Studies regarding the occurrence of feather pecking and cannibalism in flocks of non-beaktrimmed male turkeys (B.U.T. 6) kept under different stocking densities in an enriched curtain-sided barn

Abstract

Abstract The occurrence of feather pecking and cannibalism is a challenge in turkey husbandry in regard to animal welfare, especially as the triggers of these behavioural disorders have not been finally clarified. Genetics, lightning, feeding, flock size, stocking density and poor environmental complexity are discussed as the main reasons. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of a reduced stocking density on the occurrence of feather pecking and cannibalism in turkeys. In addition, it was examined whether an environmental enrichment with structural elements and manipulable materials in combination with intensive animal care allows the keeping of non-beaktrimmed male turkeys in a curtain-sided barn. Therefore, two consecutive trials with two flocks of non-beaktrimmed toms (British United Turkeys 6) were conducted. Animals were kept with defined stocking densities of 40 kg/m² as low stocking density (LD) and 58 kg/m² as high stocking density (HD). The separation of injured turkeys, total losses and numbers of dead and culled animals, with special emphasis on injuries caused by cannibalism, were recorded separately for both flocks. Within this study reducing the stocking density did not result in a decrease of injurious pecking. Separation rates of up to a maximum of 15.81% were documented. Whereas in the first trial significantly more turkeys of the HD flock had to be separated due to injuries (HD 9.30%; LD 5.56%; p < 0.001), contrasting results could be found for the second trial (HD 4.93%; LD 7.67%; p = 0.0035). In both trials the cumulative mortality did not significantly differ between the different stocking densities and was less than 10%. In conclusion, stocking density did not affect the number of animals injured due to cannibalism. Furthermore, the study suggests, that structural environmental enrichment in combination with an intensive animal care may be key elements in keeping non-beaktrimmed toms in a curtain-sided barn.