Leading Research: tagged hen welfare
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”.
Resilient plants to entice hens outdoors on free range farms
The aim of this project was to consolidate available agronomic information and provide an up-to-date resource for free range egg farmers on what and how to plant on the range. To complete this project the researcher integrated existing research on the topic, as well as learnings from 5 'case study farms' that the researcher worked with throughout the project.
Animal Welfare and Values
Australian Eggs engaged a panel of researchers, including animal welfare scientists, veterinary and social science experts to identify and describe values based elements that arise in the context of the available frameworks for animal welfare on egg farms.
Free range hen welfare: Characterisation of ‘outdoor’ and ‘indoor’ hens and physical features in the range
Egg production, health and egg quality implications addressed through characterisation of the effects of the use of the outdoor range on behaviour and physiology of free-range hens.
Governing hen welfare: beyond standards and guidelines?
Better understanding of the role of science in animal welfare policy decisions, especially in relation to the standards and guidelines process.
The effects of time off feed and water on the welfare of spent laying hens - Phase 2: Behavioural indicators
Welfare implications of different times off feed and water among spent hens known with improvements in industry policies resulting.
Controlling Vent Trauma With Stockwound Sprays
Recent studies found that vent cannibalism was the biggest cause of loss in laying hens.Beak trimming, at two life stage intervals has been used as a means of controlling the problem.
Evaluation of performance of tunnel ventilated layer housing
Competitive economic conditions mean that Australian egg producers seek ways to reduce the cost of egg production.Current housing design has proven unable to provide the economically optimum temperatures required by layers during winter and summer.