Abstract
Simple SummaryThe rearing period of pullets plays an important role in the successful transition to furnished cages or non-cage housing systems for laying hens. Changes in the laying hen sector often occur without accompanying changes in the pullet rearing sector, which could pose a risk to the success of the housing system transition. However, little is known about the housing and management practices of pullets worldwide. Recently, a new Code of Practice was released (March 2017) in Canada which provides one of the first guidelines on pullet rearing. This study aimed to describe current housing and management practices applied on pullet farms in Canada, where farmers are in the process of transitioning to this new Code of Practice. Thirty-three pullet farmers were surveyed to understand commonly used management practices in cage (14), single-tier (11) and multi-tier (8) flocks. In general, non-cage farmers met the new requirements set out in the Code of Practice for space, perches and litter provision during pullet rearing. Flocks in conventional cages did not have opportunities for perching and foraging. Further research is needed to develop methods to provide pullets with opportunities to perch and forage in these systems. Additionally, clear litter management recommendations for farmers to ensure good litter quality are needed for non-cage housing systems.Although Canada is one of the first to provide guidelines on pullet rearing in a new Code of Practice which came into effect in March 2017, little information is available about the housing and management of pullets on Canadian farms. We surveyed 99 pullet farmers and received useable responses from 33 pullet farmers (33.3% response rate) who took part in the Start Clean-Stay Clean™ program through their provincial egg boards across Canada during October–December 2017 as part of a larger study. Most flocks were housed in conventional cage systems (42.4%), followed by single-tier (33.3%) and multi-tier systems (24.2%). Flocks ranged from 1–19 weeks of age (average: 10.5 weeks of age) and were white- (58.1%) or brown-feathered (41.9%). In general, non-cage farmers met the new requirements set out in the Code of Practice for space, perches and litter provision during pullet rearing during this transitional period. Conventional caged flocks did not have opportunities for perching and foraging, but developing new methods to provide pullets with opportunities to perch and forage will become more important as the laying hen housing system transition from conventional cages to furnished cage and non-cage housing systems in Canada progresses. Additionally, clear litter management recommendations for farmers to ensure good litter quality are needed for non-cage housing systems.
Highlights
Life experiences have long-lasting effects on the brain and body, impacting brain function, behaviour and physical health throughout the life-span of an animal [1]
Fourteen flocks were housed in conventional cage systems (42.4%), while 11 flocks (33.3%) and 8 flocks (24.2%)
It should be kept in mind that this sample was recruited through the provincial egg boards and pullet farmers who were on their Start Clean-Stay CleanTM program under the Egg Farmers of Canada were included
Summary
Life experiences have long-lasting effects on the brain and body, impacting brain function, behaviour and physical health throughout the life-span of an animal [1]. Rearing management can influence bird development and differences in physical and social environments between rearing and laying hen facilities can have large consequences for bird adaptability and productivity in the layer phase [3,4]. Rearing pullets in environments similar to where they will be kept during lay is thought to ease the transition between these phases. This is important for non-cage, and especially aviary systems, when the provision of a generally more complex environment (e.g., perches, foraging- or dustbathing material) helps birds develop skills to navigate and reduces behavioural problems [3,5,6,7,8]. Information on the environment and management of pullets is not always known to the laying hen farmer [9], which can be problematic considering the complexity of rearing and egg laying hen housing systems available (ranging from cage systems to multi-tier aviary systems)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
