Performance of layer hens submitted or not to different methods of the beak trimming

One experiment was conducted using 288 Isa Babcock laying hens, to study the effects of beak trimming (not trimming, light and severe). The hens were distributed in an at random experimental design, in factorial arrangement 3x3 ( first x second beak trimming ). The first one was done at nine days of age and the second at twelve weeks of age. Feed intake, body weight, egg production and feed conversion in four periods of twenty eight days each was evaluated. According to the results, the birds at severe beak trimming showed less feed intake and worst egg production (P<0.05).

beak trimming; performance; layer hens