|
|
Rural Industries
|
|| Introduction || Project listing|| Project Summaries ||
The Australian egg industry comprises 900 producers, has an annual output of 200 million dozen eggs and a gross value of production of $280 million per year. Approximately 85 per cent of all eggs produced are sold in shell form, primarily through grocery chains.
The balance are processed into liquid, frozen and dried egg products for use in food service and processed food sectors. The industry is undergoing significant change due to the deregulation of marketing in a number of states.
In general, individual enterprises are becoming fewer in number and larger in size. However, there are also new entrants into the industry, especially in the alternative lifestyle markets.
This, in conjunction with the recent relaxation of quarantine laws to enable the importation of overseas stock, has resulted in a need for new research to address the changing requirements of the industry.
Research Highlights for 1996-97:
PRODUCING TRIAL DISTANCE LEARNING MATERIALS FOR THE POULTRY INDUSTRY
Objective
· To develop two distance education units as a trial to see how industry would respond to this delivery mode. The units decided upon with industry were "Health and Welfare" and "Layer Management".
Background
The need for distance education materials was identified when promoting the Poultry Production Traineeship to the Egg Industry. Many producers, both large and small, wanted training to be available at the workplace so that employees were not away from the farm for any length of time. During this industry liaison, it was decided to target the units at farm managers [Australian Standards Framework (ASF) Levels 3-4] rather than poultry traineeship students.
Research To guide the project a steering committee called the Poultry Education Committee (PEC) was formed. Instructional design was an important component of the unit's development.
This included the following processes:
· aligning work with National Competency Standards;
· aligning work with the developing National Curriculum; and
· developing case studies, exercises, review questions, assignments
and graphics.
The currently available teaching materials were analysed and exact needs determined. Training materials were developed which included case studies, examples and exercises. Suitable photographs and diagrams were obtained and the resources were built into easy to use training packages. Industry feedback was sought and the materials refereed before their final production. Outcomes By using national competencies and curriculum, the materials developed can be used with nationally accredited training modules. Instructional strategies, such as case studies, make learning easier.
The structure of a course called Commercial Layer Management was established during the project. This includes the two units from this project.
The units in the course are:
UNIT and NAME
A. Breeder and Hatchery Management
B. Land Use, Housing and Equipment
C. Health and Welfare
D. Feeding Practices
E. Brooding and Rearing Pullets
F. Layer Management
G. Running the Business
H. Running the Business II
I. Industry Issues
J. Products and Marketing
Two hundred and fifty of each of the Health and Welfare and Layer Management units have been produced. This achieves the objectives set for the project.
Promotion of the units is now taking place. Implications Implementation of the units by industry is vital to the success of the project.
The units will be available in the following modes:
· Stand-alone distance education units with no assessments
· Assessed distance education to individuals
· Assessed distance education units to groups as part of a structured
training program
The third option is preferred from an educational viewpoint. This option will involve the formation of groups of students who can meet on a regular basis to discuss the course material. It also involves the use of workplace assessment to test the implementation of the information learnt in the workplace.
Funding of seven further units is required to complete development of the Commercial Layer Management course. This will provide the industry with an accredited distance education training package for managers or those wishing to become managers. Thought should be given to development of support materials such as video and audio tapes. The potential of the Internet and CD-ROM as delivery modes also requires consideration.
RIRDC Project No: DAN-38A
RESEARCHER: Mr Geoff Creek ORGANISATION: Murrumbidgee College of Agriculture PMB YANCO NSW 2703 PHONE: 026 9530299 FAX: 026 9530268
IDEAL DRINKING WATER TEMPERATURE FOR LAYERS
Objective
To provide producers with practical information on the optimum drinking water temperature required to achieve maximum performance and efficiency in poultry in both hot and cold environmental conditions.
Background
Anecdotal reports from the egg industry in Australia indicated that many laying strains, particularly the imported laying strains, were having difficulty acclimatising to heat wave conditions and were not consuming adequate amounts of drinking water and feed during hot weather. During hot weather egg farmers focus most of their attention on minimising heat stress on hens by cooling sheds. It is possible that the drinking water was too hot for layers and they found water aversive to drink.
Research
Four experiments were conducted; three examined the effect of cool drinking water on production and shell quality of heat stressed hens, while the fourth examined the effect of warm drinking water on production and shell quality of hens housed under winter conditions. The first experiment used the Tegel Tint strain; the second experiment used both the Tegel Tint and Tegel Brown strain, while the third trial used the imported Isa-Brown strain. The Tegel Red strain was used for the warm water studies.
Rate of lay, food intake, body weight and shell quality characteristics were measured in heat-stressed laying hens provided drinking water at 5, 10, 15 and 30°C from 31-42 weeks of age in experiments 1 and 2, and 58-66 weeks in experiment 3.
Food intake, egg weight, rate of lay and shell quality characteristics were measured in cold stressed (8-15°C) laying hens (30-37 weeks of age) provided drinking water at 10 and 30°C.
Outcomes
Cool Drinking Water
· In all experiments, hens given chilled drinking water (15°C
or less) consumed more food and produced thicker and heavier shells than
hens given drinking water at ambient temperature (30°C).
· As the hen acclimatised to the high temperature there was a decline
in the effectiveness of cool drinking water to stimulate an increase in
food intake. The exception to this was the Isa-Brown strain which continued
to maintain benefit from the cool water throughout the trial.
· Results from these studies suggests that there is potential for
using chilled drinking water to stimulate food intake and improve shell
quality of heat-stressed hens. The combination of high ambient temperature
and high drinking water temperature (a common occurrence in Australian
layer sheds) should be avoided.
Warm drinking water
· Initially hens given warm drinking water (30°C) produced significantly
thinner shells than hens given drinking water at 10°C. Thereafter shell
quality was not different between the treatments.
· In a further experiment, hens (58-65 weeks) were housed in climate
rooms with a temperature range of 18-20°C and provided drinking water
at 10 and 30°C. Shell quality was initially improved with provision
of warm water.
These experiments showed that warm drinking water could have either negative or positive affects on shell quality. Shell quality in winter may be dependent on the interaction between air temperature, age of bird and drinking water temperature.
Implications Australian egg farmers should monitor drinking water temperature in their sheds in addition to ambient temperature and consider providing cool water to hens, particularly during heat waves. Relatively inexpensive ways to assist in keeping drinking water cool are to regularly flush drinking water lines, keep incoming water lines out of direct sunlight, insulate water lines, use ice in header tanks and ensure water storage tanks are well shaded.
A more expensive, but more effective option is to install an external water-cooling unit to maintain drinking water at 15°C during heat waves. It is recommended that a feasibility trial be conducted to determine whether it is economically viable to install a drinking water plant on a commercial egg farm.
RIRDC Project No: DAS-24E
RESEARCHER: Phillip C Glatz
ORGANISATION: South Australian Research & Development Institute Pig
& Poultry Production Institute Roseworthy Campus University of Adelaide
ROSEWORTHY SA 5371 PHONE: 08 8303 7786 FAX: 08 8303 7977
INFECTIOUS BRONCHITIS: EFFECTS AND PREVENTION IN LAYING HENS
Objective
· To investigate the significance of infectious bronchitis virus
infection in Australian laying flocks.
Background
Recently, throughout the world, infectious bronchitis viruses have caused
problems in vaccinated laying flocks. The current Australian industry practice
is to vaccinate against infectious bronchitis with live vaccines during
rearing. Some farmers find it necessary to vaccinate laying flocks against
infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) during production.
Research
Samples were collected from 23 laying flocks in south-east Australia. The
flocks were clinically normal or affected with urolithiasis, respiratory
disease, egg production drops, wet manure, egg shell quality problems or
egg albumen problems. Isolation of IBV was attempted from 79 tissue pools
and IBV antigen was detected in 6 of these pools (by Dr Jagoda Ignjatovic,
CSIRO Division of Animal Health). Further work is progressing to improve
and confirm isolation of any infectious bronchitis viruses present in the
samples and to determine the clinical significance of the isolates. The
difficulty in isolating IBV from layers is similar to the problems experienced
with recent isolation attempts from broilers in Australia suggesting that
viruses with similar characteristics are involved.
Outcomes
There was no evidence in the flocks investigated to indicate that the development
and introduction of a killed IBV vaccine would be economically beneficial
in the Australian layer flock.
Implications
It is recommended that further work be undertaken to characterise the IBV
isolated from Australian layer flocks using the methodology developed and
applied in this project.
RIRDC Project No: DAV-35E
RESEARCHER: Dr Chris Morrow
ORGANISATION: Victorian Institute of Animal Science Agriculture Victoria
475 Mickleham Road ATTWOOD VIC 3049
PHONE: 03 9217 4200 FAX: 03 9217 4299
Objectives
· To conduct trials to assess the phytotoxicity of AD-3 repellent
to a wide variety of trees commonly used in horticultural production.
· To conduct pen trials to identify the active agent in AD-3 repellent.
· To assess the efficacy of omega-3 egg powder as a repellent for
rabbits and wallabies.
· To conduct a large-scale field trial to determine the efficacy
of AD-3 and WR-1 in pine and eucalypt plantations in Victoria, and to implement
preliminary field trials of AD-3 and WR-1 in Tasmanian plantations.
Background
Browsing damage to new seedlings or established plots causes significant
concern to plantation managers who, in an effort to protect their stock,
frequently resort to various methods of lethal control. This action is
becoming increasingly criticised by sections of the community. In an effort
to reduce reliance on lethal control the Vertebrate Pest Research Unit
(VPRU) began work on the development of an environmentally friendly, efficacious
and inexpensive browsing repellent.
Outcomes
The culmination of this investigation has been that two browsing repellents
(WR-1 and AD-3) have been identified and patented in Australia and New
Zealand. Preparations for product registration by the National Registration
Authority (NRA) are being undertaken at the time of writing.
WR-1 is being used by thirty collaborating organisations on an estimated 450,000 seedlings. A permit to trial agricultural chemicals has been obtained from the NRA to cover this work. AD-3 is yet to be externally field-tested but a trial application is soon to be lodged with the NRA.
Omega-3 egg powder was not found to be significantly more repellent to rabbits or wallabies compared with whole egg powder.
Experiments to isolate the active agent in AD-3 were inconclusive and suggest that repellency may be related to complex fermentation in situ.
Discussions have been held with four Tasmanian forestry companies regarding a possible large-scale field trial of both repellents in 1996-97. It is hoped that negotiations will proceed in time for the 1997 planting season.
The phytotoxicity trial of orchard species was initiated in March 1996 and eleven monthly assessments have been taken. This trial has recently been completed but data analysis is yet to take place.
Implications
Both repellents currently offer a practical technique for the mitigation of seedling damage. Given the proven efficacy of these products in pen and field trials it is likely that these repellents are marketable. The repellents offer the egg industry another value-added product with large sales potential.
RIRDC Project No: KTR-1A
RESEARCHER: Dr Clive Marks
ORGANISATION: Keith Turnbull Research Institute PO Box 48 FRANKSTON VIC
3199
PHONE: 03 9785 0148 FAX: 03 9785 2007
GENETIC RELATIONSHIPS AND PATHOGENICITY OF INTESTINAL SPIROCHAETES INFECTION IN AUSTRALIAN POULTRY
Objectives
· To determine whether intestinal spirochaetes occur in Australian
poultry.
· To isolate, characterise and identify Australian, if found, and
overseas spirochaetes and to test their pathogenicity.
Background
Intestinal spirochaetal bacteria colonise the large intestine of a variety
of animal species. Reports from Europe and the USA have associated intestinal
spirochaetes with diarrhoea and loss of production in laying birds. However,
up until now these bacteria have remained poorly characterised, and it
is not clear whether reports implicating involvement of spirochaetes in
cases of clinical disease even refer to spirochaetes of the same species.
Although some isolates have been used in experimental reproduction of disease in both Europe and the USA again it was not known how these strains were related to each other, if at all. Up until now no attempt has been made to look for intestinal spirochaetes infecting Australian poultry, and, were these organisms present, their exact identity and clinical significance would be uncertain.
Research
Samples were collected from 37 layer flocks and 30 broiler breeder flocks
in Western Australia showing no sign of disease or diarrhoea and/or losses
in production. These samples were tested for presence of spirochaetes.
Isolates were then characterised and seven Australian isolates were tested
for pathogenicity in 20 day-old broiler chicks and one was also tested
in 10 adult birds approaching lay.
Outcomes
Colonisation with intestinal spirochaetes was found to be common with 35%
of layer flocks and 53.3% of broiler breeder flocks being positive. Furthermore,
a statistically significant association was found between colonisation
and poor performance with spirochaetes isolated from 64% of 25 flocks recording
signs of diarrhoea or reduced production, but only from 28% of 25 flocks
considered clinically normal.
A total of 56 isolates were characterised by appropriate phenotypic tests, and were analysed genetically using multilocus enzyme electrophoresis. Pathogenicity studies demonstrated that intestinal spirochaetes from three different groups have pathogenic potential in chicks, causing diarrhoea, and that the isolate tested in adult birds (Serpulina intermedia) can cause wet droppings and significant loss of egg production in laying hens.
Implications
Infection with spirochaetes has been shown to be a potential cause of significant
economic losses to the poultry industries. Further work is required to
determine the occurrence in states other than Western Australia and to
investigate means to control these common but previously unrecognised pathogens
of Australian poultry.
RIRDC Project No: UMU-3E
RESEARCHER: Dr David Hampson
ORGANISATION: Murdoch University School of Veterinary Studies South Street
MURDOCH WA 6150
PHONE: 08 9360 2287 FAX: 08 9310 4144
DEVELOPING EGG YOLK PRODUCTS TO MATCH LOCAL AND EXPORT MARKET OPPORTUNITIES
Objectives
· To investigate potential new applications for egg yolk or modified
egg products, based on scientific literature, patent applications and marketing
information from international.
· To review the information obtained in this study and prepare a
proposal for experimental studies of selected applications to assess their
technical feasibility.
Background
A declining consumption in eggs is a general tendency observed in all Western countries. Reduced demand for shell eggs in Australia is particularly apparent among domestic consumers, with egg consumption remaining relatively stable within large organisations and the food service industry.
To address this situation, the egg industry in Australia needs to investigate the factors contributing to the declining market of shell eggs and egg-based products. The investigation should not be limited to the current Australian market but it should also include international markets including both countries where the living conditions and cultural backgrounds are either similar to or are different from those in Australia. After analysing these factors based on social and environmental changes in conjunction with increasing nutritional knowledge and technological progress, some suggestions can be made about future market opportunities for the Australian egg industry.
Research
A comprehensive survey was undertaken of scientific literature, patent applications and marketing information from local and international sources. This information was analysed to identify some food product and process development initiatives that may assist in arresting the decline in overall egg consumption and industrial utilisation in Australia. The study focussed mainly on technological aspects of the various developments and opportunities apparent from the literature. No new market research has been conducted as part of this study, although some comments in relation to apparent market opportunities and aspects of commercialisation have been included where appropriate.
Outcomes
The research identified potential products that may be able to be developed for commercial production in Australia.
Implications
The possibility exists to increase demand for eggs in Australia by developing products that suit changing lifestyles and cultural influences.
RIRDC Project No: AFS-1A
RESEARCHER: Dr Hung Tran
ORGANISATION: Australian Food Industry Science Centre, Private Bag 16 Sneydes
Road, WERRIBEE VIC 3030
PHONE: 03 9742 0121 FAX: 03 9742 0250
EMAIL: hungt@food.agvic.gov.au
MOLECULAR TYPING TO TRACE CONTAMINATION OF EGG PRODUCTS BY BACTERIA
Objective
· To demonstrate the application of molecular typing in epidemiology studies to trace contamination of liquid egg products by bacteria.
Background
The Australian egg industry has developed niche markets for processed egg products in Asia. To satisfy new market-driven product specifications, improved microbiological monitoring methods are required. Conventional microbiological methods are used to culture and identify bacteria of spoilage and public health significance.
Additional methods in conjunction with epidemiology studies are needed to trace sites of contamination and provide information to prevent future contamination outbreaks. Molecular typing, used in medical epidemiology for tracing the spread of disease, is applicable for the study of a wide range of bacteria as part of a Quality Assurance program in the egg industry.
Research
This project applied a 'fingerprinting' (RAPD-PCR) method to type bacterial isolates obtained from pasteurised egg and cracking plant samples.
Outcomes
The work demonstrated the effectiveness of the RAPD-PCR method to trace and relate strains of bacteria isolated from the final egg product and production process. Two sets of two isolates with matching DNA 'fingerprinting patterns' were confirmed using eight different DNA primers. These matching fingerprinting patterns provided evidence for a likely common contaminating source for these isolates obtained from the final product and from the production process. On average, isolates yielded approximately ten prominent fingerprinting bands. Matching bands were evident by eye and confirmed using comparative computer software.
Implications
The technology may be generically applied to a range of bacteria. Although DNA-based diagnostic tests exist for specific organisms (eg. E. coli), these methods measure the presence or absence of the specific organism. The RAPD-PCR technique enables strains to be identified and is relatively simple compared with other molecular typing methods. This typing information is valuable as part of epidemiology studies to determine sites and likely future routes of product contamination.
RIRDC Project No: DAW-67A
RESEARCHER: David Hodgson, Bernard Egan and Phil Steel ORGANISATION:
Agriculture Western Australia, Locked Bag No 4, BENTLEY DELIVERY CENTRE
WA 6983
PHONE: 08 9368 3561 FAX: 08 9474 2479
COMMERCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF SOURCE AND FORM OF DIETARY CALCIUM AND EVALUATION OF IMPORTED AND AUSTRALIAN LAYER STRAINS
Objectives
· To compare egg production, feed conversion efficiency and
profitability between imported and Australian layers.
· To evaluate three methods of supplying calcium (ground in commercial
layer mash; particulate (limestone or oyster chip) with calcium-insufficient
mash) in imported and Australian strains of layers.
Background
The importation of new layer strains into Australia has resulted in the need to assess the relative profitability of these strains under Australian conditions and to investigate methods of improving their performance.
Research
A commercial-scale layer trial was conducted to compare the performance of imported and Australian strains of layer subjected to identical conditions and assessed on an economic basis. This study incorporated dietary treatments to investigate the effects of the form of presentation of dietary calcium on productivity and profitability of the various strains.
Outcomes
Information on the performance of different strains in a variety of parameters and the effects of feeding different forms of calcium are now available for producers to help them assess which strain and calcium source are most likely to suit their needs.
This information includes the following major findings for the conditions under which the study was conducted: · Imported strains had significantly higher mortality than Australian strains when maintained under the same conditions. · Imported strains were earlier maturing, had better feed conversion ratios, gave higher eggmass production and were more profitable than Australian strains despite their higher mortality. · Layers fed diets containing granular calcium produced slightly larger eggs with stronger shells than those fed diets containing ground calcium.
Implications
This study has shown that flocks of imported strains of layer managed to current industry practices can exhibit very efficient egg production but may experience high levels of mortality. The major factor that will influence the profitability of these strains will be the control of mortality. The form of calcium fed to layers has been shown to affect egg size and eggshell strength. Producers can use this information to make more informed decisions regarding the strains of layer they purchase and the type of calcium supplement they use.
RIRDC Project No: UNE-50A
RESEARCHER: Associate Professor John Nolan
ORGANISATION: Dept of Animal Science, The University of New England, ARMIDALE
NSW 2351
PHONE: 067 73 2605 FAX: 067 73 3275
EMAIL: jnolan@metz.une.edu.au
PUBLICATIONS Taylor, R. D., Nolan, J. V. and Cumming, R. B. (1995). Some consequences of the intermittent feeding of particulate calcium. Proceedings of the Australian Poultry Science Symposium, 7, 194 (D. Balnave, editor). University of Sydney Printing Service. Robinson, S. M., Ball., W. J., Thomson, E. S. and Nolan, J. V. (1995). Oyster shell versus limestone as sources of calcium for layers. In Proceedings of the Australian Poultry Science Symposium, 7, 195 (D. Balnave, editor). University of Sydney Printing Service. Nolan, J. V., Roberts, J. R., Thomson, E., Ball, W. and Cumming, R. B. (1997). Comparison of three imported and two Australian layer strains on three diets. In Proceedings of the Australian Poultry Science Symposium, 9, 161 (D. Balnave, editor). University of Sydney Printing Service.
EGGSHELL ULTRASTRUCTURE AND QUALITY: INFORMING THE INDUSTRY
Objective
· To produce a booklet that will explain to researchers as well as producers and other members of the egg industry how eggshell ultrastructure affects eggshell quality and the practical applications of this knowledge.
Background
The role of this project was to disseminate the information obtained from
the previous EIRDC-funded project UNE-45E "Defects in shell ultrastructure
reduce eggshell strength" which focused on the table egg and therefore
shell strength and resistance to bacterial contamination.
Research
The booklet was modelled on the "Egg Quality Handbook", written
by Jeffrey A. Coutts and Graham C. Wilson and published by the Queensland
Department of Primary Industries, 1990 (DPI Information Series Q190014).
Outcomes A "user-friendly" practical booklet was produced that
summarised the relationship between eggshell ultrastructure and eggshell
quality. This booklet was promoted at relevant industry meetings.
Implications
The egg industry in Australia loses in excess of $10-15 million dollars
per year through downgrading of eggs. A better understanding of the factors
influencing egg shell quality will assist in developing strategies to reduce
the incidence of egg shell defects.
RIRDC Project No: UNE-55E
RESEARCHER: Dr Julie Roberts
ORGANISATION: The University of New England, ARMIDALE NSW 2351 PHONE: (067)
73 2506 FAX: (067) 73 3122
EMAIL: jrobert2@metz.une.edu.au
PUBLICATIONS: Roberts, JR, and Brackpool, C. (1995), Egg shell ultrastructure and the assessment of egg shell quality. Published by The Printery, University of New England, Armidale
NSW STRATEGIES AND MODELS FOR STABILITY IN THE PRODUCTION AND MARKETING OF EGGS IN AUSTRALIA
Objective
· To develop a mathematical optimisation model to determine optimum
flock replacement policies and hence help stablise egg supply and prices.
Background
The industry is now devoting considerable resources to the monitoring of
flock performance. Computer models are required to make the most efficient
use of this information.
Research
A literature survey was conducted to determine the current status of computer
optimisation models. A conceptual framework and methodology were chosen
and the models developed. The models were then validated and finalised.
Outcomes
Three computer models have been produced in the form of Microsoft Excel
spreadsheets. The first of these is used to monitor the performance of
existing flocks. The second allows producers to enter different flock replacement
policies and to determine which of these policies best suits current needs.
These two models require only the Microsoft Excel program in order to operate. The third model utilises linear programming to calculate an optimum flock replacement policy for a given set of conditions. This model requires additional mathematical problem solving software in order to operate. Implications The use of these management tools to forecast the effects of different flock replacement policies may help stabilise egg supply and prices in a deregulated environment by allowing producers to respond more quickly to price signals.
RIRDC Project No: RSA-2E
RESEARCHER: Mr Michael Read
ORGANISATION: Read Sturgess and Associates, Consulting Economists 89 Gladstone
Street, KEW VIC 3101
PHONE: 03 9853 2929 FAX: 03 9853 0205
EFFECTS OF FOOT LESIONS AND FEATHER LOSS ON THE WELFARE OF CAGED LAYERS
Objective
· To determine whether foot lesions or poor feather cover affect
the welfare of laying hens using anatomical and behavioural criteria.
Background
The housing of laying hens in cages has attracted criticism from welfare
groups and the general public. In particular, feather loss and foot lesions
have been criticised as they may cause pain in laying hens. The aim of
this study was to provide scientific measurements of the effects of these
conditions on the welfare of laying hens.
Research
Immunohistochemical techniques were used to determine whether nerves innervating
the affected regions of the skin were of types likely to be capable of
transmitting pain. Further anatomical analyses were also carried out to
determine whether skin abrasion or inflammation were in evidence. Birds
in cages exhibiting various levels of feather loss or foot lesions were
videotaped and the tapes were analysed for behavioural features. The anatomical
findings were then correlated with the observed behavioural responses.
Outcomes
The results indicate that feather loss through cage abrasion in either
the Australian or European strains of caged layers is unlikely to be painful
and does not decrease the long term well-being of hens. Hens with foot
lesions demonstrated histological changes with accompanying behaviours
that suggest the lesions are painful and thus decrease the well-being of
the hens. The incidence of foot lesions in this study was less than 1%.
The European strain was found to be more aggressive to other hens than
the Australian strain.
Implications
While abrasion of feathers by wire cages may have economic implications
to producers due to higher maintenance requirements of hens to maintain
body temperature there is no evidence to suggest that feather cover affects
the welfare of hens. Although the incidence of foot lesions in caged birds
may be quite low it is likely that such lesions are painful. Foot lesions
may also occur in non-cage and modified cage systems and survey work needs
to be done to determine the relative incidences of foot lesions in these
systems and to determine methods of minimising their impact on the welfare
of laying hens.
RIRDC Project No: UF-4E
RESEARCHER: Dr Christine Lunam
ORGANISATION: Dept of Anatomy and Histology, Flinders University, GPO Box
2100 ADELAIDE SA 5001
PHONE: 08 8204 4704 FAX: 08 8277 0085
EMAIL: chris.lunam@gamgee.cc.flinders.edu.au
PUBLICATIONS: Lunam, C. A. and Glatz, P. C. (1996). Behavioural and anatomical aspects of poor feather cover in caged hens. Proceedings of the Australian Poultry Science Symposium, University of Sydney; pp157-160.
PREVENTION OF BEAK REGROWTH AND CHRONIC PAIN FOLLOWING TRIMMING
Objectives
· To examine the anatomical changes that underlie behavioural changes
evoked by beak trimming.
· To evaluate the use of medicinal agents to reduce beak regrowth
and pain in beak trimmed birds and any subsequent effects on behaviour
and the well being and uniformity of growth within the flock.
· To determine the risk factors associated with neuroma formation
after beak trimming at hatch.
Background
In Australia, where light intensity within many poultry sheds cannot be
controlled, beak trimming is regarded as an essential practice in the egg
industry to control cannibalism, bullying, feather and vent pecking. Beak
trimming, however, has considerable problems and has been shown to be stressful
for birds in a number of ways. As there is currently no economically viable
alternative to beak trimming there is a need to determine how beak trimming
can be modified to maximise the wellbeing of the bird. Furthermore, if
beak trimming has to be done it is important to know whether medicinal
agents could be used to reduce chronic pain in chickens after trimming.
Research
The anatomy of the beak stump was correlated with the behaviour and physiology
of birds under different experimental situations. It is essential to determine
the anatomical consequences of beak trimming as it removes "guess-work"
of interpreting physiological and behavioural alterations observed per
se after trimming. Pullets beak trimmed at day old were subjected to different
levels of re-trimming and cauterisation time to establish the level of
re-trimming required to prevent further outbreaks of cannibalism and to
examine the effects on regrowth of beaks.
The effects of beak length and condition on food intake, feeding behaviour and particle mix taken from diets of different consistencies were investigated and correlated to the presence or absence of putative nerve fibres and neuromas in the beak stumps. A study was conducted to determine the effects of capsaicin, an extract from hot peppers, administered following beak trimming at hatch by swabbing, injecting into the beak or by adding to the diet on beak regrowth and innervation.
Outcomes
It was found that severe beak trimming resulted in more beak regrowth than
moderate beak trimming but that increasing the cauterising time could reduce
the amount of regrowth. Severe beak trimming reduced food intake in general
and also reduced the ability to pick up large food particles. Both swabbing
and injection of the beak with capsaicin retarded beak regrowth. Swabbing
the beak with the analgesic bupivicaine HCl at the time of trimming prevented
changes in feeding behaviour often observed after beak trimming. There
was anatomical evidence of pain fibres in the beak but considerably fewer
than initially believed.
These fibres persisted after high doses of capsaicin although this substance is found to destroy such fibres in mammals. Conservative trimming retained the presence of sensory receptors in the beak stump enabling birds to conduct normal behaviours.
Furthermore, neuromas formed following moderate trimming did not persisted into adulthood. There was no anatomical evidence of the presence of pain fibres in the tip of the tongue.
Implications
The results from this study show that careful control of the practice of
beak trimming can result in minimal direct effects on the welfare of hens
while improving their wellbeing through the prevention of cannibalism and
other aggressive behaviours.
The wellbeing of beak trimmed hens relies heavily on the degree to which they are beak trimmed. Medicinal agents may be used to prevent acute pain and to reduce beak regrowth and the need for re-trimming. The absence of pain fibres in the tip of the tongue indicates that accidental cutting or cauterising of the tongue during beak trimming is unlikely to be painful.
RIRDC Project No: UF-3E
RESEARCHER: Dr Christine Lunam
ORGANISATION: Dept of Anatomy and Histology, Flinders University, GPO Box
2100 ADELAIDE SA 5001
PHONE: 08 8204 4704 FAX: 08 8277 0085
EMAIL: chris.lunam@gamgee.cc.flinders.edu.au
PUBLICATIONS: Lunam, C. A. and Glatz, P. C. (1995). Substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide in the upper beak of the commercial hen: with particular reference to the salivary glands. Proc Aust Poult Sci 7:176-179 Lunam, C. A. and Glatz, P. C. (1995). Neuroma formation in beak trimmed hens. Proc Aust Poult Sci 7:180-183 Lunam, C. A. and Glatz, P. C. (1996). Peptidergic innervation of the beak of the domestic fowl: effects of capsaicin, Anatomical Record, submitted
Last updated: 22 October1997
Copyright © RIRDC
http://www.rirdc.gov.au/pub/97comp/egg.html