Effects of handling and transport on laying hens

Abstract

The incidence of bone breakage and other traumas in end-of-lay birds at the time of slaughter have important welfare and commercial implications. The problem is greatest among birds from the cage system where injury and stress appear to be particularly associated with the process of removing the birds from their cages and subsequent handling. The bone strength of cage-housed birds, together with some physiological and behavioural aspects, are briefly considered. Suggestions are made for reducing the incidence of injuries during bird removal.

Keywords::

• Animal welfare
• bone strength
• cages
• egg production
• handling
• physiology
• transport