The variable of feed conversion has an intermediate negative correlation coefficient (–0.46) with the performance of a poultry firm's broiler flocks when these were classified as either ‘good’ or ‘bad’. A multiple regression analysis established that cost per pound regressed significantly (F = 700.9, df = 2/97, p < 0.001) on two variables, percentage processed and feed conversion ratio. The model used has promise for providing objective assessments of producer performance and the classification of economic performance of flocks.

Although the concept of the get-away cage for laying hens originated in the UK in the early 1970s, most development has been undertaken in other countries, particularly in the FRG at Celle. After a series of seven experiments, each involving =4000 hens, it is concluded that forms of the system which include nest boxes and perches are capable of supporting performance levels that are similar to those obtained from birds in conventional cages. Whilst extra capital and labour costs might be expected to be up to 5% above those for normal cages, real welfare benefits are believed to result from opportunities the birds have to express an enlarged range of behaviours.

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.

The poultry industry of South-east Asia has two important types of production. These are: a commercial sector, characterized by its use of highly intensive units and the fact that it has developed very rapidly over the past two decades; and the traditional village-based system which has been little affected by the increasing numbers of commercial birds. The village poultry system relies on minimal resource input and, although secondary to other agricultural activities, has an important role in providing the local population with income and high quality protein. Almost every rural community keeps small flocks of indigenous chickens under a backyard type system. The sheds, when provided, are made from local materials. Whilst the birds are fed kitchen left-overs, sometimes supplemented with cheap, locally available grains, most of their time is spent scavenging. There is no breeding programme and close inbreeding occurs among the indigenous stocks. The high incidence of disease is the greatest constraint on rural poultry development.

Within the process of rural reform initiated in the early 1980s there has been a remarkable increase in the size of the Chinese poultry industry – some estimates indicate a tenfold growth between the start of the decade and 1987. The review covers aspects of the industry's structure and compares the relatively simple poultry health situation of former years with the more diverse and challenging problems of today. The organization of poultry health diagnostic and other services, together with poultry health research and training provision, are described. For the years ahead, attention is drawn to a number of necessary developments. These include the need for attitudes and practices to change, to bring about, in particular, greater integration between management and husbandry decisions and measures designed to promote good health. As part of the process major objectives are to improve education and training and to increase the number of those with specialized knowledge and skills in the field of poultry health. Greater international liaison and collaboration are likely to play a vital part in helping to bring the Chinese poultry industry up to the level of the most advanced countries. In the area of research there is an urgent need to establish an independent poultry health research institute that could take the lead in helping to co-ordinate the research being conducted in many different establishments throughout the country.