Welfare of laying hens on farm. (21st February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nielsen, Søren Saxmose; Alvarez, Julio; Bicout, Dominique Joseph; Calistri, Paolo; Canali, Elisabetta; Drewe, Julian Ashley; Garin‐Bastuji, Bruno; Gonzales Rojas, Jose Luis; Gortázar Schmidt, Christian; Herskin, Mette; Miranda Chueca, Miguel Ángel; Padalino, Barbara; Pasquali, Paolo; Roberts, Helen Clare; Spoolder, Hans; Stahl, Karl; Velarde, Antonio; Viltrop, Arvo; Winckler, Christoph; Estevez, Inmaculada; Guinebretière, Maryse; Rodenburg, Bas; Schrader, Lars; Tiemann, Inga; Van Niekerk, Thea; Ardizzone, Michele; Ashe, Sean; Hempen, Michaela; Mosbach‐Schulz, Olaf; Rojo Gimeno, Cristina; Van der Stede, Yves; Vitali, Marika; Michel, Virginie;
• Is Part Of: EFSA journal. Volume 21:Number 2(2023)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2023-02-21
• Subjects: laying hens -- on‐farm welfare -- husbandry systems -- welfare consequences -- animal‐based measures -- end the cage age -- beak trimming; Food -- Europe -- Safety measures -- Periodicals; Food Safety; Food -- Safety measures; Europe; Periodicals; Periodicals; Fulltext; Government Publications, International; Internet Resources; Periodicals; Periodicals; 363.19209405
• DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2023.7789
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1831-4732

Abstract

Abstract: This scientific opinion focuses on the welfare of laying hens, pullets and layer breeders on farm. The most relevant husbandry systems used in Europe are described. For each system, highly relevant welfare consequences were identified, as well as related animal‐based measures (ABMs), and hazards leading to the welfare consequences. Moreover, measures to prevent or correct the hazards and/or mitigate the welfare consequences are recommended. The highly relevant welfare consequences based on severity, duration and frequency of occurrence are bone lesions, group stress, inability to avoid unwanted sexual behaviour, inability to perform comfort behaviour, inability to perform exploratory or foraging behaviour, isolation stress, predation stress, resting problems, restriction of movement, skin disorders and soft tissue lesions and integument damage. The welfare consequences of non‐cage compared to cage systems for laying hens are described and minimum enclosure characteristics are described for laying hens, pullets and layer breeders. Beak trimming, which causes negative welfare consequences and is conducted to reduce the prevalence and severity of pecking, is described as well as the risks associated with rearing of non‐beak‐trimmed flocks. Alternatives to reduce sharpness of the beak without trimming are suggested. Finally, total mortality, plumage damage, wounds, keel bone fractures and carcass condemnations are the most promising ABMs for collection at slaughterhouses to monitor the level of laying hen welfare on farm. Main recommendations include housing all birds in non‐cage systems with easily accessible, elevated platforms and provision of dry and friable litter and access to a covered veranda. It is further recommended to implement protocols to define welfare trait information to encourage progress in genetic selection, implement measures to prevent injurious pecking, rear pullets with dark brooders and reduce male aggression in layer breeders.