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...

The second edition of this book contains 6 chapters on the endocrinology and effects of hormones on the metabolism, physiology, nutrition, reproduction, immunity, behaviour, health, welfare, production performance and product quality of domestic animals.

Legislative and assurance scheme requirements for standard and alternative indoor and outdoor broiler and turkey production systems are described. Generally, health and welfare are protected to various extents by a series of input requirements, largely related to stocking density, light,...

This chapter describes the characteristics of chicken, turkey, duck, goose, quail, ostrich and emu breeds/strains that need to be considered for a dietary regime and feeding programme in organic poultry production. Consumer attitudes/preferences regarding meat and egg quality and animal welfare as...

This chapter summarizes the topics discussed in this book in terms of consumer preference for organic poultry meat and eggs, regulations, poultry nutrition and feeding, production of organic feeds, breed selection and feed composition and includes recommendations for future progress in these fields.

This chapter describes the housing and management of broiler breeders and turkey breeders in Europe. The majority of broiler breeders in Europe are the standard, fast growing genotype, but 18-20% of the broiler breeders are dwarf parental females that produce standard and alternative (medium or...

This book contains chapters that discuss the history, biology, duck raising for meat and egg production, housing, growth, feeding, breeding, health and fertility. This book is intended as a practical guide for technical and advisory staff involved in both commercial and subsistence-level duck...

This chapter describes the selection and feeding of ducks raised as breeding stock for egg and meat production, and the effect of other factors including age, temperature and photoperiod on the productive and reproductive performances.