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Productivity and mortality of laying hens in aviaries: a systematic review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 September 2007

V. Aerni ,
M.W.G. Brinkhof ,
B. Wechsler ,
H. Oester  and
E. Fröhlich
V. Aerni*
Affiliation:
Bächlerenweg 20, CH-3044 Säriswil, Switzerland
M.W.G. Brinkhof
Affiliation:
Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Bern, Finkenhubelweg 11, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
B. Wechsler
Affiliation:
Swiss Federal Veterinary Office, Centre for Proper Housing of Ruminants and Pigs, CH-8356 Ettenhausen, Switzerland
H. Oester
Affiliation:
Swiss Federal Veterinary Office, Centre for Proper Housing of Poultry and Rabbits, Burgerweg 22, CH-3052 Zollikofen, Switzerland
E. Fröhlich
Affiliation:
Swiss Federal Veterinary Office, Centre for Proper Housing of Poultry and Rabbits, Burgerweg 22, CH-3052 Zollikofen, Switzerland
*
*Corresponding author: vera.aerni@bluewin.ch
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Abstract

A systematic review of investigations on productivity, mortality and cannibalism of laying hens housed in aviaries is presented. In Part One we reviewed the studies that compared these parameters between laying hens housed in aviaries and in conventional cages. In Part Two we investigated the relative impact of strain, beak trimming and rearing condition on productivity and mortality in aviaries. The comparative analysis revealed that aviary hens consumed 3.0 % more food than caged hens, and food conversion was 6.7 % higher in aviaries than in cages. On the other hand, the mortality rate and cannibalism rate did not differ significantly between the two housing systems. The analysis of causes of variation in productivity, mortality rate and cannibalism rate in aviaries revealed a strong effect of strain. Beak trimming was associated with a reduced prevalence of cannibalism rates but had no effect on overall mortality. It also reduced egg weight and food consumption. Early access to litter during the rearing period had a positive effect on egg weight; egg mass, food conversion and mortality rate. In conclusion, we found a slightly reduced productivity of aviaries in relation to cages although the mortality rates and the prevalence of cannibalism did not differ between these housing systems. To further improve productivity and reduce mortality of hens housed in aviaries we recommend the choice of suitable strains and the implementation of improved rearing conditions including early access to litter.

Keywords

systematic reviewlaying hensaviaryhousing systemproductivitymortalitystrainbeak trimmingrearing
Type
Reviews
Information
World's Poultry Science Journal , Volume 61 , Issue 1 , March 2005 , pp. 130 - 142
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2005

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