength of past experience and research, several risk factors in husbandry and flock management which are positively associated with feather pecking and cannibalism could be identified. Important key factors are adequate breeding programs, rearing conditions which are adapted to the laying period, species appropriate housing with access to perches, litter and environmental enrichment and a diet appropriate for the hens' behaviour and performance. In addition, the hens' behaviour is influenced both by ambient climatic conditions and lightning intensities in the barn. Despite optimal housing and flock management, the risk of the occurrence of behavioural disorders, such as feather pecking and cannibalism cannot be eliminated completely. Therefore, it is crucial to recognize emerging problems in the flock at once and to intervene in time. This is only possible by competent monitoring and surveillance of the hens. In practice, the access to additional environmental enrichment materials, the supply of water- and feed additives as well as the modulation of the lightning conditions in the barn, have proven effective to calm down the situation in affected flocks. It becomes clear that the abolition of beak trimming in laying hens necessarily requires improvements in animal husbandry and flock management. These improvements include the establishment of new management tools and strategies, early-warning systems and most of all competent monitoring and surveillance of the flocks. However, the high requirements on housing and management can only be realized through additional financial and human effort.