Abstract

IN THE South Texas broiler area, one of the main problems confronting the broiler producer is poor feathering. This is especially so during the hot summer months when temperatures of 110° are not uncommon.Debeaking as a means of controlling feather picking and cannibalism was reported by Quisenberry and Draper (1946). Bice (1946) described some of the electrical debeakers then in use and how and when to use them. Debeaking has been recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (1948) and has been practiced for several years in Hawaii and the desert areas of Southern California. Darrow and Stotts (1954) reported that debeaking did not appear to affect average weight or mortality; feed per pound of gain was reduced 0.1 lb.; and feather score and market grade were markedly improved. However, Darrow and Stotts debeaked their birds by removing ⅓ to ½ of only the upper beak at one day …

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