Effects of paddock management on vegetation, nutrient accumulation, and internal parasites in laying hens

Prevalence and magnitude of helminth infections in organic laying hens (Gallus gallus domesticus) across Europe

“…Pasture rotation is considered as an important non-chemical method to reduce the environmental contamination with free-living stages (primarily larvae) of rumi-nant nematode parasites because the larvae have a limited life span (Thamsborg et al, 2010). However, pasture rotation did not appear to reduce the ascarid infections significantly in the current study, a result similar to a study on organic layer flocks by Maurer et al (2013). It is possible that rotation cycles (e.g.…”

“…In con-trast, helminth transmission in cages is low (Permin et al, 1999) as most of the faeces with parasite eggs are easily removed before the eggs become infective to hens. Studies from Switzerland (Maurer et al, 2009(Maurer et al, , 2013 and United Kingdom (Sherwin et al, 2013) have found associations between husbandry factors (e.g. litter management, pasture management) and parasite egg counts in organic/free-range laying hens.…”

Factors affecting ranging behaviour in commercial free-range hens

“…The distribution of birds on the range is rarely even, with the majority of hens staying close to the house (Hirt et al, 2000;Zeltner and Hirt, 2003;Hegelund et al, 2005;Rault et al, 2013, Steenfeldt andNielsen, 2015). This leads to overuse of pasture near the house (Maurer et al, 2013), reducing potential foraging opportunities and potentially increasing concentrations of parasites in certain areas. This is an area of concern for producers.…”

“…This is an area of concern for producers. Additionally, accumulation of phosphorus and nitrogen in the soil occurs (Maurer et al, 2013), posing a hazard to the environment. Very high stocking densities near the popholes may limit the movement of birds in the area, reducing ability to exit the shed.…”

An overview of health challenges in alternative poultry production systems

“…Changes in management strategies can also be useful. For example, Maurer et al. (2013) followed Heterakis, Ascaridia , and Capillaria spp.…”