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Infrared beak treatment method compared with conventional hot-blade trimming in laying hens

R. L. Dennis^*,, A. G. Fahey^*,,1 and H. W. Cheng^*,2

^* Livestock Behavior Research Unit, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, West Lafayette, IN 47907; and Purdue University, Department of Animal Sciences, West Lafayette, IN 47907

² Corresponding author: Heng-wei.Cheng{at}ars.usda.gov

Infrared lasers have been widely used for noninvasive surgical applications in human medicine, and their results are reliable, predictable, and reproducible. Infrared lasers have recently been designed for the express purpose of providing a less painful, more precise beak-trimming method compared with conventional beak trimming. This study was designed to examine the potential of the infrared (IR) beak treatment to provide a welfare-friendly alternative to the conventional hot-blade method for chickens. The birds were beak trimmed by IR at the hatchery or by hot blade at 7 to 10 d of age in a commercial production setting, in accordance with standard procedures. The beak morphology and associated physiological characteristics, including production and aggressive behavior of the birds, were analyzed at 30 wk of age. There was no difference in egg production or bird BW between the 2 beak-trimming treatments. Birds also exhibited no difference in stress physiology measured in the study, such as fluctuating asymmetry and heterophil and lymphocyte profiles. However, birds receiving the IR treatment showed a superior feather condition and reduced aggressiveness under high light intensity, even though they had longer beak stumps. The results may indicate that the IR beak treatment may reduce the damage done by aggressive pecking and feather pecking. Indeed, IR trimming may provide a more welfare-friendly alternative to conventional beak trimming without compromising productivity.

Key Words: infrared beak treatment • hot-blade beak trimming • stress • production • hen

¹ Current address: University College Dublin, School of Agriculture, Food Science and Veterinary Medicine, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.