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Improving animal well-being through genetic selection
1Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA. bmuir@hub.ansc.purdue.edu
Poultry Science
|January 1, 1999
Abstract:
This paper reviews the possibilities of adapting laying hens to cages by means of genetic selection. By selecting separately for rate of lay and longevity using a kin selection method, a strain of laying hen has been developed that shows much less feather pecking and cannibalism than a control strain, and with no decrease in productivity. This experimental strain enjoys a higher level of welfare in cages because it does not require beak trimming.