Influence of Beak Trimming and Stocking Density on Performance and Egg Quality of Laying Hens in a Tropical Environment

Abstract

Influence of beak trimming and stocking density on performance and egg quality of laying hens in a tropical environment was studied in 189 laying hens (Hy-Line) at 38 weeks of age. All birds divided into three groups. First group of the birds were kept with intact beaks as a control. Second group about 3 mm of the upper and the lower part of the beak were removed by a hot blade at 38 weeks of age. Third group about 3 mm of the upper and the lower part of the beak were removed by a hot blade at 38 weeks of age and again at 50 weeks of age. Each group was subdivided into three stocking density 6, 7 or 8 birds from each three replicates. Egg mass, feed consumption and Feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded weekly for 16 weeks experimental periods. In addition egg production and egg weight were recorded continuously for 16 weeks of age. There were no significant difference between the beak trimmed and control birds for egg production, egg weight, egg mass, feed intake and FCR for the experimental period. Egg mass and feed intake were significantly higher and FCR was significantly lower in 6 birds stocking density in trimmed and control group. Interaction effects of stocking density and the beak-trimmed hens showed a significant effect in egg production, egg mass, egg weight, feed intake and FCR from 38 to 54 weeks of age. There were significant difference between the beak trimmed and stocking density on some egg quality measurements at 54 weeks of age. It has been concluded that moderate beak trimming in laying hens has only a short term effect on feed intake, some egg productions and egg quality traits.