Phenotypic and genotypic profiles of hens that pile

This project will provide information to reduce piling and smothering through short- and long-term strategies, which will improve productivity and bird welfare. The project led by University of Melbourne and in partnership with University of Bern and a major breeding company, is part of a larger international project “HenTrack”. Information will be generated on phenotypic (observable physical characteristics), and genotypic (genetic constitution) profile of birds that are more prone to piling to inform breeding selection criteria, and/or environmental interventions, which will then be fed back to the Australian egg industry to grow hens that exhibit less piling and smothering behaviour.