EIP Project Database

Federal State

Thuringia

Project Title

keeping layers without beak-trimming

Project description

Within this project an application-oriented advisory and management system for the avoidance and early detection of feather pecking and cannibalism of laying hens with untrimmed beaks (complete beak) was developed. The concept includes a farm-specific risk / weak point analysis as well as a checklist for early detection of the behavioural disorders. Its implementation supports a specific optimization of husbandry management, provides suggestions to improve the existing housing facilities and thereby contributes to safeguarding the animal welfare and profitability in laying hen husbandry. During this project, 34 layer flocks were visited regularly throughout the laying period and influencing and risk factors for the occurrence of feather pecking and cannibalism were collected.

Final report

Download report (PDF file)

Results focusing on practiceorientation

The in the project developed application-oriented advisory and management system for the prevention and early detection of feather pecking and cannibalism includes handouts and recommondations for the practical implementation and evaluation of assessments for a company-specific risk/weak point analysis. The documents can be accessed on the homepage of the Thuringian Tierseuchenkasse: https://www.thtsk.de/projekte/metiwolt/

Main funding source

Rural development 2014-2020 for Operational Groups (in the sense of Art 56 of Reg.1305/2013)

Project status

completed

Total budget applied for in EUR

210,036

Link 1

Project poster

Link 2

project-results

Link 3

project video

NUTS3 CODE

DEG0G; DEG0L; DEG0D; DEG03;