How to resolve beak trimming in laying pullets?

Both hypotheses defend that it is an intrinsic and natural behavior of chickens, but cannibalism can become a pathology if it is not controlled. The fact is that most flocks suffer from this problem, and it increases if motivated by various factors.

To reduce this problem, the poultry sector established beak trimming as common management in rearing houses. Despite the European trend, which insists that beak trimming is unnecessary mutilation and that it causes harm to the animal, we can find a large number of studies that suggest that beak trimming, on the contrary, benefits performance and well-being of the laying hens

There are established laws in Europe and other countries regarding beak trimming. However, these regulations regarding animal welfare differ considerably from country to country.

Different beak-trimming practices

The beak is the initial part of the bird’s digestive tract and is constantly growing throughout the bird’s life. This comprises a bone base, vascular and nervous tissue, dermis, and keratin, commonly known as the rhamphotheca.

Because the beak is continually growing, beak trimming is essential as it