Instant Insights: Poultry Housing Systems

Five peer-reviewed literature reviews on poultry housing systems are presented in this collection, covering the impact of conventional cages on bird health and welfare, the safety and quality of eggs, the relationship between housing conditions and management in broiler production, environmental enrichment strategies, and perching behavior of chickens. The reviews highlight the benefits of these strategies in contributing to more sustainable and healthier poultry production models.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 138 pages
Publication date: 16 November 2021
Publisher: Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing Limited

This comprehensive collection presents five peer-reviewed literature reviews on poultry housing systems, offering valuable insights into the current state-of-the-art and emerging trends in the industry. In the first chapter, the authors delve into the current poultry housing systems, highlighting the recent emergence of enriched cages and cage-free systems. They explore the impact of conventional cages on bird health and welfare, with a particular focus on bone health. The chapter also discusses the advantages and challenges associated with these alternative housing systems.

The second chapter delves into the realm of egg quality and safety, examining the influence of different housing systems on indicator populations, foodborne pathogens, and chemical contamination. The authors explore how hen housing and flock management practices can affect the overall quality of eggs produced. They also discuss the strategies employed to mitigate these risks and ensure the safety of the poultry products.

The third chapter explores the relationship between housing conditions and management in the rearing and production of broilers. The authors examine the major welfare issues associated with the housing of broilers, including feed and water restriction. They discuss the strategies employed to optimize broiler production while minimizing the negative impact on animal welfare.

The fourth chapter focuses on environmental enrichment strategies implemented in poultry production. The authors detail the benefits of these strategies, including their role in promoting bird health, reducing stress, and enhancing overall productivity. They also discuss the challenges associated with implementing and maintaining environmental enrichment programs.

The final chapter delves into the topic of perching behavior in chickens and the associated risks to bird health and welfare associated with the use of elevated structures, such as keel bone damage. The authors review current knowledge on perching behavior and discuss the strategies employed to promote safe and healthy perching habits in poultry flocks.

Overall, this collection provides a comprehensive overview of poultry housing systems, egg quality and safety, broiler management, environmental enrichment, and perching behavior. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers, poultry producers, and stakeholders interested in advancing the welfare and sustainability of poultry production.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781801462211