Severe feather pecking in laying hens is a significant welfare problem, causing pain, increased susceptibility to infection and an increased risk of premature death. Severe feather pecking is strongly related to absent, inadequate or insufficient foraging opportunities or to dietary deficiencies....

This chapter discussed the five components in poultry diet namely: energy, protein, minerals, vitamins and water. Highlights focused on the effect of nutrient shortage or imbalance in relation to other nutrients on the performance of the animals particularly on production of eggs and meat.

A review on the impact of integrating nutritional programmes with housing systems, and genotypes on the performance and profitability of an organic poultry farming system was presented in this chapter.

This 381-paged book covers the biology, ecology, impact and management of 34 common alien invasive species, with reviews on the history and context of avian introductions and invasions in five major regions (Oceania, Africa, Europe (including the Middle East, Asia and South America)), as well as...

This book contains 18 chapters that discuss welfare issues at slaughter; tradeoffs balancing livestock and poultry welfare concerns with the commercial reality of slaughter; conditioning of animals an arrival at the abattoir and their management during lairage; bruising in cattle; behavioural...

This book contains chapters that discuss the natural engineering and multifunctionality of feathers, embryonic development of the avian integument, the reasons and welfare implications of feather pecking in laying hens, genetic solutions to reduce injurious pecking in laying hens, evidence-based...

Contact dermatitis is a common finding in commercial poultry kept for meat production that has both economic and welfare implications. The disease commonly affects the epidermis of the foot pad, hock joint and skin covering the breast muscles that are in contact with the litter or other floor...

Feather cover of chickens can be influenced by many factors, including direct or indirect nutritional factors. Direct dietary factor effects are levels of protein/amino acids, vitamins, minerals and mycotoxins. Indirect nutritional factors will impact feather cover through their effects on feather...

The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of poultry is equipped to perform several important functions. One of these functions is the protection of the underlying structures of the entire digestive tract and minimization of the translocation of materials that may be inimical to the health of the bird. The...

This chapter discusses management factors in broiler breeders that can trigger abnormal feathering and unwanted feather damage, such that the birds are unable to maintain good feather cover at all times. Management practices to ensure good feed access include the following. Birds have correct...