Cold litter system could work better: The changing seasons have a big influence on bird health and welfare, as Richard Allison discovered at a recent producer meeting

摘要

The cool, wet winters in the UK means that free-range egg producers could be better off adopting a cold litter system. Speaking at an ADAS-organised seminar near Andover, Hampshire, Justin Emery highlighted that the welfare codes and industry correctly say "what you need is dry, friable litter". However, access to range does not encourage the warm litter systems we would like in cold weather. "Warm systems don't come easily. They work best in periods of dry, warm weather." Warm litter systems are effectively those in broiler and bam units where producers have full control over the environment and ventilation. Bacterial and fungal action breaks down faeces in a process that is self-sustaining. Then ventilation and scratching by the birds maintains awarm, friable litter.